SUNY Oneonta students created hundreds of hearts on Saturday, November 1, which will be hung throughout Newtown next month. December marks the second anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, and SUNY students hope their gifts will be seen as gestures of caring and support, from one community to another.

FISH, the local organization that provides rides to medical appointments for Newtown and Sandy Hook residents, is in need of volunteer drivers. Are you a licensed driver? Are you able to devote a small amount of time to help? Call 203-426-0714 to find out more about volunteering with FISH.

Newtown schools were hopping with educational programs and special events for veterans this past Tuesday, Veterans Day, and numerous community events here and nearby took place to honor men and women in the military. I hope you had the chance to thank a veteran for his or her service; but don’t wait until next Veterans Day if you missed your opportunity. A big “Thank You” is welcome anytime.

Hawley music teacher Brian Kowalsky got plenty of compliments before the Hawley School Veterans Day program for his star-spangled socks, I understand. And I must say, RIS Assistant Principal Jill Beaudry had on a pretty patriotic scarf Tuesday, too.

Ann and Al Mazur have had a visitor to their Jeremiah Road bird feeders, on and off for the past year — and they were pretty sure it was something a little bigger than a cardinal. “Something has been taking our suet feeders, so we put up an infrared camera on a tree,” says Ann. On Monday night, the Mazurs got the answer to who’s who at the feeder. A large bear appeared on camera, merrily making off with the suet feeder. “We watched it for about an hour and a half,” says Ann, and while she can’t make a guess at the bear’s weight, “The feeders are on wire holders six feet off the ground, and he just stood up and took the suet. It was pretty big.” Ann says she will have a new job, from now on: taking in the bird feeders each evening.

Staff at Masonicare at Newtown, 139 Toddy Hill Road, and at the adjacent Lockwood Lodge is hoping the public will stop by between now and November 23 with a nonperishable donation. The collection is to replenish the shelves at the Salvation Army Food Pantry at Newtown Social Services, located in the lower level of Town Hall South. The public is encouraged to donate these needed items: canned or packaged soups, canned fruit, canned vegetables, rice, pasta, tomato products, cleaning supplies, personal products, dog/cat food, cereal, peanut butter and jelly, school snacks and juice boxes. These items will be donated directly to the Salvation Army Food Pantry at the conclusion of the drive. Collection boxes are inside the Masonicare and Lockwood Lodge lobbies, and can be accessed daily. For additional information, call 203-364-3211 or 203-364-3253.

That reminds me to thank everyone who donated dog (and some cat) food and supplies this past month for the Animal Shelter. The big box set up at at The Bee was flowing over.

I’ll be putting some extra time into my grooming the next couple of weeks, and maybe I’ll even pick up a pack of those colorful Soft Paw nail caps. Why the sudden interest in perfect fur? Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital in Ridgefield is hosting a Picture With Santa day, Saturday, December 6, from noon to 3 pm. And guess what? Four legged subjects are welcome to snuggle up to the big guy. Donations will be accepted, and all money raised is to benefit the building of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary in Newtown. For information, call 203-438-8878. I just hope Santa doesn’t mind if I leave a little black fur on his red suit.

It’s hard to believe we are heading toward the close of another year. Maybe you’ve already started thinking about taxes to be filed… Are you looking for one more last-minute tax donation for 2013? The Newtown Labor Day Committee would like to help you out — and you’ll be helping them get a head start on next year’s parade. Send your tax deductible donation to Newtown Labor Day Parade, PO Box 746, Newtown CT 06470. Include a SASE to have a receipt mailed back.

But before we close out 2013, let’s give Thanksgiving its recognition! The Turkey Trot Road Race is coming up, bright and early Thanksgiving morning, November 27. The course begins at Hawley School on Church Hill Road, winds its way down The Boulevard, and puffs and pants itself up Schoolhouse Road, before turning for a nice downhill trot on Main Street. Then it’s up Glover Avenue and Meadow Road, and over Elizabeth Street to Queen Street. From there, runners make a right, to run around Grand Place. Oh yes, there is a bit of a final uphill slope, but at the top, you’re almost to the middle school finish line. This 5K race benefits the C.H. Booth Library, and is a terrific way to start some calories burning, in anticipation of the feast to follow. (Not to worry: there’s a shorter version of the race for walkers, just in case you prefer that.) Cost is $25 to run and $20 to walk for those who register in advance; $30 and $25 on race day. For full information, check out www.newtownturkeytrot.com.

I’ll be gobbling up all the news of interest to share with you next week, so be sure to… Read me again.