The process of charter revision in Newtown has turned out to be a real civics class for the members of the Charter Revision Commission. And like all classes, toward the end of the term, they get to go on a field trip. This week, they were out in the field discovering that soliciting the signatures of local residents is actually kind of fun.

All 11 members were out and about town over the past week seeking people’s autographs. At the transfer station and recycling center (you know, the dump), Jane Sharpe was asked on several occasions, “Where do I put cardboard and newspaper?”

Most residents have been more than happy to sign the petition and some have even taken the opportunity to voice their concerns about town issues.

Speaking of the Charter Revision Commission, the group held a picnic at the home of Chairman Bill Sheluck last Saturday. As a surprise gift, Bill was presented with a personalized chairman’s gavel as thanks for his leadership. Bill’s wife, Amy, was also presented a gift for all her behind-the-scenes work over the past 10 months. Bill is being hailed by many for re-writing the town charter so that it is much easier for ordinary people to read. Amy did all the proofreading.

Those down at Hot Shots II Tuesday night had the pleasure of hearing first selectman candidate Barry Piesner sing karaoke. Barry, dressed as always in his suspenders, crooned to Tennessee Ernie Ford’s “Sixteen Tons” and Bobby Darin’s “Mack the Knife.”

Recent decisions made by the Planning & Zoning Commission have had many local horse owners up in arms. Many are concerned that the commission may eventually vote to put further zoning regulations on horse farms. Understandably, the story got a little confused this week and one resident reportedly called the first selectman’s office saying, “I hear you have an ordinance prohibiting horses in Newtown.”

Frank LaPak of South Main Street was busy repairing a section of his roof this week and was, for a short time, perched on the top of a ladder that was in turn perched on top of his slanted cellar door. “I saw that cellar door coming up quickly,” Frank said, “and in some way I was under the ladder when the dust settled.” He has a slight nick to the leg and a hole in the back of his hand to show for it.

Maryellen Harris was in a real cooking mood the other day and prepared a dinner of shepherd’s pie to surprise husband David. However, just before suppertime, while in another part of the house, the absence of young Mattie, the golden, was noticed. They raced back to the kitchen to find Mattie taking the last bite of shepherd’s pie, licking her chops, and looking quite satisfied. In the end it became a pizza night, and David did not seem disappointed at all.

Harry Holland of The Jungle Garden Center donated the birdbath which is near the gazebo in The Pleasance and everyone at The Bee assumed that it came with water and would be maintained as such. When it went dry recently Ed Turco, ad manager at The Bee, called on Harry and explained the problem. Harry was quick to respond and sent over a bottle of “Professional Quality Birdbath Water.” Who said that service is a thing of the past?

Almost 400 freshmen are expected to enter the doors of Newtown High School Tuesday, August 28, so the recent freshman orientation was a crowded affair. The students acknowledged that they are going to have to adjust to a larger school. The biggest adjustment, however, will be setting their alarm clocks earlier –a lot earlier! Middle school starts at 9 am. High school starts at 7:30 am.

 Over 40 new teachers received the annual new teacher training last week and this week. All of the new teachers looked like they were completely enjoying themselves as they listened to instruction on the district models and policies. And I always though that the aspect of being a teacher that was most fun was summer vacation.

The construction crew from Farmington Concrete Construction that is working on the site of the 5/6 school putting up foundation really is enjoying their time in Newtown. During their breaks, several of the guys watch Dave Belliveau practice his cast on his fishing pole. Of course all the laughing will stop when he pulls a fish out of his favorite mud puddle.

Well, that’s enough fish tales and mudslinging for this week, but I’ll be back with more next week, so…

Read me again.