To the Editor:

The Second Annual Newtown Yoga Festival, held last Saturday at NYA, was a festive and delightful day of music, movement and mingling thanks to the coming together of a dedicated group of people.

My co-chair Jennifer Smith Bassett and I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the core team of volunteers who devoted hours of their time:  Karen Pierce, teacher coordinator and kids yoga teacher; Michael Anderson, public relations; Leda O'Callahan, budget; Barb Toomey and Gina Wolfman, vendor coordinators; Renee Napoleon, volunteer coordinator; Bre Lubinsky, silent auction, and Jennifer Zulli of SOUND Center in Hawleyville, music.

Also, we wish to graciously thank NYA Sports & Fitness for hosting the event once again and a special thank you to Rob Frangione, (aka "Coach") for his hard work, patience and big heart.

Additionally, Phil Keane, Keane Photography;  Aurora Photography; Newtown's Yoga Dimensions for closing for the day to allow three of their teachers to participate; the local yoga teachers who beautifully led the morning yoga and journey dance classes;  Westport and Danbury Lululemon; The Kripalu Center in Lenox Mass., and, Bethel's Satnam Yoga and Yoga Space for all their support; The Silver Steel Pan Band; Newtown's Aquarian Caterers for preparing a healthy lunch for our guest teachers; My Place for feeding the volunteers; Betsy Gaier for her stellar organizational skills; plus, the team of over 30 volunteers who kindly gave their time and energy to direct traffic, register attendees, man tables, run kids activities and much more.

And,  a very special thank you to our renowned guest teachers  Tiffany Maloney, Ray Crist and Jennifer Reiss who led participants through a truly beautiful and compassionate sequence of yoga and meditation.

Suzy DeYoung

9 Gopher Road, Newtown                August 26, 2014