As one of the last family-owned, hyperlocal hometown newspapers across Connecticut’s “land of steady habits,” The Newtown Bee certainly has subscribed to that credo in terms of our physical presence.

And so it has been, for nearly 145 years.

While other community publications have closed, become shadows of their former selves, been acquired by regional and national owners and gutted of talent and value — or closed — The Newtown Bee and its owners, your neighbors the Smith family, have persevered.

For nearly a century and a half, they have committed to delivering to Newtown (and for a period of time numerous surrounding communities), “The Best For Local News And Advertising.”

We have also been there as residents suffered personal losses and our community has fought to remain resilient through and since one of this nation’s greatest tragedies.

Except for a brief period in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic took hold and daily developments were provided free via our newtownbee.com website so the health and survival of our own staff members could be safeguarded — The Bee has rolled off the presses every week. And when a decision to forgo printing our own publications was made to help ensure sustainability, a transition to a new printing partner was successfully administered.

That decision was also made with an eventuality in mind that has brought us to today.

The time for a sea change is here. And as you can see, it is heralding a new era — marked by a shift from black and white (with spot color) that our own presses easily managed, to representing our community, its people, and our supporting advertisers and in full, vibrant color.

As we approach June 28, the 145th anniversary date of the publication of Vol. 1, No. 1, The Newtown Bee is also poised to deliver another contemporary development — our “eBee” electronic newsletter. You will soon find your eBee arriving via e-mail on the computers and mobile devices of everyone in the community and beyond who opts to receive it.

For nearly 145 years, Newtown, its residents, merchants, government leaders, and our faithful subscribers have helped sustain The Newtown Bee as something of your very own — something that is increasingly unique among towns and cities across this country. Through it all, this newspaper’s dedicated staff has remained committed to you, the readers.

On your behalf, we endeavor to pursue truth, ask hard questions, and serve as your journalistic watchdog to ensure individuals and entities that may reduce or erode the “nicer” quality of life we enjoy are exposed and held accountable.

We will continue to be there on playing fields, at important town meetings, at the plays and recitals, introducing you to neighbors you may not know, showcasing entrepreneurs and businesses, watching out for your health, delivering polling results for budgets and elections, and standing beside you applauding the good works, services, volunteerism, and performances of our very youngest, to our most cherished seniors, and everyone in between.

All we ask is that you stick with us as The Newtown Bee enters this colorful new chapter. Showcase your services and products as new and returning advertisers and/or invest a buck a week (or less) and be a sustaining member in a club of subscribers and readers who are more informed, invested, and enlightened because you are committed to supporting dedicated journalism of your very own.

As you peruse today’s edition, soak up all the local color and explore our new section layout. Then, check in by phone (203-426-3141), letter (5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470), or e-mail (editor@thebee.com) to let us know what you think.

Thank you very much for letting us serve Newtown for 145 years. Our goal, with your support, is to continue doing so (in splendid color) for a long time to come.