Recent warm spring weather has prompted Newtown residents to venture out of hibernation and poke around their yards for the first time in months. What they saw after all the snow had melted must not have been too pretty a sight, because nearly everyone we know has been outside cleaning up. We’ve seen rakes and chain saws, wheelbarrows and blue plastic sheeting, anything residents can think of to literally pick up where they left off last November. For some, the experience was almost archaeological as they watched to see what treasures the melting snow piles would uncover. Long-lost items were exposed, as in the case of Budd Drive resident Mary Mitchell, who was finally able to wrench free her ice-encrusted blue plastic wrapped copy of The New York Times buried by snowplows. It turned out to be the December 25, 2002, edition and, miraculously, the paper inside was still dry. Merry Christmas at the end of March!

If you are tempted by warm spring breezes over the next month or so to take a quick plunge into Lake Zoar, let me suggest that you not do it between May 3 and May 12. You may find just mud where you expect the water to be. Early May is when Northeast Utilities plans to drawdown the level of Lake Zoar by five feet so it can perform maintenance on the Stevenson Dam. This annual event provides the opportunity for shoreline residents to take care of spring repairs on their docks on the lake.

The “Support Our Troops” rally last weekend down at the VFW Hall wasn’t the only patriotic expression to show up on Main Street in the past week.

The evolving personality of the garbage-bagged sign by the General Store took another turn this week. It sprouted a star-and-stripes hat and a beard, making it into Uncle Sam.

Lillian Butler of Sandy Hook was relieved to hear Monday from the Connecticut National Guard that her daughter, Tahkeisha Butler, age 26, serving with the 109th Transportation Unit in Kuwait was all right. “I hadn’t heard from her for three weeks, and I was a basket case. She’s not able to contact me, so I was very glad to get word,” said Mrs Butler. Her daughter, who attended Head O’ Meadow and Newtown Middle School has been in the military for two years. “She drives 18 wheelers” for her unit, Mrs Butler said.

There’s a lot of charitable work taking place throughout Newtown schools. A fifth grade class at Reed Intermediate has already collected more than 7,000 pencils, but needs 3,000 more to meet its goal of 10,000. They group is also collecting art supplies and sports supplies. Drop off your donation at the office on 3 Trades Lane.

There are two drives taking place at Newtown Middle School for fleece blankets for children at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital and stuffed bears or animals for the Women Involved in Newtown Easter baskets. Donations for both of these are being accepted until April 4.

The Interact Clubs at the Newtown Middle School and Reed Intermediate School are sponsoring a Blood Drive Saturday, April 5, from 8 am to 1 pm, at Reed School on Trades Lane. Stop by and give a drop or two or a pint.

The Middle School Drama Club is presenting Snoopy!!! this weekend, Friday and Saturday at 7 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children. It’s sure to provide a few laughs for the audience.

Retired Superintendent of Schools John R. Reed and his wife Chris have officially moved back to Newtown. The two are enjoying their new home on Main Street. They were seen at the Newtown High School Spring Musical of Anything Goes Friday night, taking in what everyone in the audience agreed was an awesome performance.

Ever notice how walkers on Main Street always slow down this time of year as they pass Gordon and Lina Williams’ house? The reason is that those of us searching desperately for signs of spring always find them first in the Williams’ front yard. Snow drops and crocuses abound there.

I think this would be a good week to tell one of the first riddles I ever learned as a child. Q: Why is everyone so tired on April Fools’ Day? A: Because we all just had a March of 31 days. That riddle seems a little tired, as well. But I promise to be back next week, revitalized with much better material, so be sure to…

Read me again.