Earth Day Supporters Crowded Middle School April 30

A single yellow balloon slipped from a child’s hand and rose above a crowd gathered on Newtown Middle School’s front lawn Saturday, April 30.

Back on the ground were sounds of live music, laughter, crafts, food, and gasps of surprise as a barn owl tethered to its handler threw its wings wide and flailed.

Community members filled the booths, visited with vendors, stopped to see the Audubon Sharon’s Birds of Prey exhibit, and play their part in recognizing green living, clean air, clean water, and more during Newtown’s fourth annual Earth Day Festival. Sustainable Energy Commission Chairman Dan Holmes glanced at the families enjoying the afternoon and said, “It’s busy, the exhibits are interesting, and the kids love the birds.”

Near the sidewalk was a beagle, Honey “Bea” who sat quietly while Holly Ankers and sisters Maddy and Katie Larson stroked her coat.

Beyond the girls, a crowd gathered as Sarah Conley from Audubon Sharon held Sophia the barn owl on her gloved forearm. Nearby, Anne Bloss sat with her girls Katie and Julia who had butterflies painted on their cheeks. Later the girls would sit with their big sister Ellie.

Set up in booths near one another were festival underwriter United Water and Alteris Renewables, a home solar panel dealer. Representing United Water was Operations Support Manager Ken Skov, who noted that as a water company employee, he supports a clean environment, which contributes to clean water. Near the Alteris trailer, which displayed examples of home solar panels, was Melina Smiros, playing with one of the many yellow balloons tied to tent posts, tables, and added to displays Saturday.

One after another were booths filled with items for sale as fundraisers for the Odyssey of the Mind teams. Odyssey of the Mind is a creative problem-solving program for student teams. Selling grass “earthling” and snacks were Sydney Chiarito and Ryan Rogers. Next to them were Jen Rogers and Aaron Hyde. Across the row were friends Lindsey Gallagher, Talia Hankin, Baxter Hankin, and Isabel Soriano.

Town organizations and departments including Parks and Recreation, the Conservation Commission, the Newtown Forest Association, the Newtown Lions Club, joined school groups, private vendors, local businesses, and more to fill the middle school lawn with attractions, live music, goods for sale, crafts, information, and more.

The Newtown Forest Association promoted its upcoming Nettleton Preserve cleanup slated for May 7, beginning at 9:30 am off of Old Castle Drive off Castle Hill Road. The Conservation Commission members hoped to find volunteers for invasive plant removal efforts, the Newtown Lions Club sold tickets to its duck race later this month, while Parks & Rec Director Amy Mangold touted the upcoming Strutt Your Mutt dog park fundraiser set for May 21.

Enjoying crafts were Amanda Carter and Diana Wipf, who planted wildflowers at the Waldorf School booth. Peggy McFarland sold vintage jewelry that she described as eco-friendly. “It’s ‘recovered’ jewelry,” she said. The pieces required no packaging, for example. “I rescued it!”

Next-door, Alex Quinby painted a flower pot for her mother at the Hawley School Garden Club’s booth. Also with a yellow balloon tethered to her wrist, Charli Condon created a bumper sticker that said, “Forever Newtown!” Across the table from Charli were Sarah Widmann and Aidan Ford. Soon Charli was having a balloon fight with her friend Danielle Samson.

Across the lawn were Madi Singlak and Emma Hungaski, making face paintings, while Danielle Chaloux sold her handmade wooden pens to raise money for her upcoming student trip to Australia.

The day’s proceeds are being set aside for a green scholarship at Newtown High School.

Additional event underwriters are the Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, Iroquois Gas Transmission Systems, the Taunton Press, and Lions International.