Longtime Newtown resident Bill Shpunt is a few weeks into retirement. Bill celebrated the conclusion of his career with Waterbury Fire at the end of May, with 30 years of service to that city.

Roger Ball is a little past his latest milestone birthday, but I’m still going to continue to send birthday wishes his way.

Meanwhile, the Boccuzzi family has received a Good Egg Award nomination and as usual, I agree with this idea. The following note was waiting for me Monday morning:

“I would like to nominate John Boccuzzi Jr and his family for the Good Egg Award. Last week we were at a family party and John was talking to his aunt, who lost her husband recently. She mentioned that being alone, she does not cook anymore. John asked her if she did cook, what are some of the things she might like. The next day, he and his family cooked up ten ready to be frozen dinners with all the foods that his aunt mentioned she liked. When she got the gift, she was very happy and is enjoying her meals.”

If that doesn’t deserve a Good Egg Award, I don’t know what does! Do you know someone who has done something good for someone else, without looking for praise? I’d love to share more Good Egg Award suggestions. Drop me a note by way of editor@thebee.com and it will find its way to me.

Newtown Bridge Club has raised more than $60,000 to support those affected by Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, and to advance research efforts by the Alzheimer’s Association, through its seven previous Longest Day events. The local club will host its 8th Annual Longest Day fundraiser — which will include games of Scrabble — next week at Edmond Town Hall. The June 18 event will open with breakfast and registration at 9:30, followed by morning games at 10 am. A lunch break is planned at 1 pm, and the afternoon session will begin at 2 pm. Bridge players are invited to play in either or both morning and afternoon games. Entry fees are $15 per session for each Open or 499er games and $10 for the Newcomer/49er game, which is perfect for social bridge players or any player with less than 50 masterpoints. If you’d like to learn about the Scrabble aspect, contact Cornelia Guest at CorneliaSGuest@gmail.com or 914-772-6535. Contact Linda Dale Mulholland at lindadalem@gmail.com for more information about the bridge games. Those who arrive with a minimum $100 in donations toward the Alzheimer’s Association will play free all day. Contact Linda or visit the local club’s website for additional details.

The Salvation Army Newtown-Bethel chapter needs bell ringers for its Christmas in July 2024. The local chapter is planning this year’s special one-day event for Saturday, July 20, with red kettles to be hosted at multiple locations. Some have already been picked up by clubs and organizations, but a few are open to anyone who can volunteer at least one hour that day. As of June 11 there were openings at Bagel Delight, Bottle Stop, Walgreens, and Yankee Wines & Spirits. The full event will run from 8 am to 4 pm. Individuals, couples, families, and groups are all welcome, as are costumes, music, and anything else that will encourage people to smile and donate. To receive the link for the online sign-up sheet or for additional information, send an email to sanewtownbethel@gmail.com.

I hope everyone who attended last weekend’s Sandy Hook LobsterFest had a good time. We’ll have photos and a recap of the event next week, but I thought readers would like to see that Bruce the Spruce has already shed his lobster shell and moved on to his next appearance. First thing Monday morning, the ladies in the Bee Production Department spruced up our favorite artificial tree ahead of Father’s Day. Bruce now proudly carries two pinecone babies, wears a necktie (because what’s Father’s Day without a new tie or two for Dad?), and even has a pair of snappy shoes for the occasion.

I was reminded this week of the importance of some apps. Newtown Emergency Communications Center and local first responders coordinated efforts again on Tuesday to find a pair of hikers after the two became lost within Upper Paugussett State Park. As has been done a few times now, dispatch and the first responders used what3words, an app that uses three unique words to pinpoint a three-meter square anywhere in the world. The what3words “address” for the front entrance to The Bee office is commit.circling.misled. It’s a pretty cool app, and it’s free. There are many ways to make sure you’re safe if you go into the woods, and this one has helped on local rescues a few times in recent years. It reportedly works even when you can’t get a cell phone signal, which makes it priceless. In less than 45 minutes, the hikers were found. If you’d like to learn more — and no, this cat does not receive a commission from this encouragement — visit what3words.com or the apps store on your cell phone.

Speaking of emergencies, most grandparents are quick to pull out their phones these days to share photos of their grandchildren. For one grandchild, Sandy Hook residents Louise and Arthur Zierzow are quick to pull up a phone and then click on a link to a recent news story. Andrew Drap used his training to remain calm on May 27, when the plane he was flying experienced mechanical issues and required an emergency landing. According to his proud grandmother, Andrew was flying a couple from the Gainsville area of Florida to Jacksonville when one of the dashboard gauges “fell precipitously” and the single engine started to smoke. A farmer working in a nearby field called in the emergency, as did Andrew, and the plane was able to make a landing at an unmanned, paved landing strip on the Gilchrist/Alachua County line. Local firefighters, police officers and the FAA were among those to respond. Andrew and his passengers were able to safely exit the plan after its landing, and beyond some frayed nerves there were no injuries.

I don’t have my own cell phone, but I know if I did I’d have some fun apps on it and I’d use a lot of reminders. One of those reminders would be to remind you to come back again next week, when you can … read me again.