This winter is confusing me, no end. Within the matter of three days I've needed sunscreen on my nose, shaken snow out of my paws, and been forced to dash about in the pouring rain. What does Mother Nature have in store for us next?babycontest2010@gmail.com or call 203-270-8017.www.5krunforshf.org. Participants will be registered on a first-come, first-served basis. Proceeds from the Sandy Hook 5K will be donated to the Collaborative Recovery Fund administered by The Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation, which pays the out-of-pocket mental health expenses for those eligible who have been most impacted by 12/14. Additionally, a percentage goes to the chosen nonprofit organizations of the 26 families who lost loved ones in the tragedy.www.nyasportsfitness.comCalling all golfers: The First Annual NYA Sports & Fitness Center Golf Classic takes place June 1, at Richter Park in Danbury. This classic supports the NYA Impact Fund, creating a scholarship fund to benefit those in the community experiencing financial distress, veterans, special needs, and children who need extra support. NYA connects the community through sports and wellness programs for all ages. To find out more about taking part in the NYA Golf Classic, visit www.newtownbee.comC.H. Booth Library staffers announced on its Facebook page this week that to celebrate the legacy of Dr Seuss, they have created a life-sized Cat in the Hat. "We looked! Then we saw him step in on the mat! We looked! And we saw him! The Cat in the Hat! And he said to us, 'Why do you sit there like that?'" So don't just sit there - kids (or kids at heart) are invited to pose for photos with the Cat in the Hat next Wednesday, March 2, which just happens to be Dr Seuss's birthday. Then share those photos taken with the infamous feline on the library's Facebook page or on Instagram using #newtownreadsacrossamerica or #chboothlibrary in the description. (Don't forget that photos posted on Instagram with #viewfromnewtown appear at

FAITH Food Pantry volunteers were busy Tuesday morning, thanks to recent efforts by the confirmation class of Newtown United Methodist Church. Seems the young churchgoers collected a huge load of food and toiletries during their 2016 Super Bowl event, which kept volunteers busy sorting, storing, and then distributing on February 23.

Who has the most beautiful baby? Residents will get to vote on Newtown's Beautiful Baby, beginning at the June Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company's LobsterFest. But first, organizer Lois Barber needs some submissions. To enter the Beautiful Baby Contest, send a 4-inch by 4-inch photo of your beautiful baby (newborn to age 4) and a $10 entry fee, check made payable to Homes For Our Troops, to Baby Contest, c/o Lois Barber, 33 Zoar Road, Sandy Hook CT 06482. Be sure to write the child's name and a contact phone number and e-mail on the back of the photo. You can submit your beautiful baby anytime between now and June. Following the LobsterFest, photos and a voting booth will be set up at Stop & Shop in Sand Hill Plaza. Votes are one dollar per vote, payable by check or cash stuffed into the ballet box. The child whose photo raises the most money wins a chauffeur-driven ride in a Mercedes convertible in the September Labor Day Parade. The top two winners also each get a Family Fun Prize Basket. This year, 100 percent of the money raised will help build a handicap house for 22-year-old Army Ranger Sean Pesce, through the Homes For Our Troops nonprofit. This Connecticut soldier was shot 13 times, leaving him permanently paralyzed from the waist down. For more info on the Beautiful Baby Contest, e-mail

Speaking of beautiful babies, congratulations to C.H. Booth Children's Librarian Alana Bennison. Her second grandchild, a little girl, has graced her life. Ainsleigh was born February 20, and Gramma Alana is all aglow.

I was chasing about the aisles of Bottle Stop Wine & Spirit on Queen Street, and noticed that they have more than just a pretty selection of bottles to choose from. The latest pop-up art show by the Society of Creative Arts of Newtown (SCAN), on view through March 2 in the liquor store, presents paintings by the prize-winning artist Wallace Sloves. A professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology for more than 50 years, Mr Sloves has been the recipient of accolades in five juried shows. Stop by - I think you'll be adding your own accolades, if you do.

Get your sneakers ready. The Sandy Hook 5K run to honor the memories of the victims and support those affected by 12/14 will take place Saturday, April 2, on the campus of Fairfield Hills. Staggered kid fun runs begin at 9 am, and the 5K, this year accommodating 1,800 runners, starts at 9:30 am. Registration fee for the 5K and the virtual runners is $26, $6 for the kid runs. Online registration is open on the official race website,

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The winter months can seem a little slow after the end of the year holidays, but you would be surprised at what is coming up in March: starting with Dadgum That's Good Day, March 1, you can make your way through the month celebrating just about anything that comes to mind. How about Toy Soldiers Day on March 4, Ken Doll Day on the 13th, Awkward Moments Day on the 18th, National Goof Off Day on March 22, or World Marbles Day on March 25? In between are stuffed plenty of days you might be more inclined to honor, such as Employee Appreciation Day on March 4, International Women's Day on March 8, and the International Day of Happiness on March 20. Let's not forget Dr Seuss Day and NEA Read Across America Day, both on March 2. Which reminds me…

, too.) Now I just have to figure out how this cat can take a selfie...

While I ponder that dilemma, I'll be poking about for more news. Be sure next week to… Read me again.