The editor of The Newtown Bee received a special phone call on December 14 from Montreal resident Massillon LaPorte. The trumpet player has visited Newtown for the past seven years, playing outside houses of worship prior to 12/14 services of remembrance. This year, as the novel coronavirus prevented him from coming to Connecticut, Mr LaPorte played “Ave Maria” and “Taps” during the phone call, with a sincerity meant for all of the residents of Sandy Hook and Newtown.

Join the CVH Animal Sanctuary for a special one-day Drive-Thru Pet Food Drive on Saturday, December 19, from 10 am to 2 pm, at Edmond Town Hall (rear parking lot). Donations of dog and cat food will support senior citizens who are struggling to feed their pets.

According to a note in the Newtown Congregational Church newsletter, the church was recently thanked by the Red Cross with an Outstanding Service Award. The award recognizes a person or entity as “an extraordinary Blood Program Partner who stood with the American Red Cross during the COVID-19 pandemic.” ARC President and CEO Gail McGovern further noted that the “dedicated support” of those receiving these special honors “was essential in our mission to help save lives across the country through blood donations.” The church is not finished helping, of course. It hosts a blood drive Tuesday, December 29, and has another scheduled for Friday, January 22, both from 8:30 am-1:30 pm. Visit americanredcross.org.

The Friends of the C.H. Booth Library Holiday Book & Gift Sale continues through December 31 this year. See the offerings near the second floor main circulation desk, during regular library hours. Bargain-priced books of all kinds in new or gently used condition, as well as gift items will bring you and your recipients joy. Not to mention, you will be supporting the Friends, whose financial support assists the library in bringing to you the great programs and books you love!

Women Involved in Newtown worked with local residents, students and others to sponsor 78 Newtown families for the holiday season. With permission from Social Services, volunteers this year were allowed to deliver the items they promised to their sponsored families. According to WIN Co-President Cyndy DaSilva, the direct delivery this year was one way to ensure a few points of contact between donors and recipients. “We received quite a few comments back from sponsors letting us know how heartwarming it was to have the opportunity to meet the recipients and accept their gratitude in person,” Cyndy noted.

The Middle Gate Elementary School PTA is hosting a “Winter Wonderland Drive-Through” this Saturday, December 19, from noon to 4 pm, for $5 per car. I’m told that the jolly old elf Santa and his better half will be there. Hope you will be, too! Register at mgs.new.memberhub.store/store. Your support means more resources for the school.

I’ve perked up my ears with the news that this Saturday night the NHS drama club will present a live radio play. It’s A Wonderful Life will come to you thanks to the talented students of Newtown High School. You can get tickets at nhsc.booktix.com, $12 each, to spend a wonderful evening of entertainment, beginning at 7 pm.

And if you are in the spirit of virtual entertainment, on Sunday, December 20, at 2 pm, the Town Players of Newtown will feature a one-act mystery, Always, Anastasia, followed by a sing-along. Donate to support the local theater group at newtownplayers.org and get the link for Sunday’s show.

The cows at Castle Hill Farm were quite curious as they peered over the fence on Sugar Lane last Sunday afternoon, particularly these two. (What piqued their curiosity was across the street, where shoppers were busy picking out Christmas trees from Castle Hill Tree Farm.) Clearly, they were “moo-ved” by the activity!

By the way, thanks to Newtown Community Center and the Chamber of Commerce for last weekend’s Wonderland drive and laser show. It was clear that a lot of thought and work went into coordinating the event to bring some cheer to our town this strange COVID holiday season! We live in a wonderful town, with so many willing to make it that much better for everyone.

Speaking of wonderful people in a wonderful town... I do believe a Good Egg Award goes to Dan at Newtown Hardware. When a customer arrived just on the brink of his locking up the store for the day on Sunday afternoon, Dan unlocked the door, reopened, fired up the cash registers, and took care of the thankful customer. I don’t think you’ll get that kind of service at any big box store. Dan, you are a Good Egg!

I caught a glimpse of the Hope On Main Street float as it headed up Wasserman Way this past Sunday. The local group was bringing cheer to cancer survivors, thanks to donations to their “Jingle Jam For A Cause.” The decorated float was scheduled to visit — with a gift of music and beauty — neighbors who have been isolated or in need of a happy moment, and in support of the American Cancer Society. While this year’s Jingle Jam sign-up has passed, I hope that the group will consider doing this again — coronavirus or not! Find out more about Hope On Main Street at hopeonmainstreet.com.

Can you believe it? We have reached the point of the Winter Solstice, which this year begins at 5:02 am on Monday morning. It marks the shortest day of the year, with fewer hours of light than any other in the year. Get out your candles and chase away the dark! On the bright side, of course, it means each following day is a tad longer...

The holiday season is upon us, and oh boy, can that mean a fun time for cats and kittens. Decorations dangling from the tree, shiny tinsel, and festive flowers can be so tempting. Our friends at the Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have a few tips so that curious cats like me don’t find ourselves in the ER of any animal hospital. They suggest anchoring Christmas trees so they will not tip (should any creature shinny up its trunk...) and to make sure that tree water is clean in case Fluffy takes a sip. Holly and mistletoe are problems for cats who ingest them, so keep them out of paws’ reach. Tinsel? Lovely — but if kitty swallows it, it can mean a trip to the vet. Nothing says the holidays like the soft glow of candles, but make sure they are placed where they cannot be knocked over or singe whiskers! Wires, batteries, and glass ornaments are also hazards, so keep them away from pets. So what can you do for a friendly cat holiday? A fluffy ball is so much fun, as is a catnip toy or a cat dancer toy that engages you with your favorite cat. A crumpled up piece of crinkly paper can provide a boatload of fun — but no tinfoil, please. And don’t forget that a good cardboard box is always the perfect fit!

I’d be pleased as punch to curl up on a cushion for the next several weeks, but you know I’ll be out and about to see what’s happening. Be sure to... Read me again.