We thought that being #15 on The New York Times' combined print and e-book list was pretty awesome, which is what Newtown's author Justin Scott and his co-author Clive Cussler were with their newest book, The Gangster, the week of March 27. But it turns out that the book was actually number 1 on the e-book, hardcover, and combined print/e-book lists the previous week, which is, I am told, a "rare trifecta" - and that's no April Fool's joke. A triple congratulations goes out to Justin, this week!Bee editor among the chosen readers.) The program will be hosted by Newtown Poet Laureate Lisa Schwartz and Arts Commission member Tracy Van Buskirk. There is no charge, but any donations will benefit Newtown Arts Festival and NCAC Scholarship Fund. Questions? Call 203-731-1809 or 203-733-4190.essexsteamtrain.comAny little engineers in the house might be thrilled if you were to take a day to head to the Connecticut shore for a special event. Thomas the Tank Engine and his best friend Percy are arriving at Essex Steam Train & Riverboat in Essex. Come spend a "Day Out with Thomas" April 16-17, 23-24, or April 30 and May 1. This event includes rides with Thomas, story time with Percy, visits with Sir Topham Hatt, plus amusement rides, a petting zoo, and all kinds of activities - all included in the ticket price. Tickets to a "Day Out with Thomas" in Essex sell out every year, so early reservations are suggested. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit newtownbee.com Newtown voters get a chance to have a say in the growth of our town, next Tuesday, April 5. The referendum to vote on the proposed Newtown Community Center takes place from 6 am to 8 pm in the Newtown Middle School gymnasium. There are still a few Q&A sessions, sponsored by the Commission on Aging and the Community Center Commission, coming up before the vote, if you need information. Check out the times and places in our https://rally.org/SHROW16.Our peace-loving cyclists take to the road on April 9. If you want to support Team 26 on what has become an annual ride to Washington, DC, from Sandy Hook, go to

The Castle Hill Farm hay artists have been at it again, this time creating a giant Easter bunny from bales of hay. Passersby on Route 302 have been greeted this week by its toothy smile.

Last Friday was Good Friday and around the offices of The Newtown Bee that means one thing: Peeps Diorama Time! And a new champion was crowned this year. Congratulations to Don Miner, whose re-creation of Michelle Babyak's 2012 photo of The Bee building and staff in multiple shades of Peeps won not only the in-office vote but also the online voting done by our Facebook followers. A first-time contestant, Don proudly accepted the Peeps Diorama Trophy early Friday afternoon. Don's win put the trophy into The Bee's Production department for the first time in this competition's history, and gives him bragging rights for the next year.

Some local Meals On Wheels recipients got a little something extra with the meal delivery on March 24. Representative Mitch Bolinsky joined a New Opportunities, Inc., driver and delivered meals to seniors residing in Newtown. He spent time with each client, speaking to them about elderly nutrition programs and other concerns. (Rep Bolinsky is a co-sponsor of House Bill 5284 this session, pertaining to elderly nutrition programs.) The ride-along gave our rep a firsthand peek at the relationships that develop between drivers and recipients - which may seem like a small thing, but isolation is a real issue for the homebound.

Dave Ackert, "Chief Maple Maven" for Maple Craft Foods out of Sandy Hook, is pretty excited. The company's Bourbon Barrel-Aged Pure Maple Syrup won first place in the syrup division at the recent Connecticut Food Association specialty food competition, and the organic maple-sweetened Fruple Ice Pops placed second in the frozen desserts category. On top of that, Fruple Ice Pops are now the official Ice Pop of the Bridgeport Bluefish and the Park at Harbor Yard, and Maple Craft Foods will be sponsoring a Newtown Babe Ruth team, and Team Mud For Brains at the Avielle Foundation. Just down the road, in Monroe, Veracious Brewery is aging some beer in the used maple bourbon barrels from Dave's company. Pretty sweet - in a very healthy way, that is. Congratulations!

Spring Book Donation Day, sponsored by the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library, takes place Sunday, April 17, from noon to 5 pm, rain or shine. If spring cleaning is a part of your yearly ritual, remember that the Friends are eager to help you out. Bring those books, DVDs, CDs, LPs, and computer games that you are clearing from shelves and out of closets to the back of the C.H. Booth Library, where volunteers will help them unload - and provide tax receipts for the donations. For more information, call 203-270-4537.

Are you averse to risk, or are you willing to Risk A Verse? April is National Poetry Month, and the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission is all over it. "Risk A Verse: a National Poetry Month Event," takes place at 2 pm, Sunday, April 3, at the Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main Street. This free event will feature readings of favorite poems by a diverse group of residents and neighbors. (I don't want to give it all away, but you might see a certain

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calendar, or in this week's story elsewhere in the paper and online.

The bicyclists need at least $10,000 for the ride to honor victims of gun violence, raise awareness of the public health crisis of gun violence, and support common sense measures to reduce it. One hundred percent of any donation helps defray costs of food, rooms, and gas and tolls for the support vehicles.

I'd put my paws to the pedal, if I could. But I'll have to rely on just padding about for the news you care about. Be sure next week to… Read me again.

April 7, 2016: This post has been updated to reflect the correct group State Rep Mitch Bolinsky recently joined to deliver Meals on Wheels to Newtown residents in March.