LET'S HAVE ANOTHER LABOR DAY WEEKEND NEWTOWN REUNION IN 2024! (Sunday 9/1/24) Our band, PANACEA, has hosted a free annual Panacea & Friends Reunion since reuniting for the 2013 "Great Newtown Reunion, a Day of Healing," in remembrance of those lost in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.
While the 2023 concert was the final performance for Panacea (Corky Ballard, Leslie Ballard, Jon Dodson, Rick Kuhn, Bruce Tibbitts. 50+ years is a very good run!), so many NHS classes and friends have requested we continue; it's an excellent way to reconnect with old friends, and with the Labor Day Parade on Main Street the next day, it's the perfect summer's end. So, a couple of us Panaceans decided, LET'S DO A NEWTOWN HOMECOMING DANCE FOR ALL NHS CLASSES, FRIENDS, AND FAMILIES ON LABOR DAY WEEKENDS!
It's always been free for all, and we want to keep it that way, but this time we're asking for some help to make it happen. Our expenses average $2,000 (pavilion rental, insurance, sound system/engineer, video screen, etc.) Any donation amount toward that goal will be truly appreciated! (We’re very grateful to past supporters, Devery Stickles’ Clearheart Construction, and Kenny’s Oil in Southbury, TR Paul inc., and to friends who have helped with unsolicited, kind donations.)
And we're indebted to our NEWTOWN BEE for spreading the word and for their excellent professional coverage of these reunions. Newtown is lucky to have The Bee. In keeping with the spirit of our town, all proceeds over our expenses will be equally divided between two organizations that have touched us personally while serving the greater good: SANDY HOOK PROMISE* and ABILITY BEYOND.** (The name of every person who makes a GoFundMe donation will be included in the cards sent with the donation check to the organizations.)
Over the years, we've enjoyed great music by the Willie Portera Trio, Eclipse, Manny Pavone, and The Rue. Plus, superb Panacea guest musicians: Christian Martirano, Jim Clark, Jim Lynch, Matt Spencer, Dave Savitsky, Butch Raymond, Josh Ferguson, and The RUE: Pat Kearns, Mat Harris. We've also had some memorable surprises including NHS principal Mr. Alvah Cramer and his wife Cora; and founder of NHS music department, Mr. Joseph Grasso. And seeing so many parents there has been beyond all expectations!
KEEP THE NEWTOWN REUNION TRADITION GOING, WHILE HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS! We hope to see you there! All the best, Corky & Leslie https://gofund.me/77c3446c