Each week we compile a list of some of the most-read stories published at newtownbee.com. Here is a roundup of the week’s recent top stories, based on the number of page reads.

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“Breaking News: Newtown COVID Vaccine Registration Opens For Qualified Residents,” by John Voket, published January 12. First Selectman Dan Rosenthal announced that qualified residents under the “1b” category can register on the municipal website for the COVID-19 vaccine. Read more at newtownbee.com/01122021/breaking-news-newtown-covid-vaccine-registration-opens-for-qualified-residents.

“Newtown COVID Case Count Accelerates To 1,131, More Deaths Reported In Community,” by John Voket, published January 14. Despite countless prevention reminders and the initiation of vaccines locally among a growing number of emergency responders, front line workers, and other qualified recipients, local cases accelerated in the previous week, blowing through the 1,000 benchmark and taking at least three more residents’ lives. Read more at newtownbee.com/01142021/newtown-covid-case-count-accelerates-to-1131-more-deaths-reported-in-community.

“Former Local Teacher Anxious To Resume Golden Opportunities Volunteer Duties,” by John Voket, published January 10. As a lifelong educator, Newtown resident George Stockwell did not let retirement separate him from helping those interested in learning a thing or two. Shortly after Stockwell capped his career with the Newtown school district, he began volunteering with the locally based Golden Opportunities (GO) organization. Read more at newtownbee.com/01102021/former-local-teacher-anxious-to-resume-golden-opportunities-volunteer-duties.

“58,000 Returns And Counting: Betty Presnell’s One-Woman Bottle & Can Drive,” by Shannon Hicks, published January 10. Since last July, Betty Presnell has raised $2,900, one nickel at a time. Presnell, a very longtime Newtown resident (“60½ years, off and on,” she said January 4), has been operating a one-woman bottle and can drive, with proceeds all being donated to local organizations. Read more at newtownbee.com/01102021/betty-presnells-one-woman-bottle-can-drive.

“Resistance Is Not Futile: Local Trainer Says It Is Key To Improving Fitness,” by John Voket, published January 12. “Small bites” and “resistance” are a couple of things you might think of if you are among millions of folks resolving to drop some weight or get healthier in 2021. But you might be surprised to hear a local, long-tenured physical trainer using these terms even though in his context, they have absolutely nothing to do with dieting. Read more at newtownbee.com/01122021/local-trainer-says-resistance-is-key-to-improving-fitness.