Beth Caldwell has taken her new reign as Labor Day Parade Committee President pretty seriously. On Monday morning it was Beth who found the incriminating evidence that was left behind. About 30 minutes into the parade, I found Beth waving a flattened can in the air. “I found it! The paint can!” she announced proudly. The new look to the street was hard to see on Monday morning, though, with swarms of people covering it in anticipation of the yearly Labor Day Parade.

Thanks to the parade committee, by the way, and all of those who supported and were part of the 48th annual event. I can’t imagine Labor Day without a parade!

I’ve been using my cat’s keen eyes to find something, but I need a little help: a 1G digital camera memory card fell out of one Bee reporter’s pocket and she would really like it back. Somewhere around The Pleasance or up either side of Main Street heading for the flagpole or moving along either side of Glover Avenue as far as Queen Street, someone may see a memory card between the crushed candy and abundance of wrappers. The card is gold and black and we think there’s a small paper taped to it... Email Kendra@thebee.com if you find it, pretty please.

The Labor Day Parade Committee announces about a dozen awards at the end of each year’s parade, but here’s a new one to add to the list: Earliest Chair Prep. Unless I’m mistaken, Lina and Gordon Williams may have been the first to place their chairs on the curb along the parade route this year. On my way home from church Sunday morning, a lawn chair was already placed in front of the Williamses home on Main Street.

The displays honoring soldiers who are currently deployed have been installed in the main lobby of Edmond Town Hall, but Laurie McCollum is still hoping to hear from more people with the names of those who should be included in those plaques. Also, while the town hall board was able to give Laurie permission to have the new memorial cases built, there wasn’t any money available to pay for them so the costs came out of Laurie’s pockets. Donations have started coming in, but residents are reminded that they can be part of this permanent display if they would like to make a financial contribution. A 501(c)(3) account has been set up to receive donations of all sizes, made payable to Project Newtown Troops & Veterans, and can be sent to Laurie McCollum, 30 Waterview Drive, Sandy Hook CT 06482, or deposited at any branch of Newtown Savings Bank. Laurie can be reached with new names or donations at 426-5559.

Tracy James is pleased to share with me that last month her husband, Bob Terry, and 11-year-old son, Cole, both won Gold at the Nutmeg State Games, a multisport festival of Olympic-style competition held at Danbury High School stadium. Cole captured the Gold for the long jump, and Bob a Gold for the high hurdles. Bob and Tracy’s 8-year-old daughter, Kayla, also took part for the first time, says Tracy, and performed admirably, coming in 12th in the 100 meter dash. Congratulations to all!

I hear from Nancy Henne Schreiner that GIS employee Alicia Messier is saying her goodbyes. Alicia is moving home to Massachusetts, and everyone in Newtown and Sandy Hook wishes her the best of luck. So long! Don’t forget your Connecticut buddies!

What the dickens?? Oh, it’s Marcia Hicks’ cat, Dickens, who looks forward to my column each week, she says. I applaud your good taste, Dickens, and am happy to have heard from you on the Bee’s Facebook page. I am also happy to know that I serve as an inspiration to other young cats that may have journalistic ambitions.

There is one place that you won’t find me this weekend, for my own good. But I am encouraging all of my dog-loving friends and their canine companions to set aside the hours of 1 to 5 pm this coming Saturday, September 12. That’s when Parks and Rec, Mt Pleasant Hospital for Animals, Bethel 4-H, and Canine Training Behavior of Wilton are joining together to present the Dog Days of Summer/Responsible Pet Ownership program at Fairfield Hills. The afternoon of fun doggie events (including a kissing contest for dogs) is free, but donations are welcome. All proceeds will go toward building a Newtown Dog Park; and as a cat, I support any effort to keep dogs all together, in a safe, fenced-in environment.

If I had a little kitty Vespa, I could join the newly organized Spark Moto Night at the Blue Z on South Main Street. “Grand Poobah” Adam Zuckerman says that a number of vintage and European motorcycle enthusiasts are meeting monthly at the coffee house to share their interests. If you have an interest in vintage, European, or streetfighter motorcycles, scooters of any kind, or café racers, check out the next meeting, Wednesday, September 16, from 6 to 9:30 pm, at the Blue Z, 127 South Main Street. Facebookers can check it out at Spark Moto Night.

It’s one of those true signs that autumn is around the corner — apple picking has started at nearby Blue Jay Orchards in Bethel. I understand that this is the orchard’s 75th anniversary, as well, so I want to offer them congratulations, and best wishes for many more years of success. Picking fresh fruit at area orchards is a great family activity, plus it support local farmers. You can find lots of Connecticut listings at pickyourown.org.

Now that students have headed off to colleges across the country, there may be some empty nesters casting around for something to occupy their time. If you have, or once had, any musical instrument inclination, why not check out the Community Band? In its second season, the band is always seeking new members. Rehearsals have begun, so don’t delay. Contact director Bob Nolte at nolter@newtown.k12.ct.us for information.

It’s probably tooting my own horn, but I don’t think you’ll be sorry if next week you…. Read me again.