A Show Of Community Spirit

To the Editor:

This past weekend Newtown welcomed the holiday season with an array of festivities. From Friday night until Sunday evening our community buzzed with holiday spirit.

On Saturday evening, downtown Sandy Hook was filled with carols and families, hot chocolate and Santa, truly a family friendly event for all. I would just like to take a second to thank all of those who worked so hard to organize such a successful Sandy Hook Christmas Tree Lighting. To all of the business owners who opened their doors to share coffee, hot chocolate, 3-D glasses, balloons, popcorn, wine samples, and other treats, thank you. To the groups of carolers, to Santa, Mrs Claus and Rudolph, thank you. To the Sandy Hook Volunteer firefighters who were on hand to ensure the festivities were well-lit and safe for everyone, thank you. It was a true showing of community spirit!

As we head into the holiday season, let us remember the joy that comes from these community gatherings and the happiness that comes when we are able to celebrate together. It is this community spirit, these acts of kindness, these signs of giving, that we must ensure last beyond the holiday season. Let’s challenge ourselves to carry this same spirit forward when there is no longer garland wrapped on our lampposts or lights lit on our tree.

Thank you again to everyone who made Saturday’s event such a success and all my best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season!

Sarah Hemingway

10 Overlook Knoll, Sandy Hook December 7, 2010