Commuters traveling through Sandy Hook Center on the morning of Thursday, June 20, may have be jolted by the sound of screeching breaks and honking horns in the heavily congested area. The cause? Two dogs running loose along the sidewalk that, in a panic, also ran into oncoming traffic on Church Hill Road. Thanks to a young woman, a mother and daughter, and Newtown Bee reporter Alissa Silber, one of the dogs was able to be safely rescued and brought to the Newtown Animal Control Center, where he was later reunited with his owner. His dog friend, a black pug, is still missing. If you or someone who know has information about a lost dog, contact 203-426-6900 or visit the shelter at 21 Old Farm Road. Those interested in learning more about how to help, stay tuned for an upcoming article this month about tips and tricks for safely rescuing dogs and cats.

I’m not overly fond of spiders, but Spider monkeys are another story. If you are planning an outing to the Bridgeport Beardsley Zoo, we hear that a pair of Black-handed spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi geoffroyi) are at home in their new habitat there. A male Spider monkey born in 2014, Gilligan, and a female Spider monkey born in 2000, T.T. (short for Tina Turner), have joined the zoo from the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska. The new habitat is possible thanks to a substantial donation from the Bradshaw-Mack family and support from the City of Bridgeport. The habitat features a landscaped outdoor yard with multiple opportunities for climbing and engaging in social behaviors. The monkeys have free choice in whether to be inside or outside, and large guest viewing windows are offered in both locations. The Beardsley Zoo is located at 1875 Noble Avenue in Bridgeport. Visit beardsleyzoo.org for more information.

Just in time for recent sunny days, Rich Reynolds, a Newtown resident and Darien High School teacher, oversaw a “Make a Solar-Powered Car” for young adults at C.H. Booth Library on Monday, June 24. Using kits, the eventgoers attached axels and more before testing the creations outside. It was the first of the scheduled Summer Makers’ Classes for Young Adults. The next class with Mr Reynolds is scheduled for Monday, July 8, at 10 am, “Learn To Solder.” Sign up at chboothlibrary.org.

Remember that First Selectman Dan Rosenthal invites residents to “Walk and Talk” with him at Fairfield Hills, every other Friday, from noon to 12:45 pm — and this Friday, July 5, is one of those days. Meet near the southern entrance of the Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street (opposite the new Community Center). If you’d rather just chat, the selectman will be in his office from 12:45 to 1:30 after the walk. Walk and Talks continue through August 30. Join in!

Holey moley, it’s Rolie Polie Guacamole! This kids’ music group opens the Parks & Rec 2019 Summer Jam Concert Series at Dickinson Park, 50 Elm Drive, on Tuesday evening, July 9. Youngsters and parents alike are sure to enjoy the outdoor fun and music, 6 to 7 pm. Don’t forget: it’s BYOB... Bring Your Own Blanket.

Bee workers were surprised by handcrafted pencil holders with a bee theme (naturally...) placed on desks last Friday morning. Production team members Jill Baimel and Lynn Remson collaborated with Lynn’s daughter, Brooke, to create these cheery presents in honor of The Newtown Bee’s 142nd birthday. What a special gift from some special people!

Book lovers are counting down the days until the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library Book Sale, this year from Saturday, July 13, through Wednesday, July 17. As usual, you can expect a huge selection of books, CDs, LPs, DVDs, and more at unbelievable bargain prices. Stock up for those days on the beach or late night reading! The sale runs July 13 and 14, from 9 am to 5 pm; July 15 and 16, from 9 am to 7 pm; and July 17 (FREE DAY!), from 9 am to noon. You’ll find all this action at Reed Intermediate School on Trades Lane. For more information visit boothbooksale.org.

I’m counting down the days until the Friends reveal their very special T-shirt for volunteers to wear during this big book sale. I’m told it is unlike any of those from previous years, as clever as they always are...

Looking for a way to ring in the... mid-year? Saturday, July 13, Salvation Army bell-ringers have a special opportunity for volunteers to help our community. Volunteers are needed to ring at various locations in town that day, for just one hour at a time. (No mittens, heavy coat, or warm hats required. Singing of Christmas carols is optional.) Proceeds go to Newtown Social Services Department in support of the Salvation Army’s traditional fall “Back-to-School” purchase of school supplies that are put into backpacks, as well as programs for our friends and neighbors in Newtown that need our assistance. Ninety percent of the funds benefit Newtown residents. To volunteer to ring, e-mail Anna Wiedemann at aroosterw@yahoo.com, or call her at 203-417-3004 or 203-426-1035.

I say, hooray for the state and local highway departments who have been hard at work improving many of Newtown’s roads. Yes, it can be a pain with the traffic holdups, but the end results should have everyone smiling when it becomes smooth sailing for travelers in town. With so many miles of roads in Newtown, there will certainly be roads that won’t make the cut this summer. You’ll find a Road Work plan at newtown-ct.gov, Public Works, Highway Department, if you are curious about scheduled road work. But again, thanks to all who are working to make travel safer and not so bumpy in town.

Just in case you miss the pre-Fourth of July and Fourth of July fireworks shows that took place all over the area, there are still many scheduled throughout the month of July. Check out ctvisit.com/articles/connecticut-fireworks-2019 to find out where. Have a blast!

Have a happy Fourth of July (or for those Friday readers, hope it was great)! Independence Day always feels like the real start to summer. Hopefully, you’ll be enjoying festivities and staying safe while you do so, whether it is at the beach, at a barbecue, or viewing fireworks.

I’ll be safely storing up news to share, so be sure to... Read me again.