Funny, it seems to me that there are always more than 12 people watching the Labor Day Parade, but parade committee member Brian Amey tells me that only 12 individuals have donated to support the parade so far this year. Generous business donations have been received from Dr Baum, Stratton-Faxxon, Newtown Savings Bank, Danbury Fair Mall, Dental Associates, the Lions, and the Rotary Club, but isn’t this a parade for the townspeople?

If every family donated just one dollar for each person in their household, it would go a long way toward offsetting the $25,000 it costs to put on the popular end of summer parade. If you haven’t done so, send your donation to Labor Day Parade, Newtown Savings Bank, PO Box 746, Newtown CT 06470. And thanks to the 12 folks in town who have gotten on the bandwagon already.

Newtown resident Jayson Karp is preparing to battle the Long Island Sound along with 300 other paddlers on Saturday, July 28, when the 7th Annual Kayak For A Cause takes place. This is the third year Jayson has participated in the event that benefits various charities. This year, Hole in the Wall Gang, Cancer Care, Outward Bound, Save the Sound, and the Courage to Speak Foundation will be the recipients of funds raised by the all-day kayak event. Jayson tells me that 100 percent of the donations go to the charities and you can lend a hand (or paw) without even getting wet. To help Jayson meet his goal, donate by going to kayakforacause.com, selecting “donate” on the menu, then choose “support a specific paddler or volunteer.” Type in Jayson Karp and he will be credited with your donation. Checks made out to KFAC can also be mailed to 127 Hanover Road, Newtown CT 06470 in care of Jayson.

Kathy Murdy, director of the Newtown Congregational Preschool, stopped by to let us know that the Top Three of the Top Ten students at Newtown High this year are alumni of the preschool. Brian Pennarola, Darcy Fiscella, and Dave Wilkins attended the preschool back when it operated as a co-op facility and their parents were very involved with helping out at the school.

PGA professional and Newtown native Dan Baker has been named director of new business development for The PGA of America. Dan is the only person in recent history to serve as tournament director of a significant PGA of America, USGA and PGA Tour event. He joined The PGA of America national headquarters staff in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., in June after a two-year term as senior director for Octagon in Norwalk. Among Dan’s new duties will be cultivating new sponsorships and the activation of existing sponsorships for the PGA, the world’s largest working sports organization.

Misty is no longer a mystery for those of you who insist that dogs are man’s best friend. The “Lost Puppy” posters that even had us felines searching the area around St Rose School since Tuesday, May 8 can finally rest. Like the sign said, the “sweet, scared,” five-month old pup wearing a green polka dot collar and pulling a black, retractable leash was found the following day and returned to her owners.

While we’re on the subject of owners and their pets, Veterinarian, Dr Brian Silverlieb and Veterinary Technician Mary Simpson from Mt Pleasant Animal Hospital will be in the gymnasium of Edmond Town Hall on June 24 from 8 to 10 am for the annual rabies clinic. The morning is sponsored by the Connecticut Veterinary Medicine Association.

There is still time to donate books for the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library book sale. Even though the sale is just a couple of weeks away, volunteers continue to sort donations until just about the last minute. The Friends always appreciate the wonderful selection of books and CDs that they receive. Donations can be left on the cart near the children’s department. Pickup can be arranged for large donations by calling 426-4533.

While visiting at the Newtown Hook & Ladder Volunteer Fire Company this week, I encountered young Joe Corbo inspecting the fire trucks inside the firehouse. Although he’s still a tiny tot, Joe, age 18 months, has the curiosity of a wizard, taking a close look at those gleaming red-and-chrome trucks. Joe is the son the Hook & Ladder member, and outgoing company chief, Ray Corbo, and Elaine Corbo of Sandy Hook. Before too long, I expect to see Joe folding fire hose.

The new chief of Newtown Hook & Ladder is Dave Ober. If you’re experiencing déjà vu with that news, it’s because Dave was the Hook & Ladder chief from 1997 to 2005. In elections held last week, Dave was elected to a one-year term as chief. Ray Corbo chose not to run for reelection. I hope you reelect to…

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