Just to remind us who has been in charge this past year, Mother Nature decided to play an unpleasant prank on Christmas Eve, December 24, pulling the plug on the power in thousands of Newtown/Sandy Hook homes overnight. Heavy rains meant the end to any winter snow activities, and big blasts of wind managed to take down trees and wires. Luckily, Eversource seemed to be on top of this storm recovery, and by Sunday morning, only a few unfortunate souls still were without power.

Thanks to Jenny Merchant who had some fun sleuthing and came up with some answers to questions we didn’t even know we had!

“I saw the photo printed in the Dec. 18 paper in the section called ‘Way We Were,’” Jenny writes to me. “The caption mentions that the photo is dated 1973, which made me pause. I grew up in the 1970s but my wardrobe and hairstyle in that era looked much different than the kids in the photo. Then I noticed the box of Crayola markers on the table which prompted a search for Crayola history (which is interesting!) to try to date the box. Crayola markers were introduced in 1978 and according to this article, Crayola changed their logo font to the version on the box in 1990. Also, the plastic cup holding the markers does not look to be 1973 vintage. The original plastic Solo cups that were invented in 1970s were rigid and strong. It wasn’t until 1990 that the company introduced a cup made of PETE plastic.

“This doesn’t help identify the kids in the photo,” she adds, “but it hopefully clarifies the timeframe as being closer to early 1990s.” A second look shows it was our error — the date on the back of the photo is 1978, not 1973. But if the cup is really a Solo cup, perhaps the quick note on the file photo meant 1998? Anyone out there recognize those kids?

Natalie Jackson, director of Human Services for the town of Newtown, is responsible for the disbursement of all funds raised by The Salvation Army. A photo of NHS Leos (sponsored by the Newtown Lions Club) shared with us shows bell ringers Jake Gonski, Norah Kolb, and Leo advisor Jill Gonski during a stint earlier this month at Stop & Shop. “2020 has been a challenging year for many. Our office has seen first-hand the stress that the pandemic has brought to many households in our community. Despite 2020 being hard on many, it did not deter this community from rising to challenges. The generosity of the volunteers and the community members who donated was truly incredible. The funds raised in this year’s unprecedented bell ringing effort will allow Human Services to assist residents most in need this year with food, heat, and utility bills, and housing stabilization,” says Natalie. “From all of us in Human Services, and all those your efforts will touch, we thank you!” We are also told that The Salvation Army has been donating food every two weeks to Newtown during the COVID-19 crisis. Recipients have included FAITH Food Pantry, the food pantry at the Congregational Church, the Children’s Adventure Center, Nunnawauk Meadows, and individual households in need working with the Department of Human Services. The Newtown Salvation Army Committee also thanks all bell ringer volunteers past and present.

Judging from the number of shows that continue to be added, it seems the newest offering at St Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church is very popular. The Christmas 2020 Laser Light Show has been extended. Originally scheduled to conclude on December 26, the free event will now continue through January 1, so early bird readers of this column might still be able to squeeze in a show. Shows run from 6 to 9 pm each night; they begin every 30 minutes, with the final show starting at 9. There is no charge, but reservations are required and can be done through strosechurch.com. All audience members are asked to remain in their vehicles, with their windows closed. That will not only keep everyone safe during these continued days of the COVID-19 pandemic — where social distancing is key — it will also make it easier to hear the music played over each vehicle’s radio.

Another reminder that this Saturday, January 2, will be the monthly drive-through food drive at FAITH Food Pantry. Physically distanced volunteers will unload your donations at the 46 Church Hill Road site, between 10 am and noon. Please visit newtownfoodpantry.org for the latest list of most-needed items. Call 203-837-0816 with any questions.

Did you miss the most recent Red Cross Blood Drive this Tuesday at Newtown Congregational Church? January is National Blood Donor Month, and there is a great need for donations. Visit redcrossblood.org to find out where other nearby blood drives are scheduled in 2021, and make your appointment now.

It appears that January is also National Hobby Month, National Hot Tea Month, National Soup Month, and National Slow Cooking Month. Sounds to me like there is a lot of Hygge to get into this first month of the year! (That’s the Scandinavian term for creating a sense of coziness and comfort in order to up your wellness and contentment.)

Here’s another great Scandinavian term for the winter months: the Norwegian word “friluftsliv.” It simply means get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and exercise. Even if the fluctuating temperatures in New England mean some days you strap on your cross-country skis or snowshoes, and some days you pull on hiking boots or hop on your bicycle, and some days you just wander around your back yard, every day is an opportunity to take a deep breath of clean air. (And with COVID-19 protocols still in place, the great outdoors is one of the best places you can safely gather with a small group of friends right now.)

Don’t want to stay up late to greet the New Year? No problem. EverWonder Children’s Museum has scheduled a “Noon Year’s Eve Celebration” from 9 am to 1 pm, this Thursday. There is an $8 admission charge for the fun-filled event. Be quick — reservations are required at everwondermuseum.org and the party is limited to 50. But maybe there is still room at the Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street, where Community Center members ($5) and others ($10) will celebrate from 11 am to 12:30 pm, on December 31. Call 203-270-4349 for registration information.

I find I am purr-fectly happy to celebrate quietly, anywhere my paws land. And you know I’ll be on the lookout for the news you want, so be sure next week to... Read me again. And have a Happy New Year!