I “paw-sed” to look in the case just outside of the Children’s Department at the C.H. Booth Library, last week. Four lovely little cottages, crafted by artists in California and Oregon, and cast in sand mailed to the artists from Newtown, are on display. The fairy cottages, each depicting a different season of the year, are lovely works, and worth taking a moment to look at, should you be at the library sometime before the middle of December.

Join the Kowalski family and the Race4Chase Team for the Birthday to Birthday Challenge Kickoff. The Chase Michael Anthony Kowalski (CMAK) Foundation presents the Fischang-Cicchetti 5 Mile and 5K on Sunday, November 23, at the Greater Waterbury YMCA in downtown Waterbury. Rebecca Kowalski is inviting all CMAK supporters to join with her in her quest to complete 10 athletic events (road races, triathlons, etc) leading up to what would have been Chase’s 10th birthday in 2015. Chase was one of 20 first grade students killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School on 12/14. For the final event, CMAK will stage an athletic competition in October 2015, open to those who have completed nine events from November 1, 2014, through that date. Participants must show the bibs from their events as proof of completion. The format and location of the October culminating event is yet to be determined, but will be in the local area. Visit www.chasekowalskifund.com for information on running in this Sunday’s race.

Does Lake Zoar have its own Loch Ness Monster? Lakeside resident Frank Viola shared this photograph he took Monday morning, estimating it to be “30 to 40 feet” in length. While merely a “monstrous” log floating along, this Nessie is one example of why people (or Mother Nature, if we could control her) should be cautious of what they push off property into the lake.

Join Newtown artists Karen Pinto, Ros Lilengren, Roberta Ahuja, and Seowoon Oh at the Artique 2014 art show, Friday and Saturday, November 21 and 22, at St Stephen’s Church, 351 Main Street in Ridgefield, in the North Hall. These Connecticut Clay Artists will show and sell their works, as will a dozen other area artists of different mediums. You might find that very special gift for someone on your holiday list… or maybe a gift for yourself.

It could be that books are the best gift idea for your special someone. Gift-quality books, CDs, and DVDs for both kids and adults will fill the meeting room at the C.H. Booth Library, Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7, when Friends of the C.H. Booth Library hosts its annual Holiday Book and Gift Sale. Be sure to stop by Saturday, between 9:30 am and 5 pm, or Sunday, between noon and 5 pm. As usual, the prices cannot be beat. Truly.

Texan rescue dog Buddy has made the news. This beagle-cross jumped aboard an ambulance transporting his ill owner (of just four months) and rode to the hospital. Did I mention that for nearly 20 miles of the trip Buddy was clinging to the outside of the vehicle? I have to say, that is dedication I doubt you would see in a cat. Luckily, the ambulance crew was finally alerted to his dilemma, hauled the pup inside, and dog and master arrived intact and unhurt at the hospital. The good news is, both are back at home, safe and healthy.

I suspect we have our own Buddy here in town. Ozzie, one of Bee reporter Kendra Bobowick’s dogs, disappeared from their usual walk in the woods off of Great Quarter Road, Monday, in the rain. When a search of the area turned up no Ozzie, Kendra called Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason to report his loss — but she was pretty sure that a return call about a pug turned into the Newtown Police Department could not be Ozzie. That would have been a lot of miles for a short-legged, half-blind pug to cover. There was no doubt, though, when Carolee sent Kendra a photo. Ozzie had done some traveling. Apparently, a New Fairfield resident scooped Ozzie out of the road by Newtown High School (just shy of five miles from the end of Great Quarter Road), and dropped him off at the police station, after a quick stop at the Sandy Hook Diner to make a call. So how does a chubby little pug find itself far from his playtime in the woods to wandering the very busy Route 34 in front of the high school — unless he hitchhiked? Kendra says that Ozzie is keeping mum about his adventure, but I think she should check and find out if there were any ambulances in the area on Monday….

Have you noticed the lovely landscaping around The Children’s Adventure Center and Newtown Senior Center? Suzen Stewart, with children at CAC, tells me it is thanks to Emil and Meredith Roland of Golden Landscape, who have donated the time and materials to clean up the garden areas in front of the building. “Their work is beautiful and really makes a difference, not only for the children and families, but for the Senior Center that shares the building, as well,” says Suzen.

Drama is doubling up in Newtown this weekend, with both the Newtown High School Drama Club and the Town Players of Newtown presenting Lend Me A Tenor. What a perfect opportunity to compare and contrast — pick an evening, Thursday through Saturday, November 20, 21, or 22, or Sunday afternoon, November 23, to take in the high school production, then choose Friday or Saturday evening, November 21 or 22, to see the Town Players’ take on the play at The Little Theatre. Tickets for the high school production are general admission and sold at the door (7 pm evening shows, 2 pm Sunday matinee); $12 for adults, $7 students/faculty, or $10 senior citizens). Town Players show tickets are $20 (8 pm). Reservations at 203-270-9144 or at reservations@newtownplayers.org.

The Second Annual 26 Days of Kindness event began November 19, encouraging all to remember the lives lost 12/14 and honor them with one act of kindness each day through December 14. A kind smile in the aisle of the grocery store while every jostles for those last minute Thanksgiving Day items might be one way to start. If you'd like to see what people are doing to honor those who were killed, there is a Facebook page entirely dedicated to the event.

There is much to be thankful for every day. I’m thankful that you choose each week to… Read me again.