Another Successful

Festival

To the Editor:

Each year, in the frenzy of last-minute chores just before the start of Newtown Youth & Family Services’ Holiday Festival, I ask myself “Why do I do this?” And then, the festival begins and all those Newtowners come out to celebrate the beginning of the holidays in Newtown, and I have my answer. So my first thank you this year is to the citizenry of Newtown (and other towns) who attended our festival on December 7 and made it such a success.

Thank yous are also in order to Marcy and the Edmond Town Hall staff and to Janet Woycik and the library staff, both of whom worked tirelessly to help in the staging.

The Holiday Festival Committee did a great job this year, in a difficult year for both donations and participation. You are greatly appreciated! Special kudos to Cyndy DaSilva, the House Tour Chair, who had the most difficult job of securing houses, decorators, and docents for the tour. I could never have been as tactful and patient as she was. Another special thanks to Jessi Zeigler, who capably ran the festival preparations while I was on vacation.

We also wish to acknowledge the homeowners who opened their homes to all those people. Thank you, Mr and Mrs Mulligan, Ms Munday, Mr and Mrs Reed, and Mr and Mrs Sullivan.

And finally, to all our sponsors, we are deeply grateful for your contributions, which help us continue to provide services to Newtown’s young people and families.

Sincerely,

Layne Lescault

Chair, 23rd Annual Holiday Festival

Newtown Youth & Family Services, Inc.

17 Sleepy Hollow Road, Sandy Hook                     December 9, 2008