To the Editor:

We extend our thanks once again to the Chamber of Commerce, who for 30 years now has sponsored The Christmas Tree & Luminaria Lighting in The Ram  Pasture.

Thank you Parc & Rec  and  Highway Departments for our most beautiful trees ever!

Thank you Curtis Packaging for the beautiful luminaria boxes.  We regret that in trying to find an alternative  way to light the boxes in order to eliminate the threat of fire, the glo-sticks did not  live up to their promise and were not effective.  A great disappointment to all of us!

However, the High School XY Chromatones,  the High School Chorus, the Lathrop Dancers and the Newtown Juggler  provided a level of magic that  continued to entertain all of us as the rain fell.  Undaunted by the challenging weather, the emissaries of Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus, (Bob & Josie Schmidt)  visited with dozens of children in their sleigh beneath one of the Christmas trees.  The jumbo sized candy canes for each child brought many smiles.

Meanwhile, Peggy Valthusen (Union Savings Bank) and Carol Georges (Peoples Bank)  once again  handed out cider and cookies as they have for the past 25 years.

Dave Spencer Sound and Kesco  Electric saw to the behind the scenes needs,  while our Police,  Fire and Ambulance Units kept us out of harm’s  way.

Tree lighters, Tim  Haas, (Chamber President),  Peggy Valthusen and Carol Georges  (Chamber Board Members) provided us with The Big Moment as they lit  both of Newtown’s 30th set of Christmas Trees.

We must not forget to thank the clean-up committee, who for many years  has served   us  the  following morning, rain, sleet or shine: Cub Scout Pack 470; The Newtown High School Leo Club.

 This Christmas Tree Committee (Joy Kopesky, Amy Mangold, Stan Perron, Janet Woycik and Diana Johnson), after working together these many years,  still “feel the magic” while continuing to respect the true meaning of this event.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved  in the presentation of this special evening.

Sincerely,

Diana Johnson

26 Parmalee Hill Road, Newtown             December 11, 2014