Newtown Hikers Begin Winter 2005 Schedule

The Newtown Hikers is an open group that welcomes anyone interested in hiking and the outdoors, and there is no membership fee. Unless otherwise stated, all hikes take place on Saturday mornings and start at 9 am from the lower rear parking lot of Edmond Town Hall. Always check with listed leader of each hike for weather cancellations or schedule changes.

January 8, Huntington State Park, Redding – hike, ski, or snowshoe; leader is Gloria Bellofatto (730-9367).

January 15, New York City, Museum of Natural History; Leaders are Molly Schleis, and Al and Maria Stone; RSVP to Al and Maria (203-263-2829) or the Stones (203-263-2829) by January 8. Group will meet in Newtown at 10 am and carpool to train station. Bring lunch. Dinner will be out, between 6 and 6:15 pm. Bring money for museum entrance fee, dinner, and train fare. Group will walk to the museum from the train station.

January 22, Ransom Hunt Audubon Sanctuary, Bedford, N.Y.; leader is Dave Wesley (203-438-1459).

January 29, Tarrywile Park, Danbury; leader is Evelyn Schonberg (426-0425).

February 5, Macedonia State Park, Kent; leader is Rita Qubick (268-4119).

February 12, Oxford Bridal Trail – cross-country ski, snowshoe, or hike; leader is Nancy Ziegler (732-2618).

February 19, White Memorial Park, Litchfield; leader is Pat Callan (264-2153).

February 26, Topsmead State Park, Litchfield; leader is Mary Jo Zemitis (203-263-3683).

March 5, Madison/Guilford Beach walk; leader is Jack Donlon (203-966-8421).

March 12, Bulls Bridge to Kent, then tea at Weabaland Buttonwood Café; leader is Liz Cowan (845-878-6104).

March 19, Al’s Trail in Newtown; leader is Ester Nichols (426-2897 or 788-1398).

March 26, Seaside Park in Bridgeport; leader is Ann Kozar (374-6679).

This hike will be followed by a potluck luncheon and planning session for spring hiking schedule at Ann’s home. Call Ann for food co-ordination.

To receive the mailing of hiking schedules all year, send $3 with your name and address to: Claire Sivacek, 114 Stadley Rough Road, Danbury CT 06811.

Hikers participate at their own risk and must sign a release for the Newtown Parks and Recreation Department.

If you want to meet the group at a different point than Edmond Town Hall parking lot, call the leader. Also, call the leader if the weather is doubtful. All hikes are moderate unless otherwise stated and should last from three to five hours plus driving time.

Children are welcome accompanied by adults. Bring lunch and beverages. Sturdy shoes or boots are recommended.

For further information, call Ester Nichols at 426-2897 or 788-1398, or Newtown Parks and Recreation Department at 270-4340.