To the Editor:

On September 17, we had our 23rd annual Health Fair - held at the Reed Intermediate School. The day was exceptional due to the work of many, many hands. The utmost thanks go to Mark Pirizollli and his crew (Darrin, Steve, and Ray). Gracious Mrs Uberti [RIS principal] has a terrific facility and staff to whom we are most grateful. Our Public Works crew and Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue also lent strong, efficient, helping hands.

Thank you to all the exhibitors and participants at the fair; they are truly a joy to work with. A special thanks to our sponsors, American Red Cross, Aqua Environmental Lab, Dr Della Schmid, Families Network of Western CT, Popowich Chiropractic & Acupuncture, Westerly Associates LLC, and the Newtown Prevention Council. And heartfelt thanks to the wonderful food service folks that faithfully support us - Carminuccio's, My Place Restaurant, Newtown Pizza Palace, and the Villa. It is all of this support that makes such an event possible.

Newtown is fortunate to have such dedicated and talented people. With all the challenges we face, we are blessed to have terrific community events that bring us together, and let us have some good clean fun.

To all the fair's attendees, thank you for coming; it is for you that we share all of the free health screenings and health and safety info to keep Newtown great.

And a very special thank you to Dr Grossman and Dr Draper, our board Joan Crick, Herb Rosenthal, Dr Bill Begg, Curtis Read, and Bernie Meehan and Health District staff (Maureen, Mike, Ed, Suzette, and Keith) - all the support, hard work, and senses of humor make the difference everyday, and especially fair day.

On behalf of the Health Fair Organizational Committee (Mae Schmidle, Dr Della Schmid, and Donna M. Culbert), Thank You! It was truly a pleasure and we'll see you next year.

Donna Culbert

Director of Health, Newtown         October 5, 2016