I am always up for attracting birds, and now the Audubon Society can help with suggestions for native plants to attract birds. At www.audubon.org/native-plantsThe Bee. Jake Hossler, on the Jacozzi team in the Cal Ripken Extreme League at Glander 1 Field, pondered how to steal home during a recent game, while a relief pitcher on the opposing McMahon team warmed up.The Bee this past week: "Hi my name is Darlene and I live in Texas. When Sandy Hook happened I was hurt like the rest of the country. I cried right along with everyone but I did not realize the big picture until yesterday when my 12-year-old grandson called me and told they were in lock down and some man was driving around shooting a gun at the school. My heart just stopped. He's fine, but I gained even more compassion for those parents. I just wanted to tell you that we always need to hug them every day."www.newtownhistory.org.

, you can plug in your zip code for a list of plants that not only will grow well, wherever you live, but will feed and house the feathered population of the area. Not only that, but by planting native species, you prevent the spread of invasive plants and weeds.

A Sandy Hook family had quite the attraction this week, when a doe gave birth to a fawn in their back yard. She must have felt it was a very safe place to introduce this dainty baby to the world.

Someone who loved animals of all shapes and sizes is being honored next weekend, June 4. The Catherine Violet Hubbard Butterfly Party takes place on the grounds of the NYA at Fairfield Hills, from noon to 5 pm. The free family festival and pet adoption event in memory of Catherine, who was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School 12/14, is hosted by her family's Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation. Visit with adoptable animals, learn about butterflies and other animals, and enjoy music, food, crafts and vendors at the party that recalls Catherine's wish for a birthday party with all her favorite animals. All proceeds from Catherine's Butterfly Party will benefit the creation of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary.

I hear from Kaki and Fred Taylor that daughter-in-law Katherine Taylor (married to son Drew) was promoted to the rank of captain on May 19. She is based in Germany at Spangdahlem Air Force Base. Kaki and Fred are looking forward to a visit with Katie in Newtown over Memorial Day weekend, as the new captain makes her way to Colorado Springs, Colo., to celebrate her brother's graduation from the Air Force Academy.

A proud Grandma Dotti and Grandpa Lee Hossler could not help sharing this photograph of their grandson "The Thinker" with

On a somber note, a woman from Texas shared this message with

First Selectman Pat Llodra's door at the municipal center had a pretty cool poster on it this week. In case you haven't heard, Newtown residents can experience the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport at a greatly reduced cost, Saturday, June 25, from 10 am to 4 pm. Newtown residents pay just $5 for entrance to the zoo that day. Now that's what I call a cool deal.

Summer weather sprang out of our spring days pretty quickly this week. Hot and humid weather will be more the norm as the days go by, so if Fido often travels with you by car, be sure to keep your canine friend safe. Never leave your dog in a car while you do errands. Even with a window cracked open, it can quickly become dangerously hot in the car. If Fido likes to poke his or her head out the window when you take to the road, discourage this habit. Along with lots of exciting scents that can be inhaled, tiny bits of debris can also be sniffed up, or irritate eyes. And you might think it silly, but if your dog is a regular passenger, consider a special doggie seat belt. After all, it's no fun hitting the dashboard.

Has spring cleaning left you with a pile of clothes that are still very usable - just not to you? The Newtown Historical Society is co-hosting a clothing drive with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Connecticut. The drive takes place Saturday, June 4, from 9 am to 3 pm, at the Big Brothers Big Sisters donation center at 129 South Main Street. Representatives of the historical society will be at the store to help donors with unloading and carrying clothing bundles. In return, the historical society will receive 20 cents per pound for the clothing brought in on that day. So gather clothing of all sizes - for men, women and children - and bring them on down. For more information about Newtown Historical Society and this event, call 203-426-5937 or visit

I was scooting across Main Street and gazing up at the flag, and I noticed it is hovering about two feet from the top of the pole. Someone needs to give that summer flag a good yank and raise it to the top.

The Sandy Hook Boy Scout Troop 370 members will be proudly serving free coffee at their annual community service project over Memorial Day weekend. For more than three decades, the troop has provided travelers with free beverages and donuts near Exit 11 from I-84. The troop provides this community service with the help of its scouts, the scout leadership, parents, and the assistance from community businesses. The troop will be serving travelers from Friday evening, May 27, through Monday, May 30, at the front parking lot of Newtown Hardware.

Have a safe Memorial Day, and while you make happy family memories, be sure to take a moment to remember all of our service men and women. And of course, remember next week to… Read me again.