You know how much I love walking, when I’m not lazing in the sun, so of course the May 14 Newtown Forest Association (NFA) Walk and Talk with the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG) at 1:30 pm at Holcombe Hill, 55 Great Hill Road, caught my eye. An RSVP is needed for the event by e-mailing NFA Executive Director Trent McCann at Trent.McCann@newtownforestassociation.org if you are also interested in attending. From an announcement for the event, CIPWG members will be discussing the unfavorable effects that invasive plants have on North American plants and wildlife. Attendees will be taught how to identify invasive multiflora rose and Japanese barberry, and how to remove it will be demonstrated. Gloves and some limb lopping tools will be available, but attendees are suggested to bring protective eyewear, long gloves, a hand pruner, a crow bar, drinking water, and bug spray.

And while you are thinking about the environment, Aquarion Water Company recently announced it is looking for its 2022 environmental champions. “For 2022, we are seeking businesses, nonprofit organizations, adults, and students to honor for outstanding volunteer efforts in conserving and improving our natural environment. The Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards program has brought well-deserved recognition to not only award winners, but also to all the individuals and organizations who give time and energy to diverse environmental projects.” Learn more about the nominating process online at aquarionwater.com/environment/environmental-champion-awards. I know there are many residents who are “environmental champions.” Could any of you be this year’s Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards winners?

Ahead of Mother’s Day, Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary (CVHAS) announced on its Instagram account that, “With Mother’s Day coming up on May 8, there’s never been a better time to share kindness with moms and the animals they love! This year, celebrate the woman you call mom by making her an honorary Magic Monarch, the perfect symbol of the enduring beauty and goodness she brings to this world. Magic Monarchs are $100 and directly help homeless animals find their forever families through Catherine’s Butterfly Party, the sanctuary’s largest pet adoption event of the year. In return, she’ll receive a stunning artisan card acknowledging your gift AND have her name beautifully displayed for all to see at Catherine’s Butterfly Party on June 11.” For more information about making your mama kitty a Magic Monarch see the sanctuary’s website, cvhfoundation.org, and click on Mother’s Day Magic Monarchs.

And in even more outdoor news ... Newtown Lions Club is getting ready to celebrate the installation of inclusive playground equipment at Dickinson Park. The local Lions began fundraising for the new equipment in March 2020, and received a huge boost of support from the town after the Board of Selectmen last August approved a transfer of $90,000 toward that effort. The transfer was also approved in September by the Legislative Council and Board of Finance, clearing the way for three pieces of specialized equipment to be purchased and installed. Newtown Parks & Recreation received the equipment a few months ago, and the installation will be fully completed, we are told, by the first weekend in June. All are invited to celebrate what will be among the first of its kind wheelchair accessible children’s playground in the state when a ribbon cutting and celebration is held Saturday, June 4, at Dickinson Memorial Park. The event will begin at 10 am, and continue until 1:30. Rain date is the following morning. See you there!

Speaking of our local Lions, congratulations to Newtown Lions Club member Bill Brett, who recently received The Melvin Jones Award. Named for the founder of Lions Club International, the award is the organization’s highest honor for individuals who distinguish themselves in service to their communities and to the world. According to a note recently sent to us, Bill has been “an extremely active member since he joined the Newtown Lions in 2012. A former first vice president, he has served on the group’s health and social activity and membership committees.” Bill also plays a key role on the committee that coordinates the club’s annual raffle. He puts in many hours behind the scenes, arranging for club members to offer raffle tickets at area events throughout the summer and early fall. “If you’ve purchased a Mustang raffle ticket in the past, you’ve helped the Newtown Lions — and hardworking members like Bill Brett — raise funds that support numerous local charities each year,” the note also included. Way to go, Bill!

Did you hear that? It was distinctly a “Hear Ye! Hear Ye!” call from Reverie Brewing Company, 57B Church Hill Road. It has scheduled a Spring Renaissance Faire for May 21 from noon to 10 pm. In an announcement on its Facebook page, Reverie shared there will be pony rides ($2) and a petting zoo ($6) from noon to 4 pm “for the kiddos,” a farmer’s market, axe throwing, food trucks, and more. “We will also be debuting a new daydream we have been working on for months that spurred the idea for this Ren Faire … more details to come!”

Newtown Historical Society is looking to fill the editor position for its newsletter. The individual would work with another volunteer, making it a joint effort. According to Barbara Wilson, in charge of volunteer recruitment for the group, “The editor would be the one communicating with the various individuals submitting content.” While this cat is busy writing your weekly “Top of The Mountain” column, there may be others in the community who are purr-fect for the position. If interested, send a note to Barbara at bkwilsonhistory@yahoo.com.

As announced in last week’s paper, Newtown Congregational Church will host a Community Tag Sale in June. Nonprofits and others who want to sell off items, promote membership, sell event tickets, etc, will all be setting up in the 14 West Street parking lot on Saturday, June 11. Participants will be donating their proceeds to the charitable organization of their choice. This week we heard from BSA Troop 270, who can help those who have just a few items to get rid of but don’t want to set up a whole table that day. Members of the troop, which has been sponsored by Newtown Congregational Church for decades, are planning a “No Sell” Fundraiser Collection event for Saturday, May 7. Between 9 am and 1 pm that day, Scouts will be at the church parking lot to collect donations. The public is invited to drive up and drop off clothing, shoes, accessories, bags, textiles, pillows, small household goods, kitchen items, games, knick-knacks, and small electronics. The Scouts will sort everything out, and then sell what they can on June 11. Want to be part of the event? Reservations have opened. Visit rebrand.ly/nonprofittag or leave a message at 203-747-5627 or 203-482-8447 to begin the reservation process or for additional information. Vendors will be allowed to set up at 9 am that morning; rain date is the following weekend, June 18. Organizers will provide each vendor with a table and chair.

The members of Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company are hoping for good weather this weekend, especially Saturday, when they host their first public event of the year. The 2022 Spring Food Truck Frenzy & Craft Fair will be presented at the company’s main station, 18-20 Riverside Road, on April 30 from 11 am until 5 pm. Admission is $2 cash, and then guests can create the menu of their choice by visiting any of the food trucks that will be parked behind the firehouse. Family games will be set up, as will a pair of bounce houses. A beer and wine garden will also make a return, and there will be a handful of vendors offering arts, crafts, and more. Rumor has it organizers are also ready to introduce a new fundraising effort that day.

I promise to keep my ears perked for all the local rumors as long as you promise next week to ... Read me again.