I would never lower myself to be led about on a leash, but my canine friends are not so particular. This past Sunday, dogs and their walkers were out in force, enjoying the truly spring-like weather. There were a number of strollers out solo, as well, or in the case of three visitors to The Pleasance, with their children. Overheard from their conversation was one adult asking another if he had been to The Pleasance before. Receiving a negative reply, he replied, “Well, come on, then. There’s lots to explore here!” Quite a testimony to the statuary, fountain, specimen trees, and of course, the Bunny Garden, I think. Maybe they worked in a game of bocce, too. At any rate, I talked to the farmer who tends the Bunny Garden, and he told me that he had just planted a row of sunflower seeds there, so we can look forward to those bright floral faces by the end of summer.

There are still free tickets available at C.H. Booth Library, in the children’s department, for the Saturday, May 18, author panel presentation in the Newtown Middle School auditorium. Newtown/Sandy Hook residents ONLY are invited to join Newtown notables and other award-winning children’s authors and illustrators for a celebration of children’s literature, beginning at 10:30 am. Tickets are not required for the author meet and greet, at the same time, in the NMS cafeteria, or for the afternoon’s “Drawing With the Illustrators” programs. See this week’s Enjoy pages for additional information, including the schedule for next weekend’s event.

Harry Stadie is passing through town, and looking to catch up with old friends, like Lee Glover. The Hawley School Class of 1949 graduate now lives in Tucson, Ariz., but at age 83, has decided it is time for a trip back East for some good Atlantic seafood and to see the green trees again.

Everywhere I go, I see flowers in bloom and trees leafing out. Spring has sprung! Which reminds me: It’s just about time for “A Glimpse of the Garden.” Do you have a wonderful garden you would like to share with Bee readers? Maybe it is a special tree or a special corner of the garden, or even just one single plant that has a story attached to it. It could be that you have planted a section of the garden to attract butterflies or honeybees, or an awesome vegetable garden that will sustain you when summer is just a memory. Do you specialize in roses or peonies or heirloom tomatoes by the dozens? During the warmer months, The Bee visits Newtown gardeners for a glimpse of the garden. Let your fellow Newtowners see the wealth of beauty you have tucked away behind the fence. Contact Nancy@thebee.com, subject line “Garden” to set up an interview, or call 203-426-3141.

Here’s a good way to break up the work week. The Newtown and Brookfield high school softball teams will hold “Pack The Stands Night” when the teams meet at Treadwell Park for a 7 pm first pitch, Wednesday, May 15. The game will serve as a fundraiser for Sandy Hook first responders from 12/14. Fans are asked to come out to support the teams and first responders. Ice cream and T-shirt will be sold as part of the efforts.

Lucky for you that Newtown and Sandy Hook are packed full of great places to buy great gifts — in case you are a Mother’s Day gift-buying procrastinator. From flowers to jewelry to candles and clothing, a gift for Mom is just moments away when you shop locally. (Don’t forget there are even plenty of cat toys available in the stores, too, for your favorite Mama Kitty.) Mother’s Day, in case you have been off the planet for a while, is this Sunday, May 12.

Don Ramsey, NMS technology education teacher, received a gift recently that I wouldn’t mind getting. Newtown Middle School students Nick Lansing, left, and Joe Verga, right, presented Mr Ramsey with a new tie to add to his growing collection of student-created neckties. The tie, made out of a ginger ale bottle and other objects, contained water and two swimming fish. Joe and Nick also gave Mr Ramsey a larger tank for the fish to call home when not swimming in the tie.

I was happy to see this week that the Huffington Post had featured the latest “Henri the Existential Cat” video. The ever-despairing French feline is in an even more sad state of affairs, for those Henri fans that have followed his earlier videos online.

The Newtown Gymnastics Team will bend over backwards to get your car clean, if you stop by the car wash fundraiser this coming Saturday, May 11, from 10 am to 3 pm. They’ll spring into action when you pull into Berkshire Motors, right across the street from the high school, and jump for joy when you donate whatever you think their work merits. The team is 100 percent parent funded, so they appreciate your support. If you’re on the other side of town near the Botsford Fire Station, you can still get your car sparkling clean. The Dover Donuts Odyssey of the Mind Team from RIS will wash your car — and there are snacks you can purchase to pass the time while your car gets cleaned. Stop by between 10 am and 2 pm, and help these kids get to the World Finals in Michigan.

Many readers have (hopefully) noticed The Bee’s new website. While many comments have been positive, some readers have been having a hard time finding things they used to be able to easily locate online. One feature we heard about from a few people was the movie listings for Edmond Town Hall Theatre. We are proud to announce that in addition to being merged within the daily calendar listings, there is once again a way to see what is playing, and when its screenings are planned for, along with a movie description and rating information, all in one location. When you visit www.NewtownBee.com, hover over the word Features in the upper banner, and then click where it says What’s Playing At Edmond Town Hall.

Speaking of Edmond Town Hall, Free Movie Night returns to ETH this weekend. Initiated by Ingersoll Auto of Danbury and the Ingersoll family of Newtown, this special offering will continue on the second weekend of each month through the end of the year. Saturday’s 7 pm screening of Silver Linings Playbook is free of charge.

Looks like I’m off to the movies. The silver lining behind my upcoming week, though, will be knowing that you plan to… Read me again.