Congratulations Ali Albini Baggett, who picked up another title with this beautiful design (see photo). The edible creation won Most Creative honors during last week’s Second Annual Connecticut Business Exchange Halloween Baking Contest. Our neighbor and Bee family member — who won a season two competition in Netflix’s “Sugar Rush” and now operates HoneyBean Catering in town — was among those who converged on Vyne in Middlebury on October 18 for the contest. We understand from a few lucky people who were there for the contest that this was not only a beautiful work (seriously! look at the details in the face alone!), it was also delicious.

Speaking of winners, congratulations to Michael Scott of Charlton, Mass., whose ticket was pulled last weekend when it was time for the Newtown Lions Club Mustang Raffle finale. Michael’s ticket for the 2020 Ford Mustang was selected by Hope Venezia, granddaughter of longtime local Lion Walt Schweikert, and we understand Michael was pretty surprised to receive the phone call about the win. He initially sounded very doubtful, according to someone who was there when Raffle Chair David Landau was on the phone with Michael. He had to be reminded about the raffle, which he bought his ticket for while visiting family over the summer, we understand. Next time he’ll have quite the handsome ride when it’s time to make that trip.

Speaking of the very active local Lions Club, fresh off the success of that raffle, members are moving right into the presentation of their newest event in just a few days. The Newtown Lions Club Model Train Show is scheduled for this Saturday at Newtown Community Center. The event will feature several different operating model railroads encompassing 1,700+ square feet including the Pizza Box Railroad by longtime Newtown Lions Club member Paul Arneth (that has me intrigued!), vendors with model railroad equipment, books, and more, video presentations and lectures, door prizes, food trucks, and Dr Cadabra’s Magic. Proceeds will benefit childhood cancer research. Check our community calendar on page A2 or online (newtownbee.com/calendar) for additional information.

Before or after heading to the community center, children of all ages are also encouraged to visit Sandy Hook Center on Saturday. The 2023 SHOP Halloween Walk is this October 28, rain or shine from 11 am until 2 pm. Put on those costumes and head toward the businesses, restaurants, and even Newtown United Methodist Church parking lot. Employees and volunteers will all be ready to share treats with their young guests. Again, additional notes can be found within our calendars.

Members of the local Methodist church had so much fun — and such a good response — to the September return of their Spaghetti Supper that they’re doing it again. Karan Goodhue reached out this week to make sure we knew about Saturday, November 11, when she and other volunteers will be ready to host those who want to join them in the church hall for dinner. The curbside takeaway option will still be there too. Either way, it’s a good deal: $16 for a full dinner for adults ($1 extra for the gluten free option, and an additional $1 for each sausage and/or meatball), $15 for age 62 and older, and $8 for children. Reservations are required for curbside pickup (call or text 203-317-9732), but not for dining in. In the interest of helping those facing food insecurity in our community, organizers are asking those planning to join them to donate a nonperishable food item for FAITH Food Pantry.

Final reminder this week that students and staff at Newtown High School are planning their annual Veterans Day Celebration Luncheon & Assembly, and the reservation deadline is fast approaching. Local veterans of any war/conflict are invited to the event, planned for Friday, November 10, beginning at 10:45 am. Guests will assemble in the school’s gym, where a luncheon will be served. Just before noon everyone will be relocated into the school’s auditorium, where recognition of local veterans will include performances by NHS Chamber Choir, NHS Singers and NHS Wind Ensemble. All of this is free, but it’s important to get reservations in by November 1, especially if you want to enjoy that lunch. Contact the program committee via Rebecca Gehrken, who can be reached at 203-426-7646 x6559 and gehrkenr@newtown.k12.ct.us. If you’d like to just send an email to reserve a spot or two, Rebecca just needs to know how many people will be attending, and where they served.

Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Ladies Auxiliary are in the final days of a clothing drive through Helpsy. Clothing including accessories and footwear, linens, and other items including luggage, sports jerseys and stuffed animals, all clean, dry and odorless, are being accepted at the Helpsy-Big Brothers Big Sisters Donation Center at 127 South Main Street until October 31. You may want to also note: The collection center is open only on weekdays, 9 am-5 pm, so you really have just a few days to help.

Here’s something I didn’t know earlier this month: The Big Brothers Big Sisters collection site on South Main Street now only accepts clothing/linen items (as described above) and shoes. That’s what I was told by the employee there last week when I had bags for the Ladies Auxiliary event as well as some miscellaneous donations. Keep that in mind the next time you have things for Goodwill or other organizations you’d like to donate items to.

It’s final call time also for Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month. My friends at Bee Publishing Company are again hosting a collection for the Newtown Animal Shelter. The shelter this year is requesting Earthborn and Iams dry dog food, Nutro Max mini chunk dog food, freeze-dried liver treats, poultry flavor toothpaste, pig’s ears, large rubber Kong toys, Air Kongs, large rope toys, Frisbees, squeak toys, tennis balls, choke chains, collars, and study slide leads. I appreciate the fact that while it’s Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month, the folks at the shelter are also open to donations of canned or dry cat food and treats. Cleaning and other supplies are always welcomed too, from bleach, ammonia, paper towels and laundry detergent to dryer sheets, towels and large plastic garbage bags. Still not sure how to help? Pet store gift certificates are also helpful. Donations are being accepted at the shelter, 21 Old Farm Road, Monday through Saturday, 9 am-3 pm; and the lobby of The Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, weekdays generally 8 am to 5 pm (earlier and later by chance). The collection officially closes on Halloween, but if you’re a little late with a donation, we and those at the shelter will still happily accept it.

I just hope you won’t forget to come back next week to … read me again.