Combining Nature And Newtown History

To the Editor:

On Sunday, October 9, Parks and Recreation and the Visiting Nurse Association of Newtown (VNA) sponsored the event, “Exercise for Body and Mind,” a mile hike at Orchard Hill Nature Center on Huntingtown Road.

Under gray cloudy skies, but no rain at least between 1 and 4 pm, about 40 enthusiastic adults and children participated. Some of the sights that the hikers enjoyed were the boardwalk through the wetland area featuring all kinds of ferns, lichen, and moss; the mysterious “Hobbit-like: hemlock grove; and walking across the roaring north branch of the Pootatuck River admiring the cascading waterfalls and learning about the mill that used to operate there many years ago.

Along the marked path were ten questions. After unscrambling the letters the correct answer was “Newtown’s benefactress Mary Hawley.” Many participants, adult as well as youngsters, came up with the correct answer.

The winners were selected by a draw by First Selectman Herb Rosenthal, who with his wife, Michelle, also enjoyed the walk.

Many thanks to Tom Johnson of Lexington Gardens for donating a gift certificate and the Tercentennial Committee for donating T-shirts and caps to the winners.

Also many thanks to Jeff Dymerski at Dunkin’ Donuts for his donation of hot coffee that kept hikers as well as organizers nice and warm.

Bottled water donated by Coca-Cola and Chartwell was also very much appreciated.

Last but not least Gordon Williams and his “Lions” who helped to clear the paths along with Carl Samuelson and his crew from the Parks and Recreation department. Also to The Newtown Bee for great publicity. Many thanks!

A special thanks to Parks and Recreation director Barbara Kasparian for great support in every way. Also VNA president Rebecca Smith and VNA board member Maureen McLachlan.

Sincerely,

RoseAnn Reggiano, Recreation Supervisor

Margareta Kotch, VNA Treasurer

Co-chairs

3 Main Street, Newtown                                           October 18, 2005