The Newtown Bee is seeking residents to share short essays on observations of this world — and what is good — in unsettled times. We bring you the following contribution from Robert Mitchell, the next in a series of several to be considered for publication at newtownbee.com.

By Robert Mitchell

It’s a typical early evening in Sandy Hook.

Over the past few weeks, as this horrible virus has seemingly infected our spirits as well as a number of unfortunate folks who have become sick or worse, one of our Newtown neighbors has taken it upon himself to try and provide some regular distraction.

As clocks around our Osborne Hill Road neighborhood approach 5 pm, small groups begin gathering, all standing at least ten feet apart.

What brings these neighbors out of their homes, as so many others are typically heading in for dinner or a peek at the local news programs?

They are congregating along the street and driveway, some with chairs, others standing, others sitting on a stone wall awaiting the appearance of Rick Mazzariello.

For many evenings since the onset of the coronavirus has forced us all to socially distance indoors, Mazzariello stands or takes a seat on his front porch for 15 minutes of song.

We’ve known Rick for the entire 32 years we’ve lived in town — he was here before us. And he was always quick to strike up a song whether he was working in his back yard or entertaining friends around his pool.

As a matter of fact, I can’t remember ever visiting or even popping by Rick’s house and not hearing music playing, or him singing along.

And so now, his hobby has become a way to cheer up others. While we wait for his appearance — which has only been interrupted by bad weather and the Easter holiday — we talk, making each other feel a little better.

Then, right on cue, he appears with his wife, Cathy, broadcasting his own personal mini-Carnegie Hall performance to those of us in earshot, as well as on Facebook for the world — or at least for the 20 or so music lovers who are not here to enjoy.

Three songs each night.

His repertoire ranges from country, to the Great American Songbook, to Broadway, to pop. He even took out his Mazda Miata convertible and stood in the back seat to regale us with a trio of car songs.

I believe Rick feels that under the circumstances he simply needs to sing. And it should go without saying that the audience is enjoying the songfest.

Some of us dance, and some of us just sit and enjoy a respite from the news of the day. Locals who are walking their dogs even pause for a moment or two and enjoy.

Maybe tomorrow night we will bring wine and cheese.

We need this. By the way, requests are taken.

You can join in with us on Facebook if you would like to share in this momentary distraction, just become Facebook friends with Cathy Mazzariello.

Edited by John Voket — Associate Editor