I thought I was done wishing everyone a Happy New Year, until I realized that this coming Monday, January 26, is the Chinese New Year. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2009 is the year of the ox. Legend has it that people born in this year will have some of the traits of that animal — fearless, obstinate, hardworking, and friendly. Those born in the year of the ox also tend to become engineers or architects, or painters. So, once again, Happy New Year to all!

I’m trying to look at the positives of snow, since we actually seem to have some staying on the ground this winter. Along with making skiers and snowboarders happy, snowshoe enthusiasts have plenty to cheer about, too, it seems — and according to the e-zine Snowshoe Magazine, a 2004 Outdoor Recreation Participant Study showed a population of 5.9 million snowshoers in the United States at that time. That was up 93 percent just since 1998, and due in part, no doubt, to the amazingly light and maneuverable aluminum frame snowshoes now available. With some warm layers and a pair of poles for balance, just about anyone can traverse a snowy path. Plus, anywhere from 400 to 1,000 calories per hour are burned up while enjoying the great outdoors via snowshoes. Now there’s a good solution to getting rid of all that comfort food that is so, well… comforting, in cold weather.

I got a call from a very excited Catherine Urso on Wednesday. Catherine was recovering from an historic and amazing evening the night before, when she stood up before 2,000 troops and guests at the We The People inaugural ball at the Hyatt Regency in Washington, DC and sang her original song, “Sacrifice Is Made.” This was not the first time that the part-time songwriter has performed the piece. In 2007, Catherine was invited to perform for Gov M. Jodi Rell at the 50th anniversary of  women veterans in Hartford. But Tuesday night put the frosting on the cake. “It was incredible,” reported Catherine. I’m still numb. If you saw the troops in uniform and all of the people in the room, I get chills still just thinking about it.” If you want to hear Catherine’s song, she said to contact her for a copy of her CD at datainteg@aol.com. Look out, Aretha!

 This week I noticed that Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia and her assistants were busy removing the remaining holiday decorations from the office in Edmond Town Hall. Some of those hanging decorations were rather tricky to remove, requiring catlike balance (yet, they did not call me….) high off the floor to retrieve large ornaments hanging in the windows, or the plastic icicles hanging from a lighting fixture.

But now that the Christmas decorations are gone, I guess they will start thinking about decorations for the next holiday. Will it be hearts and flowers for St Valentine’s Day on February 14, or likenesses of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln for Presidents’ Day on February 16?

Well, I hear that the decorations being pulled down at the Villa Restaurant are of the birthday variety. Friends and family members threw a surprise 60th birthday party there for SHVFD Chief Bill Halstead this past weekend. Happy birthday, Chief! I wonder if the surprise was the party or the fact that he is already 60?

I have to warn you that as you set foot in the Parks and Rec office, beware of the shadow cast across your path from the right corner; it belongs to Beau. Beau has emerged from storage, and I hear he is more bird than I would be willing to chase. Back when the Danbury Fair was tilled over to create the mall, one former recreation director picked up the more than six-foot-tall rooster that is holding court in the Parks and Rec office.

As big as he is, I would need every bit of my nine lives to avoid his gnashing beak. But they love him down at Town Hall South, and after a hiatus, apparently they all wanted him back. Go figure.

Youth from Newtown Congregational, St Rose, and Newtown United Methodist churches will be participating in a very cold fundraiser adventure this weekend. The Great Outdoor Sleep-A-Thon runs overnight from Saturday, January 24, until Sunday, January 25, outside Newtown Congregational Church, at 14 West Street. Group members will build temporary shelters and sleeping outside to raise money for their June service trip to assist in home renovation and repair in the poorer neighborhoods of Oakland, Md., later this year. The group is taking on this challenge to create awareness for the many who are living in inadequate housing and other challenging circumstances and the youth are also seeking sponsors to support them for their trip in June. The public is invited to help the youth make a difference by making a pledge to support this important work. Contact the Newtown Congregational Church office, 426-9024, for more information or to make a pledge of support or to get more information. Does the word “hypothermia” mean anything to young folks? Brrr. Bless their hearts, but give me a warm hearth and a soft blanket.

The VNA of Newtown is also planning an event, but I think these folks might be a little warmer when it comes time to celebrate their 90th anniversary next month. Readers may remember that 2008 was the 90th anniversary for our town’s VNA, and the current members of the organization are hoping to hear from former members who may not yet have received an invitation to the Appreciation Breakfast being planned for Tuesday, February 3. Sal e Pepe restaurant will host a breakfast event that will begin at 9. If you have been involved with VNA in the past and would like to be part of the complimentary celebration, give Anna Wiedemann a call at 426-1035.

Where, oh where, are the Good Egg nominees? I know that there are dozens of Newtowners out there quietly doing good deeds. Let’s give those who humbly pay it forward a little recognition and thanks. Send your nomination for the Good Egg Award to Nancy@thebee.com.

I’m keeping my paws crossed that the possible sighting on Tuesday of Elwood, a greyhound who has been missing from his home since Christmas, will mean that he could soon be out of the hostile winter environment and back in his loving home. Elwood may have been sighted between Turkey Hill Road and Toddy Hill Road. Don’t get overly excited, though, if you see the long-legged black and white hound. He is probably pretty scared after being on his own for so long. Don’t chase him. Make a note of where he is, and call either 241-3617 or 914-403-0872. Here’s hoping.

And here’s hoping that next week you will find time to…. Read me again.