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Multiple Organizations Collaborating For Newtown's Semiquincentennial Celebration

Published: Jun 24, 2026 7:54 am

Multiple local organizations are collaborating to host a local 250th Semiquincentennial Celebration. All ages are invited to enjoy a free performance by The Al Fenton Big Band at Dickinson Town Park, 50 Elm Drive, on Friday, June 26 at 5:30 pm. The concert will be performed at the park’s band shell.

Newtown resident, vocalist, and music educator Cristina Trnik will open the concert with a performance of the national anthem. She will be joined by her husband Michael Trnik, also a professional singer, to perform the anthem as a duet with harmony.

Originally scheduled to headline this week’s Parks & Recreation Sounds of Summer Concert, the South Windsor-based Al Fenton Big Band consists of a dedicated group of musicians whose missions include promoting and preserving the legacy of big band jazz and inspiring and supporting the next generation of musicians. The 18-piece band brings the golden era of swing to life alongside contemporary favorites, delivering polished performances for audiences of all ages. Members include band leader and alto saxophonist Kathy Neri; Gary Neff, alto saxophonist; Bruce Giannini and Raymond McKay, tenor saxophonists; Gene Hickey, baritone saxophonist; James Corcoran, lead trumpet; Dom Talotta, second trumpet; Valerie Chisholm, third trumpet; Lee Sohl, fourth trumpet; John Beers, first trombone; Michael Bryenton, second trombone; Greg Schmidt, third trombone; John Chin, bass trombone and vocals; Christine Apruzese, keyboardist; Tony Saccavino, guitarist; Timothy Keane, drummer; Les Bernstein, bass; and Kat Volikas, vocalist. Food will be available for purchase and lawn games will be set up for guests to enjoy. Attendees will need to provide their own seating.

Snacks, bug repellent, and “plenty of patriotic spirit and enthusiasm for Newtown’s 250th Celebration” are also encouraged, according to a pre-event bulletin issued June 19. Those planning to attend should note the Brushy Hill Road bridge replacement project is still underway. Attendees should follow posted detour signs and access the Dickinson Park Bandshell parking lot via either Bonnie Brae Road or Deep Brook Road.

Activities and attractions on Friday will include Newtown Rotary Club members cooking and selling hamburgers and hot dogs, and Friends of Newtown Seniors offering complimentary ice cream and water.

Additionally, EverWonder Children’s Museum will create giant bubbles for children and families, longtime Newtown resident Lin Hertberg has generously donated the rental fee for an inflatable obstacle course provided by Superfun Inflatables, Newtown Cultural Arts Commission will provide face painting, Newtown Community Center will offer 250th celebration-themed crafts, and Newtown Lions Club will provide family games and activities. Newtown Parks & Recreation and Newtown Senior Center are co-hosting the event.

According to Friday’s bulletin, in the event of rain, activities may be relocated to the park’s pavilion area.

Additional Semiquincentennial-themed events will continue in Newtown in upcoming months. Visit newtown-ct.gov and then hover over the America 250 button in the blue horizontal bar near the top of the page, then click on America 250 Activities.

One of the largest local collaborative events to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of The Declaration of Independence is planned for Friday evening at Dickinson Park. Newtown Parks & Recreation and Newtown Senior Center are co-hosting Newtown’s Semiquincentennial Celebration, with live music, food, family games and more. —Bee Photo, Hicks

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My "actions" were a single request for audio recordings of public meetings. It would have cost the Borough ZERO dollars to turn those over, as required by law. Instead, the Chair of the Borough Zoning commission decided, unilaterally, without informing the rest of his commission, to fight that Freedom of Information request. Mr. Johnson attempt to deflect blame falls flat on its face here. Facts matter.

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Can you name a single person involved in one of the lawsuits who does not reside in the Borough? I'll wait......

You do realize President Trump was born on June 14, the same date the US Army was founded. The parade was to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. My uncle was a sergeant in the Army and was KIA 3 months before the war in Europe ended fighting the Germans. I'm happy there was an acknowledgement by the President for the brave men and women who are veterans of that branch. Too bad others don't honor them by insisting it was a "birthday parade". What an insult to our veterans! I'm not into cage fighting, but as far as being tacky or disgraceful, I would the UFC fight at the White House pales in comparison to Bill Clinton and an intern named Monica did during working hours.

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Multiple Organizations Collaborating For Newtown's Semiquincentennial Celebration

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