Caring About Our Health

To the Editor:

Yes, on September 24, we had a “Nicer in Newtown” kind of day. It was our 18th annual Health Fair at Newtown Middle School. The day was exceptional and it was due to the work of many willing hands.

The utmost thanks go to Don Roos and his crew at the middle school. Their dedication and hard work is extraordinary. Big thanks to our Parks and Rec folks for doing some heavy lifting for us, too. Patient and gracious Mrs Sherlock has a terrific facility and staff and we are grateful to use the middle school.

We want to thank all of the exhibitors and participants at the fair; they are truly a joy to work with. A good time was had by all — and Tammy DeMarche from Z Place for Fitness really got the gym shaking with Zumba demonstrations.

Thank you to all the firefighters, ambulance, EMT personnel and police; this town is so fortunate to have such dedicated and talented people.

Thank you to the residents who donated to the Salvation Army Food Pantry.

We also want to give a special thanks to our financial sponsors, Aqua Environmental Lab, Dr Cayer’s Health and Wellness Center, Families Network of Western Connecticut, and Senior Helpers; our major financial sponsor Newtown Prevention Council, as well as those sponsors who donated goods or services, Big Y, Caraluzzi’s, Crystal Rock, Kevin and Beth Koschel, The Newtown Bee, Newtown Lion’s Club, Newtown Park and Recreation, and Stop & Shop.

And a heartfelt thanks to the wonderful food service folks that faithfully support us — Carminuccio’s, Franco’s, My Place Restaurant, Newtown Pizza Palace, Papa Al’s, and The Villa.

And to all the residents, the fair’s attendees, thank you for coming, it is for you that we work to share all of the free health screenings and health and safety info to keep Newtown safe and well.

I also want to add a very sincere thank you to Dr Grossman and Dr Draper and our Health District staff (Maureen, Mike, Ed, Suzette and Keith) — all of their support, hard work, and senses of humor are invaluable and make the difference everyday, and especially Fair day!

On behalf of this year’s Health Fair Organizational Committee (Mae Schmidle, Dr Della Schmid, Judy Blanchard, and Donna M. Culbert), Thank You! It was truly a pleasure and we’ll look forward to seeing you next year!!

Donna M. Culbert

Director of Health

Newtown Health District

3 Primrose Street, Newtown                                September 29, 2011