The Top of the Mountain
Ben’s Bells Connecticut, now at 32 Stony Hill Road in Bethel, is offering extended open studio hours this coming Monday, January 18, as many area schools will have off that day. The studio will be open for anyone to participate, from noon to 6 pm. I think Rev Dr Martin Luther King would approve of this activity that spreads love and kindness, on his birthday.
Here’s an example of kindness at work: Dick Baker often calls his next door neighbor, a widower in his 80s, to check on him. When his friend mentioned how high the step from his garage up into his kitchen seemed, Dick got some 2 by 4s, went down to the basement, and two hours later had built a new step. He brought it over to his neighbor, who was very grateful. Dick, you are a Good Egg! The Good Egg must be shared this week, however, with Mark Edwards, his crew, and numerous other volunteers involved in some good work. Mark, from Mark Edwards Roofing and Siding in Newtown, and a crew of six were scheduled to spend this Thursday at the Redding home of World War II veteran, Alex Sawchyn. Mark and crew planned to donate their time to remove the old roof and put a new roof on the home, and another group of volunteers will be helping to pick up the old shingles to be hauled away. Purple Heart Homes (a charity to help older veterans age in place) has provided the materials, and Steve Thomas, from Weston, is serving as volunteer project manager for Purple Heart Homes. Project manager Steve Thomas, of Weston, has repaired rotted walls in the sun porch and repaired a lean-to shed on the Sawchyn property, so far. This all came about when the 89-year-old veteran’s friend, Senator Mike McLachlan, discovered Mr Sawchyn was trying to do costly repairs himself — in order to comply with repairs demanded of him in order to receive a new home insurance policy. US Army/US Air Force Sergeant and First Lieutenant Alexander Sawchyn served his country during World War II from 1944 to 1949. He was trained as a fighter pilot on several aircraft. For five years, he served in active duty, which took him to most continents supporting peacetime efforts. He served on the Berlin AirLift, 1948 to 1949, and retired from the military in 1949.
Would you like to work to help empower young people, and have lots of fun, at the same time? Ben’s Lighthouse is always seeking adult volunteers to assist with programs and events. If you have time or talent that you can share, contact Ben’s Lighthouse director Kelly Paredes, at kparedes@benslighthouse.org.
Newtown photographer Tara Tomaselli and glass works artist Heidrun Morgan will present “Rust & Glass,” an exhibit of their works, beginning Saturday, January 16, at Art & Frame, 60 Newtown Road, Danbury. Join the artists for an opening reception on Saturday, from 5 to 7 pm. Hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, and live music by Phoenix Tree will make for a fun evening — and you get to see some beautiful art.
If football is more to your liking, Edmond Town Hall welcomes the public to a free showing of the Patriots game, this Saturday, January 16, from 4 to 8 pm. See the New England Patriots take on the Kansas City Chiefs on the big screen. Now that’s close up action, if I say so myself.
Come one, come all. The Newtown Choral Society presents its winter concert this Sunday afternoon, January 17, beginning at 3:30 pm, at the Newtown Meeting House. Songs from around the world and a few holiday tunes (so you can recall days not too long gone by) are on the program. Members and director Mary Andreotta have worked hard to create a concert of joy. They’d love to see you there. Tickets are $10 at the door, $8 for senior citizens.
Oh, what a lucky cat is Radar Leniart. His “mom,” Susie, a Bee worker, has added to her already magical knitting skills that of cat hat creations. Based on the “oohs” and “ahhs” elicited from Bee staff when Susie showed off the little pom-pom cap that Radar is modeling, he ought to be looking just a teensy bit happier than he does. Now I’m not saying that this catty writer is a candidate for a cat hat, but if Susie were to appear with a black and yellow bumble bee design… or maybe a top hat to go with my tuxedo… Well, we’ll see. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing what other whimsical caps crown Radar in upcoming weeks.
I’m telling you this now, so you can spend the next few days practicing: The Knights of Columbus is sponsoring its annual free throw competition Sunday, January 24, at 2 pm, in the St Rose School Gym/Gathering Hall, 40 Church Hill Road. Ages 9 to 14 (as of January 1) are eligible to compete in this free event, and everyone receives a certificate of participation and patch. The winners get plaques with the opportunity to compete at the division level, with the potential to compete on the state level. For more information, e-mail sreilly24@gmail.com.
A smattering of snow was sprinkled over the landscape, Tuesday evening, giving our highway department just enough reason to get out its trucks and dust the roads with sand. It appears sleds and snowboards will have to wait a little longer for fun, this winter.
The skimpy snowfall has made it so much easier for me to snoop into each and every corner of this town, though. I’ll share it right here, next week, if you… Read me again.