A special organizational meeting took place at the C.H. Booth Library last Thursday evening, when seven young women attended the open house of the all-girls Scouts BSA. Scout Master Dave Barrett tells me that all of the girls seemed “enthusiastic about the program. We discussed the program and did some team challenge activities.” The next meeting, he tells me, is at Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road, Thursday November 1, at 7 pm.

Congratulations to the Newtown High School Marching Band & Guard. The groups performed at the USBands competition at Southington High School on October 20 and came away with a first place in Group IV Open. It next shows its stuff on October 27 in New Britain. Good luck!

Do you have a CD player — not a portable one — to donate to Newtown Senior Center? They would be most grateful! Contact Judy Thomas, Senior Center Assistant, at 203-270-4310.

On Saturday, October 27, from 10 am to noon, the Newtown Police invite the public to visit the current headquarters [naviga:u]at 3 Main Street and/or the site of the proposed new police headquarters[/naviga:u] at 191 South Main Street.

The annual Great Pumpkin Challenge started by Mackenzie Page in 2010 returns to the steps of Trinity Episcopal Church this year, raising money for the Hole In The Wall Gang Camps. Carve a Halloween jack-o-lantern and drop it off at Trinity Church, with a $5 donation suggested per pumpkin. Pumpkins will be accepted Sunday, October 28, from 10 am to 4 pm; Tuesday, October 30, from 3 to 6 pm; and Wednesday, October 31, from 2 to 5 pm. The array of pumpkins will be displayed. Also on Halloween, Trinity Church will host public parking for those planning to trick-or-treat along Main Street in the lot off Church Hill Road. Suggested donation is $5 per vehicle, and the lot will open at 5 pm.

Kick off the Halloween season with the Sandy Hook Halloween Walk this Saturday, from 11 am to 2 pm. Costumed kids are invited to trick-or-treat at participating businesses in the Center, rain or shine. Thanks to SHOP for promoting this afternoon of fun.

The Shady Rest neighborhood is going to host trick-or-treating on Halloween, October 31, from 5:30 to 9 pm. Vehicles are asked to enter at Shady Rest Boulevard, and participants will get a map of participating homes, flashlights to the first 50 kids, glowsticks, and allergy-friendly treats at many houses. Look for the teal blue pumpkins on the doorstep for those special treats. Registration is requested at [naviga:u]shadyresthalloween@gmail.com[/naviga:u].

The Newtown Bee office at 5 Church Hill Road will be another place where Trick or Treaters can pick up treats. Staff members will be handing out treats — including [naviga:u]some for those with special dietary considerations[/naviga:u] — at the end of our work day on Halloween, around 5 pm. Please stop by — we’re not too scary!

There remains time to drop off candy donations at Dere Street Restaurant (the corner of West and Main Streets) to help out Main Street residents on Halloween. Dere Street is accepting until October 29, I hear, and you’ll find a box for donations at Caraluzzi’s Newtown Market on Queen Street, as well.

Don’t let Fido be left out of the Halloween fun! The Ninth Annual Park and Bark Howl-O-Ween originally scheduled for Saturday, October 27, has been rescheduled to Sunday, October 28, from 1 to 3 pm, at the 21 Old Farm Road dog park. There’ll be prizes for the best costumed dog and other fun. Bring a donation for FAITH Food Pantry, and you’ll be entered in a special drawing.

Hearts of Hope has distributed 100,000 of the hand-painted ceramic messages of love, and with about ten people involved in the process of each, the organization is proudly boasting that it has touched nearly a million lives. If you would like to learn more or support this group, visit [naviga:u]heartsofhope.org[/naviga:u].

This sweet message (pictured) was found at a picnic table at C.H. Booth library last Wednesday. There can never be too many positive thoughts distributed, I say.

The Newtown Bee continues to collect items during Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog month for our local shelter during regular office hours, 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, through October 31. NutroMax mini chunks, Iams dry dog food, freeze-dried liver treats, squeaky toys, Kong toys, large rope toys, tennis balls, cleaning supplies, and more are all welcome items.

Here’s a real treat: The Newtown Bee 2019 calendars are now available. We welcome the public to stop in and pick up a calendar during office hours. The free calendars can be found on the counter opposite the front door of our office. It’s never too early to start planning for the new year!

Newtown residents have been working to pass a plastic bag ban in Newtown, such as those passed in Westport, Greenwich, Stamford, Weston, and many other towns. If you are an early bird who picks up The Bee as soon as it hits the street on Thursday, the Newtown Ordinance Committee was scheduled to meet this Thursday evening, October 25, at 7 pm, in the municipal center, to discuss the ban and whether it will go forward to the entire Legislative Council for a vote. The public is invited to attend.

Congratulations to Ryan Escoda of Sandy Hook, who is one of 11 students recently named to the men’s cross country team of The Warriors at Eastern Connecticut State University. Ryan, ECSU Class of ‘22, is an accounting major. The team hopes to defend last year’s title as LEC champions and continue community service projects. The focus of the team is not only athletics, but also academics and community involvement.

Did you get your flu shot, yet? Did you know that last year, nationwide, 80,000 people died from the flu and complications of the flu? Ask your doctor if you should get a flu shot, or visit the public inoculation clinics scheduled at Newtown Municipal Center, Thursday, November 1; and Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen Street, Saturday, November 17. Local pharmacies are also offering walk-in flu shots. The Newtown Health District at 203-270-4291 or [naviga:u]health.district@newtown-ct.gov[/naviga:u] has more information.

Flu season or not, you know I’ll be out and about to gather the news. Be sure next week to... Read me again.