There's always someone that has to be up to mischief. We hear that several of the signs posted on lawns around town to congratulate NHS graduates were swiped. How disappointing that anyone would snatch these temporary good wishes.www.newtownctlabordayparade.org to find out more about the September 5 event.Whereas, pollinating animals, including honey bees, native bees, birds, butterflies, bats, beetles and others, are vital to maintaining healthy and diverse ecosystems;Whereas, pollination plays a vital role in the health of our forests, grasslands and water resources, and the wildlife supported by these ecosystems;Whereas, healthy ecosystems create recreational opportunities and enhanced economic development opportunities;Whereas, pollinator species are essential partners of farmers and gardeners in producing much of our food supply; Whereas, pollinators can be used to connect children to Nature, engaging future generations to conservation;Whereas, Connecticut lost 57% of its honey bee colonies in 2015, after several years of losses around 50% per year;Whereas, Connecticut has lost 2 of our 14 species of bumble bees, and 2 additional species have not been collected in the state for several years, andWhereas, Newtown is cognizant of the plight of pollinators and is increasing pollinator habitat on public lands; Now, therefore, I, E. Patricia Llodra, First Selectman of Newtown, do hereby proclaim the week of June 20 through June 26 to be Pollinator Week and encourage Newtown citizens to take cognizance of this event and to participate in its observance.

I know, I know. It's only June. But it's time to plan ahead if you want to be a part of the 55th Annual Newtown Labor Day Parade. "There's No Place Like Home" is a theme sure to inspire plenty of float makers, and who wouldn't want to be part of a parade headed up by Grand Marshal Dr Bob Grossman? You can become an advertiser, a sponsor or a vendor at the Labor Day Parade, enter your float or just donate to help fund the many expenses for the end of summer extravaganza. Visit

Michael LaPerch saw an unexpected summer visitor last Wednesday. This black bear crossed Old Farm Hill Road in Sandy Hook, seeking some backyard snacks, no doubt. I hope everyone is heeding birdwatchers' advice to take in birdfeeders during the warmer months. It's fun to see the birds, but not so much fun when they attract bears.

Hawley Elementary School Principal Christopher Moretti was a good sport on one of the final days of school when he dressed up like a hot dog during lunch. The school community collected 726 food items to donate to the food pantry at Newtown Social Services, which surpassed the goal of 352. Since the goal was reached, Mr Moretti awarded the students with this surprise. Thanks to Mr Moretti, I have the old Oscar Mayer Wiener commercial song as an ear worm now... Let me share: "Oh, I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wiener. That is what I truly wish to be-e-e…"

Congratulations to Riley Rising and Lauren King, who came out on top in the June 11 Mad Dash Elite Course at NYA. Running, scrambling through obstacles that included tires, ropes and hay barriers, getting blasted by fire hoses and, of course, crawling through some mud gave these two and all of the other participants plenty to contend with, mentally and physically. I was happy to be on the sidelines, purring and licking my clean fur coat.

While some Newtown residents were crawling through the mud and grass clippings, Sheila Maher and Bridget Seaman donned fancy hats and headed off to watch the Belmont Stakes. They didn't forget to stick the official flower of the Belmont, the white carnation, in their hats, either. This was the 34th year that Bridget has galloped off to the races in Elmont, N.Y., to watch the three minutes of excitement - with plenty of other in-the-stands fun, I hear.

The Cornerstone Thrift Shop, located in the lower level of the Newtown Congregational Church at 14 West Street, is looking for a few volunteers to help out during the months of July and August. Tuesdays through Fridays, you can choose from the 11 am to 1:30 pm shift or the 1:30 to 4 pm shift; on Saturday, volunteers are needed for the 11 am to 1:30 pm shift. Call Jan Bennett at 230-426-3368.

How could I not love a proclamation about pollinators? Our First Selectman Pat Llodra has issued just such a proclamation, thanks to the efforts of the local Protect Our Pollinators group:

The world is finding its perfect balancing act on Monday, June 20. The Summer Solstice brings the sun to a position immediately above the Tropic of Cancer in the northern hemisphere, this year on Monday at 2:35 UTC. While many people celebrate Memorial Day as the unofficial start to summer, Monday will mark the actual first day of summer. After taking a pause at the top of the world, our sun will then begin its southward journey again, with each day becoming a tiny bit shorter. What does this mean to us northerners? It's time to make the most of this remarkable time of the year. Happy summer!

And a happy summer it will be, if you promise next week to… Read me again.