See what people are saying about ASAP!

ASAP 2008/2009
From a Parent: "My son started the drumming class today and loved it. I heard them play the last 5 minutes and wanted to start dancing. My son has a love for music and plays many instruments, but loves the drums."

From a Parent: “Thank you so much for all you're doing. Everything ASAP has to offer is so interesting and I really appreciate what extraordinary lengths you have gone to to bring such a wide variety of classes. I am especially grateful for your kindness with giving scholarships.”

From a Parent: “My child loves the strings program and has been enthusiastically playing her violin. How terrific!”

From a Parent: “I just wanted to let you know that my child loved the Strings program last night. I have never seen her so excited about playing the violin. Thanking you for bringing this program to Shepaug!”

From a Parent: “Just to let you know the Strings workshop was wonderful tonight. The boys were truly inspired and had a great time. The opposite of last week. I caught the end and they all sounded amazing. But then I knew they would ‘cos it’s an ASAP workshop!”

From a Parent: “Just a short note to thank everyone at ASAP Camp Program for the wonderful program you provided. Your talents, concern for children, and your energy are greatly appreciated. Our children had a fabulous summer because of your efforts. Thank You Again!”

From a Teaching Artist: “It is a delight to participate in a program that is run with such care and efficiency! Looking forward!”

From a Teaching Artist: “I had a fantastic experience. Being a teaching artist at ASAP camp is a rare and very valuable experience. Collaborating with other teaching artist, working with a variety of ages, being able to focus on teaching while the administrative aspects are taken care of...having supportive assistants... a balance of classes and breaks! All move me to new levels as a teacher and a human being. I feel enriched, balanced, and grateful.”

From a Summer Grant Recipient: “Thank you so much for giving me a Summer Scholarship for my art classes. It was the greatest honor to receive this. I can not wait to take my classes; I am so excited and you made it possible. Thank you!”


3rd ANNUAL A CELEBRATION OF YOUNG WRITERS
From a Parent: “We can’t thank you enough for allowing our son to be part of the “Celebration of Young Writers” event. Because of his involvement at the age of 5 he will have life-long memories! He was so proud of himself! The event itself is amazing! It was one of the best that we have ever been to. The talent shared that evening blew us away. Thank you again - this event is AWESOME!”

From an ASAP Supporter: “Every year that we attend the Celebration of Young Writers, [my husband] and I leave saying that it can't possibly be any better. And then the next year, IT IS BETTER! The event this year was truly fantastic, and the writing is just so amazing. Thanks for letting us share this evening with ASAP.”

From a Celebration of Young Writers Guest Reader: “It was my pleasure to participate in such a wonderful event. You do an incredible job. It was a beautiful, meaningful evening.”

From A Celebration of Young Writers Guest Reader: “That was a huge complex program and it could not have been more beautifully organized. Thanks for inviting me to participate.”

From an Audience Member: “I just want to congratulate you on a beautiful, diverse and great auction assortment. [My husband] and I really enjoyed ourselves…what a great organization. We were amazed by the work of the young writers, especially The Postman! You did an outstanding job! (why am I not surprised!!).”

From an Audience Member: “What a wonderful, inspiring event. My fiancée and I thoroughly enjoyed the children's work. Congratulations.”

From a Parent: “I just wanted to thank you for all the effort you obviously put into the Young Writers Celebration. [My daughter] was so incredibly thrilled. It was an absolutely wonderful experience for her -- and for us. I confess, I thought we'd be sitting through a long night until her piece was read, but they were all incredible. She loved that Frank McCourt told her to stop doing her homework and write every night. And couldn't stop smiling all the way home. In fact, she got home and wrote a poem about giggling. Thanks again for all your efforts!”


ASAP 2007/2008
From a parent: "The play was amazing!!! Just so fabulous!! I was so thrilled that this work of art was on our middle school stage!! Thank you so much for making this all happen!! You have changed the lives of many!! You should be so very proud. Thanks again and congratulations."

From a parent: "Please have Thomasina back! She is wonderful with the young children. My five year old sang all of the songs, talked about all of the instruments etc. and reported that it was serious but fun!"

From a workshop participant: "I loved the ASAP class!!! Please place me on the list for the advanced class. Many thanks!! You did a wonderful job teaching us."

From a community member: "Thank you for your spectacular exhibit that helped make the "getting greener" event on November 7th such a success. Attorney General Blumenthal, Clean Air-Cool Planet's, Adam Markham and our 20 local exhibitors created an informative evening. ASAP was a really special addition. I was happy so many of your students attended. We were pleased that there was such a great turnout and you were an important part. Our town should be proud of itself!"

From an ASAP assistant: "It was so great working with Austin. I love it! The kids are terrific, too. Thank you so much for these assisting opportunities and for the ASAP Program - it brings such stimulation and creative opportunity to my life."

From a parent: "Thanks so very much for making our trip to NYC possible. You don't know how much we appreciate it!"

From a teaching artist: "My ASAP catalogue arrived yesterday, and I have to say it looks fabulous! Danielle's photos are wonderful; they truly capture the joy of moment. The inclusion of student's artwork and poetry is very effective. Once again, the variety of programs available to students and adults are incredible. How lucky we all are to have you!"

From a parent: "Thank you for providing such enriching programs at attainable prices for all residents."


ASAP SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATIONS - September 16, 2007
From an event patron: "I am very very impressed with the [ASAP] program and the work the students demonstrated and all the wonders you are accomplishing."


ASAP SUMMER CAMP 2007
From a parent: "My daughters attended ASAP's summer camp last week and loved it so much they let me know during the ice cream party that if I ever had the chance, I should sign them up for that camp again. What a compliment to you and your staff for your hard work. Thanks for everything."

From a parent: "Thank you for making [my son's] camp experience so wonderful. He loved the camp and wanted to go two weeks (which is unusual for him)...so thank you for the extra effort with him I appreciate it."


ASAP 2006/2007
From a parent: "We wanted to let you know how much our daughter enjoyed Kezia's mixed media art class. All the children came out of each class with unique masterpieces while working on important skills like shapes, fine motor work etc. Kudos to Kezia! Hope you will do it again soon!"

From former Superintendent Dr. Richard E. Carmelich: "It was such a pleasure for me to serve on the ASAP board. Your work has benefited so many children. Keep it up!"

From a parent: "Thanks so much for your help keeping [my child] drumming! He has improved so much and it makes his school experience so much richer."

From a workshop participant: "I am a non-resident of Washington and attended the Pilobolus workshop this weekend. It was informative, fun, creative and truly delightful. I'm grateful you opened your programs to out of towners. Thanks!

From a parent: " Just wanted to tell you what a pleasure last Friday's [music festival] was. A daring and eclectic group of musicians! You have a talent for mixing just the right proportions of favorites too. Thanks!"

From a parent: "I would like to express my appreciation of the ASAP program and all it offers to our youth and community. I can hardly wait to see what is in store for the coming year. GREAT JOB!"

From a parent: "I just wanted to tell you all how very much I appreciate all the financial assistance you have given my two girls. They love being able to do the extra activities that we just can't afford. I realize all the time and effort you put into the programs, so thanks again!"


2nd ANNUAL A CELEBRATION OF YOUNG WRITERS - April 14, 2007
From an event patron: "Congratulations. What an amazing accomplishment. Brilliant!!!! Thank you so much."

From a parent: "What an extraordinary event last night! My husband, my mother, [daughter] and I had a wonderful time! We were incredibly impressed with the caliber of talent. Some of the literary works were just astounding! Thanks so much. And again, our very best congratulations on a beautiful and entertaining evening."

From an event patron: "Bravo! It was even better than last year, if that was possible. You made it all come to life so perfectly!"

From a parent: "ASAP is quite amazing and we feel very lucky that our boys get to experience such a superb arts program. It was also very moving to see the community come together and acknowledge all the teachers. We are indeed a very lucky community."


A CELEBRATION OF YOUNG WRITERS - June 17, 2006
From an event patron: "The [Celebration of Young Writers 2006] was a magnificent event! We were all dazzled and so thrilled to hear Frank call for an annual event! You are truly a "Force of Nature" and a very successful one!"