Parade Showed Off All

That Makes Newtown Special

To the Editor:

You’ve done it again Newtown…you’ve proven one more time why it truly is nicer in Newtown! From start to finish, what a beautiful way to celebrate Labor Day and all that makes Newtown special.

To Dr Michael and Jocelyn Taweh, thank you for your inspiration, vision, and generosity. Kevin’s Community Center is a treasure. It was a privilege to have you as our Grand Marshals. Thanks also to our judges from KCC — what a great team!

Hats off to the VNA, recipient of this year’s Legends and Pioneers Award — you’re a big part of “Caring for Newtown.”

A huge round of applause goes out to our fabulous sponsors, old and new. Your generous support allows us to continue this great tradition in style! Thanks go out to our individual donors as well. Your contributions and letters of support are viewed as a vote of confidence from the residents of Newtown to keep the parade marching.

A big thank you to Newtown Police Department for your support during our planning stages as well as on the day of the parade. We were thrilled to have participants from the Newtown Police Explorers on board this year. Thanks to Pat Llodra and staff for your guidance and support. And to the Ambulance Garage — thank you for your patience and hospitality.

We couldn’t do it without Nancy and The Bee, Newtown Highway Department, Northeast Communications, Bagel Delight, Dunkin’ Donuts, and My Place. Thanks to Nick for the grandstand, Kevin Yacko for the flag, Todd, Bob and Kim for the convertibles, and the bus drivers for the rides.

And how about our emcees? Mary Ann Murtha, Mike Giarrantano, John Klopfenstein, and John Voket. Your enthusiasm is infectious! Special thanks to our street directors: Andy, Dan, Mike, Peter, Jim, Connie, Sarah, Chris, Kathy, and Andy. You keep the parade rolling! And a big “Go Team” to Newtown Cheerleaders and the Newtown High School Marching Nighthawks — what a way to start the parade!

The parade would not go on without our committee: Robin, Andy, Dan, Tom, Ellie, Kym, Kelly, Stacey, Steve, and Betsy. This handful of dedicated volunteers puts together the largest Labor Day Parade in the region — an amazing accomplishment.

And finally, thank you to all the participants and spectators for coming out to the parade this year. You are the heart of what makes Newtown special.

Sincerely,

Beth Caldwell

Newtown Labor Day Committee President

14 Church Hill Road, Newtown                         September 5, 2012