If you’ve made it this far into the paper (or website) this week and somehow missed the news, we have officially welcomed The 2023 Newtown Bee First Baby of 2023! Managing Editor Shannon Hicks had the honor of meeting Rosalina Kritzman, and her parents Alyssa and John, earlier this week. We are all happy as kittens to welcome one of our hometown’s newest residents. Congratulations to the entire family.

Newtown resident Mark Greene will be releasing his novel Lobster Wars on Tuesday, January 17. The book is a fast-paced social satire about what happens when reality television comes to a small fishing village in Maine. Greene will be having an author event at Byrd’s Books in Bethel on Sunday, January 22, at 4 pm. Attendees can look forward to him talking about the creative process of writing and how his novel came to be, as well as him signing copies of Lobster Wars. Books will also be available for purchase at Byrd’s Books after the event.

Calling all Newtowners! Are you participating in Veganuary and following a vegan lifestyle for the month of January? If so, e-mail alissa@thebee.com by January 16 to be featured in an article about the subject and share your experience.

Newtown Congregational Church is hosting a Dress For Success clothing drive this month. The purpose of the organization is to offer long-lasting solutions that enable women to break the cycle of poverty. Dress For Success provides business clothing, and also interview coaching, help with choosing outfits, and links to job training. They also provide one business suit for interviews and one week’s worth of work attire for their clients, which is where the church is hoping to help. The clothing should be clean, pressed, on hangers, and not more than five years old. Clothing should be dropped off by February 1, at the church office, 14 West Street. The office is through the building’s lower entrance, and its current hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm. Have questions? Call 203-426-9024.

The Jewish Federation of Western Connecticut is planning a trip to Israel in October to coincide with the Middle Eastern country’s celebration of its 75th anniversary. While the full itinerary or cost have not been finalized, organizers can confirm the group will leave from New York on Sunday, October 15, and return Wednesday, October 25. Residents of western and northwestern Connecticut are invited to join the journey. To get on the waiting list for future announcements or to ask early questions, contact Federation President Pauline Zimmerman at 203-910-9501 or CEO Gary Jones at 203-267-3177 extension 304.

Both the Newtown High School girls’ and boys’ basketball teams used 14-0 runs in the second half to help them win. The Bender Classic hockey tourney was a big success on and off the ice as the Newtown Police and Nighthawks joined forces to raise money for Special Olympics. Read more in this week’s Sports section.

Restaurant Road Trip, a Connecticut Public food show featuring Newtown’s own Chef Plum, announced on its Facebook page, “Restaurant Road Trip,” this week that it earned placement among the most watched programs for Connecticut Public in 2022. “All thanks to the incredible crew that work on season one.” It also announced that season two will air in one month. As shared by Connecticut Public, two of the Restaurant Road Trip episodes from season one were in its top five most watched episodes. I’d say that’s worth a watch if you haven’t watched the show yet. Connecticut Public describes the show as “Restaurant Road Trip is a series that showcases the fantastic restaurants and eateries around the state of Conn. Season 1 premiered in Spring of 2022 featuring 12 restaurants in Fairfield County. Season 2 will premiere beginning February 2023.” Episodes are available to watch online at ctpublic.org.

Speaking of food, National Bagel Day is January 15. So how could I pass up this opportunity to praise our local bagels and those who make them? First up is Bagel Delight and owner Eunice Laverty. Eunice, besides making and selling great bagels and more, whenever a group approaches her for fundraising help, she is first to step up with a basket or gift certificate; she is a major promoter of Families United in Newtown, often helping the group by selling related product — especially during Autism Awareness Month. Her community cork board welcomes posters for local groups and activities, and her bagels are not only enjoyed by many in Newtown and surrounding communities, but when folks visit Newtown, they often return home with “Eunice’s bagels” packed away in their vehicle or in their suitcases.

And just down the street is Uncle Matt’s Bakery & Cafe. While not a bagel shop, it does serve up some popular bagels, along with a plentiful amount of other goodies to select from. Owner Matt Kirshner has also been a supportive member of the community, and we are excited to see what the future holds for this eatery. Both of the Church Hill Road establishments are worthy of visiting in honor of National Bagel Day. I’m lucky The Newtown Bee is located on Church Hill Road too ...

Readers were reminded last week (“Newtown Hikers Winter 2023 Schedule,” in print and online) that Newtown Hikers continue their weekly treks year-round. The schedule for the next few months was published last week, and now we’ve received word that there’s one little correction for the final hike of the season. Hike Coordinator Linda Dunn doesn’t want anyone going to the wrong location, so make note that if you’d like to join the group on March 25, the address for Phillips-Lovdal Farm Preserve is 530 Hulls Hill Road in Southbury. If you’d like to join the group any Saturday before that, keep track of their plans via our online calendar. Most hikes are out of town, so they’re listed on our website.

I’ll be sure to keep trekking this next week to round up all the Newtown news as long as you promise to ... Read me again.