We get a lot of e-mail here at The Bee, but every now and then someone licks a stamp and sends us some USPS mail. This week, one of the A&A advertisers sent us a missive in quite a decorative envelope. The post office had no problem figuring out which PO Box to put this painstakingly addressed envelope into, and it gave us a little something to discuss around the water cooler when it got here.

I did get a Good Egg nomination by e-mail, however, this week. There are a couple of Senior Center members who think their exercise instructor, Mary Ann Phillips, deserves some recognition. “She makes keeping fit a real pleasure. Mary Ann is well trained and not only leads the class with enthusiasm and a wonderful, friendly smile, but also instructs us in why we are doing each exercise. Everyone looks forward to coming to class because of Mary Ann. She expects a great deal from the class, and without any prodding gets an energetic response to each new exercise,” say her fans. “Thanks to Mary Ann, everyone’s week is a little brighter and a lot healthier.” Congratulations, Mary Ann. You are a Good Egg!

The Newtown High School Varsity Winter Guard will hold its next fundraiser this weekend. On Saturday, February 11, parents and members of the winter guard will conduct their next Turn Nickels Into Gold collection and this time they’ll be set up in three locations. From 9 am until noon, returnable cans and bottles will be accepted at Newtown High School (12 Berkshire Road) and Reed Intermediate School (3 Trades Lane), as well as Newtown Middle School (11 Queen Street). The team will use any money they make to help defray the costs of attending Winter Guard International Championships in April.

For a jump on Valentine’s Day, the Newtown-based jazz band Boplicity has a special event planned for this weekend. The six-member band will be performing an intergenerational Valentine’s Cabaret at Southbury Senior Center, 561 Main Street South (Route 6), on Sunday afternoon from 1:30 until 3:30 pm. Admission is free and will be suitable for all ages (organizers are suggesting ages 9 and up). “For this event we’ll play a little of everything, including bebop, swing, jazz, Latin and Big Band,” said Robert Rabinowitz, the band’s alto saxophone player. Refreshments will be served in a cabaret atmosphere. If you have any questions or if there happens to be snow on Sunday (not that we have had to worry too much about snow days this year!), call the Southbury Senior Center at 203-262-0651.

The Valentine who has won my heart already is a first grade student at Hawley School. Jennifer Pirone’s class created valentines for their sweethearts and posted them on a bulletin board at Hawley, where Tommy Varga’s caught my eye: “I love my cat because she always snuggles with me,” reads Tommy’s big red heart. I’m glad someone appreciates a good feline hug.

I know last week I suggested a website for out of the ordinary Valentine’s Day shopping, but if you are thinking of a gift as snuggly as Tommy’s Valentine, why not check out The Animal Center’s special Valentine’s Day dog and puppy adoption event, this Saturday, February 11, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, next door to Your Healthy Pet, 224 South Main Street (up above Tumble Jungle). Visit theanimalcenter.org for a sneak preview of adoptable animals, cats included!

If your Valentine is in love with books, this gift idea might get you points: Justin Scott’s latest novel (with the Newtown resident writing under his Paul Garrison nom de plume), The Janson Command will come out on Valentine’s Day. “Paul” has taken over a Robert Ludlum series that was started before Ludlum died. According to Justin’s (Paul’s) publisher’s website the new title picks up with Paul Janson having been reformed “from his days of assassination and international conspiracy … [with] a new mission and a new partner. Working with sharpshooter Jessica Kincaid, he helps other disenchanted cover-operatives to be rehabilitated and create new lives. He also accepts independent jobs, but only missions he believes will contribute to the greater good.”

This weekend or next might be a good time for a road trip to New Milford, if you want a look at some fresh art. The Silo Gallery in New Milford has kicked off its 2012 season with “Six Views,” featuring the photography of six local high school students, including a pair from NHS. The students have been mentored by Brookfield photographer Laurie Klein and Valerie Culbertson, director of the gallery. Featured photographers this year (Ms Klein has done a high school mentoring program for six years) include Newtown High School students Tim Ciavara and Maggie Kennedy, Brookfield High School students Amanda Drake, Evelyn Fenick and Marissa Nadeau, and Shepaug Valley High School student Connor Cushine. The collection is on view until Sunday, February 19. A gallery talk with all the students and instructors will take place that afternoon, at 2 pm. They will share insights into their artistic and personal histories, followed by a question-and-answer period. Admission is free.

The Newtown Senior Center White Elephant Auction is coming up, Wednesday, February 15, at 1 pm, at the Riverside Road facility. Here’s a chance to get some great deals on household items and small appliances, or if you are seeking to find a home for household items — no clothing — that you no longer need, the center will accept donations (in good condition and working order, please) for the auction, through February 14. Drop off your items at the Senior Center during regular hours, or if you need assistance, call 203-270-4310, and Barb or Marilyn will find a way to help you out. The auction is open to the public, so plan to take a late lunch break and hurry down to support the Newtown Senior Center. Proceeds from the auction will go toward the purchase of a new microwave for the center.

Don’t forget that Lois Barber and the Northern Fairfield Blue Star Mothers are accepting entries for the 2012 Newtown’s Beautiful Baby Photo Contest, a fundraiser for Homes For Our Troops. The contest is open to all babies, newborn to 4 years of age. Write the baby’s name and a contact phone number for his or her parents on the back of a nonreturnable 4-by-4-inch photo or a wallet-size photo. Mail the photo and a $10 check made payable to Homes for Our Troops to Baby Contest c/o Lois Barber, 33 Zoar Road, Sandy Hook CT 06482. Then plan to stuff the ballot box for your favorite youngster, at the Sandy Hook firefighter’s Lobsterfest in June, or at the Stop & Shop at Sand Hill Plaza. Space is limited to the first 54 submissions, and the winning baby gets even more attention and gifts lavished upon him or her than babies get anyway. Fun for all, for a good cause.

Here’s a little Valentine’s Day ditty for you: Roses are red, violets are blue; my heart is full, thanks to readers like you! (Just call me Shakespaw).

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day and remember next week to… Read me again.