The kick-off to ice cream season in Newtown was underway last weekend, with the opening of Church Hill Road's Holy Cow Ice Cream Shop. That was followed by the opening of Ferris Acres Creamery on Route 302, on April 10, for the season. Neither rain, nor cold, nor even snow showers dissuaded these shopkeepers from opening their doors; nor did it seem to discourage the faithful who bundled up for the first taste of... summer? Warmer weather later in the week was surely a plus for both of these delicious ice cream shops.bensbells.org/kindness-education/weekly-belling. Sound so much better to me than belling the cat!Peter Rabbit that are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, April 14-15, are being offered free of charge. Shows are planned for 1 and 7 pm each day - that screening schedule will be in effect for the full duration of the animated/live action film, in fact. The updated telling of Beatrix Potter's classic children's story about a naughty rabbit and his ongoing antics while visiting Mr McGregor's garden - updated to include Peter's sisters and a new generation of the McGregor family - stars Domhnall Gleeson and Sam Neill, and features the vocal talents of James Corden, Daisy Ridley and Margot Robbie, among others.Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle during the same timeframe. Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillen's recent release will be screened daily at 4 and 9 pm, April 13-19, which means there are also four free screenings of that film this weekend. See page A-2 of The Newtown Bee for calendar listings or visit newtownbee.com for calendar listings as well as a brief synopsis of each film and their full screening schedules (click on Features, then Edmond Town Hall).www.aquarionwater.com.Singin' In The Rain. The event, with dinner and refreshments, is from 6 to 10 pm, tickets $30. You might not be too late to raise your voice with other music lovers - call 203-426-9101 or 203-426-3651 for more information.newtown-ct.gov, or stop in to the P&R office at 3 Town Hall South, $15 per person.The Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, as well. FAITH welcomes all in need. For more information call 203-426-5604.osprey@ctaudubon.org.

There's always talk about "belling the cat," but how about a plan to bell someone for being special? Ben's Bells Connecticut has a weekly "belling" opportunity. If you know someone in the community who makes it a better place through his or her everyday acts of kindness, nominate that person to be "belled" by Ben's Bells. They'll get a Ben's Bell wind chime and a Ben's Bells gift pack. To nominate the kindest person you know, visit

Former Newtown schoolteacher and host of the Dana-Holcombe House John Vouros and his young godson, Alessio Valeri, epitomized friendship with their cooperative reading of the poem "A Friend," by Patricia Walters, at last Sunday's Newtown Arts Commission's Risk-A-Verse program at The Meeting House. It was a pretty darn cute act to have to follow for other poetry readers, as was the crowing of approval that Prerna Rau's toddler gave her, post-reading. Keep in mind next year's local nod to National Poetry Month, in case you missed this annual event featuring readers from all walks of life in Newtown.

Former Newtown resident and current Maine-iac Marty LaMarche was spotted last weekend zipping about Connecticut as she co-hosted and readied a bridal shower at Redding's New Pond Farm for Kat Han, her daughter-in-law to be. Congratulations to Andrew LaMarche (NHS Class of 2010) and Kat!

Good news for movie fans planning to visit Edmond Town Hall's theater this weekend: Ingersoll of Auto, who often sponsors one screening of a Saturday night movie each month, has expanded its offer for April. All four screenings of

In honor of spring break, the movie theater within the historic building at 45 Main Street will also be hosting the return of

On Saturday, April 21, from 11 am to 3 pm, Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Road in Wilton, and the Friends of Weir Farm will kick off National Park Week with the annual Junior Ranger Day celebration. This year's National Park Week theme is "Park Stars." The event will include an early opening of the Weir and Young Studios, which officially open for the season on May 2, and a variety of hands-on activities for Junior Rangers. Participants will learn about park resources, discover the Weir and Young Studios, create their very own Junior Ranger Hat, complete a Junior Ranger "Weir Star" activity, and earn the Junior Ranger Badge. All of the activities are free and open to the public (of all ages) and will be held rain or shine. For more information call 203-834-1896.

Newtown Congregational Church members are on needles and pins, awaiting news of their youth minister's imminent motherhood; but who was that fresh-faced guy playing the organ? Nice haircut...

The May 1 nomination deadline for Aquarion's eighth annual Environmental Champion Awards approaches, in case you know any environmental champions. Nominations from schools, businesses, environmental organizations, and the general public are still being accepted for outstanding voluntary achievements to protect and restore Connecticut's natural environment. The Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards will select a winner in five categories: Adult, Student (Grades 9-12), Small Business, Large Business, and Nonprofit Organization. Self-nominations and renominations are welcome. Awards will include a $1,000 for the student winner and $2,500 contributions to environmental nonprofit organizations selected by the other category winners. Aquarion will honor winners on June 2, at a special event to be held at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport. More information is available at

It's less than a month till the British Invasion! What? You remember - the British Invasion. Well, whether you do or don't, the Newtown Choral Society is poised to help you recall the music of the 60s, when the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Queen, and more of those rockin' Brits brought their new sound to the USA. Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 6, at 3:30 pm, when the NCS presents its spring concert, "The British Invasion," under the direction of Mary Andreotta. Tickets are just $10 at the door, $8 for seniors and students.

It's more fun to sing than to listen, for some. The Newtown Woman's Club is to your rescue this Saturday, April 14, when it hosts the Spring Fling Sing-Along to 1952's great movie,

There is nothing like getting all dressed up for a night on the town, and NHS seniors will have some competition next month. Senior citizens of Newtown have their own prom scheduled for Friday, May 4, from 4 to 8 pm, in the cafetorium of the Newtown High School, 12 Berkshire Road. Dine, dip, and dance in your formal attire at the Parks & Rec/Newtown Senior Center event. Get shopping for that special outfit, and don't forget to register at

Volunteers are waiting to welcome you and your donations at the new FAITH Food Pantry. Don't forget FAITH has recently moved into its lovely quarters at 46 Church Hill Road, behind the St Rose rectory. Donations can be dropped off on Tuesdays, from 9:30 to 11:30 am, or Thursdays, from 6 to 7:30 pm. There are donation baskets at the C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, and in the lobby of

Are you looking for a different way to spend time in the great outdoors? The Connecticut Audubon Society is seeking volunteers to assist with the Osprey Nation citizen science project. All you need are binoculars and a couple of spare hours each month until August - the Audubon Society will help you find a convenient osprey nest to monitor. More than 100 new volunteers are needed. E-mail the Osprey Nation coordinator Melina Giantomidis to let her know if you are interested at

I'll have my binoculars out to see what I can see all about town. Be sure next week to... Read me again.