To the Editor:www.newtownforestassociation.org/get-involved/donate/ or by mailing a donation to:sbsmithjr13@gmail.com.

I am writing you to ask for your help. Newtown Forest Association, the oldest private land trust in Connecticut, is seeking to preserve Cherry Grove Farm, a farm in existence since before 1912, which encompasses 45 acres and was cultivated by the Mayer family for three generations. The mission of Newtown Forest Association, a nonprofit organization, is to preserve open space for the enjoyment for our community. They have preserved over 1,100 acres in Newtown - almost solely through private donations.

On November 1, GRC Construction LLC purchased the Cherry Grove Farm hoping to find an organization to support preserving the property for future Newtown generations. Newtown Forest Association has raised its hand to help. In order to acquire the property, Newtown Forest Association needs to raise $600,000 by mid-January. To date, there have been pledges of up to 25 percent of the goal. Time is of the essence. Please consider donating to this worthy cause - every dollar counts! This is an extraordinary opportunity for Newtowners to pull together and preserve the character and landscape of our town.

You can donate by going to

Newtown Forest Association, Inc

PO Box 213

Newtown CT 06470

or by contacting Bart Smith at 203-315-5712 or at

Thank you for your consideration. Happy Holidays!

Kathy Hamilton

18 Nunnawauk Road, Newtown        December 19, 2017