• Dynamic 3-, 4- and Transitional Kindergarten (5-year-old) Preschool Program
• Family, Faith Focused
• Empowering Enrichment Programs/ Active Athletics Program
• Full Time Security Officer and Nurse
• Impressive National Test Scores
• Innovative Technology to Support Challenging Curriculum
• Highly Successful Alumni
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Copyright 2026, The Bee Publishing Company
ELECTED ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
Phone numbers are included for offices in the Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street, Fairfield Hills Positions are unpaid unless noted otherwise All information is current as of February 1, 2026 .
First Selectman
Bruce Walczak (D); 203-270-4201 Term: Two years Powers and duties: Acts as town’s chief executive and administrative officer Presides over meetings of the Board of Selectmen Salaried: $139,036
Board of Selectmen
Paul Lundquist (D), Jeff Capeci (R) . Term: Two years . Powers and duties: Oversees general administration of town affairs Coordinates all town agencies Meets the fir st and third Mondays of the month at Newtown Municipal Center
Legislative Council
District 1: Laura Miller (D, chair); Chris Gardner (D, vice chair), Christopher Eide (D), Steve Stolfi (R) . District 2: Keith Alexander (D), Jordana Bloom (D), Eric Paradis (D), Donna Rahtelli (R) District 3: Arnie Berman (D), Benjamin Ruben Sr (R), Lily Mac Hugh (D), Michelle Embree Ku (D) Term: Two years Powers and duties: May create, repeal, or amend town ordinances and regulations and appropriate town funds up to $1 5 million Holds power s of a finance board and is the town’s formal budget-making authority .
Board of Finance
Steven Goodridge (R, vice chair), James Gaston (D), Amybeth
Laroche (R), John Fletcher (D, chair), Janette Lamoureaux (D), Beth Young (D) Term: Two years Powers and duties: Long-term planning, short-term fiscal review, and financial planning for current town operations .
Town Clerk
Renee Weimann (D); 203-270-4210 Term: Four years Powers and duties: Maintains town records Issues dog and marriage licenses Enrolls voters Records all property transfers Posts town agencies ’ agendas and meeting times and places Hunting and fishing licenses can be obtained online at portal . ct . gov/DEEP, or call 860-424-3000 . Salaried: $92,378 .
Registrars of Voters
Erica Canfield (R), LeReine Frampton (D); 203-270-4250 Tuesday and Thursday, 8 am to 1 pm, Newtown Municipal Center Term: Four years Powers and duties: Maintain current voting lists Conduct annual canvass January through May each year . Hire and train poll workers . Provide accurate accounting of voting tallies and eligible voters . Over see all aspects of election day and equipment set-up Over see supervised absentee balloting Pr epare and print referendum ballots Report to the state election night processing program and turn in paperwork for certification to the town clerk within 48 hours Salaried: $40,048
Judge of Probate
Steven Boa DeMoura (R) . Powers and duties: Handles admission of wills to probate Supervises decedents ’ estates and trusts, conservatorships, changes of name, adoptions, terminations of parental rights, matters involving guardianships, and temporary custody rights Newtown is part of the (continued on page 14)
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TOWN GOVERNMENT
Northern Fairfield County Probate District (Region 45); call the Bethel Municipal Center at 203-794-8508 .
Board of Assessment Appeals
Kadri Graffeo (R), Rob Hawley (R), Edward Randall (D) Term: Four years . Powers and duties: Hears property tax assessment appeals and adjusts the grand list accordingly .
Board of Managers Edmond Town Hall
Marie D . Smith (R), Herb Rosenthal (D), Jennifer Guman (D), Armel Kouassi (R), Betsy Paynter (D), Melanie Mattagat (R) . Term: Six year s . Duties: Manages and supervises maintenance of Edmond Town Hall
Planning and Zoning Commission
David Rosen (D, chair), Roy Meadows (R), Barbara Manville (D), Peter Schwarz (D), Connie Widmann (R) Term: Four years Alternates: Charlie Gardner (R), Don A Mitchell (D), Jill Soderholm (D) Term: Two years Powers and duties: Interprets the town’s plan of development and creates and implements regulations governing land use
Police Commission
Scott Cicciari (R, chair), Julia Conlin (D, vice chair), Phil Cruz (D), Rance Thompson (R); Dan Cruson Jr (D) Term: Four years . Duties: appoint the chief of police and appoint, promote, suspend, and remove officers of the Police Department The commission also serves as the traffic authority of the Town
Justices of the Peace
Jordana Bloom, Mitchell Bolinsky (R), James Bernardi (R), Robin Buchanan (R), LeReine Frampton (D), Cheryl M . John -
son (U), Kevin Kohn (D), Robert Morey (U), Barbara O’Connor (R), Terrence Sagedy (U), Deborah O Stiewing (D), Timothy Stan (D), Donna Budd, David MacNutt Term: Four years Power s and duties: Perform marriages and witness legal documents .
Zoning Board of Appeals
Alan Clavette (D; chair), Rachel Rowan (R), Tiffany Hawley (R), Prerna Rao (D), Dennis Bloom (R) Term: Four years Alternates: Stephen Riccitelli (R), Peter Wlasuk (R), Betsy Paynter (D) Term: Two years . Powers and duties: Reviews appeals for variances to zoning regulations . Hear s appeals on actions of the zoning enforcement officer
APPOINTED ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
Positions are unpaid
Bike & Trail Committee
Charles Zukowski (chair), Geordie Elkins, Brad Accettella (co-chair), Logan Adler, Barney Malloy, Frank Pitrone, Greg Carnrick, Jack Weber, Lisa Shirk . Duties: Supports development, maintenance, and enjoyment of interconnected sidewalks, trails, and roadways for recreation and nonmotorized transportation uses Promotes safe ways for residents to travel, connect, and enjoy the town and the surrounding area on foot, bicycle, or horseback
Board of Ethics
Reginald Heard (U, chair), Vincent Pietrorazio (R, vice chair), Joseph Kearney (R), Mae Grant (U), Richard Colonel (R), Brian Roche (D) Alternates: Christophe Dumoulin (U), one
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NEWTOWN HARDWARE
Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm; Saturday 8 am to 4 pm
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TOWN GOVERNMENT
vacancy . Term: Four years . Duties: Administers the Code of Ethics . Hears and rules on any allegations of code violations . Reports to and is appointed by the Board of Selectmen .
Commission On Aging
Pat Bailey (U, chair), Brianna Garrison (D, vice chair), LeReine Frampton (D), William Darrin (D), Claire Theune (U), Xiao Han (U), Michael Stern (D), Stephen Riccitelli (R), Jack Kitterman (D) . Alternates: Mary Elizabeth Young (D), Nathalie Hoeff el (IT), one vacancy . Term: Three years . Duties: Reviews the needs of the elderly . Oversees programs for seniors .
Community Center Commission
Matthew Ariniello (director), Kinga Walsh (U, chair), Fred Taylor (R), Cheyanne Wirtz (U), Stephanie Sklanka (U), Maureen Crick Owen (D), Lucie Connell (D), Jennifer Larkin (R) . Duties: Oversees operations at Newtown Community Center and maintains its mission as a multigenerational hub that enhances the community by promoting social interaction, health and wellness, creative opportunities, and personal growth .
Conservation Commission
Holly Kocet (D, chair), Mark Boland, Sr (R), Mark Lurie (D), John Dixon (D), William Drew (D), John Robinson (R), Lisa Shirk (U) . Term: Four years . Duties: Protects streams and water supplies . Conserves wetlands areas . Implements the 2014 Town Plan of Conservation and Development .
Cultural Arts Commission
Laura Lerman (D, chair), Robert Kaiser (D), Andrea Spencer (D) Roger Connor Jr (U), Robin Lynch (D), Josh Adams
(D), Sharman Wheatley (U), Laurie Veillette (U), one vacancy . Duties: Initiates, facilitates, coordinates, and cooperates with existing organizations for the development of the arts . Serves as an information center and focal point in the community for activities in the arts . Conducts annual Newtown Arts Festival .
Cyrenius H. Booth Library Board of Trustees
Appointed: Elaine Corbo (R, president), Amy Dent (D), Donald Studley (R), John A . Carter (R, vice president), Betsy Litt (D), David Schill (R), Christine McAndrew (D), Alex Villamil (D) . Board members: Cara Reilly, Rose Marie Zaharek, Alexa Skalandunas, Donald Schels, Katie Smith, Susan Kealy, Jeff Schult, Olivia Wood . Eighteen-member board, eight appointed by fi rst selectman . Duties: Provides oversight and direction for the library . Ensures the library continues to be an important academic, cultural, and social force in the Newtown community .
Design Advisory Board
Agni Pavidou-Kyprianou (U, chair), George Daniels III (R); Joseph A . Novella Jr (U) . Alternates: Joseph Whalen (U), Jonathan Kost (U) . Members are appointed by fi rst selectman and approved by the Board of Selectmen . Members have expertise and knowledge in one or more of the fi elds of architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, and urban planning . Term: Two members for two years, third member for one year (open) . Duties: Reviews proposed commercial developments . Advises Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) . Helps property owners, design professionals, and others understand the specifi c elements of site design and (continued on page 19)
TOWN GOVERNMENT
(continued from page 17)
building appearances permitted within the town’s various design districts designated by P&Z Recommends design guidelines for each design district
Economic Development Commission
Bryan Atherton (R), Francis Pennarola (D), Michael Kondracki (U), Jennifer Fleet (U), Richard Jojo (R), Jill Soderholm (D), Kody Younger (U), two vacancies . Term: Three years . Duties: Prepares strategic plans to guide and promote economic development
Fair Rent Commission
Mary Fields (D, chair), Brian Lauro (R), Stephen Sedensky (D), Andrew Bryant (R), Kyle Curtis (U) Term: Two years
Duties: To hear and decide on disputes between renters and landlords over rent
Fairfield Hills Authority
Ross Carley (D, chair), Anthony Filiato (R), Michael Holmes (D), Juston Molito (U), Brook Clark (U), James Landy (R), Peter Schwarz (D), one vacancy . Term: Three years . Duties: Implements the master plan for development of Fairfield Hills Campus
Hatter town Historic District Commission
Sally Jones (D), Don Lococo (D), Joel Malin (U) Nicole Powers (D), Jane Shaw (D) Alternates: Christine Degen (R), Debbie Malin (D), one vacancy Term: Five years Duties: Promotes and preserves buildings and places of interest in Hattertown Historic District .
Inland Wetlands Commission
Sharon W . Salling (U, chair), Craig Ferris (U), Suzanne Guidera (R), Michael McCabe (U), Kendall Horch (R), Scott Jackson (U), Mark D’Amico (U) Term: Four years Duties: Addresses the protection of local wetlands and watercourses Reviews forest practices applications Serves as the town’s aquifer protections review agency Administers the state’s aquifer protection regulations
Lake Lillinonah Authority
Newtown members: Scott Schifilliti (R), Richard Johnson (U), Chris Symes (U) . Term: Three years . The authority comprises residents from Newtown and other towns with Lake Lillinonah in their territorial limits Duties: Improves water quality in Lake Lillinonah and the Housatonic River system Promotes safe boating through education and enforcement of the boating laws Develops onshore recreational facilities Provides water quality testing Operates Marine Patrol Enforcement Unit . Assists boaters . Enforces boating laws .
Lake Zoar Authority
Newtown members: Bruce Lafky (U), Jerome Kozera (U), Dan O’Donnell (R) Term: Three years The authority comprises residents from Newtown and other towns with Lake Zoar in their territorial limits Duties: Controls and abates algae and aquatic weeds in cooperation with the State Water Resources Commission Studies water management and makes recommendations to members’ towns Files applications for grants and reimbursements .
Parks and Recreation Commission
Clinton DePaolo (D, chair), David Payne (R), Vincent Yanni, Jr (R), Warren Spencer (D), Aaron Britton (U), Adam Angerami (U), Anthony Filiato (R) Term: Two years Duties: Manages and supervises all public parks and other areas set aside by the town for recreation uses Oversees the town’s recreational program
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Pension Committee
TOWN GOVERNMENT
Ellen Whalen, (R, chair), John DiNoto (D), Charles Farfaglia (D), Ben Viola (D), Vincent Saggese (R), one vacancy, Paula Wickman (police union rep) . Term: Two years . Duties: Administers the town’s pension plan .
Public Building and Site Commission
Art Norton (U, chair), Harold Brennan (R), Gordon Johnson (U), Anthony M D’Angelo (R), Sally Feuerberg (R), Kristian Otten (U), Allen Adriani (U) Alternates: Thomas Mezzanotte (R), Patrick McCleary (D) Term: Four years Duties: Serves as advisory panel to the Board of Selectmen or the Board of Education at their request on public building projects and land acquisition planning .
Sustainable Energy Commission
Damian Bednarz (D, chair), Kathleen Quinn (D, vice chair), Michael Oristaglio (D), Nicholas Lombardo (U), Brian Mauriello (U), Richard Eigen (D), Michael Ablondi (U), Brian Dougherty (U), one vacancy Duties: Investigates and facilitates the development of green energy consumption and environmental efforts in the municipality and coordinates and cooperates with existing organizations for the development of its goals Serves as an information source for green initiati ves .
Water and Sewer Authority
Mark Benedict (D, chair), Louis Carbone (R), Alan Shepard (R), Carl J Zencey (D), Kathleen Torreso (U), Ben Viola (D), Brian Messner (U) Term: Four years Duties: Over sees construction of local sewer facilities and administers those facilities once they are built Sets sewer user fees
APPOINTED ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
Positions are unpaid unless noted otherwise .
Animal Control Officer
Emily Whitaker, 203-426-6900 Duties: Enforces animal control provisions of state statutes regarding domestic animals and wildlife, and town regulations Salaried: $68,069
Assessor
Kathy Brown, 203-270-4240 Duties: Determines real estate and personal property values and is custodian of the tax rate book and grand list Salaried: $102,984
Assistant Director Parks
Carl Samuelson, 203-270-4340 . Duties: Directs physical maintenance and repairs for three public parks and properties in town Salaried: $100,000
Assistant Director Recreation
Connor Negri, 203-270-4340 . Duties: Coordinates camps, activities, special events, and recreation programming . Salaried: $72,085
Chief Building Official
John Poeltl, 203-270-4260 Duties: Enforces building code, approves building permits, and inspects new construction . Also serves as town’s ADA coordinator . Salaried: $110,295 .
Community Center Aquatics Director
Nancy Wolf, 203-270-4341 Duties: Maintains safe, high-quality services at one year-round pool facility and three seasonal facilities . Supervises lifeguards, instructor s, and all other aquatic staff . Salaried: $65,354 .
Community Center Director
Matthew Ariniello, 203-270-4341 Duties: Over sees leadership and management of Newtown Community Center Salaried: $112,213 .
Community Center Program Coordinator
Maria Neufeld, 203-270-4341 Duties: Implements, develops, and oversees operations of all Community Center programs Salaried: $59,734
Deputy Director of Land Use
Steve Maguire, 203-270-4276, 4277 Duties: Operation of land use, staff for Inland Wetlands and Conservation Commissions, open space acquisition and review, site plan review, zoning and wetland enforcement, borough conservation official, special projects . Salaried: $95,407.
Director of Economic & Community Development
John Voket, 203-270-4282 Duties: Promotes economic and community development, acts as aide to Economic Development Commission and Fairfield Hills Authority, seeks and administers planning grants . Salaried: $90,107.
Director of Planning and Land Use
Rob Sibley, 203-270-4276, 203-270-4277 Duties: Town planning Staff for Planning & Zoning, Fairfield Hills Authority, and Economic Development Commission Reviews commercial and municipal developments . Conducts preapplication reviews and meetings . Assesses business use and location Manages special projects Borough planning Salaried: $117,422
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AN EXCEPTIONAL LIFE AWAITS
TOWN GOVERNMENT
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Economic & Community Development & Fairfield Hills Coordinator
Kimberly Chiappetta, 203-270-4271 Duties: Provides technical assistance for economic development activities . Salaried: $61,483 .
Emergency Communications Director
Maureen Will, 203-270-4200 Duties: oversees Newtown Emergency Communications Center, which handles emergency and nonemergency calls and dispatches for police, fire, and EMS The center is staffed 24-7-365 Salaried: $90,983
Emergency Management Director
Donna Culbert . Duties: Works to minimize the effects of disasters through mitigation, planning, training, and response Coordinates between all town departments, state and federal agencies, and first responders during times of emergency Salaried: $8,225
Emergency Management Deputy Director
Maureen Will, Rob Sibley, William Halstead Jr, $3,500/year
Finance Director
Glenys Salas, 203-270-4221 . Duties: Determines when to issue notes or bonds Controls disbur sements of town funds Salaried: $180,213
Fire Marshal
Richard Frampton, 203-270-4370 Duties: Leads department of full- and part-time deputy fire marshals responsible for local enforcement of all fire safety codes and for investigating the causes of fires . Issues permits for blasting, the removal of underground fuel storage tanks, and open burning Inspects service stations Annually inspects all buildings other than one-family and two-family dwellings Reappointed annually by the Board of Fire Commissioners Salaried: $95,085
Highway Department General Supervisor
Anthony Capozziello, 203-270-4300 . Duties: Supervises the work of the highway department employees . Salaried: $92,411 plus overtime
Human Resource Director
Patrice Fahey, 203-426-4246 Duties: Administers all personnel activities of Town employees, including recruitment, benefits administration, labor relations, worker’s compensation, and pension administration . Salaried: $97,076 .
Human Ser vices Director
Natalie Griffith, 203-270-4310 Duties: Plans, organizes, and supervises the Human Services department Evaluates the needs of the senior population, seeks appropriate resources to provide solutions to residents’ needs Plans, develops, and implements social service programs through case management, crisis intervention, and counseling services . Salaried: $88,305
Library Director
Jennifer Nash, 203-426-4533 Duties: Supervises the affair s of Cyrenius H Booth Library Salaried: $120,000
Parks and Recreation Director
Amy Mangold, 203-270-4340 Duties: Coordinates and supervises recreational acti vities as directed by the Parks and Recreation Commission . Salaried: $106,757.
Police Chief
David Kullgren, 203-270-4256 Duties: Heads police department and supervises all police personnel Salaried: $159,204
Public Safety Committee (DOC/Garner)
First Selectman Bruce Walczak, Warden Jeanette Maldonado, Police Chief David Kullgren, Fire Commissioner Patrick Reilly, Robert Gerbert (school system rep), Mary Salley (Nunnawauk Meadows rep), Ben Ruben (Legislative Council rep), town residents Jennifer Chaudhary, Bruce Clark, States Attorney (Danbury) David Applegate
Public Works Director
Frederick Hurley, 203-270-4300 . Duties: Supervises the highway department, public buildings, and the waste transfer station . Salaried: $135,081 .
Purchasing Agent
Kerri Mubarek, 203-270-6131 Duties: Performs administrative duties relative to the procurement and disposition of supplies and services for all town departments and the Board of Education . Salaried: $108,922 .
Tax Collector
Erin Rosario, 203-270-4320 Duties: Prepares tax bills and collects local taxes on personal property and real estate Salaried: $100,192
Technology & GIS Director
Al Miles, 203-270-4270 The Town of Newtown has partnered with New England Geosystems to provide an online property information system, which includes interactive maps, assessor field cards, and downloadable maps and data Salaried: $146,934
Town Attorney
Cohen & Wolf, PC, Jason Buchsbaum Duties: Gi ves legal advice and draws up legal documents for the town . Represents the legal interests of the town .
Town Auditor
Mahoney Sabol, CPAs and Advisors
Town Engineer
John Curtis, 203-270-4300 Duties: Performs engineering services for the town . Salaried: $125,260 .
Town Historian
Ben Cruson, 203-426-6021 Duties: Researches and records Newtown history Office open limited hour s in Newtown Municipal Center
Tree Warden
Anthony Capozziello, 203-270-4300 . Duties: Maintains and cuts trees on town property and road rights of way at the direction of the first selectman Receives a fee as an outside vendor
Zoning Enforcement Officer s
Sebastian Velez, Sarah Wright, 203-270-4350 Duties: Performs administrative, interpretive, and investigative activities to enforce zoning regulations . Salary: $69,712 .
Western Connecticut Council of Governments
The council consists of the chief elected officials of 18 area towns, including Newtown Serving as the regional planning agency for area towns, the council prepares reports on demographics, commuting patterns, traffic flow, development, the census, and water resources . Citizens are encouraged to contact the council for such information The council assists towns in planning, fosters intertown coordination on various issues, and informs towns of proposed subdivisions or zone changes located just outside their town boundaries For more information, visit westcog org
BOROUGH OF NEWTOWN BOROUGH OF NEWTOWN
Warden
Joseph M Maher III, warden@boroughofnewtownct gov Duties: Chief elected officer of the borough and chairman of the Borough Board of Burgesses Presides at all meetings of the electors of the borough Elected Salaried: $2,500
Board of Burgesses
Senior Burgess Chris Gardner, and Burgesses Sara J Phillips, Maureen Crick Owen, John Madzula II, James O Gaston, and Peter Schwarz . Duties: Administrative body of the borough charged with the preparation of the budget and other administrative duties . Elected . Unsalaried .
Borough Clerk
Ann Scaia, 203-426-4282, clerk@boroughofnewtownct gov Duties: Custodian of all borough records and keeper of the borough checkbook Elected Salaried: $7,718
Treasurer
Ann Scaia, 203-426-4282, treasurer@boroughofnewtownct .gov . Duties: Pays out money from the borough treasury upon the written order of the clerk . Elected . Salaried: $6,011 .
Tax Assessor
Jodie Enriquez, CCMC, 203-426-1052 Duties: Determines real estate and per sonal property values in the borough . Elected . Salaried: $4,410
Newtown
Tax Collector
Jodie Enriquez, CCMC, taxcollector@boroughofnewtownct gov Duties: Collects rate bills prepared by the warden and the Board of Burgesses Elected Salaried: $9,371
Chief Building Official
John Poeltl, 203-270-4260 . Duties: Works with town building inspector in operating borough building department Salaried: $4,000 .
Engineer
John Curtis, 203-270-4300 Duties: Performs engineering services Appointed Salaried: $1,800
Zoning Coordinator
Joe Chapman, 203-270-4350, zeo@boroughofnewtownct .gov . Powers and duties: Enforces compliance with the borough zoning regulations . Appointed . Salaried: $13,500 .
Building Clerk
Joe Chapman, 203-270-4276 Duties: Responsible for administering and issuing building permits Appointed Salaried: $4,500
Conservation Official
Steve Maguire, 203-270-4350 . Powers and duties: Enforces Conservation Commission and Inland Wetlands regulations Salaried: $1,000 .
Borough Historian (Currently unfilled) Duties: Maintains records of the history of the borough Appointed Unsalaried
Tree Warden
Robert W . McCulloch, 203-617-7432 . Duties: Maintains and cuts trees on borough property at the direction of the warden and the burgesses . Appointed . Salaried: $2,500 .
Zoning Counsel
Monte Frank, 203-330-2262 Duties: Gives legal advice and draws up legal documents for the borough Appointed
Auditor
Glenn Nanavaty Appointed
Zoning Board of Appeals
John Madzula (chair), Jane Maher, John Fletcher, Peter Schwarz Powers and duties: Hears and acts on appeals of borough tax assessments Elected Unsalaried
Zoning Commission
Douglas Nelson (chair), David Francis, Douglas McDonald, Richard Davis, Michael Mandarano Powers and duties: Formulates, amends, and implements borough zoning regulations Elected Unsalaried
Borough of Newtown Historic District Commission
Stephanie Gaston (chair), Betsy Kenyon (vice-chair), Mark Poirier, Sarah Phillips, Karen Boyle Secretary Shannon Will Alternates Greg Smith and Bruce Walczak Consultant James O Gaston The district was formed in 1996 to preserve the borough’s antique rural atmosphere through the preservation and protection of buildings and places of interest It includes many properties (residential, commercial, and town-owned) on Main Street, West Street, Church Hill Road, and Currituck Road, as well as the flagpole and the Soldiers & Sailors Monument Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month and public hearings are held on an as-needed basis For more information or to request an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness, call 203-426-2500 .
Youth & Family Services Staff Therapist Mckenna Rilley responds as ice water is poured over her head on May 9, 2025. NYFS staff members took on the 2025 Ice Bucket Challenge — and extending it to fellow town leaders and community members — to draw awareness to May as Mental Health Awareness Month. —Bee file photos
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Police, Fire, and Ambulance Emergencies: 911
Newtown Police, routine calls:
203-426-5841 or 203-270-4255
Ambulance, routine calls: 203-270-4380
State Police Troop A Barracks in Southbury: 203-267-2200
Danbury Hospital: 203-739-7000
New Milford Hospital: 860-210-5000
Newtown Emergency Communications Center (NECC)
Located at 191 Main Street, NECC is staffed by Public Safety Telecommunicators (PSTs) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days every year The center dispatches police, fire, and ambulance calls, and receives and sends all Emergency-911 calls or text messages The center also provides the town’s CodeRed and Smart 911 services
Director of Emergency Communications
Maureen A Will, 203-270-4296; e-mail maureen will@newtown-ct gov
Public Safety Telecommunicators
John Adams
Ryan Doyle
Rob Haas
Claudia Ibarra
Kevin Marchand
Sherita McPherson
Lynda Pascone
TraDeze Mabry-Spence
Judith Konoval
John Fellin (per diem)
Mike Easter (per diem)
Police Commission/Traffic Authority
Chairman Scott Cicciari (R), Vice Chairman Julia Conlin (D), Phillip Cruz (D), Rance Thompson (R), and Dan Cruson Jr (D)
The Board of Police Commissioner s maintains the Police Department in the Town, including appointing a chief of police
The chief reports directly to the Board and is responsible for all records and the day-to-day operations of the Police Department The Board also serves as the traffic authority of the Town and may act as a Civilian Police Review Board, with the authority to issue subpoenas if so enacted by ordinance . The commissioners meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the Community Room at Newtown Police Department, 191 South Main Street
Newtown Police Department
191 South Main Street; 203-426-5841 or 203-270-4255
Chief, 203-270-4256
Deputy Chief, 203-270-4245
Anonymous Tip Line, 203-270-8888
Patrol Operations, 203-270-4236
Detective Division, 203-270-4229
School Resource Officers, 203-270-4239, 203-270-4238
Daniel McAnaspie, detective (continued on page 26)
EMERGENCY SERVICES
(continued from page 25)
Chelsea Harold, detective
Fernando Pereira, detective
Community Services Unit
Stephanie McDermott, school resource officer
Hugo Rojas, school resource officer
Leonard Penna, traffic officer
Professional Standards
Scott Smith, lieutenant (Division Commander)
John McDermott, administrative sergeant
Jason Flynn, administrative officer
Patrol Division Supervisors
Matt Wood, Lieutenant (Division Commander)
Scott Ruszczyk, patrol sergeant
Bart Lorancaitis, patrol sergeant
William Chapman, sergeant
Adam James, patrol sergeant
Matt Pirhala, patrol sergeant
Tim Schoen, patrol sergeant
Patrol Officers
William Hull
MaryHelen McCarthy
Michael McGowan
Larissa Nosal
Steven Borges
Adam Greco
Richard Monckton
Matt Hayes
Charles Guernsey
Paula Wickman
Benjamin Mulhall
William Crone
Michael Caramadre
Julio Tardim
Peter Wlasuk
Frank Piazza
Barry Hyvarinen
Anthony DiGiovanni
Nina Ongaro
John Facto
Kevin Poruban
Kurt Kling
Derek Morelli
Samantha Lassen
Jason Dennison
Manuel Dominguez
Animal Control
21 Old Farm Road, 203-426-6900; open Monday through Saturday, 9 am-3 pm; contact Newtown Emergency Communications Center (203-426-5841) in the event of an emergency during off-hours
Emily Whittaker, full-time municipal animal control officer
Suada Likovic, assistant animal control officer
Shane Powers, part-time animal control officer
Sophia Lefante, part-time animal control officer
Joseph Brodacki, part-time animal control officer
Madeline Kulikowski, part-time kennel keeper
Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Association (NVAA)
Board of Trustees: President Malcolm McLachlan; Vice President Joe Kearney; Treasurer Dan Rosenthal; and Secretary E . Patricia Llodra . Mailing address is PO Box 344, Newtown CT 06470 The Association handles financial and business matters for the ambulance service The Board meets on the second Tuesday of the month and conducts an annual fund drive
Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps (NVAC)
Executive Board: Chief Jennifer Newsom; Assistant Chief Doug Fuchs; Secretary/Treasurer Guy Serra; Members-at-Large Pat Salvo and Gabby Porto
NVAC is a group of volunteer emergency medical technicians who provide 911 ambulance services for the local area The organization has served Newtown for more than 80 years . The Corps works with a paramedic as well . If interested in joining the ambulance corps, call 203-270-4380 for more information about training The ambulance garage is located at 6 Washington Square on the Fairfield Hills campus To learn more about the Corps, visit newtown-ambulance org
Newtown Emergency Management
Director Donna Culbert, Deputy Director Maureen Will, Deputy Director William Halstead Jr
The Newtown Emergency Management Team remains committed to protecting the health, safety, and property of Newtown residents through comprehensive planning, training, mit-
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A 25-foot tall flagpole was installed within Nunnawauk Meadows and then dedicated in September to the memory of Art Monsanto, who cared for the grounds of the community for years. —Bee file photo
EMERGENCY SERVICES
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igation, and coordinated emergency response The mission of Newtown Emergency Management is to minimize the effects of disaster s by directing and coordinating available local, regional, and state resources during emergencies and critical incidents .
The team works collaboratively across town departments and with state partners to ensure preparedness, response, recovery, and public education efforts are in place before emergencies occur Together, the team manages local emergency situations, including natural disasters and other crises, and oversees the town’s Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) During emergencies, the Emergency Management Team activates and operates the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), coordinates response activities, and, when necessary, supervises emergency shelter operations
The team also maintains the town’s Emergency Operations Plan and Hazard Mitigation Plan and works closely with the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), Region 5
To k eep residents informed during emergencies, the Town of Newtown utilizes the CodeRED emergency notification system to issue automated alerts when warranted Additional public communication methods include town news and announcements, local media outlets such as The Newtown Bee, and official social media channels Residents are encouraged to stay informed, sign up for emergency notifications, and take an active role in personal and family preparedness . The telephone number for the Emergency Operations Center is 203-270-4222 (note: this number is not monitored 24/7 but it does have voicemail)
Newtown Underwater Search And Rescue (NUSAR)
NUSAR was founded in 1989, and is solely focused on water safety education, and search and recovery operations both above and below the water’s surface NUSAR is staffed 100% by professionally trained volunteer divers and shore support personnel . Along with dive and surface search and rescue capabilities, NUSAR’s two rescue boats are equipped with side scan sonar capable of locating “targets” underwater Further investigation of these “targets” can be done utilizing NUSAR’s closed-circuit underwater video camera systems and divers For recovery of large objects, such as vehicles, boats, and heavy items, NUSAR utilizes underwater flotation bags . NUSAR offers a life jacket loaner program for persons needing to borrow life jackets, and offers public water safety education to community organizations, private groups, and anyone interested in learning how to be SAFER in, near, and on the water NUSAR is a 501(c)(3) organization The current officers are President Richard Wilford, Vice President Dawn Singer, Treasurer Dan Granucci, Member at Large Matt Rownin, Chief Mike McCarthy, Assistant Chief Dr Mike Cassetta, Captain Connor Rieve, and Lieutenant Zach Marchetti . For more information about, or to apply to become a member, contact NUSAR at info@nusar org or visit nusar org
Board Of Fire Commissioners
Chairman Patrick Reilly (civilian), Vice Chair Tim Whelan (Sandy Hook), Jay Nezvesky (Botsford), Ronald Bolmer (Dodgingtown), Chris Zilinek (Hawleyville), Chris Ward (Hook & Ladder), Tim Whelan (Sandy Hook), and Thomas Fitzgerald (civilian)
The Town of Newtown is served by an all-volunteer fire service Due to its size — 60 .38 square miles — the town is di vided into five (5) geographical sections, each served by its own fire company housed in independently owned fire stations . There are five (5) main stations and one (1) substation The companies are Botsford Fire Rescue, Dodgingtown Volunteer Fire Company, Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Company, Newtown Hook &
Ladder Company, and Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company . Currently there are 34 pieces of fire/rescue apparatus Nineteen (19) of these are owned by the Town and the remaining have been purchased by the companies with monies raised by fundraising activities and private donations The duties of the fire companies are not limited to only fighting fires They also respond to medical calls, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous conditions calls (i .e ., wires down, hazardous materials, etc), search and rescue operations, automatic alarms, and public service events .
The fire companies are over seen by the Board of Fire Commissioners, which is comprised of seven members Fi ve members represent the five fire companies and there are two civilian members Each fire company appoints its commissioner; the two civilians are overseen by the board The BOFC appoints the town’s fire marshals, oversees the purchase and maintenance of all town-owned firefighting apparatus and all capital equipment, and oversees the general operating procedures of the combined fire companies . The board meets on the fourth Monday of the month on a rotating basis at the various firehouses
Fire Marshals
Rich Frampton is the fire marshal Steve Murphy is the full-time deputy fire marshal/purchasing agent The part-time deputy fire marshals are Steven Alesevich, Michael Aurelia, and Jamilynn Zapata . Nancy Schreiner is the fire marshals’ administrative assistant .
The fire marshals are responsible for local enforcement of all fire safety codes and for investigating the causes of fires The fire marshals issue permits for blasting, the removal of underground fuel storage tanks, and open burning They also inspect gasoline filling stations The fire marshals annually inspect all buildings other than one-family and two-family dwellings The Office of the Fire Marshal is within Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street; 203-270-4370 .
VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES
Botsford Fire Rescue Company Inc 315 South Main Street botsfordfirerescue.com
Administrative Officers
President: Jay Nezvesky
Vice President: Aaron Nezvesky
Financial Secretary: Maritza Nezvesky
Secretary: Jim Swenson
Treasurer: Zaneta Dziubna
Fire Commissioner: Jay Nezvesky
Firefighting Officers
Chief: Kyle Placko
First Assistant Chief: Andrew White
Second Assistant Chief: Wayne Geitz
Captain: Mike Dziubna
First Lieutenant: John Fellin
Chief Engineer: Jim Swenson
The fire company meets the first Monday of each month at the firehouse at 7 pm It also conducts work details and drills on a regular schedule The fire company’s routine telephone number is 203-270-4388 . To leave a message, call 203-270-4397. For more information, visit the fire company’s website .
Dodgingtown Volunteer Fire Company 55 Dodgingtown Road dodgingtownfire.com Find Us On Facebook
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Administrative Officers
President: Chris Carbone
Commissioner: Ronald Bolmer
Firefighting Officers
Chief: Steve Murphy
Assistant Chief: Ryan Bolmer
Captain: Steven Osmolik
Except for holidays, fire company meetings are held the first Monday of each month at the firehouse . Training sessions are on the second Monday, officers’ meetings are held on the third Monday, and work sessions are held the fourth Monday, with all meetings starting at 7 pm Annual events include a fund drive The fire company has four classes of members: firefighter, administrative member, cadet member, and support member . If interested in becoming a member, call 203-270-4386 .
Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Company 34 Hawleyville Road 203-270-4389 hawleyvillefire.com
Administrative Officers
President: M .C . Beer s
Vice President: Dave Jossick
Secretary: Hans Vandermealem
Treasurer: William O’Keefe
Commissioner: Chris Zilinek
Firefighting Officers
Chief: Dave Janofsky
Assistant Chief: Paul Basso
Captain: Zach Stetson
Lieutenant: Miles Ball
Chief Engineer: Don Digioia
First Engineers: Anthony Fraoli, Charlie Coakley, Sanjay Singh, Guzman Acuna
Second Engineers: Dan Cragin, Laura Boff
The volunteer fire company is interested in having people join the organization Also, the fire company has a hall at the fire station that may be rented for events Call 203-270-4389 or visit our website for membership information or for hall rental information
Newtown Hook & Ladder Company, No. 1 12 Church Hill Road
11 Route 37 (New Fairfield Commons) ; (203)746-3280
TOM SAINT PAINTING
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company is made up of dedicated men and women from all walks of life Hook & Ladder responds to a variety of calls, including structure fires, brush fires, smoke investigations, motor vehicle accidents, and vehicle extrications . Anyone interested in becoming a member should complete the Membership Inquiry form on Newtown Hook and Ladder’s website (nhlfd com/ member ship) or telephone 203-270-4383 and leave a message with their name and address The fire company will provide the training and equipment needed to allow its members to help their community, family, and friends
Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company Main Firehouse, 18-20 Riverside Road Fire Substation, 249 Berkshire Road sandyhookfire.com
Administrative Officers
President: Brad Richardson
Vice President: Matt Dobson
Secretary: Shannon Will
Treasurer: Karin Halstead
Assistant Treasurer: John Jeltema
Commissioner: Tim Whelan
Firefighting Officers
Chief: Anthony Capozziello
Deputy Chief: Ryan Clark
First Assistant Chief: Andrew Ryan
Second Assistant Chief: Rob Sibley
Captain: Stephen Clark
Lieutenant: Archie Paloian
First Engineer: Tim Whelan
Second Engineer: Bruce Clark
EMS Captain: Karin Halstead
Fire company meetings are held the first Monday of the month at 7 pm . Monthly drills are the second Sunday morning and the fourth Monday evening of the month Work sessions are each Monday evening The annual election is in June Annual events include a LobsterFest in June, a golf tournament in September, and sales of Christmas trees and wreaths in December An annual fundraising campaign also begins in April
Sandy Hook Ladies Auxiliary
President: Sharon Doherty
Vice President: Kristina Knapp
Treasurer: Christine O’Grady
Secretary: Barbara Engelke
Membership Officer/Historian: Kristina Knapp
Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Ladies Auxiliary is a dedicated group of women committed to supporting Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company . Through fundraising, event planning, and community outreach, the auxiliary plays a vital role in helping the fire company serve the community more effectively
The auxiliary sponsors k ey fundraisers, including Easter and Mother’s Day flower sales and a paper shredding event, to support both the fire company and local organizations Their efforts have benefited causes such as FAITH Food Pantry, Women Involved in Newtown, The Newtown Fund, Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital, Hearts of Hope, and Connecticut State Fire Academy . New members are always welcome Anyone 18 or older can join, and membership is open to those outside Sandy Hook as well . Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at the fire company’s main station
If you’re interested in joining or learning more, feel free to reach out via e-mail at sandyhookladiesauxiliary@gmail com
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
Meetings, programs, and services may have changed due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is advisable to always contact any club or organization in advance to confirm meetings and how services are provided. Information has been updated as of January 2026 for The Newtown Bee Guide to Newtown.
American Cancer Society
American Cancer Society is the leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision of ending cancer as we know it, for everyone It improves the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer Access to cancer information specialists, resources, and services is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year at 800-227-2345 or by visiting cancer .org . In Newtown, American Cancer Society and its Relay For Life of Greater Danbury are supported by a group of dedicated residents and volunteers, Hope on Main Street To learn more about Hope on Main Street’s local fundraisers for American Cancer Society or to join the groups at Relay For Life, visit hopeonmainstreet com or contact local ACS Senior Community Manager Leigh-Ann Todd at leighann .todd@cancer .org .
American Legion, The George A. Powell, Sr, Post 202 American Legion members are veterans “getting involved” in people helping people, veterans working together for their country, community, youth programs, and veteran affairs Our Legion Family serves Newtown, Brookfield, and Monroe residents, but welcomes anyone from any town . Legion members can be veterans or military currently serving . Veterans do not need to have served overseas, and do not have to have served in a combat zone We welcome all who honorably wore our country’s uniform Veteran family members are also invited to
join the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion To become a member of the Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion, your veteran loved one can be living or deceased “The Sons” welcomes sons, grandsons, or great grandsons of veterans “The Auxiliary” welcomes daughters, granddaughters, sisters, mothers, and grandmothers of veterans, as well as spouses of veterans . Our post meets the fir st Wednesday of every month, except for July, at Newtown Community Center, 7 pm, 8 Simpson St, Newtown, in the Fairfield Hills Complex Mailing address: PO Box 44, Stevenson, CT 06491 Follow us on Facebook at American Legion Post 202 Newtown, CT For more information, contact American Legion Post 202 Family at americanlegionnewtown@gmail com or (203) 577-9568
American Red Cross, Connecticut Region
This nonprofit organization relies on volunteers . It conducts blood dri ves in the area, including in Newtown, at local businesses, churches, and Newtown High School Other services include disaster relief, health, first aid, CPR, water safety, life guarding and babysitter training, service to military families, and providing aid internationally To make appointments to donate blood, to volunteer, or for information, call Connecticut Red Cross at 877-287-3327 or visit redcross .org/ct .
Ann’s Place
Since 1991, Ann’s Place has provided comfort and support to people living with cancer and to their loved ones Clinical social work ers, facilitators, and wellness experts provide a wide range of in-person and virtual services that include support groups, clinical counseling for individuals and families, art classes, yoga, reiki, meditation, tai chi, acupuncture, nutritional workshops, labyrinth walk, horticultural therapy, play therapy and other children’s programs, speakers’ series, a resource library, and more Ann’s Place relies on the generosity of donors to be able to continue providing these services free of charge to about 1,000 people annually For more information or to set up a tour, contact Ann’s Place at 203-790-6568, ext 109, clientservices@annsplace .org, visit annsplace .org, or connect on facebook com/annsplaceinc or @AnnsPlaceInc on X and Instagram Ann’s Place is at 80 Saw Mill Road in Danbury Los servicios están disponibles en inglés y en español
Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary
Set across 34 acres of pristine farmland, peaceful woodlands, and rolling meadows, Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary offers visitors a place to reconnect with nature, one another, and with a sense of calm Guests are invited to explore scenic hiking and equestrian trails, wander through a 90,000-squarefoot pollinator habitat, or enjoy a quiet picnic at the pavilion Located at 8 Commerce Road in Newtown, the sanctuary is open to the public daily from dawn until dusk . Established in 2013, the sanctuary honors the life and legacy of Catherine Violet Hubbard, a six-year-old victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy Inspired by Catherine’s love for animals and the natural world, the sanctuary brings its mission of keeping animals safe in homes and native habitats to life through hands-on educational programs, free to low-cost workshops, conservation initiatives, and compassionate community outreach . This includes the Senior Paw Project, which supports senior pet owners across Connecticut and Massachusetts with pet food assistance and veterinary wellness care In addition to its natural beauty, the sanctuary is home to Catherine’s Learning Barn, an enchanting post and beam barn available for programs, private events, celebrations, meetings, and corporate gatherings — offering a meaningful setting surrounded by nature and purpose . From the sanctuary’s Little Lending Library and engaging educational programs for families and children to wellness and mindfulness experiences that invite rest and renewal, Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary is a welcoming destination for visitors of all ages Please note that the sanctuary is not accepting animals at this time and does not
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
have domestic or farm animals on-site Please leash all dogs when visiting the sanctuary Mailing address is PO Box 3571, Newtown, CT 06470 Learn more at cvhfoundation org, call 866-620-8640, or e-mail info@cvhfoundation org
Cub Scouts
Cub Scout Pack 470 meets at Head O’Meadow Elementary School and is led by Mike D’Aquino; Cub Scout Pack 270 meets at Newtown Congregational Church and is led by Dave Harrington Cub Scouting is for boys and girls in kindergarten through fifth grade To gain more information, call Boy Scouts of America, Connecticut Yankee Council, at 203-951-0259 ext: 107 to speak to Bill Reynolds, district director, or e-mail bill . reynolds@scouting .org .
Cullens Youth Association
President, Bethany Cruson; vice presidents, Amy Cox, Corinne Cox, and Carolyn Cruson; treasurer, Jim Loring; secretary, Jerome Mayer, 203-426-9282 Contact Cullens Youth Association at cullensyouth@outlook com Cullens Youth Association owns 20 acres of land on Taunton Lake Road, including two acres of activity field, four acres of wooded camping sites, and a seven-acre lake suitable for canoeing and fishing The property also has a 2,400-square-foot lodge complete with kitchen, restrooms, and equipment storage The facility is available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day to all organized youth groups, such as Scouts, church youth groups, special education programs, civic organizations, and other youth organizations in Newtown and, by invitation only, to out-of-town organizations . The Cullens Youth Association property provides a place where youth can develop an appreciation of the outdoors, conservation awareness, a sense of environmental stewardship and leadership skills under the guidance of adult and young adult leadership Named in honor of the Reverend Paul Cullens,
who started the first Scouting program in Newtown, Cullens provides more than 150,000 youth activity hours per year and is funded entirely by private donations from the community Cullens Youth Association sponsors Cub Scout Pack 470 and Scouts BSA Troops 70 and 870 . A free brochure is available by contacting the ranger .
Democratic Town Committee
Chair, Alex Villamil; vice chair, Clinton DePaolo; secretary, Jill Soderholm; treasurer, John Fletcher; deputy treasurer, Brian Hartgraves This committee normally meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 pm at Edmond Town Hall, in the Alexandria Room . Meetings for 2026 are in per son with an option to Zoom in . E-mail the DTC at newtownctdems@gmail .com for more information Meetings are open to the public and Democrats are encouraged to attend Fundraisers and special events are announced during the year See website, newtownctdemocrats org, for additional information
Empower Together Program — Elder Abuse Case Management
The purpose of the Empower Together Elder Abuse Case Management program is to provide individuals who are victims of elder abuse and/or neglect the resources and services they need to lead safe, healthy, and productive lives It is provided by Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS) The program aims to educate the community about the signs of elder abuse and neglect so these often-unheard victims can be identified and receive the care they need ou or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, or for more information, contact NYFS Case Manager Daryl Might at dmight@newtownyouthandfamilyservices
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EverWonder Children’s Museum
EverWonder Children’s Museum cultivates a lifelong love of learning in children by encouraging them to think, inquire, and wonder about the world around them It offer s hands-on exhibits and programming to spark imagination in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math EverWonder is proud to host field trips from area school districts, birthday parties, after-school programs, and special events throughout the year It offer s discounted tickets through most area libraries and reciprocal museums and is an active member of the Museums For All program and is a Blue Star Museum You can find out more information about EverWonder by following them on social media, by visiting its website at everwondermuseum org, or calling 203-364-4009 .
FAITH (Food Assistance Immediate Temporary Help)
Food Pantry of Newtown, Inc
Chairperson, Lee Paulsen (203-426-5604); vice president, Jill LeBlanc; treasurer, Barbara Krell; secretary, Joan Brand; director of community resources, Terry Ferris Established in 1983, FAITH is a nondenominational volunteer effort to distribute food to any Newtown resident, without questions or judgment, from a food pantry set up behind St Rose Church, 46 Church Hill Road Residents can call in once a month to make an appointment to receive one week’s worth of food through contact-less pick-up Food and money are collected from Newtown houses of worship as well as from individuals, civic organizations, and local businesses Donor s may drop off donations to the pantry door only on Tuesdays between 9:30 and 11:30 am and Thursdays between 4 and 6 pm or call 203-426-5604 or 203-837-0816 for other arrangements The mailing address for FAITH Food Pantry is PO Box 53, Newtown CT 06470 For more information, visit newtownfoodpantry org
Newtown Family Dentistry
Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry
Families Network of Western Connecticut, Inc
Families Network of Western Connecticut, Inc, provides inhome parenting education and support for pregnant and new parents of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers and promotes community awareness and health for infant injury and child abuse prevention It also offer s fatherhood engagement programs All programs are voluntary and free of charge Contact Susan Giglio at 5 Library Place, Danbury CT 06810; call 203-7918773; or visit fnwc .org .
Families United in Newtown (FUN)
Families United in Newtown is a nonprofit grassroots organization that holds monthly meetings during the school year, plus special events, to provide recreation, entertainment, socialization, and support families with special needs children, teens, and adults . Founded on October 1, 2010, by resident Linda Jones, the organization was started as a recreation program in memory of her son, Tyler Jones . FUN partners with Newtown High School National Honor Society members, who provide helping hands at these events All are welcome to come enjoy a FUN time while meeting other families in the community For more information, visit familiesunitedinnewtown org or call 203-512-6284 Visit FUN on Facebook at Families United in Newtown .
Flagpole Photographers Camera Club
Officer s are elected through June of each year President, Melissa Bilotta; vice president, Colleen Robinson; treasurer, Tom Curran; secretary, Robyn Abrams; programs, Colleen Robinson and Melissa Bilotta; judge, Rich Kunsch; exhibits, Rhonda Cullens; NECCC & PSA rep, Sandy Schill; web developer and photo bank, Chane Cullens . Flagpole Photographer s is a nonprofit club founded in 1985 Flagpole Photographer s’ mission is to enable members to share their images and expertise; to learn and grow in their photography through workshops, monthly meetings, and field trips; and to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow photographers Member s come from diverse backgrounds, with photographic skills ranging from novices to professional photographers . The season runs September through June, and meetings are on two Thursday nights per month at the Newtown Senior Center with most offered virtually as well An online Mentor Night takes place the first Thursday of the month where anyone can ask questions or have their photos reviewed The club has an annual competition and exhibit in the spring and a large exhibition at the Newtown Municipal Center in November and December . Membership is $35 annually, $55 per family, free to students, and is open to anyone with an interest in photography, regardless of level of experience For more information, contact info@flagpolephotographers com Additional club information, including calendar of events, member galleries, and workshop information, can be found at flagpolephotographers . com .
Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS)
President, John S Boccuzzi, Sr Friends of Newtown Seniors is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization The mission of the Friends of Newtown Seniors is to provide advocacy and services to Newtown seniors (those 55-plus who reside in Newtown) . This will be accomplished in two complementary ways: through new initiatives conceived and developed by its board of directors and by partnering with various nonprofit, for-profit, governmental, political, and religious organizations serving the Newtown senior population Friends of Newtown Seniors welcomes new members (membership is free and open to all, of any age) Anyone interested in working collaboratively with seniors to organize events and to implement positive programs for seniors should leave a message at 203-430-0633 or e-mail info@friendsofnewtownseniors .org . For more information, vis-
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it friendsofnewtownseniors .org and facebook .com/friendsofnewtownseniors Mailing address is PO Box 413, Newtown CT 06470 The FONS Board is always looking for volunteers to help with chore services, drive seniors who need transportation, or work with FONS on advocacy
Friends of Counted Embroidery, Laurel Chapter President, Claudia Kelly (ckk627@att .net); vice president of membership, Carol Fullman (carolhugh@yahoo com); treasurer, Peg Forbell (ecforbell@snet com); newsletter, Marge Gingolaski (margeg4143@sbcglobal net) A regional club that meets from 10 am to 1 pm on the second Thursday of the month yearround in the Genealogy Room of C H Booth Library Friends of Counted Embroidery teaches and promotes the art of counted threadwork . Member ship is open to beginners and anyone interested .
Friends of the C.H. Booth Library
President, Nancy Dvorin; vice president, Ellen Speirs; treasurer, Pat Poli; secretary, Nancy Godino Mailing address is 25 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470 Friends of the C H Booth Library is a nonprofit volunteer group that supports Newtown’s Cyrenius H . Booth Library by engaging in a variety of fundraising activities that underwrite grants for materials acquisition, programming, and other community services provided by the library Every summer, at Reed Intermediate School on Trades Lane, the organization holds one of the region’s largest book sales, featuring more than 120,000 items for all ages and interests, including rare and collectible items, puzzles, video games, CDs, DVDs and LPs . The 50th Annual Book Sale will run from Saturday, July 11, to Tuesday, July 14, 2026 The Friends also operates The Little Book Store, located near the
main circulation desk at the library, where new and like-new books and other items are sold at greatly reduced prices yearround, as well as a holiday sale of gift-quality items in December . Volunteers can join in the fun by helping to sort and transport donated items throughout the year or by assisting at sales Donations of gently-used books, software, CDs, DVDs, LPs, puzzles and video games, all in good condition, may be dropped off at the Friends temporary donations site on Old Farm Road (near Newtown Park & Bark) until C H Booth Library’s HVAC project has been completed After that, donations will again be accepted in the Friends sorting room on the lower level of the C .H . Booth Library . Consult the Friends’ website, boothbooksale org, for details about what can be accepted and when, as well as information about the organization and its fundraising efforts To contact the Friends, e-mail boothbooksale@yahoo com All proceeds support library acquisitions and programs
Friends of Edmond Town Hall
Friends of Edmond Town Hall (FOETH) — formerly known as Mary Hawley Society — is a nonprofit organization supporting historic Edmond Town Hall on Main Street The group meets once per month and welcomes anyone interested in attending E-mail us at friendsofeth@gmail com for more information; visit our social media accounts at facebook com/Friendsofeth and instagram .com/friendsofedmondtownhall for upcoming events and news .
The Garden Club of Newtown Presidents, Paula Toi and Sue Greco; treasurer, Peggy Townsend; secretary, Sandy Stromberg; corresponding secretary, Linda Dunn; membership chairs, Joan Alexander and Joyce Pogers
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
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The club is a member of The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc, National Garden Clubs, Inc, and New England Garden Clubs, Inc The Club’s objectives are to promote interest in gardening and horticulture; to support town beautification through civic projects; to support the conservation of natural resources, environment, and wildlife; to learn principles of artistic flower and garden design; and to raise, harvest, and donate fresh produce to local food pantries and to those in need within our community The club does all of this while enjoying the company of other gardeners The Annual Greens and Gifts Sale, held the first Saturday in December, is the main fundraiser for the Club The proceeds from this sale benefit the Newtown community in many ways including an annual scholarship granted to a Newtown student pursuing environmental and related studies and many Club programs and civic projects The current civic projects include designing and maintaining the Matthew Curtiss House Back Dooryard Garden, Blue Star Veterans Memorial Garden, Barb’s Trail Garden, C H Booth Knot Garden, and planting daffodil bulbs in Ram Pasture The Club also plants, tends, and harvests four rows of vegetables and herbs at The Victory Garden . The produce is donated to local food pantries and those in need . The Garden Club of Newtown meets at noon on the fourth Tuesday of each month in the meeting room of Newtown Municipal Center The programs offered are designed to educate and inspire attendees and commence at 1 pm Although some programs are limited to members only, most are open to the public at no charge For more information about the Club and upcoming programs, visit the website at gardenclubnewtownct . org or e-mail info@gardenclubnewtownct org
BrightPath
II-
Give your child the best start in life at BrightPath Newtown
Genealogy Club of Newtown
Genealogy Club of Newtown is open to anyone interested in genealogical research . Meetings are the second Wednesday of each month, September through June, via Zoom, with guest speakers on genealogy topics Chairman, Toni McKeen; secretary, John Irwin; program chairman, Jenn Davis; publicity, Cathy Hugo The club is co-sponsored by C H Booth Library For more information, visit the website sites rootsweb com/~ctgcnc or e-mail Toni McKeen at tonimckeen47@hotmail com New member s are welcome .
Girl Scouts of Connecticut
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges — whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friend . Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them To join them to volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit gsofct org They can be reached via telephone at 800-922-2770
Golden Opportunities
Founders, Flip and Knettie Archard; director of operations, Neil Callaghan; program administrator, Linda Manganaro; special projects coordinator, Susie Callaghan Golden Opportunities is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established in 2006 that works to enhance the quality of life for residents of eldercare facilities by providing outreach services of comfort, compassion, and support . These include activities designed to engage and stimulate residents, for example: art classes; games such as The Price is Right, bingo, and Pokeno; live music, ice cream socials, and trivia contests; service projects, such as preparing sandwiches for soup kitchens; connecting residents with dedicated, caring visitors; providing personal grooming opportunities for limited-income residents; granting special dreams and wishes; and remembering them on birthdays and holidays (Valentine’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Halloween, and Christmas) . All programs are provided at no cost to the facilities or their residents For information and office appointments, call 203426-3301 or visit goldenopps org or the group’s Facebook page Mail should be directed to PO Box 3663 Newtown, CT 06470
Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce
Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce merged with the Chamber of Commerce of Newtown in 2022 and with the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce in 2023 Together, members focus on growing the greater Danbury business community through networking, social media, e-mail marketing, education, and community events All businesses in the greater Danbury area are invited to join, strengthen the local business community, and form valuable alliances . Sign up at danburychamber .com, e-mail info@danburychamber .com for involvement details, and follow @greaterdanburychamber on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram Exciting developments are on the horizon!
Harmony On The Sound (HOTS)
Chorus of Sweet Adelines International Director, Karen Sweeters; membership coordinator, Amy Mandeville, membership@harmonyonthesound .org; performance manager, Joan Treadwell (203-775-2020), hireus@harmonyonthesound org; and mark eting coordinator, Lynda Kupson, marketing@harmonyonthesound org More information can be found on the group’s website, harmonyonthesound org The nonprofit women’s chorus celebrated 55 years of harmony in 2021 . This dynamic, spirited group has won the New England (continued on page 40)
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
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Chorus Championship 18 times and comprises women from more than 30 towns throughout greater Fairfield, New Haven, and lower Litchfield counties Under the direction of Karen Sweeters of Norwalk, the chorus has risen to the “A” level in competition, making it one of the world’s top chapters in Sweet Adelines International The group sings music that spans the decades and incorporates high-spirited performance and choreography . HOTS rehearses every Wednesday, beginning at 7 pm, at St Nicholas Antiochian Church Parish Hall, 5456 Park Avenue (immediately off Merritt Parkway Exit 47), Bridgeport For more information about rehearsals, please do not hesitate to reach out to Amy
Hearts of Hope
Founder and Executive Director, Judy Pedersen . Chapter Co-Presidents, Diane Sarna and Ivy Pearson . Chapter Vice President, Janet Knapp The Hearts of Hope Newtown Chapter started in spring of 2013 and is happy to celebrate 13 years of creating and delivering hope throughout the community and beyond Hearts of Hope describes itself on its Facebook page, “heartsofhopeofnewtownct,” as “a pay-it-forward program in which people ‘create hope’ for others in need by painting and decorating small ceramic hearts . All are accompanied by personal notes of caring and inspiration and compiled as beautiful gifts These gifts are delivered to people and places in need of hope and healing ” Anyone wishing to participate can join them by following the group on Facebook Hearts of Hope has scheduled events at Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street, Newtown, and in various venues throughout the area during its summer series . No experience is necessary . More information about the Hearts of Hope organization can be found at ourheartsofhope org or by e-mail at newtown@ourheartsofhope org The organization can be reached by telephone at 973-224-6900
Heritage Preservation Trust: Newtown Meeting House
President John Madzula II, Vice President Laurie Trotto, Treasurer Stefanie Clavette Heritage Preservation Trust of Newtown, Inc is a not-for-profit organization charged with the continuing improvement and maintenance of Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main Street (at the flagpole) . The Meeting House is available to charitable, civic, and government groups for meetings and other functions Ci vic and private groups meet there regularly More than 815 wedding ceremonies, both religious and civil ones, have been solemnized there in the past 3½ decades Recitals, concerts and theatrical presentations, christenings, bar/bat mitzvahs and Eagle Scout ceremonies take place there On Sundays and Wednesdays, New Heights Baptist Church meets for services and Bible study at Newtown Meeting House . Contact Acting Building Manager Sarah Phillips at mhmanager1714@ gmail com or 203-270-8293 for more information and scheduling Mailing address is PO Box 3082, Newtown CT 06470
Hiram Lodge No. 18, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons
Worshipful Master, Gerardo (Jerry) Nero; Senior Warden, Bryan D’Souza; Junior Warden, Gabriel Sandrini; Secretary, Brian Vargas; Treasurer, Andrew Engels; Chaplain, George Greytak . This Masonic Lodge is a fraternal and charitable organization founded on January 15, 1791 Meetings are the fir st and third Wednesdays of the month (except July and August) at 7:30 pm, in the Masonic Temple, located at 3 Washington Avenue, Sandy Hook, CT 06482 For more information on Hiram Lodge No 18, AF & AM contact W .M . Gerardo (Jerry) Nero at (203) 415-6443 or jnero@neroac .com .
The Horticulture Club of Newtown
The club, which was established in 1954, consists of more than 30 members/gardeners The club promotes all interests in
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Girl Scout Troop 50113 members — including, from left, Christine Tisi and her daughter Vivian and Barbara Andersen and her mom Monika — braved chilly and blustery conditions to launch Girl Scout cookie season locally on March 23. This group has an impressive display at Tractor Supply the day after cookies arrived for the annual sales. —Bee file photo
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
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horticulture by providing high-quality monthly programs presented by experts in the field or experienced fellow gardeners . The club brings together gardening enthusiasts on the second Thursday of each month from March through November at 7 pm, at Newtown Meeting House (lower level) unless the program schedule published on its Facebook page indicates a Members Only Garden Tour or special offsite event . The Club encourages and assists in local civic garden projects such as the Annual Meeting House Spring Planting . In 2023, the club donated several hundred pounds of fresh vegetables to Nunnawauk Meadows and the Food Bank . In the past, the Club has also participated in the annual pruning at the Aspetuck Land Trust blueberry patch . Annually the Club holds fundraisers in support of its HCN Scholarship that is awarded to a NHS senior seeking higher education in the field of horticulture, ecology, forestry and related fields . They encourage anyone to join! New members are always welcome, and their general meetings are open to the public . Officers are President Mark Kokinchak and Secretary and Treasurer Michael Wicki . To join or learn more about the Club and its programs, visit them on Facebook or contact Mark at mark .kokinchak@gmail .com or 203-903-7708 .
Housatonic Area Regional Transit (HARTransit)
Chief Executive Officer, Robert Yastremski . HARTransit receives local, state, and federal funds . It serves Newtown, Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford, Ridgefield, Wilton, and Norwalk, as well as Brewster, Katonah, and Southeast, N .Y., with public transportation . It operates the SweetHART service, which provides half-fare transportation, to those 65 or older and to persons with temporary or permanent disabilities (203-744-4070, option 3) . Riders may use this service for doctor appointments, for shopping, or for any
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other purpose . For reservations, call 203-744-4070, extension 3 . For more information, visit hartransit .com
Housatonic Resource Recovery Authority (HRRA)
HRRA represents 14 area towns, including Newtown . Chairman, Patricia DelMonaco; executive director, Jennifer Heaton-Jones . The organization is the regional, governmental, waste management and recycling authority for Western Connecticut . HRRA’s primary goal is to manage the solid waste and recycling for the region and to educate the public on reducing, reusing, and recycling waste . For meetings, which are conducted at Newtown Municipal Center, visit hrra .org . To inquire about recycling questions, call 203-775-4539 or e-mail info@hrra .org .
Huntingtown Cemetery Association
President, Katherine E . Dougherty; vice president Bonnie V . Mayer . Formed in 1787, the Association is a non-profit organization that maintains the cemetery . Volunteers are welcome to help with the cemetery grounds, and donations are welcome to provide for mowing and repairs . Huntingtown Cemetery is located on Brushy Hill Road up the hill from its intersection with Huntingtown Road . The mailing address is P.O . Box 810, Newtown, CT 06470 . For phone contact, questions, and information, the number is 203-426-4547.
Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County
Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County currently has inschool programs in Newtown, Bethel, Brookfield, and Danbury, and serves more than 14,000 students annually across greater Fairfield County . All programs are presented by volunteers and are free to the schools . If you wish to volunteer, or if you are a principal or educator wanting to bring Junior Achievement to your school, e-mail ja@jagfc .org . For more information, visit jagfc .org .
Kitten Associates
Kitten Associates (203-744-9228) is an award-winning, 501(c) (3) nonprofit cat rescue run by a team of dedicated volunteers . President and founder, Robin A .F. Olson; vice president and CTO, Sam Moore . Kitten Associates’ mission is to rescue kittens, and cats — many who are pregnant, some who have challenging medical or physical issues . All cats reside in their network of loving foster homes until they are healthy, social, and of appropriate age to be adopted into their forever home . Kitten Associates advocates and educates for feeding a fresh diet and is one of the few “raw fed” rescues in the country . To prevent owned cats from losing their homes, Kitten Associates also offers a free cat behavior counseling service for anyone who needs it . Kitten Associates is funded entirely by donations from the public and is always looking for volunteers . Choose from a variety of tasks that can fit with any schedule or talent . Here’s how you can help: Data entry, thank you card writing, photography, fundraising, social media marketing, and foster homes for periods of one to two months . Food and vet care are provided . For 2026, Kitten Associates is searching for experienced marketing, copywriting, branding, and design professionals to consult on revamping their website and other forms of communication . Call for more information or e-mail info@ kittenassociates .org . You can also find Kitten Associates on Facebook or visit its website kittenassociates .org .
Knights of Columbus, Virgilius Council No. 185
Grand knight, Frank Sequenzia; deputy grand knight, Patrick Honan; chaplain, Father Peter Cipriani; treasurer, Dave Laros; financial secretary, Ted McCallum . This Catholic men’s organization is dedicated to Christian charity . Its activities include rehabilitating housing for the elderly and those in need as well as a program that provides assistance to those communities, sponsoring local food and furniture drives to help a number of shelters in the area, sponsoring fund drives for people with mental disabilities, running youth group activities such as a
ater skiing, there is adaptive wakeOF Adaptive Skiers also offers beginner and intermediate level adaptive snow skiing and snowboardor more information, visit the org, e-mail lofskiers@gmail .com or Mailing address: 62 Housatonic Dri ve, Sandy
wley Public Service Award Committee
The Mary Hawley Public Service Award Committee was established in 2023 to promote volunteerism by honoring an individual who, through lengthy and exceptional public service to Newtown, best represents the selfless commitment and spirit of Newtown’s beloved benefactress, Mary Elizabeth Hawley The recipient of the Mary Hawley Public Service Award will be recognized for their contributions to Newtown by having their name listed on a plaque at Edmond Town Hall, as well as receiving a personalized memento to commemorate the achievement In Newtown Savings Bank will donate $1,000 to a Newtown-based nonprofit of the recipient’s choosing . The nomination period runs from March through the end of April each For questions or additional information contact committee members: Bronson Hawley (bronson oaklawn@gmail com 203-209-4983) or Maureen Crick Owen (maureencrickowen@
Mothers Against Drunk Driving Connecticut has a state office at 339 Hemingway Avenue, East Haven, CT 06512 New England MADD works to educate viduals and communities on the dangers of impaired drivMADD provides resources
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CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
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to local schools and community agencies to help prevent underage drinking, while providing support to victims/families of impaired driving crashes Services for victims and family members are available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, all free of charge In addition, MADD moderates Victim Impact Panels across the state to educate offenders convicted of drinking and driving in hopes of preventing a recurrence of the crime Look for Move With MADD family events across the state during the year . For more information, please call 203-764-2566 or visit madd org/ct
Newtown Action Alliance
Newtown Action Alliance is a Newtown-based, national grassroots organization formed after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting . Its mission is to achieve the steady and continuous reduction of gun violence through legislative and cultural changes For more information, visit newtownactionalliance org
Newtown Action Alliance Foundation
Newtown Action Alliance Foundation (formerly the Newtown Foundation) is a charitable arm of Newtown Action Alliance . It is a Newtown-based, all-volunteer organization formed after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting to provide comfort, education, scholarship, support, and resources to people and communities impacted by gun violence in America Its mission is to help all American communities move forward together to create a positive cultural change towards a more peaceful, less violent future Learn more about the Newtown Action Alliance Foundation at newtownactionalliancefoundation .org . The organization can be reached via e-mail at info@ newtownaction org
Newtown Board of Realtors
President, Lauren Auresto; vice president, Liz Newnham; treasurer, Chris Crane; secretary, David Landau; three-year directors, Kathy Hamilton and Paul Spigener; two-year directors, Robert Morey and Bianca Harlacher; one-year directors, Lindsay Gaudioso, Kristen Stolfi, Alexa Skalandunas, Connie Widmann, and Bryan Atherton; one-year state directors, Liz Newnham and Lauren Auresto; Board office, 203-319-0247 Visit newtownboardrealtors com Information concerning meetings will be published to member s
Newtown Bridge Club
Newtown Bridge Club, the second largest bridge club in Connecticut, is affiliated with American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) . The club holds bridge games at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, as well as online games on days when the club does not meet in person Bridge lessons are available at various times For more information, visit newtownbridge org or contact the club manager at 203-733-8525 or director@newtownbridge org
Newtown Bridle Lands Association, Inc
President, Tracy VanBuskirk; vice president, Andrea Fatse Brosnan; treasurer, Renia Marini; secretary, Diana Allwein Mailing address is PO Box 3083, Newtown CT 06470 Newtown Bridle Lands Association, Inc, a nonprofit organization founded in 1978, is dedicated to preserving trails and open space within the greater Newtown area . The group has established trails for the enjoyment of nature lovers, walkers, hikers, and cyclists, in addition to equestrians All are invited to join them in accomplishing the association’s goals Special events, meetings, rides, educational gatherings, and social events are planned throughout the year
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The Newtown Bee Official Guide To Newtown 2026
Quick Reference to Important Phone Numbers
PHONE NUMBERS YOU SHOULD KNOW IF YOU WANT TO REPORT:
Automobile accident
911 Fire 911
Hazardous material spill 911
Medical emergenc
911
Natural gas leak 911
Power outage:
Eversource Energy 80 0-286-2000
of Labor
860-263-600 0
Veterans Services (local contact): Town Clerk 203-270-4210
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Ambulance
Psychiatric crisis intervention 911
Parks & Recreation
203-270-4340
Police
Police
203-270-430 0
Road maintenance problem (plowing, sanding, pothole repair, etc): Highway Department/ Public Works
Stray dog/wild animal: Dog Warden 203-426-6900 or (after hours) Police Department (non-emergency line) 203-426-5841
FOR INFORMATION ON:
Eagle viewing at Shepaug Dam 860-895-6468
Food pantry: FAITH (nondenominational, available to all Newtown residents) 203-837-0816
Fuel assistance programs: Social Services 203-270-4330
Infoline 211
Human Services
203-270-4330
Hunting and fishing licenses: Town Clerk
203-270-4210
Mental health: Human Services 203-270-4612
Newtown Youth & Family Services 203-270-4335 Park hours, pool fees, or boat launches: Parks & Rec 203-270-4340
Recycling: Public Works 203-270-430 0
School closings and delays: Closings are posted on the Newtown Public Schools website (newtown k12 ct us), and also usually reported on radio stations WINE (940 AM), WLAD (800 AM), WEZN (99 9 FM), WICC (600 AM), and television stations WFSB (Channel 3), WTNH (Channel 8), and WVIT (Channel 30)
Town meetings:
Town Clerk 203-270-4210
Transfer station and permits: Transfer Station Management (through Public Works Department) . . .203-270-4307
Unemployment benefits: State of Connecticut Department
Child abuse (CT DCF Info & Referral Services Careline)
800-842-2288
Information, referral, and crisis services 211
Poison control (CT Poison Control Center-UConn Health 800-222-1222
Crisis Hotlines: Danbury Hospital Crisis Line 203-733-7799
Mobile Crisis Intervention Services . . . . . . 211 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988 Economic & Community Development 203-270-4271
Edmond Town Hall Managers
203-270-4285
Edmond Town Hall Movie Info 203-270-4285
Emergency Communications Center 203-270-420 0
Finance Department
203-270-4221
Fire Mar shal 203-270-4370
First Selectman
203-270-4201
Health District 203-270-4291
Highway Department (Public Works)
203-270-430 0
Human Resources Director 203-426-7605
Human Services
. 203-270-4330
Land Use Agency 203-270-4276
Library 203-426-4533
Municipal Agent for Elderly 203-270-4330
Police
Sandy Hook Elementary School 203-426-7657 St Rose of Lima School 203-426-5102 Fraser Woods Montessori School
Housatonic Valley Waldorf School
SCHOOL
District Office, 203-426-7600
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
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The group also sponsors its major yearly fundraiser — the Frost on the Pumpkin Hunter Pace — in Newtown on the last Sunday in October . For updated event listings and information on how to become a member, join the Facebook page, visit nblact .com, or e-mail newtownhorses@gmail .com
Newtown Centre of Classical Ballet & Voice
Newtown Centre of Classical Ballet & Voice was founded in 2001 by Jennifer Johnston, carrying on the heritage of her mentor, Marsha Ismailoff Mark, who taught classical ballet in Newtown for more than 30 years . Now in its third generation, the school’s tradition continues with artistic director Tory Gozzi, Johnston’s protégé . In 2013, the school expanded to include a voice division, and in 2023 a piano division and adult ballet division were added to the school with its footprint studio expansion . The school’s aim is to offer the community a positive, artistic environment in which young people can expand their creative abilities while building their self-esteem and talent through high-level classical instruction . The ballet school utilizes the Russian Vaganova Method as well as the American Ballet Theatre’s National Training Curriculum . The school presents notfor-profit ballet performances throughout the year for schools, nursing homes, arts festivals, and fundraisers, as well as its annual presentation of The Nutcracker Suite as part of the holiday festival and an annual spring production of a full-length classical ballet open to the community . The music division serves to coach singers in both classical and contemporary styles for participation in local musical productions, while piano students learn classical technique and music theory in preparation for both musical festivals and yearly recitals . For more information, visit the website at nccballetandvoice .com or contact artistic director Tory Gozzi at 203-241-5362 .
Newtown Choral Society
President, Laura E . Lerman; Director, Mary Andreotta . The group rehearses at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, on Wednesdays, from 7 to 9 pm, September to May . The choral society is a non-audition community choir that performs two concerts each year and performs for other organizations and charities . Newtown Choral Society welcomes those with a love of singing and a willingness to learn from all area towns . The Choral Society supports itself through dues, program ads, and ticket sales . Visit newtownchoral .org, call 203-313-3064, or e-mail newtownchoral@gmail .com for additional information .
Newtown Forest Association, Inc
NFA is Connecticut’s first private land trust, founded over 100 years ago in 1924 . NFA is dedicated to conserving and protecting open space for wildlife, native plants, and passive recreation within our community . It is an independent nonprofit that owns and protects nearly 2,000 acres, including fields, forest, meadows, streams, wetlands, and ponds . Please visit and take a hike on the preserves, such as Deep Brook Farm on Deep Brook Road, Cherry Grove Preserve on Palestine Road, Holcombe Wildlife Preserve and Memorial Trail on Great Hill Road, Nettleton Preserve on Castle Hill Road, Brunot Preserve on Taunton Hill Road, Hattertown Pond on Castle Meadow Road, and Cavanaugh Pond on Echo Valley Road . NFA is dependent upon funds it receives from its generous donors and membership dues . To donate, volunteer, or for more information, visit newtownforestassociation .org, call 203-270-3650, write to PO Box 213, Newtown CT 06470, or e-mail Executive Director Trent McCann at trent .mccann@newtownforestassociation .org . NFA Board consists of president Bart Smith; vice president Jody Eldredge; treasurer Mike Dylag; secretary Elliott Taylor; and board mem-
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bers Bob Eckenrode, Ed Kelleher, Scott Baggett, Harvey Pessin, Joe Parciasepe, Patrick Reynolds, Tiffany Robertson, Nathan Timberman, and Megan Watts, as well as emeritus members, Coke Cramer and William Watts .
Newtown Fund
President, Linda Bates (203-837-0135); vice president, Anne Ragusa (203-270-9117); treasurer, Sharon Maynard; secretary, Phyllis Zimmer This is a nonprofit organization established in 1959 that is operated completely by volunteers and funded through donations The fund gives money, upon request, to the town’s Social Services director for emergency assistance of all kinds to Newtown residents during the year It also runs the annual holiday bask et program that provides food and gifts for local families in need . In previous year s, Newtown Fund provided seed money for the town to hire its first social worker and for the establishment of Newtown Youth Services and Family Counseling Center of Newtown (now combined as Newtown Youth & Family Services), The Children’s Adventure Center, Newtown Senior Center, and Nunnawauk Meadows Donations to Newtown Fund may be sent through its website with PayPal or to PO Box 641, Newtown CT 06470 . To find out more, visit thenewtownfund .org .
Newtown Historical Society
The historical society collects, preserves, and presents the history of Newtown through lectures at the library, events at its historic properties and a variety of publications The all-volunteer group maintains the Matthew Curtiss House on Main Street and the little red schoolhouse at Middle Gate School The Matthew Curtiss House is open at least one Sunday during the spring and fall months or by request Newtown Historical Society also runs the popular summer History Camp for 8-, 9-, and
10-year-olds featuring hands-on activities and object-based history lessons Check their website for current programs at newtownhistory org Most programs are admission free, donations are appreciated, and the public is always welcome Consider volunteering or becoming a member to support Newtown’s local history President Sheila Powers, contact info@newtownhistory .org . Mailing address is Newtown Historical Society, PO Box 189, Newtown CT 06470; or call 203-426-5937.
Newtown Kennel Club
Interested in learning about purebred dogs, training your dog, going to dog shows, or acquiring an American Kennel Club registered puppy from a responsible breeder? Contact the club’s free breeder referral service at nkcsecty@gmail .com; more than 100 breeds are represented . Breed handling classes are available at Pleasant Paws Pet Center on Tuesdays from 7:15 to 8:15 pm For more information, contact hobarra@gmail com or visit newtownk ennelclub net
Newtown Lions Club
President, Joe Young; immediate past president, Andrew Iorio; first vice president, Gary Fillion; second vice president, Ray Keegan; secretary, Bruce Walczak; administrative treasurer, Bruce Hoag; project treasurer, Kevin Corey; and communications officer, Peter McNulty The club meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, September through May The Newtown Lions Club, a nonprofit service organization, sponsors fundraising activities, such as its annual Mustang Raffle and Pootatuck Duck Race, to benefit numerous local, national, and international charities . The Club focuses on blindness prevention and service programs, such as juvenile diabetes, food banks, and homeless shelters Newtown Lions Club also collects used eyeglasses, runs several yearly blood drives, conducts prekindergarten and school eye screening, and staffs Sal-
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
vation Army kettles at Christmas It serves Newtown and the greater Danbury area through hands-on projects, such as two mega food drives annually, maintenance of the Orchard Hill Nature Preserve and Al’s Trail, Lose the Litter Day, Home Front home repair, and Newtown Health Fair Lions Club also places flags on Main Street and the Newtown Historic Flagpole as a community service project . The Newtown Leo’s club, a high school service club, is sponsored by Newtown Lions Club . For more information or to explore joining Newtown Lions Club, visit newtownlions org
Each weekday, this nonprofit organization’s volunteer drivers pick up nutritious meals prepared at Newtown Rehabilitation & Health Care Center and deliver them to people who are housebound, including elderly people who live alone and younger people who are temporarily incapacitated . Meals are prepared under the guidance of a dietitian In addition to regular meals, special diets (including diabetic, low sodium, and soft food) are available The cost of the meals is very reasonable To inquire into becoming a meal recipient, call Janet at 203-270-1960; to become a volunteer driver, call Colleen at 203-426-0714
Newtown Rotary Club
President, Jennifer Chaudhary; president-elect, Neil Chaudhary; secretary, Christopher Hoeffel; treasurer, Mitzi Muller;
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CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
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rotary foundation, David Freedman; membership chair Neil Chaudhary; executive secretary/director, David Freedman; service projects chair, Alex Villamil; public image chair, Neil Chaudhary; club directors, Rohit Anand, Ken Harper, and Alex Villamil
Newtown Scholarship Association
Newtown Scholarship Association awards financial assistance to Newtown’s graduating seniors attending undergraduate colleges, universities, and trade schools and continues to do so throughout their four-year college careers Money is raised through fundraising events, indi vidual donors, and memorial contributions and bequests For information on the organization or applying for a scholarship, visit newtownscholarship . org . Contributions may be made on the website . Mailing address is PO Box 302, Newtown CT 06470
Newtown Suicide Prevention Initiative
Founded in 2019, the mission of Newtown Suicide Prevention Initiative (NSPI) is to strengthen the community by preventing suicide through connection and compassion Through education, community partnership, and open dialogue, the committee empowers neighbors to look out for one another and create a safer, more supportive community where no one feels alone NSPI wants to shatter the stigma associated with suicide Through education, outreach, and partnerships, NSPI seeks to build a culture where seeking help is safe, supported, and encouraged Suicide can feel lik e an impossible topic to bring up, but silence can cost lives . The more communities speak openly and compassionately, the more community members can help prevent tragedy and support those who are struggling NSPI is a member of the Region 5 Suicide Advisory Board It collaborates with Newtown Preven-
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tion Partnership, Newtown Health District, Newtown Senior Center, Newtown Community Center, and Newtown Rotary Club . NSPI has hosted QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) training, the Tea @ 3 program, a table at Newtown Health Fair, wrapping the memorial tree at Fairfield Hills in teal and purple ribbons in September for National Suicide Prevention Month, Youth Suicide Prevention and Awareness discussions, The Newtown Bee Youth Suicide Awareness Roundtable, and creating a “Newtown Cares” video Prospective members do not have to be personally affected by suicide to join . Anyone who wants to help make a difference can join . Co-Chair s Maureen Crick Owen and Anna Wiedemann have been spearheading Newtown Suicide Prevention Initiative since its inception If interested, contact Crick Owen at 203-733-4562 or newtownspinitiative@gmail com
Newtown Village Cemetery Association, Inc
President and sexton, Maureen Crick Owen (203-733-4562); vice president, Greg Smith; treasurer and secretary, Sarah Phillips Formed in 1860, this nonprofit organization serves the community and provides the utmost in professionalism and comfort to help families with the decisions involved in choosing a cemetery, burial options, and a final resting place for their loved ones It also owns and maintains Ram Pasture The annual meeting is held in May Mailing address is PO Box 117, Newtown CT 06470
Newtown Woman’s Club, GFWC, Inc
The club schedules a business/luncheon meeting for the third Thursday of each month, September through May The purpose of the organization is to promote friendship among members, to provide opportunities for organized interest, and to participate in social, cultural, philanthropic, intellectual, and civic affairs of the Newtown community . For more information, visit nwc-gfwc .org . “We cannot do all the good that the world needs But the world needs all the good that we can do,” Jana Stanfield
Newtown Young Professionals (NYP)
NYP originated in 2016 It provides career-minded individuals with opportunities to connect both socially and professionally while leaving a positive impact upon the greater Newtown area . Member ship is limited to one person per profession . Meetings typically tak e place the first Thursday of the month and members take turns hosting at local restaurants, breweries, etc Member s volunteer regularly for Meals on Wheels and various other local events NYP can be contacted at 203-4172288, sreilly@nsbonline com
Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS)
Located at 15 Berkshire Road in Sandy Hook, NYFS aims to help children and families achieve their highest potential NYFS is a recognized leader of mental health services in the greater Newtown Area; a licensed agency through the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Department of Public Health (DPH); and an accredited agency through the Council on Accreditation . NYFS offer s services to youth and families regardless of ability to pay through scholarships and other assistance Serving the Greater Newtown Community for over 40 years, NYFS provides mental health services including counseling, substance abuse treatment services, case management for the elderly, psychiatric care and a variety of positive youth development programs including mentoring, youth employment, life skills, and academic and emotional support groups . For more information call 203-270-4335 .
Northern Fairfield Professionals (NFP)
Northern Fairfield Professionals (NFP) is a free network group for people looking for new opportunities or interested in professional development NFP provides business professionals the opportunity to foster new connections while learning valu-
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
able tips and tools to help them land a new job or advance their career Businesspeople from all industries and career levels regularly attend NFP’s monthly meetings . Most NFP sessions feature a relevant professional development topic delivered by a prominent guest speaker NFP’s philosophy is to build reciprocal relationships where attendees exchange ideas, share job leads, and enhance their networking skills Northern Fairfield Professionals meets the second Tuesday of every month To receive an NFP evite e-mail with information on the upcoming NFP meeting, e-mail john@itechcp .com The group meets via Zoom, the second Tuesday of every month from 6 to 7:30 pm . Whether someone is just starting their career journey, actively searching for their next opportunity, or simply has the desire to grow in their current role, NFP can help All are welcome and attendance is always free Please reach out to John Barry or Mary Barry (203-270-0051 or john@ itechcp com) for more information
Parenting Education Program
The Parenting Education Program is a class designed to educate adults about the many issues children face when their family situation changes The programs train participants about how to help children adjust in a healthy way to divorce or living apart from a parent The program includes information about children’s developmental stages, helping children adjust to parent separation, cooperative parenting, conflict management and dispute resolution techniques, guidelines for scheduling parent access, and stress reduction for children If you have children under the age of eighteen, you must participate in a parenting education program after a family case is filed in court All parties involved in divorce, dissolution of a civil union, annulment, separation, custody or visitation cases are required by law to participate in a par-
enting education program Both judges and family support magistrates have the authority to order your participation in the program . The current in-person dates are February 8, March 22, April 26, June 21, July 12, September 20, and November 15 (Saturdays from 9 am-4 pm with an hour lunch break/6-hour session) Participation in a PEP class costs $150 per person There are limited spots available Please register online at newtownyouthandfamilyservices org/Programs/Parenting-Education-Program
Pootatuck Watershed Association
Pootatuck Watershed Association is a nonprofit membership organization working to conserve Newtown’s water resources for the benefit of Newtown and its citizens . Public meetings are advertised For information, contact Newtown’s Land Use Agency office at 203-270-4276, e-mail info@pootatuckwatershed org, visit pootatuckwatershed org, or follow Pootatuck Watershed Association on Facebook Mailing address is PO Box 3303, Newtown CT 06470
Protect Our Pollinators
(POP)
Protect Our Pollinators (POP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Newtown that is devoted to public education and conservation of pollinators and their habitats . Protect Our Pollinators is affiliated with Pollinator Pathway Northeast Its goals include increased awareness of the importance of native pollinators and threats to their survival; encouraging the planting of pollinator habitats on both public and private lands; increased awareness of harmful pesticides and providing safe alternatives to such pesticides; and seeking local government and state support for protection of pollina-
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Park
Adventure Camp
Rooster Run/Walk
Treadwell Pool & Eichler’s Cove Beach Pickleball Tennis & More Science / STEM / LEGO & More End-of- Summer Carnival
tors To these ends, POP has developed a website, a Facebook page, several PowerPoint presentations as well as a book, Earth-Friendly Gardening . POP also has established Tammy’s Garden at Newtown Municipal Center, a garden at Newtown Animal Control, Cherry Grove Schoolhouse Garden, and Dodgingtown Green Garden These gardens are maintained by members and volunteers More information can be found at propollinators org
Reaching Everyone’s Capabilities (REC) REC Club is provided by Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS) It is a social and recreational club for children, teens, and young adults with social difficulties or moderate- to high-functioning autism spectrum disorders REC member s engage in activities and outings with guidance from trained NYFS staff Member s can make friends and have fun while developing individual growth, confidence, independence, flexibility, and patience . REC is separated by age group and operates on an ongoing seasonal cycle with multiple sessions throughout the year Each session is five weeks long and members meet weekly For more information, visit newtownyouthandfamilyservices org or contact Nancy Ruhs, Youth Programs and Workforce coordinator, at 203-731-7749 or nruhs@newtownyouthandfamilyservices org
Regional Hospice Newtown Giving Circle
Newtown Giving Circle raises funds to support patients with terminal illness and their families through the annual Regional Hospice Good Morning Community Breakfast, which occurs every year in March Anyone interested in volunteering for hospice or supporting the chapter’s efforts can call Regional Hospice at 203-702-7415 for more information .
Republican Town Committee
Chairperson, Phil Carroll; vice chairperson, Jenn Larkin; secretary, Michele Buzzi; treasurer, John Madzula II The committee meets most fourth Wednesdays of the month, at 7:30 pm, at Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street Please check the calendar on the group’s website for specific dates . The public is welcome to attend . For information, visit newtownrepublicans org and facebook com/newtownrepublicans or e-mail nrtcboard@gmail com
Rocking Roosters Square Dance Club
President, Marie Gower; vice president, Geoff Knees; secretary, Rona Nutku; treasurer, Vicky Borpolot This club sponsors dances in the Edmond Town Hall gym at 8 pm on the first and third Fridays of each month, except July and August . Classes in modern Western-style square dancing are offered each fall, depending on interest Guests and newcomer s are always welcome Contact per son is Ellie Sturges, 203-426-4854
Salvation Army, Newtown Service Unit
Chairperson, Glenn Nanavaty; secretary, Marie Sturdevant; treasurer, Peg Forbell . The local service unit of Salvation Army meets two to three times a year Salvation Army in Newtown supports residents of Newtown through Newtown’s Human Services Department located in Newtown Community Center Services include medical and dental assistance for children and senior citizens, fuel and other assistance to citizens in need, and supporting the community food pantry run by FAITH Food Pantry of Newtown, Inc, located behind St Rose Church . The group’s annual meeting takes place in October . New member s are always welcome For information, send an e-mail to gnanavaty7746@yahoo com
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CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
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Sandy Hook Promise (SHP)
Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) envisions a future where all children are free from school shootings and other acts of violence
As a national nonprofit organization, SHP’s mission is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities . Creator s of the lifesaving, evidence-informed “Know the Signs” prevention programs, SHP teaches the warning signs of someone who may be in crisis, socially isolated, or at risk of hurting themselves or others and how to get help SHP also advances school safety, youth mental health, and responsible gun ownership at the state and federal levels through nonpartisan policy and partnerships . SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012 Mailing address is PO Box 3489, Newtown CT 06470 For more information, visit sandyhookpromise org, call 203-304-9780, or e-mail info@sandyhookpromise org
Scouts BSA
Troop 70 meets at Cullens Memorial, led by Randy Tokar; Troop 270 meets at Newtown Congregational Church, led by Rick Child; Troop 370 meets at the United Methodist Church, led by Jason Almeter; Troop 770 meets at St Rose School, led by Patrick Mulcahey; Troop 870 is girls-only and meets at Cullens Memorial, led by Jason Almeter & Judy Hammel Cub Scout Pack 470 meets at Head O’Meadow Elementary School, led by Caitlin Hughes; Cub Scout Pack 270 meets at Newtown Congregational Church and is led by Dave Harrington Cub Scout packs accept both boys and girls The aims of Scouting are to build character, foster citizenship, and develop fitness The aims are accomplished through ideals, patrols, outdoor activities,
advancement, personal growth, adult association, leadership development, and the use of uniforms For additional information, call Matt Wietsma, district executive, at 203-876-6868 or e-mail matthew .wietsma@scouting .org .
Scouts
BSA Troop 870
Scouts BSA Troop 870 is a year-round program for girls in fifth grade through high school that provides fun, adventure, learning, challenge, and responsibility to help them become the best version of themselves Its focus is on adventure in the great outdoor s, leadership development, service to others, and personal growth . BSA Troop 870 meets weekly on Thursdays at 7 pm, at Cullens Memorial . Monthly acti vities include hiking, camping, and other outdoor programs as planned BSA Troop 870 is proud to have Newtown Hook and Ladder as its sponsor For more information, please contact Judy Hammel, Scoutmaster of BSA Troop 870, at troop870sm@gmail com
Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG)
The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG) is an all-volunteer state organized militia unit, originally formed to protect and escort the governor As an active Cavalry Unit, 2GHG continues to serve the governor and State of Connecticut at the direction of the Connecticut Army National Guard, under the command of the Adjutant General The main duties of the unit are as a ceremonial unit, partaking in parades and public educational service to schools, scouting groups, and special needs . It is located across Wasserman’s Way, next to Reed Intermediate School One of the oldest cavalry units in continuous service in the United States, 2GHG was chartered in 1808 and has had a history throughout the years of dedicated service and to the preservation of the Cavalry in Connecticut 2GHG remains ever conscious of its responsibilities to the citizens of
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
Connecticut and thankful to those who have made its continuing existence possible
SELFIE (Self Exploration to Learn Feelings, Individuality, and Empowerment)
SELFIE is a therapy group provided by Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS) The group helps girls learn to manage emotions, cope with stressful situations, and improve self-esteem in a supportive environment along with peers experiencing the same stressors . As a young girl there are stressful situations that occur daily such as bullying, peer pressure, substance use, conflict with friends, social media, body shaming, academic stressors, and family conflict SELFIE will use cognitive behavior strategies to teach girls how to cope with stressors and receive support from peers The group will also encourage growth in self-esteem and positive self-image Each group member participates for a total of 12 sessions . SELFIE is offered for two different age groups: Girls grades four through six; this group meets on Wednesdays from 4-5 pm . Girls grades seven through twelve; this group meets on Thursdays from 3-4 pm Cost: Most pri vate insurance plans are accepted, as are all HUSKY plans For more information, please contact Jocelyn Jones at jjones@newtownyouthandfamilyservices org or call 203-270-4335
Sibshops
Sibshops is led by Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS) It provides young brothers and sisters peer support and information in a lively, recreational setting Meet other sibs (usually for the first time), have fun, talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sib with special needs with others who “get it,” play some great games, learn how others handle sticky situations sometimes faced by brothers and sisters, laugh, learn
Koyfman
about the services brothers and sisters receive, and have some more fun! Who attends Sibshops? Siblings of kids with special needs in the 9- to 14-year-old age range . Where are Sibshops? Depends on the number of participants, but the events could be held at Newtown Community Center, NYFS (15 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook), or other locations in or close to Newtown How much does it cost to attend Sibshop events? Families are encouraged to register for as many individual events as they like at $15 per session . Meetings tak e place on the second Tuesday of each month from 6-7 pm . Contact Sibshops Coordinator Adrienne Kraus at akraus@newtownyouthandfamilyservices org or call 203-270-4335
Society of Creative Arts of Newtown (SCAN) President, Adele Moros, 203-744-7690; vice president, Nancy Cronin; treasurer, Sharon Krejcir; secretary, Joan Ruppel; programs, Cathleen Nardo; membership, Debby Cyr; website, Malina Schneider; hospitality, Suzanne Molineaux; newsletter, Marina Golos; publicity, Randy Carboni; open studio representatives, Cindy Dunn and Lisa Greto; plein air chair, Jennifer O’Brien SCAN was founded in 1970 to promote the arts in Newtown and the surrounding area SCAN meets at Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street Evening demonstrations run on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm from April through September . Afternoon demonstrations are on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 1:30 pm All demonstrations are free to the public SCAN sponsor s four shows a year by members and an open Spring Juried Show with cash awards The group also sponsors various trips and workshops, now held at Art and Frame SCAN has Plein Air Painting on Tuesdays, four times a month, going to numerous locations . Open Stu(continued on page 58)
• Monitoring for Medical Conditions including glaucoma, macular degeration, dry eye, neurological ocular conditions, and binocular conditions
• Eye Strain - Overuse of computers (eye discomfort, dryness or headaches)
• Myopia Control
• Binocular Vision/Double Vision
• Floaters/Flashes of Lights • MySight Contacts
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
dio meets four times a month on Wednesday afternoons, or mornings if there is a 1:30 pm demonstration Check SCAN’s website, scanart org, for information regarding demonstrations, events, prospectus to shows, and signups for classes and trips .
The Life Skills Program
This program is provided by Newtown Youth & Family Services (NYFS) It is for young adults with disabilities to increase knowledge and the skills necessary for everyday living Support from Union Savings Bank helped bring this program to the community Focus areas include goal setting; decision making and problem solving; healthy lifestyles and relationships; nutrition, food safety, food preparation, and cooking; personal safety; household care, cleaning, and maintenance; office and accounting skills, and more! All prospective participants MUST meet with Youth Programs and Workforce Coordinator Nancy Ruhs prior to joining the program E-mail nruhs@newtownyouthandfamilyservices org or call Nancy 203-731-7749 .
Together Women Rise, Newtown Chapter
The Newtown Chapter of the national Together Women Rise (formerly Dining for Women) organization meets every other month for a dinner and learning experience in members’ homes, or on Zoom if necessary . Through donations received from chapters across the nation, Together Women Rise funds grassroots programs working in developing countries to promote gender equality Contact Barbara Myer s at 203-426-8034 or e-mail barbara myersletson@gmail com for information on joining the Newtown Chapter For information on Together Women Rise, visit togetherwomenrise .org .
Town and Country Garden Club of Newtown Co-Presidents, Holly Walczak and Jane Vouros; first vice presidents (handbook), Barbara McCann and Joy Kopesky; second vice presidents (programs), Denise Rod and Nancy Azzaro; recording secretary, Joy Kopesky; treasurer, Teri Doern; awards chairs, Barbara McCann and Joy Kopesky; civic and island manager chair, Donna Miklaszewski; communications/webmaster/photographer, Josie Schmidt; membership chair, Hillary Goldstein; ways and means, Chris Lincoln; conservation chair, Nancy Azzaro; exhibits chairs, Barbara McCann, Barbara O’Connor, and Arline Shanley; holiday tree chair, Alexis Capaldo; horticulture chair, Susan Day; hospitality chairs, Mae Grant, Betsy Rickert, and Elaine Sullivan; publicity/public relations chair, Hillary Goldstein; sunshine chair, Nancy Scallon; outreach chair, Joan Alexander; “ask the expert” chair, Barbara O’Connor An active member of Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, New England Garden Clubs, Inc, and National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc, the club’s objectives are to promote interest in horticulture; to provide information on invasive plants; to increase knowledge on the artistic use of plant materials; to further the conservation of natural resources and the protection of our environment; to continue our involvement in civic and community events and projects; and to design, plant, and maintain three of Newtown’s traffic islands . The club meets on the second Wednesday of the month (at Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street) at 5:30 pm for socializing, with a short business meeting at 6, followed by horticulture and floral arrangement exhibits, after which there is a guest speaker on a garden-related topic The public is invited, free of charge Contact Hillary Goldstein, (845) 729-8957 or e-mail townandcountrygardenclubct@gmail com For additional information, visit tcgardenclub . org .
Town Players of Newtown
President, Gus Bottazzi; vice president, Brian DeToma; treasurer, Bryn Berg; recording secretary, Tracy Nashel; corresponding secretary, Kimberly Marcus; box office manager, Gary Kline Town Players presents live theater performances at The Little Theatre, 18 Orchard Hill Road . Productions are scheduled from March through December For information, e-mail info@newtownplayers org, or visit newtownplayer s org
Trout Unlimited, Candlewood Valley President, Mike Fatse of Newtown Trout Unlimited’s mission is to conserve, protect, and restore North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds . The organization has more than 125,000 volunteers nationwide working for clean water Chapter Gatherings are held on the second Wednesday of each month, September through May, at 7 pm, in Stony Hill Fire Department at 59 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel For information about the local chapter and its activities, visit cvtu org
United Way of Coastal & Western Connecticut
United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut (UWCWC) is committed to building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive The UWCWC works in partnership with the community to address critical needs and advance equitable pathways to well-being and financial security, with a vision of creating a future where every person is healthy, safe, and economically secure . Its efforts focus on supporting ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households — families living paycheck to paycheck — through programs that enhance education, improve health and food security, and increase financial stability In Newtown, 27% of households are ALICE, meaning they cannot afford basic necessities such as housing, childcare, transportation, and more . With your support, UWCWC can help connect families to critical resources, provide nonprofits with grants, and (continued from page 57)
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
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ad vocate for policies that improve lives To learn more, access resources, or volunteer, visit unitedwaycwc org or call 203-7925330 Together, we’re building a stronger, more equitable community for everyone
Veterans of Foreign Wars of The United States, Post 308
The Charles Howard Peck, Sr and Jr, and Eric G Blantin VFW Post 308 is at 18 Tinkerfield Road, 203-426-9316 The Post meets the third Wednesday of the month at 7 pm Its objecti ves are to ensure national security through maximum military strength; to speed the rehabilitation of the nation’s disabled and needy veterans; to assist the spouses, orphans, and dependents of disabled and needy veterans; and to promote Americanism through education in patriotism and constructive service to the community Any veteran with a campaign ribbon or medal is eligible for membership
The Victory Garden
The Victory Garden provides fresh produce to the food pantries in Newtown . The food pantries provide food to more than 2,000 residents of Newtown and are exclusively for the use of Newtown residents Presently, most of these foods are canned, dried, or frozen Last season, The Victory Garden provided more than 3,500 pounds of fresh, healthy produce The Victory Garden has doubled in size, and thanks to some very generous donors, the new garden has high tensile steel woven deer fencing . Newtown Parks and Recreation Department provides irrigation, wood chips, and mulch . The site has full sun, and parking is nearby The Victory Garden is supported by the Town of Newtown and Newtown Parks and Recreation Department It
also works in concert with Real Food CT. All donations are made through Newtown Parks and Recreation Department: Park Gift Fund, Memo: Victory Garden To sign up to “Own a Row,” or to help in other ways, contact victgarden17@gmail com The chair members are: Barbara Richardson, Mark Forstrom, and Barb Myers New volunteers are welcome, especially experienced vegetable growers The Victory Garden is also looking for new gardeners this season and has lots of available room .
Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Newtown, Inc
Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Newtown is a nonprofit organization focused on activities that contribute to the health and well-being of the residents of Newtown The current officers of the VNA are: president, Mary Tietjen (203-788-5371); vice president, Joan Reynolds; treasurer, Bonnie Nezvesky; assistant treasurer, Rebeka Dahlgard; recording secretary, Kathy Madzula; corresponding secretary, Jan Lavery All Board meetings are held at Newtown Volunteer Ambulance, 6 Washington Square The September meeting is the annual meeting and takes place on the second Tuesday of that month From October through June, meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month . Its major fundraiser is from the proceeds from the Thrift Shop located on the rear ground floor of Edmond Town Hall . Donations of seasonal clothing, small household items, and collectibles can be brought in during shop hours or left in the bin outside the shop Each month, the VNA donates the proceeds from the thrift shop to a local nonprofit health-related cause The VNA also participate in the Newtown Health Fair, eye vision screening for Newtown students and preschool children, as well as assist in flu clinics in town . A major project is the awarding of annual scholarships for Newtown students who attend nursing schools The VNA also awards the Sally Schwerdtle VNA Scholarship for a person pursuing a continuing education in the nursing field The VNA is proud of its over 100 years of service to the Newtown community New members are always welcome Please note, applicants do not need to be professional nur ses .
Winterset Ski Club
For people who love to ski or snowboard — or always thought they’d like to try — Winterset is a family-oriented ski club that subsidizes weeklong trips to areas in New England, out West, Canada, and Europe In the fall and early winter, members may purchase significantly discounted tickets to various Vermont ski areas Winterset also hosts social events and other gatherings throughout the year For more information, e-mail wintersetskiclub@hotmail .com or visit winter setskiclub .org .
Women Involved in Newtown (WIN)
Board members: Co-presidents, Cindy Utter & Erika Lelievre; secretary, Diane Fuchs; and treasurer, Cindy Gallatin . Women Involved in Newtown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization made up of women of all ages from Newtown who are interested in working together for the goodwill of our community WIN partners with social services and other organizations in town to identify and assist individuals and families in need WIN also volunteers its time as a group as opportunities come up throughout the year WIN meets monthly September-May at the Newtown Community Center or at a member’s home, usually the second Monday of the month . New members can join at any time during the year . Yearly outreaches and organizations WIN supports/volunteers for: Back to School backpacks and school supplies, The Great Pumpkin Challenge, Halloween on Main Street, Thanksgiving Baskets, Festival of Trees, Christmas Family Sponsorship, Easter Baskets, Baked Goods for Red Cross Blood Drives, Sue Rubino WIN Scholarship, Newtown Social Services, Newtown Lions Club, Hearts of Hope Newtown, Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, Regional Hospice, Faith Food Pantry, Trinity Episcopal Church, and Newtown Community Center . For more information, e-mail womeninnewtown@gmail com or visit winct org
NEWTOWN SUPPORT GROUPS
Due to the continued impact of the coronavirus pandemic, meeting dates/times/places may be subject to change. Please contact any group before making plans to attend. Information is current as of February 2026.
Sunday
AA, 2 pm, one-hour open speaker discussion meeting, Newtown Senior Center (multipurpose room), 8 Simpson Street (use community center entrance)
Narcotics Anonymous, 7:30-8:45 pm, information pamphlet/ discussion meeting, Newtown Congregational Church (Great Room), 14 West Street . Meeting around back .
Monday
Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), 5:30-7 pm, for weigh-in and meeting, Newtown Congregational Church (lower level/ library), 14 West Street, nonprofit weight loss support group, $10/month, membership fees vary; call Krista 203-231-4176 or visit tops .org for more information .
Parent Connection’s Milford Hope & Support Group, 7-9 pm at First United Church of Christ, 34 West Main Street, Milford, confidential and embracing support group for those who have questions or concerns about their child’s or loved one’s possible use or abuse of drugs and/or alcohol, facilitated by a licensed therapist, free; ctparentconnection org or 203-2701600 for further information .
Women’s Support Group, 1-2 pm on Zoom, group participates in different topics common to all, it is also a safe and confidential place to share issues that women have presently or have had in the past, organized by Carol Cohen, LMSW; carolcohen429@yahoo com or 860-799-0927
Tuesday
Strong as a Mother, LLC’s Free Breastfeeding Support Group, 10-11 am every other Tuesday at Strong as a Mother, LLC, 4 Hitfield Road This support group is open to breastfeeding/pumping mothers of infants and toddlers, facilitated by an international board-certified lactation consultant who is a registered nurse; cost is free; lauren@strongasamother net, strongasamother net, or follow on Instagram/Facebook @ strongasamotherct for further information .
AA, 6:30-7:30 pm, open step meeting, Newtown Congregational Church (side entrance, lower level/library), 14 West Street; aa org or 866-STEPS12
Al-Anon, 7-8 pm, newcomer meeting, Newtown Senior Center (health and wellness room, use community center entrance), 8 Simpson Street; ctalanon org or 888-825-2666 for group info, e-mail newtowntuesdayeveningalanon@gmail . com for Zoom link .
Alateen Support Group, 7-8 pm, Newtown Senior Center (health and wellness room, use community center entrance), 8 Simpson Street; ctalanon org or 888-825-2666 for group info, e-mail lisagalateencoordinator@ctalanon org for Zoom link
Parent Connection’s Middlebury Hope & Support Group, 7-9 pm at St John’s of the Cross, 1263 West Street, Middlebury, a confidential and embracing support group for those who have questions or concerns about their child’s or loved one’s possible use or abuse of drugs and alcohol, facilitated by a licensed therapist, free; ctparentconnection org or 203-270-1600
Wednesday
AA Women’s Group, 6:30-7:30 pm, open discussion meeting, C .H . Booth Library (community meeting room), 25 Main Street . Usually meets in the community meeting room downstairs; check on meeting location with front desk
Thursday
Parent Connection’s Newtown Hope & Support Group, 7-9 pm, at Newtown Parent Connection, 2 Washington Square, confidential and embracing support group for those who have questions or concerns about their child’s or loved one’s
possible use or abuse of drugs and/or alcohol, facilitated by a licensed therapist, free; ctparentconnection . org or 203270-1600 .
AA, 7-8 pm, closed speak er discussion, nonsmokers meeting, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street
Grief Support Group, 4-5:15 pm, open to the public, grief support group, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street; 203-426- 9070 or kmerrill@trinitynewtownct org
Monthly Meetings
Heart of Men Circle, Sticks and Stones Farm, 197 Huntingtown Road, second Wednesday/month, meet in parking lot at 6:30 pm and catch a ride to the top of the mountain for outdoor meeting, connect with other men in an outdoor setting; dress for the weather; contact Jim Kavallines (203-948-1684) and Bill Donaldson (203-915-0718) to confirm attendance
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), for family members of those with mental illness; visit namict .org for information on online meetings in the state or contact Sheryl at 203470-1488
Parent Connection’s Bereavement Group, first Wednesday/ month, 7-8:30 pm, Newtown Parent Connection, 2 Washington Square, in the Lecture Room A compassionate venue for those who have lost a child or loved one to substance abuse or a catastrophic circumstance, facilitated by a licensed therapist, free; ctparentconnection org or 203-270-1600
Western Connecticut Parkinson Group, first Wednesday/ month, 1:30 pm, Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street; for those with Parkinson’s, family members, caregivers, and anyone interested in learning about Parkinson’s disease
To add a regularly scheduled Newtown support group, or to make changes, send e-mail to editor@thebee .com .
Tim Wilder Tree Care
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
Board of Education
Chair: Alison Plante (D), plantea_boe@newtown k12 ct us
Vice Chairperson: Doria Linnetz (D), linnetzd_boe@newtown k12 ct us
Secretary: Donald Ramsey, (R), ramseyd_boe@newtown k12 ct us
Melissa Beylouni (R), beylounim_boe@newtown k12 ct us
Office at 3 Primrose Street, Newtown; 203-426-7620 newtown.k12.ct.us
Superintendent: Anne Uberti, 203-426-7621; $236,900
Assistant Superintendent: Frank Purcaro, 203-426-7617; $220,350
Director of Teaching and Learning: Kara DiBartolo, $175,211 Director of Business & Finance: Tanja Gouveia, 203-426-7619; $180,353
Director of Special Education: Deborah Mailloux-Petersen, 203-426-7626; $197,353
Human Resources Director: Suzanne D’Eramo, 203-426-7605; $142,161
Special Education Supervisors: Maureen Hall, 203-426-7629, $175,211; Dr Paula Correia-Grayson, 203-270-4570, $178,211
Continuing Education, Adult Diploma, and Summer School Director: Jennifer Arnold, 203-270-6190; $57,658
All-Star Transportation: 203-304-9778
Director of Facilities: John Barlow, 203-426-7615; $148,435 Director of Information Technology: Dennis Colclough, 203-270-6132; $159,372
Newtown Board of Education and Town of Newtown, Shared Position, Purchasing Director: Kerri Mubarek, $104,000 Chartwells Director of Dining Services: John Morris, 203-426-7637
Newtown High School 12 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook; 203-426-7646 newtown.k12.ct.us/NHS
Principal: Dr Kimberly Longobucco, $212,644
Assistant Principal: David Roach, $176,952
Assistant Principal: Paul Ribeiro, $176,952
Dean of Students: LeeAnn Browett, $118,617 40 PTSA President: Melissa Beylouni
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
Newtown Middle School
11 Queen Street, Newtown; 203-426-7642
newtown.k12.ct.us/NMS
Principal: James Ross, 203-426-7642; $197,353
Assistant Principal: Brian Walsh, 203-426-7641; $175,211
PTA President: Heymi Colon
Reed Intermediate School
3 Trades Lane, Newtown; 203-270-4880
newtown.k12.ct.us/RIS
Principal: Dr Matt Correia, $198,942
Assistant Principal: Carla Tischio, $151,447.20
PTA President: Meagan Warnock
Hawley School
29 Church Hill Road, Newtown; 203-426-7666
newtown.k12.ct.us/HAWElem
Principal Christopher Moretti, $194,535
Assistant Principal: Alison Carmody, $152,927
PTA Co-Presidents: Jessica Briante, Jennifer Levy
Head O’ Meadow
94 Boggs Hill Road, Newtown; 203-426-7670
newtown.k12.ct.us/HOMElem
Principal: Tim Napolitano, $194,535
Assistant Principal: Kelly MacLaren, $143,751
PTA President: Caitlin Ormond
Middle Gate School
7 Cold Springs Road, Newtown; 203-426-7662
newtown.k12.ct.us/MGSElem
Principal: Jenna Connors, $194,535
Assistant Principal: Sonia Raquel, $152,927
PTA President: Ella Iszczyszyn
Sandy Hook School 12 Dickinson Drive, Sandy Hook; 203-426-7657
Board Members: Marie Smith, Kristi VanHeiningen, Stephanie Pardovich
Public preschool program for children ages 3 through 5, with before and after school programs for all elementary school students
Fraser Woods Montessori School 173 South Main Street, Newtown; 203-426-3390 fraserwoods.com
Head of School: David Newman
An independent school with a Montessori curriculum educating students from age 15 months through eighth grade Before and after school programs available
Housatonic Valley Waldorf School offers a well-rounded private school education for preschool through eighth grade . The Waldorf approach blends strong academics with hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, music, and the arts to support intellectual growth, confidence, and creativity Surrounded by a beautiful, wooded landscape in Newtown, CT, our small class sizes, nurturing environment, and screen-free classrooms help students thrive socially and emotionally . HVWS provides an intentional, balanced, lasting education that cultivates resilience, critical thinking and empathy — skills that serve students far beyond the classroom
Merryhill Child Care Center, Inc, is a small, nonprofit, NAEYC-accredited child care center for children from 6 weeks through 6 years old Open Monday through Friday, year-round, with fulltime and part-time quality child care provided by degreed teaching staff, including individualized, developmentally appropriate activities, enrichment programs, a large outdoor play area with scenic view, and more .
St Rose of Lima School
40 Church Hill Road, Newtown; 203-426-5102 stroseschool.com
Principal: Dr Bardhyl Gjoka
Home & School Association President: Carrie Sirois
School Board Chairperson: Stephanie DeBartolomeo
Prekindergarten 3-year-old programs through eighth grade “A faith-centered community where students bloom in mind, heart, and soul . ”
Trinity Day School
Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street, Newtown; 203-426-8429 trinitydayschool.org
Director: Michelle Macey
Half-day and extended day classes for children ages 2 to 5 years of age Music, science, and gym programs included Three-, four-, and five-day programs for 4s/5s, two- and threeday programs for 2s and 3s A state-licensed and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)-accredited school E-mail address is trinitydayschoolnewtown@ yahoo com
Wesley Learning Center
(adjacent to Newtown United Methodist Church) 92 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook; 203-426-6149 wesleylearningcenter.org
Directors: Debbie Daniels and Chris Riccio
Preschool programs for ages 2 through 4 An extended day program for 4 through 5-year-olds runs from 9 am to 1:30 pm Monday through Friday; regular classes run from 9 am to noon with flexible days .
Country Kids Childcare
107 Old State Road, Brookfield; 203-775-2126 cadence-education.com/locations/ct/brookfield
Director: Dianna Delohery
The center is open Monday to Friday from 6:45 am to 6 pm . Programs include: Full day infant care; full toddler; full and half day nursery school; before/after school care; school age summer camp It has an indoor gymnasium, outdoor heated pool, and outdoor playgrounds Tours are available
Western Connecticut Academy for International Studies Elementary Magnet School 201 University Boulevard, Danbury; 203-778-7462 sites.google.com/danbury.k12.ct.us/ais/home
Principal: Jeanine Pocoski
PTO President: Jade O’Connell
WCAIS is a global studies-themed school, including daily Spanish, that has a school community from Danbury, Newtown, Brookfield, New Milford, Bethel, New Fairfield, and Easton/ Redding The school has grades from kindergarten through fifth and an extended day program, which includes before and after school care Wooster School
Head of School: Matt Byrnes
Director of Admission: Will Sacco
Wooster School is an independent, co-educational college preparatory day school, serving students from Fairfield and Westchester counties Located in Danbury, the school serves students from grade five through grade twelve . A leader in classroom innovation and teaching, Wooster School is a place where thinking and learning are personal, meaningful, and visible, and where faculty work closely with students in small classes and cohorts to think and communicate critically and creatively At Wooster, every student participates, every student contributes, and every student learns and develops the necessary skills to be a life-long learner and leader in college and beyond
SPORTS & RECREATION
Parks and Recreation Director, Amy Mangold, 203-270-4340
Assistant Director/Parks, Carl Samuelson, 203-270-4378
Dickinson Memorial Park
Located on Elm Drive, this park is open from 8 am to sundown . Dickinson Park has five tennis courts, three tennis courts lined for pickleball, a softball field, a basketball court, a skate park, a creative play area, a band shell, a pavilion, and picnicking facilities complete with charcoal grills Barb’s Trail is a walking path that winds around the property perimeter Dickinson Park also hosts two Parks and Recreation Summer Concert Series . A town Parking Permit is required for any vehicle entering the park .
Eichler’s Cove Beach and Marina
Located at 11 Old Bridge Road in the southeastern corner of Sandy Hook, Eichler’s Cove offers a marina, boat launch, picnic area, beach, and spectacular view Eichler’s Cove is the only public access to Lake Zoar Seasonal boat launch passes, boat slips, dry storage, personal watercraft slips, and swim passes may be purchased at the Parks and Recreation office during regular business hours or at newtown-ct gov/parks-recreation Proof of residency, car registration, and boat registration must be shown when purchasing a boat launch pass A Parking Permit must be displayed on all cars entering the facility Resident and Non-Resident Parking Permits must be obtained at the Parks and Recreation office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am4:30pm), and car registration must be presented at that time . For fee listings, hours, and Eichler’s Cove regulations, visit newtown-ct gov/parks-recreation
Lake Lillinonah Park/Boat Launch: Hanover Road, Newtown
Offering a total scenic package, this park is located at the end of Hanover Road in Newtown on Lake Lillinonah In addition to a beautiful view of the lake, there are picnic tables, charcoal grills and a boat launch . Portable bathroom facilities and parking are available NO SWIMMING or FISHING permitted at this park as boats pose too much danger A Parking Permit must be displayed on all cars entering the park Resident and Non-Resident Parking Permits must be obtained at the Parks and Recreation office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm), and car registration must be presented at that time . A boat launch permit/key is required to launch your boat and can be obtained at the Parks and Recreation office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm) Open from 8 am to sundown
Orchard Hill Nature Center
Located on Huntingtown Road, the center’s historical assets include two mills and dams that date back to the early part of the 19th Century Its natural assets include rare beauty and remarkably diverse habitats that are home to an unusually large number of species of plants and animals . Parking is available and several trails have been cut in by Scouts and the Newtown Lions Club
Pole Bridge Preserve
Pole Bridge Preserve is a 78-acre habitat of open space managed by the Conservation Commission and maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department It is a habitat for wildlife, plants, and birds, with parking and trails that provide recreational opportunities for residents The best way to access the preserve is to walk up the old woods road off Pole Bridge Road .
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SPORTS & RECREATION
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There are neighborhood accesses: Marked narrow right-of-way easements off Fox Hollow and Bristle Lane cul-de-sacs, and a pedestrian easement off Brandywine Lane Please be sure to respect homeowners’ property lines For more information and other Conservation Commission sites to enjoy, visit newtownconservation org/open-spaces-in-newtown html
Treadwell Memorial Park
On Philo Curtis Road in Sandy Hook, this park is open from 8 am to sundown Amenities include four tennis courts, one official pickleball court with lines added to two tennis courts for additional pickleball play, a basketball court, two playground areas, a pavilion, a multipurpose baseball/softball field, two artificial surface fields, and a swimming pool complex that features an eight-lane, 25-yard pool with a diving “L” and wading pool . Swim passes may be purchased at the Parks and Recreation office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am4:30pm) or at newtown-ct gov/parks-recreation Locker facilities are available
Newtown Park And Bark
Located at 21 Old Farm Road and open from sunrise to sunset . The main philosophy at the park is “A Tired Dog is a Good Dog!” It is an official off-leash park with two separate fenced areas, one for small and/or older dogs and an area for larger dogs to play The park offers drinking water seasonally, a splash pad, a shade structure and trees, agility course elements, and park benches Park and Bark also hosts exciting events, including Strutt Your Mutt in May . A Parking Permit must be displayed on
C.H. Booth Library’s 2025 Turkey Trot 5K and 2.5K road race/ walk saw tremendous support and participation — including a record 1,700-plus runners and walkers — on a cool Thanksgiving morning, November 27. The race started and finished at Newtown Middle School, where the race mascot was ready to welcome returning participants. —Bee file photo
all cars entering the facility Resident and Non-Resident Parking Permits must be obtained at the Parks and Recreation office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm), and car registration must be presented at that time . Donations may be made to Newtown Park and Bark . For more information, visit newtown-ct gov/parks-recreation
Recreation Opportunities At Fairfield Hills Campus
Victory Garden: A volunteer community garden that provides food to the food pantries and more than 2,000 residents in Newtown . To sign up to “Own a Row” or to help in other ways, e-mail victorygarden17@gmail .com .
Walking Trails: Walking, jogging, and strolling opportunities around the campus are expanding A portion of the walking trail contains the Fruit Trail that is lined with trees planted to benefit people, plants, and animals now and in the future As the plants mature, there will be an abundance of fruit for people and wildlife to share .
Bicycle Playground & Bike Share Program
The Bicycle Playground on the Fairfield Hills Campus officially opened in June 2023 This dedicated, well-planned area provides a safe place for children to ride their bikes while parents observe and monitor them The playground includes riding features such as ladder bridges, rollers and tunnels which are specially designed to offer a variety of fun obstacles that safely build cycling confidence The playground is open seasonally
Bike Share Program
This program offers bikes for loan for children ages 4-12 for use on the Fairfield Hills Campus (including the Bicycle Playground) . The initiation of this program was made possible with the generous donation of 130 bicycles from Guardian Bikes .
Bikes are available Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm
· All Bike Share paperwork must be completed in our office at 8 Simpson Street (located in the Newtown Community Center)
Newtown Residents: no charge
Non-Residents: $5 fee per bik e Helmets are provided (if needed) ID (driver ’s license) required as deposit
· Wai ver must be signed at the time of rental
Parking: There is a dedicated parking area for the Bicycle Playground Enter through the Senior Center parking lot at 8 Simpson Street, drive past the Senior Center and continue until you see the Bicycle Playground on your right . Parking is just beyond the playground Please do not park in the Senior Center parking lot
GENERAL INFORMATION
Edmond Town Hall: For public use of the Edmond Town Hall gym, call Town Hall office manager at 203-270-4285 .
Pools and Ball Fields: Town swimming facilities are available at Eichler’s Cove Marina and Treadwell Park; ball fields at various locations Treadwell Park and Eichler’s Cove Beach users need a season pass, which can be purchased at Parks and Recreation at newtown-ct gov/parks-recreation Daily, guest, and non-resident passes are also available . Swim passes are required . Town ball fields may be used by the public at no charge, but the games and scheduled practices of organized leagues have priority Parks and Recreation prohibits use of fields when it is raining or when the ground is soft
Programs
Newtown Parks and Recreation offers programs throughout the year, including summer day camps, Teen Travel Adventure
SPORTS & RECREATION
Camp, sports camps, and specialty camps A variety of activities are offered, such as sports, knitting, martial arts, cooking, filmmaking, and Newtown Hoopsters for special needs children Parks and Recreation has many recreational and social programs listed in The Newtown Bee and the town website at www newtown-ct gov/parks-recreation
Newtown Teen Center
Also known as The Garage, the Teen Center is located on Church Hill Road opposite the old railroad station . This is a safe, cozy, casual environment for youth to come together and have fun There is a pool table, foosball table, air hockey, pingpong table, iPod player, Jukebox and TV No alcohol or drugs are permitted on the premises and the Teen Center is a No Bully Zone
Middle School Fridays
This program is for Grades 7 & 8 and takes place every Friday from 3-5 pm during the school year
Friday Nights at Newtown Teen Center
Middle School Nights are every second Friday of the month, 7-9:30 pm
Grades 5 & 6 Nights are every third Friday of the month, 7-9:30 pm .
High School Nights, Grades 9-12, are held on all nights other than those designated for Middle School & Grades 5 & 6, 7-11 pm
Fee is $3 per per son, per night
Special Events
Special events include seasonal parties for Grades 5 & 6, Gaming Days and live band events (high school only) Fees for special events vary
Facility Rental
The Teen Center is also available for rentals for parties and meetings Visit newtown-ct gov/parks-recreation or call 203270-4340 for information .
SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS
Adult Drop-In Sports Programs with Newtown Parks and Recreation
Pick-Up Basketball for Women (Ages 18 & Up)
Tuesdays, 7-9 pm, Sandy Hook School, Gym . For dates and additional information, visit newtown-ct gov/ parks-recreation
Men Over 40 Drop-In Basketball
Fridays, 7-9 pm & Saturdays 7-9 am, Newtown Middle School, Gym B, 11 Queen Street For dates and additional information, visit newtown-ct .gov/parks-recreation
Monday Fun Night Volleyball Drop-In (Ages 18 & Up)
Mondays, 7:30-9:30 pm, Sandy Hook School, Gym
For dates and additional information, visit newtown-ct gov/ parks-recreation
Thursday Night Volleyball Drop-In for Serious Players (Ages 18 & Up)
Thursdays, 7-9:30 pm, Sandy Hook School, Gym
For dates and additional information, visit newtown-ct gov/ parks-recreation
Co-Ed Tuesday Recreational Volleyball League (Ages 18 & Up)
Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30 pm at NYA .
For dates and additional information, visit newtown-ct .gov/ parks-recreation
Pickleball
Drop-In Pickleball
(Ages 18 & Up) with Newtown Parks and Recreation
Tuesdays for Intermediate/Advanced Players 7-9 pm, Newtown Middle School, Gym B
For dates and additional information, visit newtown-ct .gov/parks-recreation
Wednesdays for Intermediate/Beginner Players
6:30-8:30 pm, Newtown Middle School, Gym B
For dates and additional information, visit newtown-ct gov/ parks-recreation
Adult Pickleball Lessons
Newtown Parks and Recreation offers Adult Pickleball Lessons throughout the year . For dates and additional information, visit newtown-ct gov/parks-recreation
AIM Athletes Field Hockey Club
Offers beginner and elite training for players in grades K-12
There are clinics and travel team opportunities offered throughout the year . Open to all player s regardless of residency . Visit aimathletes .com or contact Amy Krompinger at aimathletes@ gmail com
Fairfield County Captains Baseball
The Captains Baseball program is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit travel baseball organization, established in 2010 It offers travel baseball programs for age 12U through 18U . For information, visit fairfieldcountycaptains .com or contact Richard Dieckman at captainsrich@gmail com
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SPORTS & RECREATION
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Fairfield County Fish & Game Protective Association
At 310 Hammertown Road in Monroe; visit fcfgpa .org or call 203-426-8351 . Situated on 40 0-plus acres, Fairfield County Fish & Game Protective Association is a members-only sportsman’s club offering trap, skeet, and sporting clay shooting The organization occasionally hosts events that are open to the public, including registered skeet and trap shoots, sporting clay competitions, winter shooting leagues, women’s day, and hunter education courses . These events are publicized in newspapers, newsletters, and other public postings . A rifle and pistol range, a trout stream, and 3-D archery are also available
Golf Courses
Newtown Country Club, 2 Country Club Road, 203-426-9311, and Rock Ridge Country Club, 214 Sugar Street, 203-426-2106, provide golfing opportunities, including tournaments, for all ages . Visit newtowncountryclub .com and rockridgecc .com for information .
Newtown Babe Ruth Baseball
The Newtown Babe Ruth Baseball (NBR) league is open to boys and girls between the ages of 4-19 Our program is affiliated with the Babe Ruth League and its Cal Ripken Division Keeping baseball fun, especially in the early stages of youth baseball, is the primary goal of the Babe Ruth League’s Cal Ripken Division, which targets players between the ages of 4-12 and is comprised of Major, Minor, Rookie, and T-Ball divisions The Babe Ruth 13-15 and Babe Ruth 16-18 divisions provide players with an opportunity to practice the ideals of sportsmanship, fair play, high morality and democratic spirit that were learned in the Cal Ripken Division . These older players have the opportunity to hone their skills in a community-level program with the potential to compete in a divisional World Series Visit newtownbaseball com for more details
Newtown Hawks Girls’ Softball
Newtown Hawks Girls Softball offers organized fastpitch girls softball with divisions for players from 5-14 years old (DOB Sept 2010- Aug 2020) . League has two primary seasons: Spring (April-June) and Fall (September-October), both with intraleague and intra-town competition Additionally, the organization hosts travel squads at the 10U, 12U and 14UDivisions, which compete throughout the year in local, state, and regional tournaments Winter clinics (February-March), summer camps (June and August), and small group lessons will be offered . A full description of all programs along with other league information can be found at newtownsoftball .org . A nonprofit, Newtown Girls Softball League has served the community for more than 40 years and is chartered with USA Softball As part of its mission, players of all skill levels are welcome and financial assistance is available Specific program questions can be directed to President John Williams at jwilliams144@gmail . com or 203-260-8088 .
Newtown Bridle Lands Association
NBLA is a community of horse lovers, with all levels of expertise welcome A non-competitive and supportive group that offers a variety of rides and events throughout the year You can join by visiting nblact com or e-mail newtownhorses@ gmail com for more information
Newtown High School
Athletic director is Matt Memoli (memolim@newtown k12 ct us or 203-426-7655) For schedules and for up-to-the-minute sports cancellations or changes, visit newtown k12 ct us/athletics
Newtown Hikers
An open group welcoming anyone interested in hiking and the outdoors No member ship fee Hik ers participate at
their own risk and are asked by the Newtown Parks and Recreation Department to sign a release on their first hike Hikes generally start at 9:30 am in the spring and fall and 10 am in winter Children are welcome but must be accompanied by adults and keep up with the group pace Dogs are welcome on leash at most parks . Bring tick spray . Sturdy shoes or boots are recommended . For further information, contact Linda Dunn via e-mail at ldunn6785@sbcglobal net The schedule can be found on newtown-ct gov/parks-recreation
Newtown Middle School Field Hockey
Open to middle school players, the program includes a fall season with practices and games . There is also a summer camp for all ages, June 15-19 from 9:30 am to noon The Contact Coach Ellen Goyda at egoydafh@gmail com
Newtown Pride FC Soccer
Pride is an amateur American soccer team based in Sandy Hook that competes in the Connecticut Soccer League For information, contact President Matt Svanda at vaosvanda@ yahoo .com or call 203-948-1982 .
Newtown Softball For Adults
Contact Anthony Willie: anthonyjwillie@yahoo com or Charles Coates: charlesdcoates@gmail com for Men’s Sunday softball Contact Leigh Libero at leigh libero@gmail com or newtownsoftball@gmail .com for Women’s softball .
Newtown Soccer Club
Offers in-house and travel/premier soccer for all ages Visit newtownsoccer org for officers and additional information or e-mail President Jon Del Pozo, jdelpozo1@sbcglobal net
Newtown Thunder
There are 12U, 14U, 16U, and 18U teams that compete in games, tournaments, and college showcase events throughout the year For information, contact Ian Thoesen at ianthoesen@ msn com
Newtown Tennis Association
Welcomes all levels and abilities for drop-in play throughout the year . There are tournaments and other events offered . For information, visit newtowntennisassociation com
Newtown Youth Basketball Association
The Newtown Youth Basketball Association is a thriving community organization dedicated to fostering a love for basketball and providing opportunities for the youth to develop their skills, sportsmanship, and teamwork . Founded in 1969, NYBA has become a prominent fixture in the local sports scene, engaging boys and girls of various ages NYBA features In-House basketball leagues for Boys and Girls (Kindergarten, 1st/2nd Future Stars, 3/4 Bantam, 5-6 Intermediate, 7/8 Junior, and Senior HS divisions) as well as Travel divisions for Boys and Girls (teams in grades 4-8) NYBA offers training, paid positions and flexible schedules for high school students as referees and scorekeepers . Visit newtownhoops . com or contact President Top Martinez at topaxe10@yahoo com for information
Newtown Youth Football & Cheer
Organized football and cheerleading for third through eighth grade boys and girls with grade-specific open weight divisions competing in the Shoreline Conference . The program also offers a flag football team for kindergartners and second graders Registrations are generally held in early spring Contact Kevin Kuzma at kevkuz26@yahoo com or 203-560-0526 for football and e-mail Kristen Keil 5678hawks@gmail com for cheerleading
SPORTS & RECREATION
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Newtown Youth Lacrosse
Offers teams for boys and girls in kindergarten through eighth grade, providing a place to learn and play lacrosse for all experience levels . Visit newtownlax .org or e-mail Lauren Tietjen at laurentietjen@gmail .com for information .
Newtown Youth Wrestling
The Newtown Youth Wrestling Association offers in-house and advanced/travel programs for up-and-coming grapplers in first through eighth grade . For more information, visit newtownyouthwrestling .com or e-mail newtownwrestling@gmail .com .
NYA Sports & Fitness Center
Located at 4 Primrose Street on the Fairfield Hills Campus, NYA Sports & Fitness Center offers a wide range of athletics and workout programs for children and adults . Visit nyasportsfitness .com or call 203-426-0088 for information .
Over 30 Women’s Basketball
Drop-in, full-court basketball for women 30 and over is at Edmond Town Hall Sunday mornings 8-10 am . For information, email Jan Brown at jannie1225@msn .com with subject line Women’s Basketball .
Salty Dogs Soccer
Shoreline Adult Soccer League for players over 30 . For information, contact President Jason Greasley at Greasleyj1@ gmail .com .
Tennis Courts
Five courts are available at Dickinson Park on Elm Drive and four at Treadwell Park on Philo Curtis Road . Residents are wel-
come to use the courts at both parks between 8 am and sundown . No reservations are needed . Non-Residents may use them with the purchase of a Non-Resident Parking Permit to enter the parks . $150 for the season . For more information, visit newtown-ct .gov/park-recreation .
Torpedoes Swimming
The winter season program is for ages 6-17, boys and girls . The summer season is for ages 7-14 . For more information, visit newtown-ct .gov/park-recreation .
Vintage Base Ball
The Newtown Sandy Hook Vintage Base Ball Club provides recreation for those who wish to experience our national pastime played in the style and tradition of the 19th Century . For information, e-mail mrjedwards@hotmail .com .
Western Connecticut Youth Hockey
Youth Travel Hockey programs are available for skaters ages 6 to 16 . The programs are designed for travel hockey players . Practices and home games are held at the Danbury Ice Arena . For information, visit jrcolonialhockey .net .
Winterset Ski Club
For people who love to ski or snowboard — or always thought they’d like to try, Winterset is a family-oriented ski club that subsidizes weeklong trips to areas in New England, out West, Canada, and Europe . In the fall and early winter, members may purchase significantly discounted tickets to various Vermont ski areas . Winterset also hosts social events and other gatherings throughout the year . For more information, e-mail wintersetskiclub@hotmail .com or visit wintersetskiclub .org
NEWTOWN PLACES OF WORSHIP
Al Hedaya Islamic Center
115 Mt Pleasant Road
hedayacenter org
Founded in June 2009 as The Muslim Society of Greater Danbury, Al Hedaya Islamic Center offers religious services; educational and language programs for children and adults; special events for the Muslim community, such as Eid festivals, weddings, births, funerals, and seminars; lecture series; retreats; camps; and workshops that are of topical interest to all of the extended community in the greater Danbury region The center welcomes neighbors; local/regional ethnic, religious, secular communities; and town, region, and state officials to participate in its programs and develop a better understanding of Muslims and Islam . For additional information, contact Eman Beshtawii at 20330 0-9326
Baha’i Faith Of Newtown 203-241-5525; mdeselin@gmail com
Contact Margo Woodall
Devotional and informational meetings; discussions of social issues from a spiritual perspective . The meetings are held at various locations in Newtown; call for locations or additional information
Christ The King Lutheran Church
85 Mt Pleasant Road at Tory Lane
203-426-6300; ctklutherannewtown .org
Robert Morris, Pastor Christ the King Lutheran Church is a joyful community of faith centered on receiving Jesus Christ in His Word and Sacraments and sharing God’s fatherly goodness with all who are in need Our wor ship and teaching are rooted in the rich, liturgical tradition of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, which holds to the three ecumenical creeds (Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian) and the Lutheran Confessions as a faithful exposition of the Bible’s teaching Please visit our website or call the church office for more information We look forward to meeting you and joining with you in the journey of faith from baptism to our final rest in Christ, our King Sunday Di vine Services at 9:30 am (also livestreamed on the church website) and 4 pm, Sunday School and Bible Classes follow the 9:30 am service .
Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints
16 Saw Mill Road; 914-479-9597
lds org or mormon org
Family History Center, 203-426-1752
Check website for updates
Congregation Adath Israel
115 Huntingtown Road (mailing address: PO Box 623)
Proudly celebrating 100+ years, Congregation Adath Israel is an egalitarian synagogue dedicated to sustaining Jewish culture, learning, and spirituality in a warm and welcoming environment . We strive to provide families and individuals a connection with Judaism that will endure and be passed on to future generations We are an open and diverse community that welcomes interfaith families and is committed to creating an inclusive congregation
Services: Friday evening and Saturday morning services are held on alternating weeks Specific dates and times of services are listed on our website calendar and are subject to change . Education: Our Hebrew/Sunday school for grades K-7 follows Newtown school schedule A preschool playgroup meets once a month, and adult education classes are offered at various times throughout the year
For additional information about Adath Israel, please visit our website
Eckankar Of Northwestern Connecticut
Meets at Edmond Town Hall
45 Main Street (Mary Hawley Room)
Contact Dan Schwartz, 203-733-2811, DanBSchwartz@gmail com; ct-eckankar org
Eckankar means “co-worker with God . ” It offers ways to explore your own unique and natural relationship with the Divine . An ECK Light and Sound service meets the first Sunday of each month at 11 am, weather permitting, and includes a talk, discussion of a spiritual quote and a spiritual exercise to try It is followed by an informal social gathering Masks to protect against COVID or flu are optional
Grace Family Church
13 Covered Bridge Road 203-270-1005; gracect org
Reverend Adam Fredericks, Lead Pastor
Reverend Barry Fredericks, Founding & Teaching Pastor
Reverend Sheila Fredericks, Founding & Teaching Pastor
Reverend John Barago, Associate Pastor
Reverend Bonnie Barago, Associate Pastor Adrienne Ventresca, Church Administrator
Grace Family Church is a Bible-believing, nondenominational family church, and we welcome you to come worship with us Every aspect of the service is designed for you to know that God loves you and has a plan for your life We offer a fun and relevant Children’s Church and Youth Ministry at all Sunday and Wednesday services . Sunday wor ship, 8:30, 10 and 11:30 am; Wednesday evening service at 7 pm; weekly Healing School, Thursday 1 to 2:30 pm; quarterly Ladies’ Fellowship, The WELL, call for dates and times; Men’s Breakfast of Champions, first Saturday of the month, 8 to 10 am 2026 Vacation Bible School will be August 10-14; contact the office for information
Love Has A Home Here
At Sticks and Stones Farm, 197 Huntingtown Road 203-915-3177; info@lovehasahome org LoveHasAHome org
Reverend Bill Donaldson
10 am interfaith/interspiritual worship services on the second and fourth Sunday of each month, all welcome, especially those who consider themselves “spiritual but not religious . ” We gather in circle and discuss a wide range of topics from spiritual traditions around the world, or issues that may be challenging us in the moment It’s a safe space with no judgement and where everyone who chooses to share has an equal voice In warmer months, we often meet outdoors to be closer to nature Our goal is simply to foster a caring, connected community grounded in love . Please join us!
NEWTOWN PLACES OF WORSHIP
New Heights Baptist Church
Meets at the Meeting House
31 Main Street
203-300-6474; pastor@nhnewtown church
NHNewtown church
Pastor Zach Kinsman
Our church is dedicated to loving God fervently, growing together biblically, and reaching others passionately . We are a friendly, family-oriented community centered around a personal relationship with Jesus Christ We gather weekly for worship, prayer, and connection Our Sunday morning worship service meets at 11 am, featuring Christ-centered worship and practical teaching from God’s Word Throughout the year, Life Groups meet on various days and times, providing opportunities for people in every stage of life to grow in faith and build meaningful community Next Level Youth serves students in grades six through twelve, meeting Sundays at 10 am and every other Friday night at 7 pm We also gather for a prayer group on Wednesdays at 7 pm and host Simple Steps, a faith-based addiction recovery program, on Fridays at 7 pm Join us and be part of a supportive church family growing together in Christ .
Newtown Bible Church
35 Sugar Street (Route 302) 203-426-6484; newtownbiblechurch org newtownbiblechurch@gmail com
pastorjoey@newtownbiblechurch com
Pastor Joey Newton, PhD
Newtown Bible Church is committed to unfolding the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ as He is revealed in Scripture (Luke 24:44-47; John 5:39) The “goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Tim 1:5) and the foundation is the authority and sufficiency of the Bible You are invited to join us for Sunday School classes
for all ages (9:45 am) and our morning worship services (10:45 am) Nur sery is provided for both hours Please contact the church for information regarding mid-week studies, prayer, and other events Call 203-426–6484 or visit newtownbiblechurch org We would love to meet you
Newtown Christian Church 210 Sugar Street; 203-426-6189 Office: newtowncc@me com newtowncc org
Church Elders: Walter Carlson, Ivo Granata & Robert Knapp Newtown Christian is patterned after the New Testament church, and everyone is invited to join us for any or all of our activities . The congregation is a fundamental Bible teaching group sharing the “Good News” of Jesus Christ as a solution for providing unity and support to a world struggling to make sense of life’s events Sunday Bible School for adults, 9 am; Sunday worship celebration, 10:15 am (teaching for children K-6 is available during the adult worship celebration); Wednesday, Prayer Time for Adults, 7 pm . “Always Stop And Pray” — Leave a message on our answering machine with any prayer request you have We will pray for you or with you
Newtown Congregational Church United Church of Christ 14 West Street 203-426-9024, 203-426-9600
Reverend Matthew Crebbin, Lead Pastor (spnewcong@sbcglobal net)
Newtown Congregational Church (NCC) has listened to God
NEWTOWN PLACES OF WORSHIP
speak through the Bible, worship services, prayer, Christian faith studies, and service to others for over 300 years Today, “God is Still Speaking,” we are still listening, and we invite you to join us in this journey . We gather at 10 am on Sundays to open ourselves to God’s guidance and discover what it means to be Christ’s followers Our wor ship services are available in person as well as online via our Facebook page (Newtown Congregational Church, UCC) At NCC, we are passionate about Christian ministry, nurturing faith, building relationships, and fostering social connections for all people “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey you are welcome here!” We offer childcare for infants through age three during worship services, with pagers available for parents’ peace of mind Children and youth from preschool through grade twelve can enjoy a hands-on, Scripture-based learning environment with a variety of experiences throughout each month during Chapel time Our youth programs include a yearlong Confirmation class, annual service trips, opportunities for volunteerism, and musical events through Chapel and Worship . Adults are encouraged to become involved in the small groups, Bible studies, service trips, local service projects, outreach ministries, and musical opportunities The Cornerstone Thrift ministry offers gently used clothing, jewelry, toys, books, household items, and many ways to volunteer Our Hospitality Hall Pantry, located in the lower lobby of NCC, is open to the public during the times the church building is open (Tuesday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm; Saturday, 10 am-1 pm; and Sunday after 10 am Worship) Our church is fully accessible for people who are differently abled We invite you to join us for Sunday Worship and Chapel time And then, please stay and enjoy yourself at “Coffee Hour,” a relaxing time for connection and refreshments You are also invited to follow us on Facebook (Newtown Congregational Church, UCC) or X (@ChurchOfNewtown) .
Newtown United Methodist Church 92 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook; 203-426-9998
churchoffice@newtown-umc .org
numc .us
Reverend Stephen Volpe, Pastor
Reverend E Sue Klein, Deacon Sunday wor ship, 9:30 am, with Sunday School offered during service for children Service is available in person and online via Zoom and Facebook Live; please visit our website to find the links . Weekly prayer group meets in person Mondays at 11:30 am and an Adult Discipleship Group meets Wednesdays, at 11:30 am Choir rehear ses on Thursdays at 7 pm Contact the church office for additional details NUMC is home to Wesley Learning Center, a nationally accredited preschool for children ages 2-5 We are a Stephen Ministry congregation
Steadfast Church
Edmond Town Hall (Alexandria Room), 45 Main Street
SteadfastChurchCT@gmail com steadfastchurchct org
Lead Pastors Kyle & Lauren Collins
A welcoming, family-oriented church committed to a relentless pursuit of Jesus, authentic community, and practical service to the people of Newtown . Sunday services at 9:30 am with uplifting worship, a brief message of hope, and opportunities to connect with others who desire to live out their faith together Whether exploring church for the first time, returning after a while, or looking for a community to call home, there is a place for all at Steadfast Church
St Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church
46 Church Hill Road: 203-426-1014
strosechurch .com
Reverend Peter Cipriani, Pastor Fr Cajetan Oleaghhara, Parochial Vicar
Norm Roos, Deacon
Michael Ronan, Deacon
Cate Gosselin, Director of Religious Education
Music Director, Joseph Jacovino
Weekday Masses, 6:45 and 9 am; Saturday Masses, 8 am; Saturday Vigil Mass 4 pm; Sunday Masses, 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 am and 5 pm Confessions on Saturdays from 3 to 4 pm or by appointment Pre-baptismal instruction: register with the Parish Office, 203-426-1014
Trinity Episcopal Church 36 Main Street; 203-426-9070 trinitynewtownct .org
Rev Andrea Castner Wyatt
The Episcopal Church welcomes you! We say it, and we mean it! We believe in sharing the good news of God’s love through teaching, baptizing, supporting one another, helping those in need, seeking justice and peace, and taking care of God’s creation An enduring landmark by the flagpole on Newtown’s Main Street, Trinity Episcopal Church is a beacon of hope, love, acceptance and inclusion Within its inspiring surroundings, Sunday worship includes all ages Regardless of politics or circumstances, wherever you are in your journey of faith, all are truly welcome in this place Sunday worship for all ages begins at 9:30 am and lasts about an hour Our worship service can be found on our website and on Facebook (facebook .com/trinitynewtown) live at 9:30 am every Sunday . Trinity offers Church School at 9:30 on Sundays for children in kindergarten through sixth grade We also have a nursery open 9:15-11:15 am, staffed by Wee Care Nanny Agency
We have many opportunities of outreach, fellowship, music, family ministry, and youth, adult, and community ministries
Please visit our website and calendar for more information Staff includes Jennifer Sisco, minister of music; Rev Allison Brown, children’s ministry coordinator, Kim Merrill, communications and membership director; Eliisa Antal, finance manager; Jack Qubick, sexton; and elected lay leaders Patrick Corrigan and Christina Lye
WEBSITES YOU SHOULD KNOW
The Newtown Bee newtownbee.com
The Newtown Bee’s website is updated regularly with news, features, and sports, along with obituaries, letters, and a community calendar Breaking news alerts also appear on The Newtown Bee’s Facebook page and Instagram feed Photos taken by members of The Newtown Bee’s editorial staff, often including some that do not make it into the print edition or website postings, are available to the public for purchase at photos .newtownbee .com .
The website includes reference material, including an online archi ve of stories; birth, engagement, and wedding announcement forms; classifieds advertising; and information on advertising, obituary and subscription rates .
Town of Newtown newtown-ct .gov
The official website for the Town of Newtown offers links to the town departments, boards, and committees The home page also offers tabs or links for News; Calendar (Town boards and commissions); Government; Public Safety; Education; Business and Community leads; Recovery Friendly Community; Senior Resources & Information; Code Book & Charter; Tax Information; Submit A Service Request (for Public Works); Parks & Recreation; Minutes, Agendas & Videos; Calendars; Forms; Trash & Recycling information; Sound Amplification License; and Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial
Garden Club of Newtown member Peggy Townsend and Kara McKenna-Wong, a Westport Garden Club member studying to become a Connecticut Flower Show Judge, consider entries in the horticulture division of “Holidays in the Garden: A Small Standard Flower Show,” March 25 at C.H. Booth Library. —Bee file photo
Botsford Fire Rescue Company botsfordfirerescue com
C.H. Booth Library chboothlibrary org
CT Department of Children and Families portal .ct .gov/dcf
Dodgingtown Fire Company No. 1 dodgingtownfire .com
FAITH Food Pantry of Newtown newtownfoodpantry .org
Nondenominational location for any Newtown resident who needs food, personal hygiene items, cleaning items, and even some pet supplies . Residents can visit once monthly and only need to show proof of residency
Hawleyville Volunteer Fire Company #1 hawleyvillefire com
Hook & Ladder Fire Company No. 1 newtownhookandladder com
Newtown Community Center newtowncommunitycenter org
Newtown Economic Development Commission newtown org
Newtown Police Department newtownctpolice org
Newtown Public Schools newtown k12 ct us
Starting point for Board of Education, general information about town’s public schools, and links to each school’s homepage Also, tabs for District Information, Departments, Employment, Calendar, and Staff Directory .
Newtown Senior Center newtown-ct .gov/senior-center
Newtown Underwater Search And Rescue nusar .org
Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Association newtown-ambulance .org
Newtown Youth & Family Services newtownyouthandfamilyservices org
Nunnawauk Meadows nunnawaukmeadows com
A housing complex consisting of 134 units for people ages 62 and older, or those with disabilities .
Parent Connection ctparentconnection .org
Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company sandyhookfire .com
State of Connecticut ct gov
The starting point for Connecticut statutes; government and other elected officials; parks; and living, working, learning, and doing business in the Nutmeg State
STATE & FEDERAL LEGISLATORS
State Senator, 28th District
District includes Newtown, Easton, Fairfield, and part of Bethel
Tony Hwang (R), 80 Martingale Lane, Fairfield 06824
Colt Gateway, 120 Huyshope Avenue, Suite 401 Hartford, CT 06106
Call: 860-549-8463
WASHINGTON, DC
136 Hart Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC 20510
Call: 202-224-4041
Website: murphy senate gov
E-mail direct through website – murphy senate gov/contact
Richard Blumenthal
HARTFORD OFFICE
90 State House Square – 10th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103 Call: 860-258-6940
BRIDGEPORT OFFICE
915 Lafayette Blvd, Suite 304, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Call: 203-330-0598
WASHINGTON, DC
503 Hart Senate Office Bldg, Washington, DC 20510
Call: 202-224-2823
Website: blumenthal senate gov
E-mail direct through website – blumenthal .senate .gov/contact
US Congress – 5th District
Jahana Hayes
WATERBURY OFFICE
108 Bank Street 2nd Floor, Waterbury, CT 06702
Call: 860-223-8412
WASHINGTON, DC
2049 Rayburn HOB - Washington, DC 20515
Call: 202-225-4476
Website: hayes house gov
E-mail direct through website – hayes .house .gov/email-me
5 Commerce Rd #3 Newtown
NUNNAWAUK MEADOWS
OWNED AND OPERATED BY NEWTOWN HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY, INC. NUNNAWAUK MEADOWS IS NEAR ROUTE 25 AND I-84. WE OFFER 134 RENTAL APARTMENTS DESIGNED FOR SENIORS AGE 62 AND OLDER AND DISABLED PERSONS OF ANY AGE. Nunnawauk Meadows includes 128 one-bedroom, one-floor apartments, and 6 efficiency apartments, as well as a Community Building and laundry facilities. The apartments, when available, are on a first-come, first-served basis according to income limits. Applications are always accepted on our waiting list. Interested persons are encouraged to call for an application or download one off our website.
“This institution is an equal opportunity provider & employer.”
32 Church Hill Road, #106, Newtown, CT CT licensed RES.0761632 and RES.076031
PLACES YOU SHOULD KNOW
Brian J. Silverlieb Animal Control and Care Facility, 21 Old Farm Road (off Trades Lane, behind Reed Intermediate School); 203-426-6900 Staffed Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm Staff requests those planning to visit to look at animals for adoption wait until after 9, once all are fed and checked for the morning Municipal Animal Control Officer (ACO) is Emily Whittaker; assistant ACOs are Suada Likovic, Shane Powers, Sophia Lefante and Joseph Brodacki; and part-time kennel keeper, Madalyne Kulikowski . When the pound is not open, residents should contact the police department at 203-426-5841 for dog-related matters
Cyrenius H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street; 203-426-4533; chboothlibrary org The library director is Jennifer Nash, and president of the Board of Trustees is Elaine Corbo . Library cards provide access to a world of resources at no cost . Borrow and/ or stream books, magazines, newspapers, research databases, e-books, audiobooks, magazines, movies, and television shows Technology and internet access includes free Wi-Fi throughout the library, private study rooms for quiet work, lendable laptops, iPads, and Wi-Fi hotspots for home use The library also offers board games for all ages, stock market values, financial resources, online databases for research and learning, art galleries showcasing local talent, and museum space for cultural exhibits Programs and activities include book clubs for all interests, health & wellness classes, and engaging programs for children, teens, and adults
Edmond Town Hall (ETH), 45 Main Street; Gary Lindemann, executive director . ETH’s mission is to enrich the community by providing a welcoming place where generations of residents and neighbors can gather to make memories through a wide range of arts, social, civic, sports, and milestone events The
EDWARD J. KELLEHER
venue presents a robust calendar of live events, including live music, nationally known comedians, speakers, and family entertainment The building features a 500-seat theater, an elegant banquet hall, a gymnasium, and additional rental spaces suitable for gatherings of all kinds Gifted to the community in 1930 by Newtown benefactress Mary Elizabeth Hawley, ETH is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . Over sight of the building is provided by the Board of Managers, a group of six elected Borough of Newtown officials . The building also houses the Borough of Newtown offices, a thrift shop operated by the Visiting Nurse Association of Newtown (open Saturdays from 9 am to noon, closed in August, with entry from the lower rear parking lot); Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation (866-620-8640), Inspiring School of Music (800-234-2204), Lathrop School of Dance (203-426-5757), Newtown Stage Company, and United Roofing (203-202-8999) . Building hour s are Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 10 pm, and Friday through Sunday from 8 am to 11 pm To learn more about upcoming events, movies, rental opportunities, and more, visit edmondtownhall org or call 203-270-4285 Event listings can also be found on The Newtown Bee’s calendar online at newtownbee com or in the print edition each week on page A-2 .
Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street, 203-2704349 The mission of Newtown Community Center is to welcome visitors of all ages to meet, play, connect, create, learn, and grow, because gathering and interacting keeps this community connected and strong Hours are Monday through Thursday, 6 am to 9 pm; Friday, 6 am-8 pm; Saturday, 7 am to 5:30 pm; and Sunday, 7 am to 5 pm . For membership, pool, and activities information, call or visit newtowncommunitycenter .org .
Newtown Human Services, 28 Trades Lane, 203-270-4330 The department works to enhance the quality of life and self-sufficiency of people in need of social and financial services Human Services dedicates staff to families and individuals in need of support and resources by offering services and referrals, as well as assistance applying for local, state, and federal social services programs The department also connects members of the community with behavioral health resources through a strong referral system Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm
Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main Street (at the flagpole); newtownmeetinghouse .com . Newtown Meeting House is administered by Heritage Preservation Trust of Newtown, Inc, a not-for-profit organization charged with management and continued restoration of the historic building that is on both the National Register of Historic Places and Connecticut Register of Historic Places The meeting house is available free of charge to charitable, civic, and government groups for meetings and other functions It may be rented for weddings and other activities
Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street . Home to offices of the fir st selectman, town clerk, tax collector, tax assessor, finance director, community development director, registrars of voters, Board of Education, GIS (geographical information systems), Land Use Agency (Planning & Zoning, Inland Wetlands, Conservation, and Zoning Board of Appeals), Building Department, fire marshal, Health District, and town historian . Town offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Town offices are typically closed on all federal holidays
Newtown Parent Connection, 2 Washington Square, 203270-1600 Newtown Parent Connection’s mission is to educate and empower the community in the prevention of substance use and to embrace families in crisis . The group offers several support groups and programs; see weekly Support Group listings in The Newtown Bee . Kevin Carolan, interim executive director; Dorrie Carolan, founder Visit newtownparentconnection org for information, or e-mail info@newtownparentconnection org
PLACES YOU SHOULD KNOW
Newtown Parks & Recreation, 8 Simpson Street, 203-2704340 The department’s mission is “To create quality recreation and leisure opportunities strengthening the community through people, parks, and programs ” For details visit newtown-ct gov/ parks-recreation Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm
Newtown Police Department, 191 South Main Street . Call 203-426-5841 for routine calls; dial 911 for emergencies Open 24 hour s a day See the Emergency Services section of this guide for a breakdown of departments and additional phone numbers
Newtown Senior Center, Center for Active Living, 8 Simpson Street, 203-270-4310 The Senior Center is a community focal point providing diverse programs and services for older citizens to gather in a friendly environment and participate in social, educational, and wellness activities Weekly activities include an array of health and wellness classes, ranging from low impact to higher impact exercise, discussion groups, card games, knitting, crochet, crafts, art and language classes, and a congregate meal program . Daily acti vities also include billiards, ping-pong, table shuffleboard, and puzzles
Throughout the week there are a variety of presentations, and Lunch and Learns held where local businesses, providers, and not-for-profits provide information and educational opportunities, with complimentary refreshments or lunch provided by presenters and program sponsors . Monthly programming includes day tours, a book club, men’s breakfast, movies, support groups, health screenings, special events, celebrations, and more
Transportation to and from the center is offered through Newtown’s Easy Transit Program (203-270-4297) and the Housatonic Area Regional Transit (HART) program . Both provide transpor-
tation for shopping and for medical appointments for seniors and disabled residents
Check our print edition every week for Senior News, with highlights and updates of planned events
Newtown Solid Waste Transfer Station and Recycling Center, 4 Ethan Allen Road, 203-270-4307 Justine Ferris, administrative assistant; Heather Satmary, administrator Open Tuesday through Saturday, 7 am to 3 pm (closed all legal holidays), for residents to dispose of trash and recycling . Town-branded plastic bags are the only bags allowed for trash disposal as of July 1, 2025 . Contact the Newtown Public Works office for current fees and procedures (203-270-4300)
There is no charge for permits, but all vehicles must have one to enter the transfer station . Permits are issued to Newtown residents only, at the transfer station . Vehicle owners will need to show vehicle registration and their driver’s license with a Newtown address
Fees are charged for large trees and stumps/brush ($10 per cubic yard), and demolition and construction material ($95 per cubic yard)
Residents can tak e their recyclables directly to the recycling center No permit is required for residents using only the recycling center, but they will be required to show proof of residency The center also accepts the following recyclables: used motor oil and oil filters, used antifreeze, scrap metal and appliances, tires, batteries, electronics, food scraps, and brush under three inches in diameter .
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PLACES YOU SHOULD KNOW
Newtown Youth and Family Services, 15 Berkshire Road, 203-270-4335 A nonprofit youth service bureau and outpatient mental health clinic for children, teens, adults, and seniors For 40 years, NYFS has been committed to providing high quality human health services to promote individual and community wellness Specialized services include outpatient individual, couples, and family counseling; substance abuse treatment services; autism and social skills programs; prevention initiatives; and support groups Monday through Thursday, 9 am-8 pm; Friday 9 am-5 pm; Saturday, 8 am-1 pm For services or information call or visit newtownyouthandfamilyservices .org . Note: NYFS is not a crisis center. For immediate assistance call 911.
Nunnawauk Meadows, 3 Nunnawauk Road, 203-426-5000; Executive Director Mary C Salley This 134-apartment complex serves as housing for persons aged 62 and older, and disabled persons of any age Nunnawauk Meadows is operated by Newtown Housing for the Elderly (NHE), a nonprofit corporation The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm .
Public Works Garage, 4 Turkey Hill Road, 203-270-4300 The headquarters for the Public Works Department, which includes the Highway Department The department also oversees the transfer station and the recycling program, maintains motor vehicles used by various town departments and by the school system, and maintains town buildings, sanitary sewers, and engineering . Fred Hurley is director of the Public Works Department Heather Satmary is the administrator Hour s for Highway Department personnel are weekdays from 7 am to 3:30 pm, but the office is open until 4:30 pm
Ram Pasture, bordered by South Main Street, Hawley Lane, Elm Drive, and Sugar Street, is owned and maintained by Newtown Village Cemetery Association . The 12½-acre parcel is the
site of Hawley Pond and a remnant of the town’s old village common The town’s Christmas tree in Ram Pasture is lit annually, usually on the first Friday of December .
The Pleasance, 1 Main Street, is owned by The Bee Publishing Co for the enjoyment and pleasure of Newtown’s citizens The grounds include a gazebo, paths, a bocce court, an antique fountain, and Mr & Mrs Rabbit’s Home and Garden Groups or individuals who would like to use the park for a gathering or special event should call 203-426-3141 to reserve, free of charge
Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial, 32 Riverside Road . Open daily, dawn to dusk Dedicated in November 2022, the memorial is a public location for friends, relatives, and visitors to honor and remember the 20 children and six women who died on December 14, 2012 (12/14), at Sandy Hook Elementary School The memorial includes a reflecting pool surrounding a sycamore tree, a granite water basin engraved with the names of all victims, gravel paths, granite benches, and a plaque featuring words spoken by President Barack Obama during his visit to Newtown two days after the shootings Encased within the stone holding the plaque with the former President’s words is soil created from items left at impromptu memorials in town in the days and weeks following 12/14 The site is fully handicapped accessible The site has security cameras in use Visitors are asked to leave their thoughts; items left behind are removed and disposed of daily .
USPS POST OFFICES
Newtown & Sandy Hook Post Office, 5 Commerce Road, 203-426-4271 (TYY 877-889-2457) Counter service Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm; and Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm Lobby open 24 hours for post office box access Passport and photo appointments available at this location, by appointment Walk-in passport hours are also available (Wednesday-Friday, 10-11 am) . Gift cards, greeting cards, money orders, mailing service, pickup service, and business services all available at this location
Botsford Post Office, 1 Botsford Hill Road, 203-426-4465 (TYY 877-889-2457) Counter service Monday through Friday, 9 am to 12:45 pm and 2:30 to 4:30 pm; and Saturday, 8:30 am to noon Lobby access for PO boxes, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, and Saturday, 8 am to 12:30 pm . Passport photo appointments available at this location, by appointment . Hawleyville Post Office, 23 Barnabas Road, 203-426-0623 (TYY 877-889-2457) Counter service and PO Box access Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm; and Saturday, 8:30 am to noon PO Box access, Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 5 pm; and Saturday, 7:30 am to noon Passport and photo appointments available at this location, by appointment . Walk-in passport hours are also available (Monday, 9 am-3:30 pm; Tuesday-Friday, 10 am-3:30 pm; Saturday, 8:30-10:30 am) .
TOWN HOLIDAYS
The following holidays will be observed by Town of Newtown offices in 2026:
DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY — Monday, January 19
PRESIDENTS’ DAY — Monday, February 16
GOOD FRIDAY — Friday, April 3
MEMORIAL DAY— Monday, May 25
INDEPENDENCE DAY — Friday, July 3 (observed Friday, July 3)
LABOR DAY — Monday, September 7
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY — Monday, October 12
VETERANS DAY — Wednesday, November 11
THANKSGIVING — Thursday and Friday, November 26-27
CHRISTMAS — Thursday, December 24 (half day) Friday, December 25
NEW YEAR’S — Thursday, December 31 (half day) Friday, January 1, 2027
NEWTOWN HEALTH DISTRICT
Board of Directors: Robert Grossman (chair emeritus), MD; William Begg (chair), MD; Robert Bazuro, MD; Maureen Singer, RN (Roxbury); Curtis Read (vice chair, Bridgewater); Anne Dalton, RN; Rev David Peters (alt); Anne Marie Wagner (alt). Unsalaried.
Acting Medical Advisor: Ana Paula Michado, MD Director of Health/Director of Emergency Management: Donna M . Culbert . Salaried: $128,000 . For information, call 203-270-4291 or send email to donna culbert@newtown-ct gov
An independent Health District was formed in 1994 to serve both the Town and Borough of Newtown On January 1, 2006, the towns of Roxbury and Bridgewater folded their respective parttime health department offices into a regional entity still known as Newtown Health District .
The agency is controlled by a six-member board, which consists of four members appointed by the Board of Selectmen with input from the Borough of Newtown’s warden and burgesses, and one additional member assigned to represent each of the additional member communities . Members serve three-year terms .
The agency’s mission is to promote and to protect the physical and environmental well-being of the citizens of the Newtown Health District through the provision of wellness and health-promotion programs, the active support of community efforts and collaboration with community partners, and the enforcement of public health laws and regulations The Health District reviews plans for, issues permits to construct, and inspects new and repaired septic systems It reviews permit applications and issues approvals for water supply well drilling It reviews plans, issues licenses, and inspects food service establishments (delis, restaurants, schools, grocery stores, etc) . It reviews and signs off on building permits for any/all proposed work to ensure compliance with Connecticut Public Health Code
The Health District investigates complaints (wastewater, pollution, housing, potential vermin, etc) . It provides surveillance and follow-up on reportable communicable diseases that could have public health implications It promotes health education on relevant local issues, such as tick-borne disease prevention, physical activity and nutrition, and influenza prevention It participates in local and regional public health emergency preparedness planning, exercises, and evaluation The district hosts an annual Health Fair each fall season
The district employs a full-time salaried director of health, who oversees a staff of sanitarians and health inspectors, as well as grant-funded activities and professionals for public health emergency preparedness and health promotion This district director also serves as Newtown’s director of emergency management and coordinates actively with the emergency management team on all related issues
ABOUT THE NEWTOWN BEE
A user’s guide to your local newspaper
The offices of The Bee Publishing Co, Inc, are at 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470. To contact us, call 203-426-3141, fax 203426-5169, send e-mail to editor@thebee.com, or visit newtownbee.com. Helen Smith and Sherri Smith Baggett are the publishers, and Jim Taylor is the editor. Print editions are dated for Friday, and published and mailed on Thursday.
Business News: This weekly section of The Newtown Bee provides news ranging from Business Buzz (promoting new local businesses) to related features and news Contact Editor Jim Taylor at 203-426-3141 or jim@thebee com with any questions or announcements about business
Health News: This weekly section of The Newtown Bee provides news related to local, state, and national health issues, as well as wellness and healthy lifestyle features . Contact Editor Jim Taylor at 203-426-3141 or editor@thebee com for any health-related matters
Business and Health news and releases must be received by noon Tuesday for consideration for that Friday’s print edition .
Community Events: News about clubs and civic organizations, schools, workshops, classes, and other events of community interest should be received at The Newtown Bee office no later than noon Tuesday for publication in that week’s edition — however, 2-3 weeks’ notice ahead of dated events is greatly appreciated . Information for calendar listings can be mailed to or dropped off at the office or e-mailed to shannon@ thebee .com .
Education: This weekly section provides school news of student accomplishments and events Requests for coverage can be e-mailed to editor@thebee com or made by calling Report-
er Jenna Visca at 203-426-3141 . Announcements and submissions for the Education section must be received by 5 pm Tuesday for that week’s print edition
Engagement, Wedding and Birth Announcements: Forms are available in the office of The Newtown Bee and at newtownbee .com, under the Home Tab/Submission Forms, for those wishing to announce engagements, weddings, and births Photos are accepted for all three forms of announcement and will be returned if they are submitted with a stamped, self-addressed envelope Photos may also be e-mailed to shannon@thebee com They should be jpg attachments (not embedded within the body of an e-mail), and at least 300 dpi (large)
Wedding announcements must be received within six months of the date of the wedding to be printed in The Newtown Bee. Photos are encouraged Forms are available at our office for those who want/need help writing their announcement; couples are also welcome to write and submit their own announcements Contact Managing Editor Shannon Hicks for additional information at 203-426-3141 or shannon@ thebee .com .
Enjoy is our weekly section of The Newtown Bee providing news of the arts, food, gardening, and other cultural events in the region Announcements and news for Enjoy should be received at our offices at 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470,
at least two weeks before the event E-mail is the preferred form of contact Deadline for this section is noon Tuesday for that week’s publication Contact Shannon Hicks at 203-4263141 or shannon@thebee com to submit a press release or for additional information
Horse News: Equestrian news is published regularly in The Newtown Bee. News releases about shows, clinics, and calendar listings should be e-mailed to andyh@thebee com Submissions must be received no later than noon Tuesday to be considered for publication in that week’s issue of the paper but again, 2-3 weeks’ notice ahead of dated events is greatly appreciated
Letter s: Letters to the editor must be signed and dated and include a street address, hometown/city, and daytime phone number Street addresses and phone number s are for confirmation purposes only They are not printed with the letters There is a 500-word limit on the length of most letters, with a 300-word limit for thank you and endorsement letters Letters should be mailed to Editor, The Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470, or emailed to editor@thebee .com . The editor reserves the right to reject any letter or edit for length or content The Bee does not vouch for the accuracy nor any of the assertions made in letters to the editor, and the opinions expressed in letters are those of the writer and do not reflect the position of The Newtown Bee. Letter writers are limited to two letters per month . The deadline for submitting letters is noon Wednesday for publication in Friday’s paper
Obituaries: The base cost for obituaries, which are printed in The Newtown Bee and on its website, is $50 for an obituary without a photo or $75 for one with a photograph The charge for memorials will be $25 (All obituaries submitted for print will be published online as well for the same price; online-only requests are subject to the costs noted .) These prices apply to obituaries of up to 80 0 words in length Each subsequent increment of 100 words is an additional $20 (eg, 801-900 words, $70 for obituary with no photo, $95 for obituary with photo; 901-1,000 words, $90 for obituary with no photo, $115 for obituary with photo, etc)
The person submitting the obituary will be notified of the cost, and payment is required prior to publication . Obituaries can be submitted to editor@thebee com The Newtown Bee can provide editing services upon request Deadline for obituaries is 9 am Wednesday for publication in that week’s edition of The Newtown Bee. Obituaries are also published on our website within 24 hours of payment received .
A free death notice listing only for those who resided in Newtown/Sandy Hook at time of death is available by mailing deceased’s name, place of residence, brief funeral information, and date of death to editor@thebee com or delivering to the office at 5 Church Hill Road no later than 9 am Wednesday.
For additional information contact Managing Editor Shannon Hicks at 203-426-3141 or shannon@thebee .com .
Photographs: Suggestions for photographs should be directed to Editor Jim Taylor at 203-426-3141 or editor@thebee com Reprints of photos taken by staff photographers are available for public purchase or perusal through The Newtown Bee’s online photo galleries; select Photo Reprints under the home tab at newtownbee .com or visit photos .newtownbee .com .
Sports: General sports information should be received in The Bee’s offices before noon Tuesday to be considered for that week’s paper Material may be emailed to Sports Editor Andy Hutchison at andyh@thebee com All hard copy sports
submissions MUST be typed and include a phone number in case clarification is required E-mail is the preferred form of contact Questions can also be directed to Andy Hutchison at 203-426-3141
SUBSCRIPTIONS
To subscribe or to report delivery problems: As of March 1, 2024, subscription rates for The Newtown Bee are as follows: $40 for six months, $50 per year, $86 for two years, and $200 for five years. There is a subscription button at the top of our website home page at newtownbee com, and a subscription request form on page A2 of The Newtown Bee print edition every week . To subscribe or to report problems with mail deliveries, call 203-426-3141 and ask to speak to someone in the Circulation Department or email subscriptions@thebee com
WEBSITE
Our website — newtownbee .com — typically features breaking news, as well as select news reports, features, sports, and other content, as well as the community’s most comprehensive and up-to-date calendar We highly value our print subscribers and advertisers, so we typically only feature about 40% of our weekly print edition content or less on our website To review all the weekly news, photos, features, and other important, hyperlocal information, subscribe to our print edition (call 203-426-3141 and ask for the Circulation Department or click on Subscribe within the banner in the lower section of newtownbee com), or pick it up weekly at newsstands throughout the community or at our offices at 5 Church Hill Road For additional breaking news, weather, and traffic emergencies, please like and follow The Newtown Bee on Facebook and Instagram
