In these last hours before Christmas, when hearth and home beckon people back from the malls, I find I am in great demand as a cozy cat-in-the-lap accoutrement. Yes, it’s a busy season for lap cats, but I don’t mind so long as there is some occasional spillage from the nearby snack bowls.

If you heard music on Main Street on Sunday evening, it was the fourth annual Main Street Caroling Stroll. Organized by Brid Craddock and Miriam Rhyins, the event drew 50 Main Street residents (and some from all over Newtown) and produced 25 actual singers who walked up and down Main Street to share the holiday spirit by raising their voices in song.

Have you spotted a shiny, new coin around town when you count your change? The new nickel is in circulation and features a three-quarters image of President Jefferson on one side. The other side of the coin depicts a wilderness scene in recognition of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. According to the US Department of the Treasury, there’s another nickel making the rounds that tips the hat to Native Americans on the flip side. For fans of Monticello and the old, stern-faced profile of Thomas Jefferson, never fear: the various US Mints will continue to produce that nickel in 2006 and beyond.

A good time was had by all at the town clerk’s annual Christmas party held Thursday, December 15, at the town clerk’s office in Edmond Town Hall on Main Street. Dozens of folks who have contact with the office got together for some socializing at the afternoon event. Rather than seeking out warranty deeds and birth certificates, or subdivision maps and property transactions, partygoers instead speared tiny sausages and pieces of cheese, and ate icy sherbet and savory snacks. Town Clerk Cynthia Simon presided at the event.

The Mitten Tree at the police station lobby has garnered a range of garments donated by residents seeking to help the needy during this Christmas season. The Christmas tree near the main door is festooned with colorful hats, gloves, and scarves that will be provided to those in need by the town social services department.

The American Red Cross says that blood collections have been dangerously low due to inclement weather and the holidays but St Rose of Lima Church has responded by sponsoring an emergency blood drive on Saturday, December 31, from 8 am to 12:25 pm. The Red Cross is appealing for all eligible donors to participate. To schedule an appointment, call 800-GIVE-LIFE or sign up on the website at www.BloodCT.org.

Brenda Jo Locke, a Newtown resident for about 45 years, is making the best of a tough fight with cancer. But fortunately, she’s not doing it alone. All of her friends asked me this week to wish her a happy Christmas and a healthy New Year and to let her know that she is in their thoughts always.

In case you’re starting to think about ways to drop those extra holiday pounds, the Newtown Hikers Club hopes you’ll do it in good company on Saturday mornings in 2006 when the club schedules weekly excursions to area trails, parks, and greenways. Organizer Ester Nichols wants to remind everyone that the club’s Saturday morning winter start time (from the Edmond Town Hall parking lot) is 9:30 am instead of the usual 9 am during spring and fall. She also reminds everyone about her new email address, pilgrim555@charter.net, in case of questions.

All hikers are invited to club member Dale Rupert’s After-New-Year’s-Eve Party on Sunday, January 1, at 3 pm. “Call Dale for more information. Dale’s phone number is 794-9350,” Ester says. We presume they will be serving trail mix and power bars.

All this talk of hiking has made me tired, so I’m off for a long winter’s nap. Merry Christmas everyone! And be sure to…

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