Another one bites the dust... Botsford Fire Rescue was hoping to have better news, but members of the volunteer fire company have decided to cancel the 2020 Botsford Fire Summer Bash. The company had hoped to host this year’s event on August 29, but announced on July 15 that “for the health and safety of both our members and the community,” this year’s event is off. The men and women of Botsford Fire Rescue are looking ahead to August 2021, they said on Facebook.

All I can say is, you better clear your 2021 calendar with all of the rescheduled events coming up!

On the other hand, you’d have to plan a little road trip, but here is one event that is not canceled: Buttonwood Farm, 473 Shetucket Turnpike in Griswold, is safely hosting their 17th annual Make-A-Wish Connecticut’s Sunflowers For Wishes fundraiser July 25-August 2. Enjoy more than 450,000 sunflowers in bloom on 15 acres of beautiful farmland and the chance to sample more than 50 flavors of the farm’s homemade ice cream — including a special sunflower flavor sold only during the ten-day Sunflowers for Wishes festival. Bouquets of five sunflowers will be available in exchange for a $10 donation, and 100% of the proceeds of their sunflower sales go to Make-A-Wish Connecticut. More info is available by calling call 860-376-4081; or visit sunflowersforwishes.com or https://ct.wish.org/news-and-events/calendar-of-events/fy2020/sunflowers-for-wishes. Make-A-Wish Connecticut grants wishes for children with critical illnesses.

If you want to go on a longer road trip, the Wildlife Conservation Society has announced the reopening of the its Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and Queens Zoo in New York to the public, outdoor exhibits only, beginning Friday, July 24. Tickets for each zoo, for a specific date/time can be found at each zoo’s website, and no walk-in tickets will be sold. Safety protocols will be in effect, naturally. Each park’s website has a “What You Need To Know” guide, so be sure to check it out when you buy tickets. Bronxzoo.com; prospectparkzoo.com; centralparkzoo.com; and queenszoo.com will have answers for your visit.

A mysterious gift arrived at Newtown Police Department last week, and no one claimed credit for it. A column of blue and yellow balloons, with a large yellow balloon with lettering that read Thank You, appeared in front of 3 Main Street on Thursday afternoon. Witnesses spotted a male dropping off the surprise, but he did not stop inside the building, according to Director of Communications Maureen Will. Inquiries were made, “I think the balloons will ever stay a mystery,” Maureen added. “I like the mystery of it, though, these random acts of kindness.” We think it may have something to do with the recent senior car parade the police department helped Newtown High School coordinate for the Class of 2020, but we can’t prove it. We can agree with Maureen, however, in that this is the good kind of mystery to have.

Local tennis players who use the courts at Dickinson Park should take note that the Elm Drive park will have its courts resurfaced and repainted this month. Newtown Parks & Recreation announced this week that the Dickinson courts will be closed from Thursday, July 23, until approximately Thursday, July 30, weather permitting, while that work takes place. The weekday Parks & Rec tennis lessons scheduled at Dickinson will move to the courts at Treadwell Park on Philo Curtis Road during that time frame. While it will be one week of combined use and some inconveniences, remember that it’s just temporary, and better courts will be waiting on the other side of the project.

Are you feeling civic minded? In case you missed the notice elsewhere in this issue, our first selectman is seeking residents to fill out openings/vacancies on various boards and commissions. The Conservation Commission, Sustainable Energy Commission, Bike & Trails Committee, Design Advisory Board, and Board of Ethics all have opportunities available — some for Republicans, some for Democrats, some for unaffiliated. If you have a skill or interest that fits the bill, contact the office of the first selectman by e-mail to susan.marcinek@newtown-ct.gov for more information.

In case you missed Ugly Truck Day on Monday, National Junk Food Day on Tuesday, Ratcatcher’s Day on Wednesday, or have not read this in time to celebrate Vanilla Ice Cream Day on Thursday, here’s a heads up for Friday: Tell An Old Joke Day. Everyone needs a good chuckle now and again, so hoe the rows of your memories and dig up one of your favorites to share with family and friends. Here are a some of my all time favorites: How do two cats end a fight? They hiss and make up. What’s a cat’s favorite color? Purr-ple. What is a cat’s favorite movie? The Sound of Mewsic. Your turn….

The Newtown Forest Association is happy to see that people are enjoying the many open spaces managed by the group, but remind all who visit with their dog(s) that all dogs — that means, all sizes, all breeds, long-legged, short-legged, pocket-sized, or gigantic — must be on a leash whenever on NFA property. There are no exceptions, so don’t be offended if you break the rules and are asked to take Fido elsewhere, asap. Not everyone is a dog lover (surprise!) and some people are downright afraid of dogs. And not all other dogs are keen on stranger dogs. It is out of respect for others and safety of your own pet that you adhere to the NFA rules regarding dogs, please.

Nearly every issue of The Newtown Bee (and sometimes The Bee Extra!) boasts an original drawing that we invite the young and old to color. Alas, the crayons must have all disappeared in this town, as eliza@thebee.com has received but one photo of a colored picture! Thank you to Victoria Scalora! See it on our Facebook page. We look forward to all efforts. You’ll find this week’s picture on page A-14.

St Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church is bringing back its parking lot Masses. The church had been doing them earlier this year — inviting parishioners to celebrate Mass while staying within their vehicles, due to pandemic protocols — but paused the offering once services returned to the Sanctuary. With the number of people allowed inside the building still currently limited, and in-church reservations reaching capacity, the church has announced it will begin offering both. Beginning the weekend of August 1-2, St Rose will welcome 100 people into its Sanctuary for weekend Masses — reservations are a must. On Saturday at 4 pm and Sunday at 10:30 am, those who wish to participate from their vehicles will be asked to park in the church’s southern lot (behind the building). There, they can watch through a smart device or listen on FM radio. Holy Communion will be delivered at the usual Communion time of each Mass. Visit strosechurch.com or call 203-426-1014 for additional information.

Emily Slattery, director of Old Glory Days, 107 Church Hill Road, tells me that this August, the senior citizen day care business will celebrate its fifth anniversary of opening in Sandy Hook by offering a free lunch and music entertainment on Sunday, August 16, from noon to 1:30 pm, in front of their location. Face masks and social distancing will be required. All are welcome. Visit glorydaysllc.com to find out more about this program.

Every day is a glory day for me, when I know that you will... Read me again.