It's not too late to start planning to attend a fundraiser/celebration in Bridgewater next weekend. Bridgewater residents will probably still be celebrating the earlier-than-expected reopening of Route 133 - a CTDOT project near the southern town line was completed on July 14, a month ahead of schedule! - but everyone is also invited to join a dance party following recent renovations to the town pavilion on Hut Hill Road. Not Too Late, a local band that includes Newtown resident Chuck DelRossi, has the honor of playing one of the first public shows on the pavilion's new floor, scheduled for Saturday, July 29, at 7 pm. Tickets are $15 each, or two for $25, and proceeds will benefit Bridgewater Congregational Church and its community benevolence programs. Audience members should bring their own seating. A dance area will definitely be set up in front of the band so that anyone who wants to dance to the classic rock selections will be able to do so. The event is BYOB; snacks and munchies will be available for purchase. Call the church at 860-354-8283 for reservations or additional information. Organizers expect tickets will also be available for purchase the night of the show.bridgewatercountryfair@gmail.com.firehouseride.com, or consider a donation to support our oldest fire company.Dozens of works by the Cullenses are on view at the church this summer, including plenty celebrating their hometown. Check out the more than 125 photographs created by the Cullenses from now until September 17. But this Sunday will offer the opportunity to enjoy the collection as well as meet the two very talented photographers who created them. The reception runs from 12:30 until 2 pm at the church, 156 Walnut Hill Road. The collection also offers images taken across the country, including plenty of animals and landscapes. For additional information call 203-512-8058 or visit ccullens.com/whcc.Victor, visiting Waterview Drive residents Laurie Dale and Missy Jones, received not only their hospitality and care for the coming weeks, but unexpected gifts from Underhill Road neighbor Tricia Bobowick. As Victor rode his scooter through the quiet adjoining side streets bordering Lake Zoar, Ms Bobowick walked next door with an armload of gifts. She handed Victor several games that immediately prompted a smile. Minutes later his luck increased as he and his hosts visited Ms Bobowick's backyard where he played with the dog, swung on a rope swing, and looked across Lake Zoar from the end of a dock. While he was busy, Ms Bobowick dusted off a bicycle she had leaning against her garage. As Victor and Ms Dale and Ms Jones walked back home, Ms Bobowick rolled out this additional gift. After helping to inflate its tires, Victor rode his new bicycle home.recent feature on his fledgling food business. "I am appreciative to the people at The Bee for liking them [his Coco Yum treats] ... The article inspired me even more," Sammy added in a note. That's real businessman class.fundraiser for Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) on Saturday, open to the public. Learn about BACA's commitment to working against child abuse and assistance to victims, and enjoy food, drink, raffles, and entertainment. Tickets are $20 at the door. Call 203-969-8130 or 860-9336, or go to connecticut.bacaworld.org/western-connecticut for more information.The Newtown Bee, don't you? Send your child's photograph, age, birthdate, and your daytime contact information to eliza@thebee.com, and not only will the picture appear in our "Just For Kids" section, but every child entered that week will have the chance to win a cake from Bake N' Cakes in Southbury. How sweet is that?

Speaking of Bridgewater, it's only a month until the annual Bridgewater Country Fair. It kicks off Friday evening, August 18, with opening ceremonies at 6:30 and the fire companies parade on Main Street at 6:45 pm. The fun continues at the fairgrounds through Sunday, August 20, with rides, food, animals, shows, vendors, and so much more. Admission is $8/adults, $6 for seniors (60+), and free for kids under age 12. Fairgrounds are open until 11 pm on Friday, from 8 am to 11 pm on Saturday, and on Sunday, from 8 am to 6 pm. For more information contact

Newtown Hook & Ladder still has ad space in the program book for the 2017 Firehouse Ride, coming this September. Deadline for ads is September 12, and information can be found at

Who doesn't like to gaze at pretty pictures? Here's your chance - Sandy Hook residents Rhonda and Chane Cullens, along with members of Walnut Hill Community Church in Bethel, invite all to a reception on Sunday, July 23.

The severe thunderstorm warnings for our area last Thursday fortunately passed us by - but the gentle rains of Friday morning seemed to be the straw that broke the camel's back for Sandy Hook Center, with limbs on wires and transformer issues putting that section of town in the dark for an extended period of time.

Was it his birthday? Nope. Just some loving Newtown welcome gifts. We heard this week that on Monday, 11-year-old

Good manners are always in vogue. We were thrilled that young entrepreneur Sammy Lopata stopped by with his dad, Larry, this week to personally thank reporter Alissa Silber for the

The VFW Post 308 will host the

If grass pollen is the bane of your existence, you might want to curtail outdoor activities for the next several days, when the National Weather Service predicts high to moderate levels of grass pollen in the Newtown area.

I have heard a lot of celebrating at baseball fields around town this summer. Interestingly it involves cats - the Thundercats and the One Eyed Cats. Let me turn to the sports section to see what all of the excitement is about.

Call them wine berries or thimble berries, or whatever you like, but these tart, tasty berries are dotting the Connecticut landscape now. The sticky pods from which the berries burst seem to deter birds and critters, leaving plenty for the jam-making population - or anyone who adores the fresh fruits of the season. The berries seem to ripen as fast as you can pick them, making the process (while a bit sticky and prickly) a quick one.

You do know that kids can win a birthday cake from

You know what else is pretty sweet? When you... Read me again.