To the Editor:

It is with pleasure that I write this letter of gratitude to all of those involved with the second season of the Claris Construction Inc. Summer Jam Concert Series. This seven-week, family-oriented concert series was created in 2013 as a program of Newtown Parks and Recreation to bring joy and healing to our community through music. This year's talented performers, several of whom are Grammy-nominated artists, traveled a considerable distance to enthusiastically welcome the hundreds of Summer Jam attendees each week. The artists were honored and humbled to be here with us and it has been such a treasured experience to work with each and every one of them.

Without the support of our sponsors, this series would not be possible. A huge thank you to Phil Clark at Claris Construction for his continued commitment as Summer Jam's title sponsor. Thank you to our gold sponsors: Caraluzzi's, Andy Sachs and the Around Town Team at Coldwell Banker, Honda of Danbury, People's United Bank, Dr. John Popowich at Popowich Chiropractic & Acupuncture Care, The Taunton Press, and Union Savings Bank. Many thanks to the support provided by Associated Refuse Haulers, Newtown Pools and David Vine with Northwestern Mutual Life.

Thank you to Kristen Mattera and the Hearts of Hope Newtown chapter for collaborating with us on a very special painting event at our kick-off concert. Due to the artistry of our concert attendees, more than 50 beautifully decorated hearts were donated to the new pediatric emergency room at Danbury Hospital. It was a very special way for our Newtown children to pay-it-forward to other children within our greater community. And a very special thank you to Amy Mangold, RoseAnn Reggiano, and the fabulous, hard-working team at Newtown Parks and Recreation for all of their support with the coordination of this series.

This project is a labor of love for so many and it is so heartwarming to see the audience growing from one concert to the next, year after year. We welcome your thoughts, suggestions, and feedback as we begin planning for next year. Please be sure to visit us on Facebook at newtownsummerjam. Until next year...

With much appreciation,

Erin Masotta

10 Grand Place         August 12, 2014