Book Sale organizers tell me that nine boxes were already serving as place holders at Reed Intermediate School, Tuesday morning, July 9. The annual Book Sale sponsored by Friends of the C.H. Booth Library begins on Saturday, July 13, and runs through Wednesday, July 17. (You can find details at www.boothbooksale.org.) I guess there are some book lovers out there who truly believe that the early bird gets the worm.

When Martha LaMarche listed her wrought iron patio set on Craigslist last week, she had no idea she’d be hosting honored guests. A lovely woman called inquiring about the table set, and fell in love with it when she came to look at it. Noticing that Martha was hesitating at the offer to pay by check, the woman offered some credentials: “I’m the governor’s wife…” Needless to say, the patio set was sold. But because Ms Malloy could not fit the table and chairs in her vehicle, she sent her posse of strong men to pick it up. The next day, none other than Gov Dannel Malloy appeared, along with a few members of his security detail, to heft the pieces and drive them away. (And she did cash the check.)

Incidentally, Martha, a talented local artist and graphic designer, and her husband, Bob, a writer and photographer, bid farewell to Newtown, their longtime hometown, this week. They will soon be sharing their talents with the lucky village of Portland, Maine.

Newtown resident Victor Scalora and his unit attended the 150th Gettysburg Anniversary Blue-Gray Alliance reenactment, June 28 to 30. “We had over 35 members travel from Connecticut down to Bushy Farm, an area just outside of the town of Gettysburg, where we encamped to reenact the three-day battle of Gettysburg,” Victor shared with The Bee. “Our reenactment group, the 2nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery, has members from all over the state who traveled to this historic 150th anniversary event. Once there, we were attached to a larger organization by the name of United States Volunteers — or USV — which has around 1,000 members in infantry, artillery, and cavalry regiments from across the Eastern United States,” he said. While with the USV, Victor and his unit participated in living in an authentic and period encampment for the entire event. He also provided this picture of the unit, just behind the Union Lines, Day 3, Pickett’s Charge. You’ll be glad to know that Victor and the rest returned safe and sound from battle.

The EverWonder Children’s Museum Experience, located at 31 Peck’s Lane, has new hours, so don’t be caught off guard if you have been regularly visiting the temporary exhibits. Beginning July 10, the Museum will be open Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 am to 4 pm, and Saturdays, 10 am to 3 pm. I’d be surprised if you aren’t familiar with the EverWonder project, but if not, visit www.everwondermuseum.com for more information.

We Bees are trying to find a way to take the sting out of the news that Wednesday was intern James Dietter’s last day here with us. He’s off to hike the Long Trail through Vermont this summer, and just couldn’t find a way to cover stories for The Bee and hike at the same time. (Don’t tell him about the fuzzy black cat hanging onto his backpack! Our secret.) In other intern news, Sarah Scinto, who interned with us both during the summer of 2012 and this past winter, while a student at King’s College in Pennsylvania, has started her first full-time job as a journalist. Sarah e-mailed my co-worker Eliza Hallabeck this week to announce her official new contact information as a staff writer at the Scranton Times-Tribune. We’re sorry that we sent James packing (his hiking boots), but hope he will find as much luck out there in the wide, wide world as Sarah has! Congrats and good luck, to you both.

Members of the Seussical cast are thrilled to hear that Emmy Award, Tony Award, and Drama Desk Award nominee John Tartaglia will join the cast of the production sponsored by the 12.14 Foundation. Dozens of Newtown students will work with Mr Tartaglia, who will be “The Cat in the Hat,” to prepare for the August 9, 10, 11 production at Newtown High School. John Tartaglia has an extensive and impressive resume from both Broadway and television. What a treat for everyone, both behind the scenes and in the audience.

Are you a member of the Newtown High School graduating Class of 1988, and sitting on the fence about buying tickets to the July 27 reunion at Capellaro’s Grove in Bethel? You’re in luck! The organizers have extended the time period for purchasing the $50 tickets to the reunion. Contact Nicole Richman at richlcsw@maine.rr.com for more information before Monday, July 15.

If you’d rather be on the field than in the grandstand, here’s a summer opportunity. The Rising Star Summer Basketball League for girls and boys ages 9 to 15, will run Mondays and Thursdays, July 15 through August 15. Games will be held between 5 and 8 pm at Dickinson Park. The season will feature one or two games per week and culminate with playoffs. Certified referees will officiate games. Parent volunteer coaches are needed (two parents per team). Be aware that makeup games may be held on Fridays, and the schedule may stretch later into the summer, due to weather. The league is run by Newtown Youth Basketball Association Coach Chris Norlander. Sign up by visiting www.newtown-ct.gov, clicking on the Parks & Recreation tab, and using Activity # 409611 A. Cost is $95, and each player will receive a T-shirt. Play ball!

I have barely been able to drag my furry little self around in the heat and humidity, let alone play ball. If you’re feeling the heat, check the town website www.newtown-ct.gov for information about available cooling centers.

It would be cat-astrophic if the heat prevented me from gathering gossip, so I will weather the weather. Be sure next week to… Read me again.