Ashlar Visitors Thanked

To the Editor:

The residents and staff at Ashlar of Newtown would like to thank the many wonderful people who visited our home this holiday season and shared their time with us. Personal visits, thoughtful gifts, homemade goodies, and musical performances created a festive atmosphere from Thanksgiving through the New Year.

In a collaborative effort, Elaine Armonath, Pam Durkin, and Marnie Olson of the American Sewing Guild created hand-sewn bags to outfit wheelchairs and walkers while Anita Ayoob of the Fabric Tree of Danbury donated fabric for the bags. Elizabeth Daragon, Inez Bramball, and Augusta Licciardi provided lap robes for appreciative residents. The National Charity League helped 40 residents celebrate Thanksgiving with a sumptuous dinner with all the trimmings and the Bradys took the time to visit with every resident.

Fifth graders of the Reed Intermediate School turned the dining rooms into mini art galleries with their colorful paintings. The Congregation Adath Israel hosted a Hanukkah party, which everyone enjoyed. Cub Scout Troop #590, Cub Scout Pack #570, and Girl Scout Troop #134 brought ornaments, presents, and sang Christmas carols. The Berkshire Big Band and the Creative Music & Arts Ensemble performed concerts. Sally Lynn MacDonald brought stamping fun with plenty of creative stamps, ink, and paper. Pat Soomaa and her husband Arved brought gifts for everyone on the third floor, Marcia Burritt donated shoulder shawls, James Page brought candy and holiday ornaments, and the Newtown VFW and Ladies Auxiliary donated presents.

Cookies and baskets of goodies came from the Children’s Advocacy Center and Karen Wilk and her sons distributed jewelry while visiting with residents on Christmas Eve.

Grand Lodge Officers brought greeting from Connecticut Masons and spread cheer among our residents on Christmas Eve Day. Two jolly Santas played by George Greytek and Ken Bass and Mrs Claus played by Jane Miscensik distributed presents to the residents.

Sonja Liljengren, Elizabeth Clark, Millie Kosarko, Tina Bell, Louise Formichella, Dorothy Ostman, and Pat Shelton, volunteers at Ashlar of Newtown, threw a Christmas party and provided presents for the residents. Gary Liljengren was the official Santa Claus while Jane Miscensik made a return visit as Mrs Claus. Everyone had a wonderful time.

The dedication of our wonderful volunteers touches our residents’ lives everyday. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who give of their time during the Holiday Season and throughout the year to bring happiness to our residents.

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year,

Thomas Gutner

President,

Ashlar of Newtown

Toddy Hill Road, Sandy Hook                                 January 17, 2005