Bethel & Newtown Businesses Join Together in Spirit of Giving for Stony Hill Four Corners’ Hawleyville Tree Lighting

Bethel & Newtown Businesses Join Together in Spirit of Giving for Stony Hill Four Corners’ Hawleyville Tree Lighting

The owners of Hawleyville Wine & Liquor and Papa Al’s Pizza in the Hawleyville Plaza generously fed holiday revelers with pizza, cider and hot chocolate Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, at the Stony Hill Four Corners’ Hawleyville tree lighting.

For the third year, businesses members of the Stony Hill Four Corners Association came together in a spirit of giving at the Hawleyville Tree Lighting. Papa Al’s Pizza handed out more than 12 large cheese and Sicilian pies, Hawleyville Wine & Liquor gave out complimentary sparkling cider, and guests enjoyed free hot chocolate courtesy of Big Buddha Cigar Lounge and the Hawleyville Post Office.

The businesses came together not only to get into the holiday spirit, but more importantly to collect toys people donated to help make someone’s holiday a little brighter who otherwise could not afford it. A box of toys went to The Newtown Fund, a non-profit charitable organization that has existed for more than 60+ years in Newtown to help needy families.

Bethel First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker greeted the crowd of approximately 200+ people before the tree was lit and said: “We have a great relationship with our Newtown neighbors and are happy to work together,” for local businesses. Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra spoke about two friends of Hawleyville, Bucky Dean and Charles Speidel. “Bucky” Dean was a dedicated member of the Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Department and served in the United States Army. Charles Speidel was involved in the “Save the Hawleyville Post Office.” Both men’s families were in attendance and helped kick off the countdown to the tree lighting.

Santa arrived in style, courtesy of the Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Department’s truck which was all decked out in colorful lights. The Saint Rose Contemporary Choir sang popular holiday favorites and Wendy Mitchell provided DJ services. The Stony Hill and Hawleyville Fire Departments were on hand to provide lighting, safety and goodies for the kids. Children sat on Santa’s lap and told him what they wanted for Christmas and afterwards enjoyed the balloon twisting talents of children’s entertainer Wayne Lane.

The Stony Hill Four Corners Association is comprised of businesses between exits 8 and 9 in both Hawleyville / Newtown and Stony Hill / Bethel.   All businesses and organizations in the area are welcome to join. Click here for more information.

Photos below by Cullen Mitchell–