I learned this week about two phone apps, "Weather Pup" and "Weather Kitty." Both apps share the weather and time based on the user's location, but they also share photos of animals responding to that information. Weather Pup offers photos of dogs and Weather Kitty offers photos of cats every time the user checks the weather. Both apps are charitable partners with multiple animal organizations and shelters around the country, so for every advertisement that comes up, money is donated. I'm just sold on the pictures, particularly the kitties...contest@trafficsafety.us. Be sure the e-mail indicates which contest - distracted or alcohol.The Bee). The collection is running through May 30.The Bee. "This past Sunday, April 24, when my wife returned home from my son's soccer game, she saw on our back lawn what she thought was a big black bag - until it moved. It turned out to be a bear that had gotten into our garbage container and was feeding himself. My wife and my two younger boys stayed in the car and filmed his escapades in our yard. After about 10 minutes, he eventually strolled across our front lawn and into the backyard of our neighbor's, toward the shared woods," he says.

Here's something to "bee" happy about: The "Save the BEE Bill" (Bill 231) has passed the Connecticut House unanimously, and is now on the way to the governor. This bill seeks a number of ways to protect the pollinator habitats, and protect them from the neonicotinoid insecticides that are harmful to them. I hope Gov Malloy hears the buzz and signs the bill. Nothing is better than snoozing in a field of clover with the buzz of bees all around.

I spotted this "Dog" made by Middle Gate Elementary School third grader Virgina Lynch in the school's Earth Week Museum, which featured creations made from recycled materials. Virginia made her dog using yarn, a can, "a plastic thing from chocolate," a toilet paper roll, a cap, corks, straws, paper clips, newspaper, and beads. (If you squint, could this not be an Earth Day cat?)

The Newtown Prevention Council invites Newtown High School students to submit slogans for the Newtown High School Band and Guard truck. Your slogan will be displayed wherever the band plays, and visible as the truck rests in its parking place at Fairfield Hills, as well. Two slogan designs are requested. The first is a slogan designed to discourage distracted driving; the second to discourage drinking and driving. One slogan will be visible on each side of the truck. Slogans must be one or two lines, no more than 18 characters per line. Slogans must be in line with the town's character. Judges Dr Joseph Erardi, Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra, Lt Paul Vance (CT State Trooper), Chief James Viadero, the Newtown High School student body, and others will determine the two winners (one for distracted driving and the other for drinking and driving.) A winner will be determined based on creativity, likelihood of the slogan leading to behavior change, and overall awesomeness. Submissions deadline is next Wednesday, May 4. You can enter up to two times for each contest. E-mail your entry to

While buying a snack this week, I noticed a collection box at Caraluzzi's Newtown Market on Queen Street. Girl Scout Troop 50512 is collecting collars, toys, tennis balls, medical supplies, and "loud and obnoxious children's toys" for the Exceptional Partner Service Dogs, a nonprofit organization in town that is raising and training psychiatric service dogs (see related story in this issue of

Tunnel Road resident Okan Akbas shared this tale and photograph with

Mother's Day at the museum? Sure, why not?! All mothers who visit EverWonder Children's Museum on Sunday, May 8, will be treated to half-off their admission fee. The museum, at 31 Pecks Lane, is open from 11 am until 5 pm on Sundays.

Relay For Life of Newtown organizers are doing something clever this year for the event's luminaria celebration. Luminarias line the track walked by those participating in Relay For Life, and have candles inside them that are lit after sunset, honoring those who continue to fight, have survived cancer, or have been lost to the disease. Traditionally anchored by sand, this year's Newtown luminarias will be anchored with canned goods. RFL-Newtown organizers are asking everyone to drop off a can or two at NYA Sports & Fitness Center, 4 Primrose Street; or Newtown High School, 12 Berkshire Road, where donation boxes have been set up. The cans will be used during Relay For Life, and then all of them will be donated to FAITH Food Pantry in Sandy Hook. As always, please be sure to check cans for expiration dates before donating them (and with this canned goods drive, keep in mind that Relay doesn't take place until May 21). FAITH cannot do anything with expired cans other than throw them out.

The Newtown Scholarship Association is planning ahead, with a Beer, Bourbon & BBQ theme for the fall fundraiser, Saturday, September 24, at Michael's at the Grove in Bethel. Enjoy dancing, live and silent auctions, and craft beer and bourbon tastings during the event to honor the late Betty Lou Osborne, a longtime NSA and continuing education supporter. Future scholarship recipients benefit from the event. Additional details to come.

Administrative Professionals Day was marked on Wednesday, April 27, and I know because at least some of our school administrative assistants were celebrated with flowers. (Both the offices at Head O' Meadow Elementary School and Middle Gate Elementary School had a particularly floral scent that caught my catty nose's attention.) Here's hoping all of our teachers and school personnel feel just as celebrated this coming Tuesday, May 3, for National Teacher Appreciation Day.

I certainly would feel the love if you promise next week to… Read me again.