Lee Paulson and volunteers at FAITH Food Pantry in Sandy Hook had a nasty surprise when they opened up on the Thursday before Christmas. The large chest freezer, containing 29 frozen turkeys and other meats, had died. But thanks to the generosity of Steve Ford at Butcher’s Best Market, says Lee, none of the items went to waste. “Steve let us put all 29 frozen turkeys into the freezer at Butcher’s Best,” she says. The rest of the meats were packed into the smaller freezer at FAITH. “But God bless Steve. If he hadn’t helped us, we would have lost it all,” says Lee. Then, to make a good story better, when Lee went freezer shopping at Zemel’s Appliances in the Berkshire Shopping Center in Danbury, “Howard Levinson, who has helped us before, donated a new upright Frigidaire freezer to FAITH. We just had to pay for delivery,” an amazed Lee tells me. Lee thinks that both Steve and Howard are worthy of the Good Egg Award, and I am not opposed to that idea, at all. Guys, you are super-duper Good Eggs!

There’s another food pantry in town that is also crucial to helping residents through tough times. The food pantry located in the Social Services office, at Town Hall South, has a need for food donations year around. In recognition of that need, four legislators and the staff at Social Services are urging support of this food pantry with an upcoming food drive. State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky (106), Dan Carter (2), J.P. Sredzinski (112), and State Senator Tony Hwang (28) note that even after the holidays there are members of the Newtown community who continue to need help, and they are confident the spirit of caring and generosity seen during the holidays will continue throughout the year. Boxes for food donations of nonperishable canned and packaged goods will be accepted beginning Friday, January 16, at Newtown Municipal Center, 4 Primrose Street; Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street; C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street; and Caraluzzi’s Newtown Market, 5 Queen Street. Donations of goods can also be dropped off at Newtown Social Services, 3 Main Street. For monetary donations, contact Social Services Director Ann Piccini at 203-270-4330.

The December Newtown Choral Society concert looked like so much fun that I might see if they are interested in a bit of meowing and purring to accompany the spring concert. That concert is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, at 3:30 pm, at the Meeting House. In preparation, though, rehearsals begin Wednesday, January 21. The Choral Society always welcomes new members, and auditions are not required — just be willing to learn about singing with a group. Vocal placement is at the discretion of director Mary Andreotta. Rehearsals are in the choral room at Newtown Middle School on Queen Street, from 7 to 9 pm, each Wednesday. To find out more about joining, contact Laura Lerman at lel@se-ltd.com. Ooh la la! I hear there is a bit of the joie de vivre of New Orleans involved in that April concert.

Thank you, if you were one of those who helped warm more than someone’s heart this winter. The Foundry Kitchen and Tavern, 1 Glen Road, Sandy Hook, collected more than 200 winter coats and jackets, thanks to the generosity of its patrons. The clean, gently used garments were distributed to Family and Children’s Aid and St John’s Episcopal Church, to be given to those in need. Foundry owner Chris Bruno had set a goal of collecting 50 coats, which he knew would not even put a dent in the need. “Once again,” said Chris, “the local community went far above and beyond our expectations.”

The monthly Saturday Night Open Mic for youth in grades 5–12 is being planned for Saturday, January 17, from 7:30 to 9:15 pm. The event takes place in The Great Room at Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street. Microphones, keyboard, guitar amp, and more will be available. Doors open at 7 pm for performers; signups begin at 7:15. There is space for about 20 performers so the time limit per spot is about five minutes. Signup is first come, first served. Suggested donation is $1. Adult family members are invited to bring a nonalcoholic beverage or snack to share. Youth under grade six must have a parent or guardian present. All ages are welcome at this fun community event, sponsored by Jim Allyn’s Music Workshop. For more information visit jimallyn.com or call 203-270-9659.

Katonah Museum of Art, Route 22, Katonah, N.Y., has been closed for a few weeks, while curators put into place three exhibitions that are scheduled to open this weekend. For one of them, “Line Describing A Cone: Tri-State Juried Exhibition,” visitors from Newtown might recognize the name of a fellow resident. Textile artist Liz Alpert Fay’s work has been accepted into the exhibition, which will be on view until February 15. Curator Eva Respini challenged artists to explore the meaning of space in their work, using whatever materials and expressive outlets they require. From the 636 pieces that were submitted for consideration by artists from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, Liz Fay’s work is among the 92 works by 78 artists chosen for the exhibition. For details including museum hours and directions, call 914-232-9555 or visit www.katonahmuseum.org.

Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, Day is celebrated this coming Monday, January 19. Seems like a good time to reflect on how far we have come in respecting the rights of all Americans — and if we have not, making a point to urge legislators to focus on seeing that the civil rights of everyone are honored. A new movie, Selma, is one view of Dr King’s fight to secure basic rights for every American, in case you need some historical background as to why we celebrate the birth date of Dr King — even if it is the Hollywood version.

Congratulations to Austin McChord, who appeared in the January 5 issue of Forbes, as one of the elite “30 Under 30.” The 29-year-old Newtown High School grad was honored for the success of his business, Datto, a backup solutions company based in Norwalk. Austin has promised to sit down with The Bee next month and talk about his leap to the top of the business world, and the people who have supported him along the way. So keep an eye open to find out more about this homegrown success story.

As always, I’ll be keeping my eyes open to Newtown’s best bits of news. Keep your eyes open, too, and be sure to … Read me again.