Weather permitting, Newtown Historical Society members are planning to offer a tag sale at their headquarters on Saturday. The public is invited to visit the Matthew Curtiss House, 44 Main Street, between 10 am and 3 pm that day — no early birds — to peruse and purchase from a selection of old and modern items. Proceeds will benefit the Historical Society. Rain date will be the following Saturday (May 29), if needed. Then on Sunday, here’s the buzz: a beekeeping demonstration presented there by Bee Commerce, at noon. (Face masks and social distancing is requested at events.)

For those who have been following the saga of the hawk that was rescued with an arrow piercing it, good news. Christine’s Critters, the organization that has rehabilitated the hawk, reported that the hawk had been successfully set free on May 13. Thanks to all who rescued him and cared for him, this wild bird is soaring high again.

Newtown resident Martin West was pretty sure I’d enjoy sharing this photo of two catbirds that he recently photographed, and he is quite right! If I’m not actively engaged in bird watching, viewing a photo like this is very satisfying, so thank you, Martin.

Mary Wilson has let me know of gardening opportunities for those who cannot get enough of digging in the soil. “Anyone interested in gardening is invited to join a group of volunteers to maintain the garden areas around the Community Center and the Senior Center. These beds need removal of invasives and other weeds and some general light maintenance. Hours are flexible with work being scheduled during the week as well as weekends,” she says, and adds, “Eventually, it is hoped that a formal Friends of the Fairfield Hills Gardens committee can be established. In the meantime, work can begin at the Community Center. With a little work these beds could add greatly to the beauty of the campus.” If you can help, call Mary at 203-417-1109 for further details.

We’re at the tail end of National EMS Week, which this year runs May 16-22. Authorized in 1974 by President Gerald Ford, the week honors the work done by these selfless public servants. But if you have not yet had a chance to thank or celebrate these wonderful folks, feel free to do so at any time, not just these days.

Junior Prom is set for May 21, and The Newtown Bee would love your photos of the prom-goers all dressed up. Please e-mail photos to eliza@thebee.com by Monday, May 24, at 8 am, with the names of those pictured, from left to right. Ditto for photos from the NHS Senior Prom on June 4. E-mail those photos to eliza@thebee.com by Monday, June 7, at 8 am, with the names of those pictured, from left to right. We can’t wait to see them!

I will use my claws to shred any of my personal papers, but I realize that is not always an option for others. The good news is, Friends of Newtown Seniors is sponsoring a paper shredding event this Saturday, May 22, by Newtown Savings Bank in the Plaza South (Route 25), from 9 am to noon. It’s $10 per bankers box ($5 for senior citizens). Don’t have a way to get your papers there? Call 203-430-0633 and FONS will help you out.

The Choose Love Book Club, a series launched late last year by The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, will host its next program Wednesday, May 26. The free virtual monthly book discussion will welcome Caroline Maguire, author of Why Will No One Play With Me? Released in October 2019, Maguire’s book has led to a groundbreaking program that has helped thousands of children struggling with social skills to make friends, find acceptance, and have a happy childhood. Choose Love Movement Founder Scarlett Lewis will be joined by other members of her team to host the event, which will run from 7 to 8 pm. Register through https://chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-book-club/ for the Zoom link.

The Newtown Bee is always looking for suggestions for Snapshot, the personal profile of a Sandy Hook or Newtown resident that appears on Page 2 of the paper each week, as well as online. Do you know someone who would be perfect for this article, or would you like to be a featured resident one week? Contact alissa@thebee.com and she will provide you with the details!

Every year, the Newtown Realtors collect donations to support the Newtown Animal Control Center, and this year they are at it again — plus collecting to support FAITH Food Pantry. Keller Williams Realty, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, William Raveis Real Estate, Re/Max Right Choice, and Coldwell Banker Realty are all accepting donations through 5 pm, June 4, to help these two local organizations that help the less fortunate. Check our online calendar at newtownbee.com or our Community Calendar on Page 2 for details.

The Newtown Lions Club is planning a 2021 Great Pootatuck Duck Race. The club shared with us this week that they will not be doing the event over Memorial Day weekend, as tradition dictates, but they are hoping to present it this year on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, instead. That had been the plan last year — the postponement from May to September, but COVID-19 eventually led to the full cancellation of 2020’s plans. The September 4 event will follow the schedule of previous years: $5 tickets will win lucky ticket holders prizes from local businesses and residents, and 3½ hours of live entertainment and vendors will fill the air ahead of the great dumping of the ducks from the Church Hill Road bridge over the Pootatuck River. Tickets will be going on sale next month. Mark your calendars now!

Don’t miss two great exhibits at the Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street. The Clay Date Potters’ show continues through May 28, featuring clay works by artists Roberta Ahuja, Ros Liljengren, and Karen Pinto. Enjoy more than 100 photographs by Marleen Cafarelli featuring the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard as well, an exhibit that can be viewed through the end of June. The shows are open to the public weekdays, during regular Municipal Center hours.

There was a real sense of excitement in the air this week with the rollback of so many COVID restrictions for the fully vaccinated. But I hope this doesn’t mean everyone is going to forget the good practices of thorough hand washing, being more conscientious of cleaning our work and home areas, staying home when we don’t feel good, and respectful distancing and mask wearing when in the company of those who are not vaccinated. My mask has become a good friend, as I hope has yours!

I’ll be putting my well cleaned paws to the keyboard once again in coming days, so be sure next week to... Read me again.