A happy anniversary announcement is called for. BD Provisions, the zero- and low-waste bulk food store on South Main Street, marked its third anniversary this month with a weekend event for customers and community members. The first 100 customers who shopped at the Newtown location and spent at least $25 on November 6-8 received a half-pound “of Midnight Joe that they can then gift as a Pay it Forward gesture. Nourishing our community is part of our mission and we love the idea that 100 customers can surprise a relative, neighbor, friend, or someone in need with a 1/2 pound of our coffee,” an announcement for the endeavor read. It continued, “Thank you for an amazing 3 years! We are so proud to be part of the Newtown Community.”

Have I mentioned lately that this cat loves sports? I especially love watching the ball bouncing all around the field. I can hardly contain myself. Speaking of which, Newtown High School’s field hockey team let loose with a celebration after winning the South-West Conference championship on November 4. And the girls’ volleyball squad showed catlike reflexes on defense to make it quite a battle before losing a tough one to Weston in the championship match. See photos and read all about these thrilling games in this week’s Sports section.

There’s even more excitement in town as family, friends, and a growing number of fans continue to follow Sasha and Jim Allen's progress on The Voice. Tuesday night the duo learned they would continue to the second round of live competition next week. To celebrate, Edmond Town Hall will host a live viewing party. Check out Alissa Silber's continuing coverage for exclusive comments from the Allens and details about the November 15 gathering.

Reverie Brewing Company recently announced the first Thursday of every month it will be releasing a “super limited, taproom only beer brewed on our pilot system, The Daydreamer. Each of these beers will have a focus on working with heavy additions of fruits in beer. Helping us to learn more about working with different fruit varieties so we can bring you new yummy beers to tickle your pallet on our 10 BBL system...” This month it released an Acai Smooth IPA. “30% of this beer’s delicious liquids comes from Açaí Puree and has been hopped with Citra, Simcoe, and Cascade. The Açaí provides an earthy flavor profile with notes of blackberry, which is complimented by citrus and floral aromas from the hops used and pours a deep red hue." What else would the Church Hill Road brewery call this new monthly effort other than “Exbeeriment?”

While we do not have public programs to tie in to any of these, many recent book releases have strong Newtown connections so we’re offering a shoutout. First up is resident Charles Rafferty, who has two books out this season. Woodhall Press released Moscodelphia, his first novel, in September. There are currently no public events scheduled, but previews, reviews, and the option to purchase are available through the publisher’s website, woodhallpress.com. Additionally, Charles released his latest collection of poetry, A Cluster of Noisy Planets, last month. This latest release from Charles, who also has eight chapbooks and six full-length collections of poetry, comes from BOA Editions, Ltd (boaeditions.org). Fingers crossed we will hear about some author/book programs for one or both of these releases.

Former Sandy Hook resident and NHS graduate Tracy L. Bittner has written The Forgotten Nurses: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Stressful World of Veterinary Medicine. Published by Amazon, the book “brings to light the shadow side of veterinary medicine,” according to a press release. While the veterinary profession can be exciting, challenging, and exacting, Tracy, who now lives in Virginia, writes about a unique set of stressors within the industry that makes the suicide rate among veterinarians 3.5 times that of the general population, making it one of the highest risk professions.

Our second nod this week is to John “JPV” Oliver, who used his reported 35 years of Newtown residence to populate part of his memoir, I Know This Looks Bad: Errors and Graces in a Louche Life. Now a resident of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Oliver tells his story in 365 vignettes, “including five to ten that have to do with Newtown specifically,” he said in a recent call. The hardcover was published by Epigraph Books.

I also hear Newtown author Andrea Zimmermann is about to have some big news. This is one “mysterious” piece of news, and I can’t wait to learn more... I’ll be sure to share more information about this page-turning tidbit with you.

Also this week, although not written by a former or current resident, we want to mention Unique Eats And Eateries of Connecticut: The People and Stories Behind The Food, by Old Saybrook resident Mike Urban. While it may be the third smallest state in the union, the Nutmeg State does pack a lot of culinary diversity into its landmass of 5,500 square miles. Among the 8,000 restaurants within the state, the award-winning food writer (four books and a few dozen articles for Yankee magazine) has selected 85 of Connecticut’s “most unique food emporiums” for his latest release, Urban wrote within the introduction. Most are mom and pop joints, most have been in business at least ten years, and right there toward the beginning is a celebration of Mexicali Rose. See what Urban has to say about the Ricky’s Plaza eatery, and plenty of others, in this fun release from Reedy Press.

Newtown Interfaith Council is planning an interfaith Thanksgiving gathering. Newtown United Methodist Church will host this year’s event, being planned for Sunday, November 21, at 5 pm. Organizers are planning to present this year’s service in person, with a livestream option also offered. Last year’s service was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The November 21 gathering will include some music, readings, and speaking. The council will continue to monitor CDC suggestions before finalizing plans for music, as well as facemask guidelines for those who attend in person. As in years past, the interfaith event will include an offering for FAITH Food Pantry. Reservations will not be needed. For additional information contact the NUMC office at 203-426-9998.

Registration opens Saturday morning, November 13, for anyone who would like to participate in this year’s Newtown Police Union Pedal for a Purpose Charity Ride. BoostCycle Indoor Cycling Studio, within Plaza South at 274 Main Street, will host the event on Saturday, November 27, at 9 am. Each bike has a non-refundable $30 minimum cash only donation to reserve, and 100% of the proceeds go directly to the police union. Over the last three years, riders have raised nearly $5,000 for Newtown PD. The goal is to keep adding to that number this year. Reservations must be done in person or via e-mail to info@boost-cycle.com.

Have you joined the conversation yet? We post a weekly question to Facebook and we hope to hear from readers. Check facebook.com/thenewtownbee weekly to answer a question. Responses may be used by The Newtown Bee for future coverage. The deadline to be included in The Newtown Bee’s coverage is always the following Monday at noon. This week we asked, “What can you tell us about an important veteran in your life?” We’ll round up answers for next week’s print edition, so make sure to join the conversation. The Newtown Bee is also on Twitter, twitter.com/TheNewtownBee, and Instagram, @thenewtownbee. Last week we asked: “What motivated you to vote yesterday or not?” One responder said, “The time and effort to vote in person is stressful when one has a full time job along with other commitments and responsibilities. The absentee ballot was a godsend.” Another said, “As a citizen it is my duty to vote and a privilege.” And another said, “I consider it a duty but at the same time a privilege.”

We cannot hide our pride for our veterans. This Veterans Day, which happened as this week’s print edition went to press, was shaping up to be a big celebration of those who have served in the US Armed Forces. We’ll have local coverage in next week's paper, and I could not let this week go by without sharing my own gratitude. These five words mean more than I can express: Thank you for your service.

There will be more celebrations this week and next, I promise, as long as you promise next week to... Read me again.