‘Second And Final Grand Opening’—

Governor Rell Celebrates

Reopening Of Hawleyville Post Office

By Nancy K. Crevier

Area residents and supporters of the newly reopened Hawleyville Post Office joined local and state officials past and present in greeting Governor M. Jodi Rell on Monday morning, at the new facility at 23 Barnabas Road, for what Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra called, “The second and final grand opening of the Hawleyville Post Office.” Supporters had unofficially celebrated the return of the post office to the Hawleyville area one week earlier, on opening day, followed by a brief ribbon cutting ceremony that afternoon.

Members of Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Company, including Chief Joe Farrell, fire commissioner Captain Dave Jossick, former Hawleyville Fire Co chief engineer Ray Fuller, and firefighter Mike Neiman; former Newtown First Selectman Joseph Borst; Newtown state representative Chris Lyddy; and former state representative Mae Schmidle were present with Ms Llodra as Gov Rell made her statements.

Former Hawleyville resident Maureen Colbert Wilhelm returned from Bristol, where she now lives, to rejoice with all present on March 22. It was Ms Colbert Wilhelm who requested a neighborhood sprucing up of the dilapidated former post office site on Route 25 and started what became a four-year back-and-forth between the Hawleyville neighborhood and the United States Postal Service, as the small post office teetered at times between renovations, a permanent closure, and relocation.

“I had to be here and see the result,” said Ms Colbert Wilhelm. “I think it’s just wonderful,” she added.

Before introducing the governor, Ms Llodra expressed her pleasure at seeing the Hawleyville Post Office back in business, and thanked all who were involved in the grassroots movement to save the Hawleyville Post Office, saying that it shows how important it is for officials to listen to what people want.

She then officially proclaimed March 22 as “Hawleyville Day.”

“I brought my US Census to mail,” called out Gov Rell, as she entered the post office. She then turned her attention to the crowd squeezed into the lobby.

“It really wasn’t long [until the reopening] once we got underway,” Gov Rell said, praising the dedication of the residents in pursuing the relocation and reopening of the post office. Hawleyville Post Office was temporarily closed beginning February 14, 2009. It reopened for business one week ago. “Reversing a decision to close a post office is never easy,” she said. It is grassroots movements such as the Save Hawleyville Post Office committee that makes the area a “unique place to live,” said Gov Rell. “It says volumes about the heart of this community.”

The greatest message the reopening of the facility brings, said Gov Rell, is that “people listen. When I come to a celebration like this, it is so endearing because we made it happen.” The governor emphasized that the “we” referred to the community of people and officials who worked together. “Congratulations to all,” Gov Rell said. “It is a day well-earned.”

Hawleyville Postmaster Mark Favale’s 3-year-old grandson Griffin Geissler then had the honor of presenting Gov Rell with a special First Day stamped envelope, and a copy of the Talking Post Office Blues CD recorded by Hawleyville resident and musician Tom Dwyer.

“This is the beginning,” Ms Llodra reminded those gathered Monday morning. “This is an important first step in the process of developing this community. I really do want you to stay involved. Help us to help you make Hawleyville the great neighborhood it can be,” said Ms Llodra.

“Amongst difficult economic times, we are facing a number of points of pride we should acknowledge,” State Representative Chris Lyddy said following the governor’s appearance. “This is one of them, supporting the development of a community, especially in today’s economy.”