Whether it is the kid down the block who always appears to shovel or rake so their aging neighbor doesn’t have to; the coordinated efforts of local organizations from garden clubs and our FAITH Food Pantry to the Lions, Rotary, and Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS); or the family member who rushes out to a fire or ambulance call in the middle of a holiday gathering — this is the week we celebrate our valued volunteers.

AmeriCorps reminds us that April 16-22 is National Volunteer Week. The observance honors lasting contributions of volunteers who remain an essential resource to schools, emergency services, civic, faith-based, and nonprofit organizations.

On April 14, President Biden declared National Volunteer Week through a proclamation, reminding Americans that the country is built on service, while issuing a call to all Americans to do their part by improving the lives of others and lifting up their communities.

Some may ask — is volunteering really worth the time? We reply with a hearty “Indeed!”

As recently as 2021, AmeriCorps calculates that volunteer hours generated nearly $123 billion in economic value, with 124.7 million people helping at least once during the year. That year, another 60 million Americans formally volunteered with an organization, giving more than 4.1 billion hours of service to their communities.

It is well worth reminding residents that Newtown Nonprofit Council is working hard to help connect individuals looking for volunteer options to local agencies and nonprofits who need them through the free “Get Connected, Newtown!” website. Visit newtownnc.galaxydigital.com/need/ and learn how you can lend a helping hand either strategically within your schedule or year-round.

This week also culminates on April 22 with Newtown’s always free, festive, and informative Earth Day Festival form 10 am to 4 pm on the front lawn of Newtown Middle School. We hope everyone takes some time to visit the family friendly event featuring environmental organizations, local service groups, vendors, food, refreshments, live entertainment, and more. Saturday also marks the Lions Club Lose the Litter roadside cleanup day, as well as a Deep Brook and Pootatuck River cleanup headed by the local Trout Unlimited chapter, and even a bird feeder workshop at the community center.

Speaking of ... Earth Day is also a perfect time to remind residents that we as a community and nation need to do better by our birds and pollinators. We support ongoing efforts of Newtown’s Protect Our Pollinators (POP) and Connecticut Audubon Society to see SB963, An Act Concerning the Use of Neonicotinoids for Non-Agricultural Use passed into law this year.

This bill would prohibit the use of a class of pesticides called neonicotinoids that are highly toxic to bees, other pollinators, and aquatic species while also polluting water resources and having neurological effects on people and pets.

We also support reinstating the original language of SB962, An Act Concerning the Use of Certain Rodenticides that would ban rat and mouse poisons that kill slowly, often leaving them alive long enough to be captured and eaten by hawks, owls, and eagles, as well as household cats.

We believe our State Senator Tony Hwang has the persuasive voice to help bring both of these important environmental proposals to fruition and hope you will reach out and encourage him to support those efforts.