To the Editor:

Despite the chilly Spring weather, Newtown Earth Day’s annual festival kicked off the outdoor festival season with another successful community event Saturday, April 22nd.

A big thank you to the Town of Newtown, our attendees/vendors along with the Middle School administration and janitorial staff; and the Newtown Parks and Recreation Department

For the last 14 years, Newtown Earth Day has continued to bring smiles, awareness and education to the Town of Newtown through a day-long festival highlighting the many businesses, non-profit organizations, school and community groups committed to bettering our world.

The efforts of this small but dedicated Committee have made possible yearly Newtown Earth Day Scholarships and Grants to further this cause. Many thanks to Andy Ashla, Bill Buchler, Aaron Coopersmith, Valerie Hart, Rob Kaiser, Paul Lundquist, Brad Paynter, and Alex Rankin for their hard work and dedication to make this event happen. Further thanks to the event volunteers Sheilah Krasnickas, Jaden Ng, Jennifer Vaughan, Brandon Wong, and the other friends who jump in to help every year.

This year saw the inaugural Newtown Earth Day Film Festival, held at Edmond Town Hall’s Alexandria Room. Thank you to all - especially our friends at ETH - who made this event such a success.

Additional thanks go out to Iroquois Gas, Associated Refuse, The Newtown Bee, Rankin Textile Printing. Thank you to The Newtown High School Culinary Department. This event would not be nearly as fun or complete without your vision. We thank the generosity of the musicians and My Place Restaurant for their continued support of Newtown Earth Day.

As planning begins for next year’s event - set for Saturday, April 27th - please put us on your calendar and Join Us! We’re always looking for volunteers, vendors and committee members to keep this beloved event going.

Thank you again.

Respectfully submitted,

Dan Holmes

Newtown