The primary mission of the Newtown Earth Day Festival is to foster education and drive awareness of environmental stewardship through project participation and collaboration with local associations. Held annually in April, our community event brings together schools, municipal and charitable organizations, sustainable vendors, and non-profits, in a synergistic celebration of good deeds for our space on the planet.
Organized by various members of our community, the festival provides a forum for residents of all ages to become more engaged in the collective consciousness and responsibility we owe to the health of Newtown – and to our region’s soil, air, and water.
To help make a difference, a portion of all monies collected funds a “green” scholarship through the Newtown Scholarship Association for Newtown High School graduates interested in environmental/ecological studies. Through our efforts, we have raised over $20,000 dollars and have been fortunate to be able more than a dozen students. Your involvement can help us grow this.
Interested in Becoming Involved? Please Reach Out!
Newtown Earth Day’s 2026 Committee Members
President & Chairman
Dan Holmes – dan@holmesfinegardens.com
Vice President
Bill Buchler – buchlerbill@gmail.com
Secretary
Rob Kaiser – rob@ihomano.com
Treasurer
Brad Paynter – bradzilla@gmail.com
Director
Aaron Coopersmith – aaroncoop@gmail.com
Members At Large
Alex Rankin – alexrankin72@gmail.com
Aaron Coopersmith
Paul Lundquist
Andy Ashla
Lions Club “Lose the Litter”
Glenn Nanavaty – gnanavaty@nndcpa.com
Chairmen Emeritus
Terrence Ford – tford1966@gmail.com
Guy Peterson – guy.peterson@newtownforestassociation.org
DID YOU KNOW?
Newtown is lucky to have several organizations that work year round to preserve our environment:
- Newtown’s Sustainable Energy Commission is responsible for the Reed Intermediate School Solar Panel project.
- The Newtown Forest Association, established in 1924, is the oldest private land trust in Connecticut. They are dedicated to accumulating and preserving open space and resources for public enjoyment within Newtown.
- The Pootatuck Watershed Association‘s mission is clear: Clean and abundant water for Newtown’s future. The association promotes this goal through water sampling, educational programs, and habitat restoration.
- The Transition Network: a global initiative that supports a community-led process to help neighborhoods become stronger and happier. Reach out to bhtoomey@yahoo.com to get involved in the Newtown chapter.
