In honor of Earth Day and as a "giving back to the middle school for hosting us," Earth Day Committee member Brad Paynter said he and others, on Sunday, April 22, will plant a tree at Newtown Middle School where another tree once stood. The original tree died, he said, so on Earth Day, and one week ahead of Newtown's Earth Day Festival, Saturday, April 28, a new tree will take its place.

Newtown's 11th annual Earth Day Festival and celebration will take place at Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen Street, from 10 am and 4 pm.

According to newtownearthday.org, "The primary mission of the Newtown Earth Day Festival is to foster education and awareness of environmental stewardship through project participation and collaboration with local associations. Held annually in April, this community event brings together schools, municipal and charitable organizations, sustainable vendors, and nonprofits, in a synergistic celebration of good deeds for our space on the planet."

Organized by various members of the community, "the festival provides a forum for residents of all ages to become more engaged in the collective consciousness and responsibility we owe to the health of Newtown - and to our region's soil, air, and water," the site states.

A portion of proceeds funds a "green" scholarship through the Newtown Scholarship Association for Newtown High School graduates interested in environmental/ecological studies. Over the last several years, the event has raised more than $8,000 dollars and has been able to support several students.

The day includes the Lions Club "Lose the Litter" from 9 am to 1 pm, and from 1 pm will be an activities section for family activities. From 3 to 4 pm will be a Birds of Prey exhibit with birds from the Sharon Audubon Society.

The day will include food, vendors, children's activities such as building bird houses, composting, a bike safety check, creating pinecone bird feeders, and more.

Listed on the site are several of Newtown environmentally conscientious groups: Newtown's Sustainable Energy Commission is responsible for the Reed Intermediate School Solar Panel project.

Newtown Forest Association, established in 1924, is the oldest private land trust in Connecticut. It is dedicated to accumulating and preserving open space and resources for public enjoyment within Newtown.

The Pootatuck Watershed Association's mission is clear: Clean and abundant water for Newtown's future. The association promotes this goal through water sampling, educational programs, and habitat restoration.

The Transition Network: a global initiative that supports a community-led process to help neighborhoods become stronger and happier. Reach out to bhtoomey@yahoo.com to get involved in the Newtown chapter.

Newtown Earth Day's 2018 Committee members' contact information is available through newtownearthday.org. For general information, contact: info@newtownearthday.org.