I can't count past the toes on my paws, but for those who are counting, Tuesday, February 2, marked the 100th day of school for the 2015-16 school year. Middle Gate Elementary School uploaded photos of student projects that celebrated the number 100 to its main website, www.newtown.middlegate.schooldesk.net. Projects included gathering 100 items and compiling a demonstration, like 100 Skittles in the shape of a rainbow. I'd love 100 bowls of cream myself... That's something I'd celebrate.www.roundhillcommunitychurch.org or call 203-869-1091. Round Hill Community Church is at 395 Round Hill Road in Greenwich.thekindnessbustour@gmail.com. Find out more about Bob and Bogart's journey at www.onemillionactsofkindness.com.www.sciencenews.org by Susan Milius that noted, "Coaxing more bees, beetles and other pollinators to buzz around small fields could on average boost crop yields enough to close the gap between the worst and the best of these farms by almost a quarter…" Now, planting may be the furthest thing from your mind, what with all the snow swirling around us this week, but I hope that when you browse the seed catalogs clogging the mailboxes, you'll consider plants that attract the bees and butterflies in New England. On the local front, the newly formed Protect Our Pollinators (POP) organization is working to educate the public on how to accommodate these vital insects. (You can support POP by purchasing a sparkly bee pin for $10 - available at the front desk of The Newtown Bee.)

Staff at the C.H. Booth Library knows who is a Good Egg: Library Director Brenda McKinley. Brenda escaped from the book stacks to do a little shoveling during these recent snow squalls, so that staff and patrons alike had no worries about making it in to pick up some good reads. I might add that The Bee's office manager, Sherri Baggett, put in her time shoveling walks this past week, as well. That's what happens when you're in the higher ranks, I guess. Thanks, Brenda and Sherri! You are a Good Eggs!

Round Hill Community Church in Greenwich is hosting a conversation about Hope with former Sandy Hook Elementary School teacher Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis Wednesday, February 24, at 7 pm. Kaitlin is the author of Choosing Hope: Moving Forward From Life's Darkest Hours, and is the founder of Classes 4 Classes, a nonprofit to teach children the power of kindness and compassion through their ability to create positive changes for others. Tickets to the February 24 talk are $5, and include a post-talk wine and cheese reception. All profits will support Classes 4 Classes. For reservations or information, to

Congratulations to Newtown Chess Club member Leo Liu for winning the Under 1700 section of the Greater New Haven Winter Open, February 7, with a perfect 4-0 score.

The 7th Annual One Million Acts of Kindness Week, an initiative started by Ohio native Bob Votruba, has been celebrated this past week. One Million Acts Of Kindness asks every individual to set a goal to individually perform One Million Acts Of Kindness in their life. Bob and his dog, Bogart, travel around the nation in the Kindness Bus, visiting college campuses and communities, and inspiring others to help build a world of kindness. This event has grown steadily each year and now is a global celebration. If you have a story to share with Bob and Bogart about how kindness has affected your life, or how his message changed your life, send him a note at

My heart is going pitter-patter this week for some reason… Oh, Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Flowers, chocolates, and Champagne are always nice, but maybe a gift that is longer lasting is in order this year. Choose a charity to support that your true love truly loves, and you will certainly be number one in his or her heart. Happy Valentine's Day!

How about some presidential trivia to celebrate the February 15 Presidents' Day? President John Quincy Adams received an alligator from the Marquis de Lafayette, in 1826. (Where the Marquis got an alligator remains a mystery.) The alligator was housed in a bathroom in the East Room - quite a surprise for visiting guests. I wonder if there are any alligator-hide items of memorabilia in the Adams exhibit at our library? James Buchanan was the only bachelor president. Marriage for the other presidents generally resulted in offspring, but six presidents had no children. President Tyler takes the prize, though, with a total of 15 children. Presidents James A. Garfield, Herbert Hoover, Harry S. Truman, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton were all left-handed presidents, as is President Barack Obama. Twelve Presidents of the United States have been elected to office and served for two terms. Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to office four terms - that was before the Twenty-Second Amendment, limiting office holders to two, 4-year terms.

Sandra Bent caught this photo of a large bobcat plowing its way through the snow, Wednesday morning. Bobby Bobcat (I named him, myself… although, it could be Bobbette Bobcat…) was on Bonnie Brae Road, heading up toward Dickinson Park and Brushy Hill Road.

It shouldn't be surprising, but it turns out that protecting pollinators and increasing the number of pollinators on small farms around the world increases yield. I came across a story at

There are no cat pins here to support my newsgathering efforts. Nonetheless, I'll be around. Be sure next week to… Read me again.