To the Editor:

The 5th Annual Claris Construction Inc Summer Jam Children's Concert Series recently concluded with new times and an additional location for the 2017 series. Tuesday evenings were for families as this seven-week series of award-winning children's entertainers shifted from lunch time to five 6 pm performances at Dickinson Park, along with two performances preceding Newtown Parks & Recreation's outdoor movie nights at Fairfield Hills.

Summer Jam welcomes award-winning children's musicians and songwriters to our community throughout the summer months, fostering a love of music in children by offering a variety of musical genres and instruments for all to enjoy. The 2017 performance roster featured a dynamic group of talented artists that collectively earned multiple Grammy nominations, a Grammy Award, multiple Emmy Awards, Parents' Choice Awards, and a plethora of additional accolades and songwriting awards.

It is the continued generosity and support of the Summer Jam sponsors that makes it possible to bring these incredible performers to Newtown for our children year after year. A big thank you to Phil Clark and Claris Construction for being the title sponsor of this series for the past five years. Thank you to Caraluzzi's Markets, Andy Sachs and the Around Town Team at Coldwell Banker, Honda of Danbury, People's United Bank, Popowich Chiropractic & Acupuncture Care, and Union Savings Bank for again being the gold sponsors of this series. Thank you to Pat Caruso at Associated Refuse Haulers for his continued support as the silver sponsor.

I would also like to extend gratitude to those who attended the 2017 series. Families gathered with friends and picnic dinners to sing, dance, and play. The interaction between the performers and the attendees in the cooler early evening temperatures was playful and energetic with children joyfully singing and dancing alongside their friends, parents, and siblings.

Visit the Summer Jam Facebook page at newtownsummerjam for series updates and photos. On behalf of Newtown Parks & Recreation, we hope you will join us again next summer!

With much appreciation,

Erin Masotta

Grand Place, Newtown     September 20, 2017