Another Great Parade

To the Editor:

Wow! What a day! From start to finish this year’s Labor Day Parade proved once again that life really is better in Newtown!

Many thanks to all our sponsors and contributors: Newtown Savings Bank, Newtown Rotary Club, Joshua Baum, DMD, Stratton Faxon, Caraluzzi’s, Hometown Publishing, Leahy’s Fuels, Savings Bank of Danbury, TR Paul, and Newtown Lions Club.

A big thank you to Newtown Police who led us off in high style, followed by our Grand Marshal, Julia Wasserman. Julia’s “Passion for Newtown” continues to inspire us all.

We couldn’t do it without The Bee, Newtown Highway Department, Northeast Communications, Newtown Exxon, and Louise at My Place. Snacks provided to parade staff are always appreciated, thanks to Taunton Press/Fine Cooking, Bagel Delight, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Caraluzzi’s.

Hats off to Ginny Lathrop, this year’s recipient of the Legends and Pioneers Award, and to Walter Mallin, Connecticut’s Oldest Pearl Harbor Survivor.

And how about our emcees? Mary Ann Murtha, Mike Giarratano, John Klopfenstein, and Dr Joshua Baum. Thank you for your enthusiasm and for keeping the parade rolling!

Special thanks to our street directors, Jim Setz, Andy Cluff, Dan Cruson, Peter Tomasulo, Mike Giarratano, and Connie Widmann and to the Newtown Varsity Cheerleaders, Mona and Gary Steele, Ellie Whalen and other behind the scene contributors — you are the best!

The parade would not go on without our committee: Brian Amey, Diana Baxter, Steve Bigham, Robin Buchanan, Dan Cruson, Kym Stendahl, and Kelly Stendahl. This handful of dedicated members puts together the largest and best Labor Day Parade in the region, an amazing accomplishment!

And finally, thank you Newtown for continuing to come out for the parade!

Sincerely,

Beth Caldwell

Newtown Labor Day Parade Committee President

14 Church Hill Road, Newtown                             September 7, 2009