There is much to be thankful for, this week of giving thanks. The generosity shown by Newtown residents in the many collections for victims of Superstorm Sandy, coat collections, Stuff the Truck food collection events, donating to support animal concerns, and so many other worthy charities is overwhelming. It makes me thankful to be part of a town that reaches out, near and far, in times of need. I would even go so far as to say that Newtowners deserve a Good Egg Award. As a matter of fact, despite the fact that for the second year in a row, a major weather event threatened to hamper the efforts of many special Halloween related events, for the second consecutive year, Mackenzie Page is reporting that The Great Pumpkin Challenge was again a huge success. “Superstorm Sandy was not able to take away our enthusiasm or pumpkins!” Mackenzie posted Tuesday afternoon on The Challenge’s Facebook page. Thanks to the efforts of family, friends, residents, groups, and businesses in and around Newtown, Mackenzie’s effort raised nearly $3,500 this year. Half of that, as promised, will be given to the parents of Zoe McMorran to help pay for continued costs associated with the sixth grader’s fight against the brain cancer glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The other half of this year’s proceeds will be given to The Hole in The Wall Gang Camp. “Way to go Newtown!” Mackenzie concluded her post. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

Bee advertising manager Ellen Therrien also wants to thank everybody who donated to support the Newtown Animal Shelter over the past few weeks. The collection box in the Bee office was overflowing with goodies for needy animals. The shelter staff at the new Trades Lane location, near the Governor’s Second Company Horse Guard barn, was greatly appreciative, Ellen tells me, when she dropped off the items. Pound dog “Lucky” couldn’t wait for the presents to be distributed. He checked out the bags as Ellen brought them in, then picked out his own ball to play with.

You can support local businesses, too, by taking part in the “Shop Small” campaign initiated by American Express, Saturday, November 24. That doesn’t mean you have to whip out your credit card, but if you are planning to do some holiday shopping this coming weekend while the turkey settles in your tummy, think about investigating our own small businesses for some special gifts. A quick look around the center of Newtown or Sandy Hook, up and down Route 25 and the outskirts of town proves that we have businesses that offer gifts for just about everyone, without having to battle the crowds at big box stores or the mall. Art, hardware, food, clothing, crafts, home goods, pet supplies, and much more is being sold right here, in our very own hometown. Don’t be surprised if you find me testing the cushy factor on a pet bed at Your Healthy Pet or sampling the wares at UK Gourmet or Wishing Well. I could pop up behind a freshly filled planter at Shakespeare’s Garden or you might spot me smelling the roses at Newtown Florist. I might be posed beside a pretty vase at Queen Street Gifts or Down On Main Street, or next to a print at Koenig’s Frames. If I can talk one of our package stores into a cream tasting, maybe you’ll see me there… So many options, so little time. See you around town!

Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree… members of the Ram Pasture Christmas Tree lighting have been working fast and furiously this week to make sure that there is plenty of sparkle when the switch is thrown at 7 pm, Friday night, November 30. Not only have they packaged up the luminarias for Main Street residents and to place all around Hawley Pond, but they have been sorting out extra lights stored in the library attic, ever since they discovered this week that the tree’s lights, normally left on year around, had somehow slipped down and were inadvertently shredded by the lawn mower. Word is, though, that the replacement lights will be strung and ready to shine when Newtown kicks off the holiday season, with cookies and cider and lots of singing, at 6:30 next Friday night. I’ll be camped out under Santa’s sleigh, hoping that candy canes are being handed out post tree lighting.

You don’t want to miss the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library annual Holiday Book Sale, Saturday, December 1, from 9:30 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, December 2, from 11 am to 5 pm, in the lower level lobby of the library, adjacent to the meeting room. Gift-quality books, DVDs, CDs, and other items will be available for purchase at bargain prices, making it more than worth your while to stop in.

There are plenty of other holiday activities lined up next weekend to get you in the spirit: the Garden Club of Newtown’s Greens Sale at the Meeting House, beginning at 9 am, and the Rotary Pancake breakfast, 8 am to 1 pm, in the Alexandria Room of the Edmond Town Hall, Saturday, December 1; the Sandy Hook Tree lighting, late Saturday afternoon and the Newtown Choral Society winter concert that evening, at the Meeting House, 7:30 pm; Annual Holiday Festival events and Historic Home Tours, all day Sunday, December 2; Lessons and Carols service Sunday afternoon at 2 at Trinity Episcopal; and the Hawleyville tree lighting, Sunday evening. Check our calendar for details.

Keeper of The Flagpole David Lydem stopped in to visit the last week, to give an update on the flagpole ball that went for a ride a few weeks ago. The new gold-colored ball for the top of the pole has been ordered, and is in fact in the hands of Valley Restorations, who plans to install it within the next few weeks. The crane the Torrington-based company will be using is currently at ESPN, said David, so when they are done with it, Newtown’s landmark will be repaired.

With the flagpole in good shape and the first of the holidays under our belts (or on our hips), I’ll be seeking the newsiest of news about town, as we delve into the season of celebrations. Look out for me, because I’ll be looking out for you, and hoping that next week you’ll… Read me again.