Congratulations to Newtowner Nora Murphy, author and designer of the Connecticut Country House e-magazine and blog. Nora returned from the 2016 Design Bloggers Conference at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead Hotel in Atlanta this week with a big win - Best Overall Blog Hall Of Fame Award. Nora describes her blog, connecticutcountryhouse.com, as "an inviting combination of the down-to-earth and the elegant, a perspective on country living filled with joy, humor, and beautiful style. I've created a site where I can share my passion for decorating, gardening, and entertaining in simple bite-size tips, because I believe everyone is entitled to live beautifully, comfortably, and happily." Two paws up to Nora!maritimeaquarium.org or by calling 203-852-0700. The discount is not available for advance online purchases.numcyouth-leader@gmail.com. The church is at 92 Church Hill Road in Sandy Hook.danielbardenmudfest.org.arlene.miles@newtown-ct.gov.

It's not just dogs, but cats that benefit, so of course I am going to remind you that the Donation Day at the Pound is coming up on Saturday, March 19. The food and goodies drive for dogs and cats is hosted by the Newtown Board of Realtors. Boxes to donate food (Dave's chicken and rice canned food or Fromm dry dog food, for dogs, wet canned food for cats), doggie treats like pig ears, chicken treats and chew stick, and toys are set up at most realtors' offices around town. The Brian Silverlieb Animal Care and Control Center on Old Farm Road will be open on the 19th from 10 am to 2 pm, to accept donations, too, and you can ask for a tour of the facility.

Bobbi Burns had a visitor to her Farrell Road home this past Sunday, when a black bear ambled onto the property. "The bear bent my birdfeeder pole to the ground and then spent a long while eating bird seed and suet and exploring around my house," says Bobbi. "He came right up to the patio and the steps to the door of my house, but retreated when the motion sensitive lights went on," she reports. No one had to tell her twice to stay indoors while the bear nosed about her home, and Bobbi says the birds may have to find another source of food, for now.

Congratulations to EO and Pana, on the birth of their little… anteater. EO and Pana, giant anteaters, are residents of the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport. The birth of this baby anteater on February 13 was a first in zoo history. Weighing just 2.4 pounds at birth, this baby was also a first for EO and Pana. The 6-year-old pair was brought to the Beardsley in 2015, from Florida, with the hopes of successful breeding. The littlest anteater, which will grow up to weigh around 100 pounds, has no name yet, as gender at this tender age cannot be determined. You won't see Pana and her baby, though, if you stop by the zoo. Mother and baby are off exhibit, with plans for a debut in late spring 2016 - and EO will be on exhibit elsewhere. Apparently, daddy anteaters aren't known for their parenting skills.

More than 300 patients of the Southbury Smile Spot Children's Dentistry enjoyed the third annual Movie Day, March 5, hosted by Dr Stephen Kest. Dr Kest rented out a theater at Danbury AMC and premiered the movie Zootopia. One hundred percent of ticket proceeds went to charity, with the Smile Spot raising over $1,500 this year. Sounds like a fun and fulfilling evening out.

Any Girl or Boy Scout in uniform, or leader in uniform, receives discounted admission prices of $11 and $15.75 for a combo ticket at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk this coming Saturday, March 12. Scout Day at the Maritime Aquarium gives Scouts and families the chance to get close up to the Aquarium's amazing animals. Scouts can stop by the bonus "Leave No Trace" activity stations, as well. Scout Day IMAX movie is National Parks Adventure, at 10 am and 4 pm. Find out more about Scout Day at the Aquarium at

Newtown United Methodist Church will host a special event on March 19 for young Lego lovers. From 2 to 5 pm, the church's youth group will host time for playing and building for ages 6-12, although that age range is "just a guide," says event organizer Barb Sibley. "Younger and older siblings are welcome too." Cost is $5 per child, and parents will need to stay with their children. This is not a drop-off event, but families are welcome to stay for as long as they wish. Snacks, beverages, and coffee will be offered. For additional information, call 203-300-1171 or e-mail

The 4th Annual Daniel Barden Mudfest 5-mile, 5K & Kids Mud Run takes place this year Saturday, April 30, at MKJ Farm, 6844 West Hughes Road, Deansboro, N.Y. The mud run was started in memory of Daniel Barden, one of 20 first graders and six educators killed 12/14, and organized by friends of the Barden family. There's a race for every kind of runner, and registration for the event is underway. A 5-mile timed run for ages 13 and up starts at 9 am, with just one heat. The 5K untimed heats are every 15 minutes, beginning at 10 am, for ages 11 and up. Kids Fun Runs, for ages 5 to 11 years old has three heats, at 11 am, 11:15 am, and 11:30 am. All proceeds from this event support several charities. See photos from past Mudfests, find out more, or register for this muddy, fun time at

Your garbage truly is a treasure. The Newtown Organics Recycling program collected over five and a half tons of organic material in February. That's the good news. On the down side, people are still including nonfood items when they drop off their organic recycling at the landfill. Please be sure and remove any ties, rubber bands, or stickers on produce that ends up in recycling. As a rule of thumb, if you are taking part in this food recycling program, just remember: if you can eat it, it's okay. If you can't, please don't put it in the bag. And above all, cat litter is not acceptable! If you have any questions or want to take part in the Newtown Organics Recycling program, contact

There's no recycling news in this column. Be sure next week to… Read me again.