You may have read about 2-year-old Bezalel Alquilos of Cebu, Philippines, in the February 27 Newtown Bee story, “Newtown Rotary Gift of Life Keeps On Giving.” Bezalel and his mother, Hazel, have been guests of the Dan Rosenthal family this past month, while Bezalel underwent some lifesaving heart surgery at Children’s Medical Center in Hartford. The surgery has been paid for through the local Gift of Life challenge, as well as the generosity of surgeon Dr Harris Leopold and Children’s Medical Center. Rotarian Pat Caruso has given me an update on Bezalel, who has multiple congenital disabilities. “Bezalel has been improving from the heart surgery, and is doing well,” said Pat. Not only that, doctors have tested Bezalel’s hearing, and found that while he is deaf in one ear, he seems to have some hearing in the other. He may be a candidate for a cochlear implant, and a hearing aid to help him hear from the good ear. An eye test has determined that Bezalel has limited vision, but it is possible that eventual corneal implants could help him see somewhat. All of this is good news, since every bit of health gained means that the little boy has a greater chance of thriving. In addition to the welcoming home the Rosenthals have provided, Pat says the Rotary Club is amazed at the additional assistance folks in town have provide Bezalel and Hazel. Fingers crossed, Hazel and Bezalel may be headed home at last the end of the month, to be reunited with dad, Wilbert.

After Kraft issued a recall last week for more than 240,000 cases of its popular original flavor Macaroni & Cheese, tainted with metal fragments, volunteers at FAITH Food Pantry had to make sure their supply was safe. FAITH Food Pantry posted a note on its Facebook page this week to let everyone know that they, too, had to dispose of any Kraft Mac & Cheese they had on their shelves. As a result, volunteers are hoping the public will help restock that food pantry staple. “If you see a deal on any type of M&C we’d love to have it brought to the pantry,” the note said in part. The public can drop off donations Tuesdays between 10 am and noon, and Thursdays between 6 and 7:30 pm. FAITH Food Pantry is in the lower level of St John’s Episcopal Church on Washington Avenue. Call 203-426-8507 if you cannot visit during those hours, and arrangements will be made to work a visit into your schedule. In case you missed it, the recalled product is limited to the 7.25-ounce boxes with the Best When Used By dates of September 18, 2015 through October 11, 2015, and with the code C2 directly below the date on each box.

Let’s not forget the town food pantry: our bus drivers haven’t. All-Star bus drivers, who held a food drive back in November for Newtown Social Services, is planning another collection for the same group. Driver Linda Nasse says the next collection for the 3 Main Street pantry will take place Saturday, March 28, from 9 am until 3 pm. At least one school bus will be set up outside Stop & Shop in Sand Hill Plaza. The Easter Bunny is also planning on visiting that day, according to Ms Nasse. Donations received during those hours will be transported to the Social Services office, and will then help some of our friends and neighbors put food on their tables.

Is our office going ga-ga over this heart painted at the February Hearts of Hope event? Yes, indeed.  Kristen Mattera was there and took this photo, which we discovered on the Hearts of Hope Facebook page. Kirsten tells us that this bee heart, along with 200 other hand painted hearts, was delivered to the Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital, March 19. The hearts will be distributed to patients there, as well as their caregivers and the burn center’s staff. I sure hope someone will BEE happy to receive this one.

My favorite swashbuckling feline, Puss in Boots, will take to the stage this weekend along with other classic characters and infamous characters in Newtown Middle School’s production of Shrek The Musical Jr, showing Friday, March 27, at 7 pm, Saturday, March 28, at 2 pm and 7 pm, and Sunday, March 29, at 2 pm. All performances will be at the Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen Street. Tickets are $10 per person. Remaining tickets not sold before the show dates will be available at the door. For more information about tickets or the show, e-mail co-director Lesli Allen at allenl@newtown.k12.ct.us. This show has not only a cat, but it also has a donkey, dragon, and… ogres. Did you know ogres have layers?

Seats are still available for this weekend’s Interfaith Seder. This year’s event, which coincides with Palm Sunday (March 29), will be hosted by Newtown Congregational Church, at 14 West Street. The ceremony of tradition, food, and song will begin at 2 pm. It will take place in NCC’s Great Room, located on the upper level of the church. A $5 donation is requested per person. Reservations can be made by calling the NCC church office at 203-426-9024 or e-mailing newcong@sbcglobal.net. Checks should be made out to Newtown Congregational Church, with 2015 Seder in the memo line, and can either be dropped off at the church or mailed to NCC, 14 West Street, Newtown CT 06470.

Kathleen Gadoci of South Main Street shares this photo she took of two sharp-shinned hawks. She has observed the featherly pair preparing a nest nearby, so perhaps soon there will be the pitter-patter of little wings in the neighborhood.

Newtowner Chuck Botsford celebrates his 80th birthday on March 27. A nice gathering was held a week ago, but unfortunately Chuck’s cousin from Springfield, Ohio, Barbara Botsford Barth, was not able to attend. Barbara sends along her happy birthday wishes to Chuck, anyway, via Bee mail.

Sawyer Fredricks, son of former Newtowners Carl and Kiersten, and nephew of Sandy Hook Hair Company owner Bonnie Fredricks, lives on an 88-acre farm in Upstate New York, with his parents and his two brothers — when he’s not out in Southern California working his way through the ranks of participants on NBC’s The Voice. The young and talented musician who recently released his first album, and just made it through The Voice ‘Knockout Round,” is being coached by Voice star Pharrel Williams, whose infectious tune “Happy” remains a global pop favorite. Hopefully Sawyer will follow in the footsteps of Hartford sensation Javier Colon, who was the very first Voice winner, in 2011. Tune in and check out his progress. The program airs Mondays and Tuesday evenings.

Whoops. The Men’s Breakfast Club had hoped to open up the next two meetings to the public, when they have special speakers scheduled. But due to limited parking and space inside, the April 2 and May7 Club meetings at the Newtown Senior Center will be open only to members. (Of course, you could join the Newtown Senior Center and be part of the fun, anytime. Call 203-270-4310 for information on joining.)

Men, women, cats, dogs — I’m not fussy who joins my readership. I hope one and all will open these pages next week to… Read me again.