Just because it’s a new year doesn’t mean that I’m not still waiting for Good Egg nominations. If you know someone who works behind the scenes to make the world — or even a small piece of the world — a better place, and deserves some recognition, let me know at Nancy@thebee.com, subject line: Good Egg. Is it someone who comes from across town to plow a shut-in’s driveway? Is it the neighbor who offers to pick up your medication because you can’t get out? Do you know someone who takes over for a stressed out new mom and gives her a break? Nominate the Good Egg and I’ll spread the word to all of Newtown.

Here’s something else you can help with: The Way We Were column in The Bee is always seeking old photos to accompany the column. If your family has been in the Newtown/Sandy Hook area for awhile, maybe there are some photos of familiar people, places, and events from 25, 50, or more years ago that you can share.

The Bee had a special visitor one day last week who put the shoe on the other foot. Kate, a fifth grade journalist for the Reed Intermediate Patriot Press newspaper, interviewed Bee education reporter Eliza Hallabeck and editor Curtiss Clark, as well as other Bee staff members, and she had some pretty good questions. I hope you’ll be able to get a copy of the upcoming school paper and read her article.

January 15 is the birth date of minister, martyr, and civil rights activist, the late Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. Best known for leading the Montgomery (Ala.) Bus Boycott in 1955, the 1963 March On Washington, D.C., and his “I Have A Dream” speech given there, Dr King was assassinated in Memphis, Tenn., April 4, 1968. His legacy will be commemorated this year on Martin Luther King, Jr Day, Monday, January 18. Federal offices, post offices, banks, and schools will be closed, as will town offices and state offices, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles.

The Discussion Salon has gotten off to a great start this year, says Ben Roberts. There have been some lively discussions on the consumption tax, and the problem of languages becoming extinct. On January 25, Kim Hynes of Connecticut Common Cause will give a presentation that will serve as the basis for discussion on good government and election reform. There have been new faces at the weekly Monday evening discussions, too, he says. If you like to talk about current subjects or just listen in, join the Discussion Salon from 7 to 9 pm any Monday at Mocha Coffeehouse on Glen Road.

I’ve been a little lax, but I did finally get my copy of the 2010 Farmers’ Almanac and, as always, it has varied and interesting articles. I found myself purring with pleasure over the witty “Cat Got Your Tongue?” article by Richard Lederer, a collection of cat-themed sayings and from where those expressions arise. There are lots of “green” articles this year, too, and for the astrologically minded, a chart of the “best days” for undertaking everything from potty training to painting. It must be the practical advice that makes this small magazine so enduring and endearing.

If you want to get back in the “sing” of things, you might consider joining the Newtown Choral Society. Rehearsals for the spring concert begin Wednesday, February 3, at 7 pm, in the NMS chorus room, under the direction of Mary Andreotta. The group welcomes all singers and is a nonauditioned group. Lalalalalalala. I think I’m ready.

The bitter cold and snow-covered ground this winter means that New England’s songbirds are in need of a little help. At allaboutbirds.org, a Cornell lab of ornithology site, you can find out all about the right kinds of bird feeders, seeds, other foods, and feeder maintenance to attract and assist wild birds this winter. Sometimes, well-meaning efforts have bad results when poorly cared for feeders breed mold and bacteria, sickening the birds that feed there. Knowing which kind of seed attracts which variety of bird can make for happy bird watching, too, and as you can guess, I’m all in favor of a good day of bird watching. Did I just hear someone say, “I tot I taw a puddy tat?”

Because I am a fan of The Newtown Bee on Facebook, I can check out the weekly question. This week’s question, “What are you reading now?” has elicited some great responses and has given me lots of ideas for my “To Read” list. Become a fan now, if you’re not already, and put in your two cents worth.

From what I hear, Newtown is in for a big treat come May 14 and 15, when Reed Intermediate’s yearly school musical comes to the stage in the school’s cafetorium. High School Musical 2 will be this year’s feature for the school. Reed Intermediate School teacher Gina Swanson says the play has had two rehearsals so far, and the students are eager to learn. There are 120 students in the play this year. Ms Swanson says this was the first time all students who auditioned received a part in the play. Personally, I think Ms Swanson should get a Tony for directing that many students!

Rumor has it that members of Joanne’s Fitness Studio on South Main love exercising so much that they plan active “field trips” together, too. Last year they went sky diving together, so this winter’s expedition seems a little more “grounded,” shall we say? The exercising friends will travel to Farmington the end of this month for a snowshoeing and cross-country ski day at Winding Trails.

I think I’m going to pad on my little cat feet right over to the closest soft chair for my big exercise this week. You can exercise your knowledge of Newtown’s goings-on by remembering next week to… Read me again.