Monroe First Selectman Stephen J. Vavrek posted this on the Town of Monroe Facebook page on July 28: "While Monroe has been thanked countless times for being a great neighbor to our Sandy Hook friends and families, at this time I would like to thank our Monroe residents and all the people who supported our communities with your love, prayers and volunteer hours that helped our communities bond. To our Sandy Hook friends and families, you will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Best of luck in your new building. God Bless." Let me add just one more thank you to the many Monroe deserves. This cat thanks the entire town of Monroe from the bottoms of my furry feet to the tips of my whiskers."Watching Victor will be my cue to why I work in The Victory Garden," he adds.Fleeing Steady Habits was released last week, published by Black Rose Writing. Copies will soon be available at the C.H. Booth Library, says Bruce. He invites the public to his book launch on Thursday, August 11, at the Brass Works Brewing Company, 2066 Thomaston Avenue, Waterbury, from 4 to 8 pm. He'll have books to sign and sell there, with the first ten going for free. Beer and food are available for cash.Newtown Bee reader to share her black bear sighting with us. Matilda was driving toward a friend's house Monday morning, when she spotted a medium-sized mammal making its way through Flat Swamp Cemetery around 8:45 am. Shown here is a screen capture from the video Matilda shared with us earlier this week. Fortunately, the bear didn't seem to be interested in making any trouble. It continued past the headstones, without damaging any of them, into the scrub. After staying in her vehicle and capturing a quick video, Matilda, too, went on with her day.www.newtforestassociation.org. Not only will you enjoy fine wines, delicious food, a silent auction, and live music, but you'll be treated (weather cooperating) to a spectacular sunset view from Newtown's highest elevation. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older, and tickets will not be available at the event. This very popular fundraiser benefits the local forest association, which works to preserve open space in Newtown.

Peggy Baiad is still smiling over the 50th anniversary celebration she and husband Tony enjoyed recently. The Baiads were joined by all four of their children, all seven of their grandchildren, and others, for a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated at St Rose Church by Monsignor Robert Weiss. That was followed by brunch with everyone, and the party included the display of Peg's wedding gown, her going away dress (and matching coat), one of Peg and Tony's wedding invitations, and other fun memorabilia. "It was such an emotional weekend," Peg said recently. "I spent most of the weekend in tears. Happy tears, of course."

We hope Howard Lasher and wife Jeanette Hubley Lasher also enjoyed a few happy moments last weekend. The Lashers celebrated their wedding anniversary on July 31. "It's really our 20th anniversary," Howard said last week. "We were together for six years before we got married. I can't believe it's been this long. Time just flies when you're having fun." We understand a quiet, but happy celebration was planned at Jolly Hill.

Harvey Pessin welcomes The Victory Garden's new intern, Victor E. Jardin. "Victor's basic horticultural experience was gained in France, but he has since migrated to the United States to hone his gardening skills as they relate to community service to those in need. Although clients of the food pantries may not appreciate his foie gras, his pomme frites are to die for. As Victor E. Jardin looks over us in the garden, let's keep in mind to have fun, be creative, and do good," says Harvey.

It was great to see former Town of Newtown dog warden George Mattegat back in town this week. George and his wife Carol retired to Florida a few years ago, but George was able to visit his son Jay and Jay's family for a few days. Jay drove his dad around Monday and Tuesday, stopping at some of George's favorite spots, including The Bee office and Sandy Hook Fire & Rescue's main station. George had a front row seat for Monday night's meeting at the firehouse, and then stayed for dinner, surrounded by friends of all ages. Tuesday was another day of adventuring for the men. George flew back to Florida on Wednesday, but promised to return in a few months. We're already counting the days.

We'll be counting more days for a return trip for these Newtowners, too: After 18 years in town, the Solomon family is heading south. Reverend Jim Solomon, pastor of New Hope Community Church, recently offered his final sermon for the church he has been leading since early 2005. Jim and his family - wife Anne, and their two daughters - are now returning to Louisiana, Anne's birthplace. We wish the Solomons the best for their future.

Teenagers escaping murder and abuse in their Connecticut hometown… Sandy Hook resident Bruce Post tells me his novel

Matilda Dean is the latest

Make haste! Tickets for the 3rd Annual Newtown Forest Association Sunset Wine Tasting event went on sale this past Monday, August 1. Tickets for the 4 pm, September 10 wine tasting at Holcombe Hill Preserve (65 Great Hill Road) are $45 per person, and are available only online at

I'll be preserving space for this very column. I hope that next week you will … Read me again.