Janet Woycik is inviting the entire community to her birthday party this year. There will be lots of singing, refreshments, a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus, and – best of all – a tree lighting. Janet’s birthday is December 1, so join her in the Ram Pasture at 6:30 pm for the 16th annual tree lighting ceremony, an event she has been coordinating since it began in 1984.

If you will be lighting luminaria for the tree lighting festival, or any time during this holiday season, here is some advice you can only get from a cat. Instead of using sand to anchor the candles, use kitty litter. A small bag will be enough. The kitty litter doesn’t freeze like sand does and, after the candles burn down, you can put the kitty litter back in the bag and use it again for luminaria next year.

Last week every school in Newtown celebrated with a Thanksgiving Feast, but I am not too sure how the students are being taught about the feast the pilgrims and Indians shared. Some of the food items at these feasts where a bit odd for a traditional holiday. Some Head O’ Meadow students feasted on peanut butter and jelly burritos or fajitas. What a combination. Sandy Hook kindergartners had mashed potatoes, stuffing, and corn bread for the traditional part of the feast. Then they had brownies, cupcakes, and popcorn, which the students enjoyed much more.

Needless to say my stomach felt a bit funny. Although I did not taste anything, the smells alone were enough to confuse my small stomach. Too bad they did not have any fish.

I hope Mr Manfredonia is feeling better. He was out sick this week. We hope he gets well soon!

About 300-400 faithful Newtown fans made the two-hour trip to Groton Tuesday night to watch the Newtown High School football team compete against Fitch in the CIAC class “L” semifinal game. The Nighthawks were beaten badly by the home team (you can read about it in the sports section), but there was one bright spot for the locals. NHS teacher Jay Edwards, known for his “velvet voice,” managed to get hold of the microphone during halftime and helped lift the spirits of all those from Newtown.

Jay filled in for Jack Quinlan, the voice of NHS football, to do the play-by-play for a handful of home games this year and reportedly did a fine job. On Tuesday, Jay found himself in front of the microphone once again as he introduced the NHS cheerleaders at halftime. Having done such a good job, Fitch officials invited him to stick around in the booth to help with a few jobs, such as the 50-50 raffle. For his efforts, Jay was rewarded with a slice of pizza. Look out Dennis Miller.

Superintendent of Schools John R. Reed was in another humorous mood Tuesday night at the special board meeting. Building and Sites Committee member Anthony D’Augelo said the proposed 5/6 school looked so good it made him want to work there. Dr Reed’s response was that the district would be accepting applications in about 18 months.

The Newtown High School band is selling 2001 discount cards once again. The cards are $5 each, giving discounts to 18 different area businesses. Discounts range from local restaurants to cleaners. A multi use card, it saves dollars every time it is used! Cards can be bought from Jan Bennett by calling her at 426-3368. Cards are also for sale at Dunkin Donuts, Nutmeg Cleaners, and the Drug Center.

One week after the town clerk staff struck it rich at the Connecticut casinos, Fire Marshal George Lockwood called home from Las Vegas this week to report that he too had gotten lucky.

In response, other town employees, looking to join in the winning, pooled together their money to try their luck at Wednesday night’s Powerball sweepstakes worth $130 million.

Bob and Debbie Burkhart had 52 guests at their Newtown home for Thanksgiving last week. Debbie said she cooked everything except dessert.

And, here’s is the follow-up to last week’s story about Patrick Kelley trying to get home in time for the holiday despite being snowbound in Buffalo: Patrick did finally make it home in time for mom’s holiday cooking, although it took him 13 hours. Meanwhile, his father, Mike, who was trying to catch a connecting flight from Pittsburgh to Detroit on business, ended up spending the entire day in the Pittsburgh airport before heading home. He never made it to the Motor City.

Local attorney Will Rodgers was back in town this week after spending the past 10 days at the Washington Naval Yard. Will is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserves and spends one week each year providing legal assistance to the cause. He spent his time working on various court marshal defense cases in the appellate defense division of the military justice system. Will always puts in his time during the week of Thanksgiving when things usually slow down around here. The only problem is he hasn’t been with his family for Thanksgiving since 1989. Rest assured, the Newtown resident will be around for Christmas.

I hope you will be around for all the latest on Newtown’s holiday festivities next week. Be sure to…

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