This week marks a truly significant moment in the history of The Newtown Bee, as longtime Editor Curtiss Clark closes this chapter of his life. As a cat that has found a comfy cushion in this office for nearly as long as Curtiss, I can say that as sad as I am to say goodbye, I can only wish him happiness and many good adventures in his post-Bee years. Staff members will miss his leadership, his humor, and his devotion to bringing Newtown the news it needs. Even in a time when publications flounder, Curtiss has seen to it that The Bee never subjected readers to sensationalism or advertorials that detract from the paper doing what it does best: providing hyperlocal news and highlighting the achievements of the town and its people. Newtown Bee readers will miss his eloquent and thoughtful editorials that, even if one does not agree, are admired for the artful prose. One ray of sunshine in this otherwise clouded moment is that he has provided us with a final example of his exceptional writing. Before he headed out the front door of 5 Church Hill Road for the final time, Curtiss penned his 100th "Field Notes" column for us to enjoy. Read it, relish it, and cherish it as much as we do all the words he has shared with us for more than four decades.the next Free Movie Night at Edmond Town Hall. This weekend's feature will be Race, which shares the story of Jesse Owens's quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history, and the 1936 Olympics Games, where he and others faced Adolf Hitler's vision of Aryan supremacy. The film will be screened at the town hall's theater May 20-25. Those who opt for the 7 pm screening on Saturday night will enjoy the show for free, thanks to Ingersoll Auto of Danbury.a sing-along screening of Grease. Screenings are at 4 and 7 pm, tickets are $2, and costumes are definitely encouraged.ct@bensbells.org. holidayinsights.com, this Saturday, May 21, is Waiters and Waitresses Day. Anyone who has ever worked in the food service industry knows that waiting tables is a combination of speed, patience, and a talent for balancing heavy plates. When your service person gives you good service, please let them know through the generosity of the tip you leave - not just this Saturday, but anytime you are eating out.uncommongoods.com and found these gift ideas, and so many more. Of course, I plan to tear myself away from the computer and browse the great stores here in town - because there are bound to be equally awesome presents for any dad - without the shipping charge.

Rev up your sneakers. The Newtown all-night American Cancer Society Relay For Life steps off at 5 pm this Saturday. This year's event to honor those lost to cancer, as well as survivors and caregivers, takes place outdoors in front of NYA Sports & Fitness Center. More than 30 teams will be fundraising and fun-raising the entire night, and many, many laps around the track will occur. Non-team participants, of all ages, are invited to stay until 11 pm.

If staying indoors is more your thing, Saturday night will also be

Then on Sunday, Newtown Cultural Arts Commission will offer its next program:

The Arizona-based foundation Ben's Bells, creator of the ceramic wind chimes that have brought joy to communities in need across the nation, opened its first studio outside of that state in Newtown, following 12/14. Since then, the popular studio, where anyone is welcome to make and paint the ceramic components for the chimes, has moved to a larger space just over the town line in Bethel. Mark your calendar for Thursday evening, June 9, when Ben's Bell founder Jeannette Maré will visit the studio, now located at 32 Stony Hill Road (Route 6) in Bethel, from 7 to 9:30 pm. The $30 registration fee goes to support the Ben's Bell project. Light refreshments will be served (BYOB), and there will be raffles for "Be Kind" prizes. This is an event for ages 21 and over, and seating is open, so plan to arrive early. For more information contact

Planter's Choice Nursery is providing some interesting items for this year's Town & Country Garden Club Plant & Shrub Sale. Three types of grasses will be available: Bowles' Golden sedge, as well as Karl Foerster feather reed grass, and Aureola Hakonechloa. Perennials include red yarrow, red and white bleeding heart, three varieties of coral bells, red beardtongue, liatris, peonies, dwarf bee balm, sedums, and variegated Solomon's seal, as well as other standard favorites. Shrubs at the sale will include unusual lilacs (including repeat bloomers), three varieties of hydrangeas, purple smoke bush, red and yellow twig dogwoods, as well as quince, viburnum, dwarf honeysuckle, summer-sweet, cherry blossom Deutzia, and azaleas. This will be in addition to the member-grown plants being offered, containers filled with herbs, tomatoes and other cooking plants, and a selection of gently used books. The sale will take place Saturday, May 21, rain or shine, from 9 am until 3 pm, in front of Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen Street. For additional information contact Judy Beers at 203-426-2785.

Here's a tip for you - and maybe for your favorite food server. According to

Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue company members would like to remind everyone that one of their big annual events is fast approaching. The 2016 LobsterFest is just three weeks away. The firehouse at 18-20 Riverside Road will again host this year's event, scheduled for Friday, June 10, from 5 to 9 pm, and Saturday, June 11, from 4 to 9 pm. Tickets cover a full steak or lobster dinner with plenty of sides, for $25 in advance or $27 at the door. Most company members have tickets available for purchase. They are also available at the main station; at the fire marshal's office at Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street; and the office of The Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road. Tickets for a burger or hot dog dinner, also with plenty of sides, are just $5 each, whether they are purchased in advance or at the door. Each night will feature live music, a raw bar, desserts, and plenty of socializing with family and friends. I'm licking the butter off my whiskers already.

Father's Day is on the horizon, too, this year on June 19. How about a beer cap map of the USA, or a make-your-own hot sauce kit for Dad? Classy baseball stadium ties for the dad who has to dress up, but wants to be a team player, or a ticket stub diary so he can make a memory book of all the ball games he attends are great for the baseball fan. Salt tequila glasses, whiskey stones, or a whiskey/rum-making kit are other unusual gifts. I was snooping around

All I'm looking for is a little cream in my saucer and a guarantee that next week you'll… Read me again.