To the Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to reflect upon the 3rd Annual Claris Construction Inc Summer Jam Children's Concert Series. This seven-week interactive family-oriented concert series began in the summer of 2013 as a program of Newtown Parks and Recreation to bring joy to our community and to foster healing through music.

Thanks to the generosity and support of Summer Jam's sponsors, a few hundred singing and dancing attendees continue to enjoy the amazingly talented performers each week. And what a series it has been this summer! Summer Jam welcomed several Grammy nominees, a 2014 Latin Grammy nominee and multiple Parent's Choice Award winning performers, all of whom were incredibly compassionate, talented and thoroughly engaging and entertaining with our children. The artists are always honored and excited to be here with us and it is a treasured experience to collaborate with them.

I am so grateful to Phil Clark of Claris Construction. His continued support with Claris Construction as the title sponsor for the third year in a row has helped to make this series grow into what it is today. A huge thank you to Summer Jam's gold-level sponsors: Andy Sachs and the Around Town Team at Coldwell Banker, Caraluzzi's Markets, Honda of Danbury, Newtown Newcomers & Neighbors, Dr. John Popowich with Popowich Chiropractic & Acupuncture Care, and Union Savings Bank. A big thank you to the silver sponsors: Associated Refuse Haulers, Moore & McGlynn Eye Care and People's United Bank. And additional gratitude to CrossFit Hook'd for its involvement as a community contributor. It is the continued support and generosity of these sponsors that makes this series possible for our community and our children.

Please be sure to visit the Summer Jam page on Facebook at newtownsummerjam for series updates. On behalf of Newtown Parks and Recreation, I look forward to seeing another fabulous turnout at the band shell again next summer for yet another toe-tapping great time!

With much appreciation,

Erin Masotta

10 Grand Place, Newtown               August 19, 2015