Recent Newtown High School graduate Natalie Barden, whose brother Daniel was one of 26 people murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012, is a coleader of the Jr Newtown Action Alliance, along with Danielle Johnson. “In addition to advocating for common sense gun laws, music has played a huge role in helping me to cope with my heartbreaking loss. Today, our lives are full of uncertainty and anxiety due to the global pandemic, ongoing epidemic of gun violence and the horror of witnessing George Floyd and other black Americans being murdered by police officers. We don’t have all the answers but we thought it would be helpful to bring together students virtually to sing, share stories and find a path forward to create change together. We have planned a biweekly virtual music series for this summer. We will use music as a vehicle for young people to share stories related to gun violence, build a diverse community, heal, and unite around an action plan to end all forms of gun violence in America — including police violence.” The first event was scheduled for Thursday evening, June 18, from 7 to 8 pm, EST. Natalie and Danielle are seeking other young musicians for upcoming dates July 2, 16, and 30, and August 13. To RSVP or to fill out a form to participate in these events visit www.newtownactionalliancefoundation.org/national-summer-music-series.

Church Hill Village is the bee’s knees, we think. The assisted living facility from just down our road stopped by last Thursday with a “Welcome Back” cake for our staff — in the shape of a bee hive! It was a sweet gesture in every way! (See related story/photo in this issue.)

On top of that, an anonymous donor, who said that two other readers had joined in, dropped off a very generous gift card to a local restaurant for our staff, again as a way to welcome The Newtown Bee back to print. We are overwhelmed with gratitude! We are certainly happy to be back to reporting the news in the format so familiar to our readers. Many, many thanks to all!

Paul Sarnik “snapped” this picture of a snapping turtle burrowing into garden mulch on Kent Road, last week.

When dogs bring their humans to the Newtown Park & Bark on Old Farm Road, which reopened on Wednesday of this week, their furless friends will have to practice coronavirus safety measures, including social distancing. Rover and Fido, however, are free to interact, and after three months of no socializing, I’m betting the doggies are going to be going a little crazy to see their pup pals.

All branch locations of Newtown Savings Bank will be accepting nonperishable food donations to benefit local food pantries next Friday, June 26, from 9 am to 4 pm, and Saturday, June 27, from 9 am to noon. Donors can drive up to a designated area at each branch, and employee volunteers will remove donations from the trunk. All donations will be delivered to a food bank located in each branch town the following week. There is still so much need in the area for the food insecure. Please help, if you can — and remember that pet foods are also welcome donations.

The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement is hosting a special virtual event on Sunday, June 28, at noon, to honor Jesse’s birthday. The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement was founded by Scarlett Lewis after her son, Jesse, died on 12/14. The June 28 virtual event will be moderated by Scarlett. Participants, sponsors, and donations are being sought for the event. You can find out more about the event and register at https://app.mobilecause.com/e/Kjyylw?vid=94q4s.

And, The Red Sox Foundation has announced finalists for the 6th Annual “IMPACT” Awards, including the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Foundation, “for their demonstration and impact on raising awareness and improving mental health outcomes of the people in their community.” Voting takes place til June 22 at redsox.com/IMPACT. The two organizations with the most votes in each state will win a grant; $10,000 for first place and $2,500 for second place.

Every week we feature a Newtown/Sandy Hook person in our Snapshot column on Page 2, and at newtownbee.com. You don’t have to be famous, you just have to be as special as you are. To be featured as our Snapshot profile, contact eliza@thebee.com for details, or call Eliza at 203-426-3141.

Lots of people have made room in their hearts and homes for new pets lately, taking advantage of more time at home to make friends with a new friend. And who gives better hugs and kisses than an adopted dog or cat, a much-needed thing in this time of social distancing? Check out our Newtown Animal Control Shelter’s Facebook page for a peek at some of the animals seeking a forever home, if you are thinking about adding to your family.

Our fire departments in town have been so accommodating during the time of quarantine, helping celebrate birthdays and special occasions with drive-bys at no cost, but the time for these free outpourings of generosity is at an end. As in pre-COVID days, the departments once again appreciate a donation in order to schedule this kind of activity. Call the fire company in your neighborhood and find out if they are able to help you celebrate, and how you can support our first responders.

One of our fire companies, in particular, will be losing out on a major fundraiser this year. The Annual Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Lobsterfest, the feast held every June, is officially canceled for 2020. SHVFR does hope, however, that a calmer COVID environment this fall will allow them to go forward with plans for a September 19 Food Truck/Craft Beer festival at the Riverside Road main station. Fingers (and paws) crossed!

Don’t forget we have our very own drive-in movie theater behind Edmond Town Hall these days, thanks to Ingersoll Auto. Check out the ETH website, edmondtownhall.org/, or the calendar at newtownbee.com for ticketing information and details on the movies.

June 16 marked the true last day of school for Newtown students... so you know what else that means: It’s coming! The longest day of the year! The Summer Solstice, the first day of summer in our northern hemisphere is this Saturday, June 20. The sun will be at its northernmost point in the sky, and also at its highest point, giving us the most hours of sunlight in a day this year.

Guess what follows on Sunday? Father’s Day! What a relief that retail stores have been opening up, and this is a great chance to support our local businesses. A gift card from a restaurant; some handmade chocolates; a garden or auto tool; some snazzy socks; a perennial shrub or flowering bush; an hour at a spa — these are all gift options right here in our town, along with so many other choices. Or maybe your dad just wants to spend time with you. There are plenty of trails in the area that can allow you to walk or bike together safely — and that’s showing real love for the guy in your life. However you honor your father this weekend, have a Happy Father’s Day!

Speaking of happy, I’m enjoying the contributions from local writers regarding how they have found happiness these strange past few weeks. See Harmony Verna’s story in the June 12 print edition, and one from Garrett Marino in this June 19 issue of The Newtown Bee. We have others lined up, too. This town is so fortunate to have a wealth of authors and bloggers.

Of course, this columnist is keeping it short and sweet: I have found happiness each and every week that you... Read me again.