To honor the memory of Middle Gate Elementary School Security Officer "Mr Kevin" Seeley, a retired Brookfield police officer who passed away on October 17, the school's fourth grade Student Council sponsored a pajama day for students and a dress down day for teachers on Friday, November 18, to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that was close to Mr Kevin's heart. Staff and students donated cash to take part in the pajama/dress down day. PTA President Debbie DeBlasi tells me the school raised $1,200.

While it may have been too windy for the large helium balloons to be used in the Sunday, November 20, UBS Parade Spectacular in Stamford, members and horses of the Second Company Governor's Horse Guard did not seem daunted as they made their way along the parade route. Clapping for our Horse Guard as they clip-clopped past was instigated by a Newtown couple, I hear, and swiftly taken up by the rest of the crowd.

Bob Braddock spotted this large coyote loping across his Brassie Road backyard on Sunday, in the middle of the morning. "He crossed from the adjacent Newtown Country Club and into another neighbor's backyard. He was quite large and healthy looking," Bob tells me. You can judge for yourself, but small creatures like me should be sticking close to home if that neighborhood is home.

Are you looking for some unique holiday gifts and decorations, or just a little bit more to add to your "to do" list for a busy holiday weekend in Newtown? Then gather your friends and head to "The Gathering," an annual holiday home show hosted by Stacey Olzewski at 4 Old Green Road in Sandy Hook. More than 40 artisans will be represented beginning Friday, December 2, from 3 to 9 pm. On Saturday, December 3, enjoy the event from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Sunday, December 4, The Gathering will welcome shoppers and browsers from 10 am to 2 pm.

Not everyone is looking for the holiday spirit that weekend, of course. If a walk in the woods is more your style, on Saturday, December 3, starting at 11 am, the Friends and Neighbors of Putnam Park will host a winter walk in which Newtown historian, Dan Cruson, leads the group on a historical and archaeological tour of the park. The visitor center on Black Rock Turnpike in Redding opens at 10 am. The walk is free and takes place rain or shine. Refreshments will be served. Contact is 203-742-0089 or go to putnampark.org for more information.

The day after Thanksgiving is traditionally the day that many families bring home a Christmas tree. It's all fun and games until Fluffy downs the tinsel and Fido slurps up the water in the tree stand or nibbles on the Poinsettia. The ASPCA offers some tips for keeping pets safe at home over the holidays: Make sure the tree is sturdy and won't tip over on top of curious pets, and don't let them sip from the tree stand. Stale tree water harbors bacteria. For your sake and the sake of pets, be sure that any fragile ornaments are hung high enough up to not attract playful pets. Then there's the food as the holidays get underway: don't feed your furry friends sweets, especially any with xylitol or chocolate. Bones from fowl are dangerous treats for dogs, and skip the fatty, spicy foods unless you relish a trip to the veterinarian. Some dogs and cats will lap up cocktails, beer, and wine left unattended, so toss out abandoned drinks quickly. What you can do, is make sure pets get some extra loving in the form of playtime or an extra walk (good for both humans and pets), and provide a quiet place to keep pets calm when the house is bubbling with activity. Then stuff that pet stocking with indestructible chew toys, catnip toys, and new play balls - and maybe some pet friendly treats - for guaranteed happy holidays.

Rumor has it that if you are walking down Elm Drive after the Ram Pasture Tree Lighting on December 2 you might hear the strains of a special song by Newtown Congregational Church organist Phil Crevier wafting over the street. "Christmas In Newtown," is one of many carols that the Newtown Choral Society will be singing as they gather at the home of director Mary Andreotta to kick off the holidays; and should a window be open...

I'll have my ears open, in the meantime, for more news you want to know. Be sure to... Read me again.