Staying Local and Saving Money This Summer

By Sarah Ferris

Newtown residents are learning that having a blast with the family this summer doesn’t have to break the bank, because several Newtown organizations are making it easy to stay local and save money while still enjoying the summer season.

Starting this month, Newtown Parks and Recreation will host the Summer Concert Series at Dickinson Park.

“Even though this is the first year we’re running this, people are really excited,” said RoseAnn Regianno, assistant director for recreation with Newtown Parks and Rec. “It’s free for Newtown residents. Just bring a blanket and enjoy the show.”

There are four scheduled concerts to be held at 6:30 pm on July 16, July 20, August 13, and August 20. The local area bands include Bookends, Jay Willie Band, Eye Contact, and Wandering Roots: Shawn Taylor.

Sandy Hook Village Center, located at the corner of Church Hill and Glen Roads, will host its second summer performance on July 18, which is also free for Newtown residents. The show will feature Kevin Everett, who performed in last year’s Concert Series. Mr Everett will be performing a selection of contemporary Christian and pop songs.

For those looking for more of an outdoor adventure, Ms Regianno also recommends the Orchard Hill Nature Trail on Huntingtown Road in Newtown.

“There’s no cost and it’s very beautiful,” said Ms Regianno.

The park also includes a Frisbee Golf field, which was added this year by Newtown Lions Club.

“No Frisbee? No problem,” Ms Regianno said. There are Frisbees, along with scorecards, for Newtown residents to borrow located at the Parks and Rec office at 3 Main Street. The winner of the game can later return their scorecard at the office for a gift certificate to Ferris Acres Creamery.

There are several other hiking trails and parks located in Newtown. Newtown Forest Association describes Holcombe Preserve Memorial Trail, on Great Hill Road, as “a favorite for midday walks.” Located one-quarter of a mile past the red barn that marks the entrance to these 70 acres of well-kept trails lays another one of Newtown’s natural treasures. The Holcombe Hill Wildlife Preserve, another 80 acres of land donated by the Holcombe family, boasts an elevation of over 800 feet above sea level, the highest point in town, according to NFA.

“This property affords spectacular views of three counties from the 30 acres of hay fields on the property,” says the NFA website.

The Upper Paugusett State Forest, which is located along Lake Lillinonah and the Housatonic River, is also a popular destination for Newtown hikers, swimmers, and fishers. The scenic trail is approximately six miles in length. Parking for the trails is available on Echo Valley Road.

Kids can also enjoy the variety of summer happenings at C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street. There are almost a dozen different programs offered during July and August for Newtown children.

Mimi Morin of the C.H. Booth Library said she is excited about a new program called Mother Goose on the Loose, which started up earlier this year. Babies and their parents are welcome to drop in Wednesdays at 10 am at the library for this 30-minute early literacy program. This award-winning class combines rhymes, stories, music and movement.

“Although this is a new program, we already have about 25 babies in the class,” said Ms Morin. “People are really enjoying it.”

P.J. Storytime is also back again, said Ms. Morin. On Tuesdays through August 4, there will be stories, songs and a puppet show from 6:30 to 7:15 pm in the children’s section of the library. Children aged 3 to 7 are invited to attend with their families with no admission cost.

“This is such an enjoyable program,” Ms Morin said. “It’s been more than 20 years and we’re still expecting more than 70 families to attend.”