What A Day!

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, Hometown Publishing, The DaSilva Law Firm, Caraluzzi’s, Newtown Hardware, Maplewood, Leahy’s Fuels, Ace Hardware of Newtown, The Lions Club, and Newtown Veterinary Center.

A big thank you to Newtown Police who led us off in style, followed by our Grand Marshal, Marge Rogers. Marge and the Town Players continue to inspire us “On Stage in Newtown”.

We couldn’t do it without The Bee, Newtown Highway Department, Northeast Communications, Sugar Hill Auto Service Center & Towing, Tricia and the gang at Jantris Marketing Services, and the Newtown High School Cheerleaders. Thanks to Judy of Newtown Florist for the honoree flowers, to Michael’s Greenhouses for the mums, and to Steve Paproski for the hay bales. Snacks provided to parade staff and guests are always appreciated…thank you Bagel Delight and Dunkin’ Donuts. A big thank you also to all our individual donors. The committee sees your contributions as a vote of confidence from the residents of Newtown to keep the parade marching.

Hats off to The Mattatuck Drum Band, this year’s recipient of the Legends and Pioneers Award. And a special salute to Alfred Green, World War II veteran, Purple Heart and French Chevalier Recipient. You make us proud, Al!

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

Special thanks to our street directors, Mike Giarratano, Jim Setz, Andy Cluff, Dan Cruson, Peter Tomasulo, Gary Steel, and Connie Widmann — you are the best! And to our bus drivers, Denise Buckley and Phyllis Page, thanks for always being there when we need you.

The parade would not go on without our committee: Steve Bigham, Brian Amey, Dan Cruson, Robin Buchanan, Tom D’Agostino, Kym Stendahl, Kelly Stendahl, Ellie Whalen, and Mona and Gary Steel. This handful of dedicated members puts together the largest 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, 2010