I’m always sure that it is impossible to eat food too quickly. But if fast food is catching up to you, check out this link: www.courant.com/news/opinion/editorials/hc-fresh-wenick-fast-food-diet.artjan27,0,381936.story. NHS 2006 grad Alana Wenick and co-author Evan Lawrence had this article published in the January 27 Hartford Courant, reflecting on the newest trend of fast food diets. “Fast food” and “diet” do seem like a bit of an oxymoron, now that I think about it…

I knew there was another Good Egg lurking out there in Newtown. It seems that Rich Collins will get my award this week. Rich, the advisor to the Newtown Congregational senior youth group, helped the kids organize the very successful Haiti dinner and reggae night at the church on January 23, with the proceeds going to help the earthquake victims in Haiti. He is also a Sunday School teacher at NCC and has served as a deacon there, as well. “In his quiet, unassuming way,” says Rich’s fan, “he is surely a Good Egg.” Congratulations, Rich, and thanks for all you do!

Do you have an amazing love story? Angelo Marini, owner of Sal e Pepe Restaurant at 97 South Main Street announces a “Love Story” competition in time for Valentine’s Day and encourages couples young and old to submit their love stories. “Promoting a love story competition is a great way to embrace love and keep it alive in our hearts longer than just on February 14th,” says Angelo, so for all of February, Sal e Pepe will be accepting submissions for the most original and romantic love story. Members of the Royalty Rewards program will receive 100 points for the submission of their story, and those who are not members can register for free and receive the same benefit. The most original love story will win a “Soup to Nuts Dinner for Two” at Sal e Pepe’s. The winner will be announced on March 8. Local lovebirds are invited to submit their love story by email to renimar2@aol.com, or by mail or in person to 97 South Main Street, Newtown CT 06470, by February 28.

There’s a special collection box located in the Newtown fire marshal’s office. Nancy Schreiner, fire marshal office secretary and mother of a soldier serving in Haiti, is looking for donations to send to the troops stationed on the earthquake-devastated island. Hand sanitizer, baby and acne wipes, razors, shaving cream, toothpaste and toothbrushes are among the many items needed. (See full story in this week’s Bee for a complete list.) For a closeup look at what the troops are doing to assist, become a Facebook fan of the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division. Nancy will send out the donated items as soon as an address for the troops is set up in Haiti, hopefully by Valentine’s Day.

Middle Gate School counts down to the 100th day of school each year, but this year the school’s PTA and math/science specialist Pam Fagan are counting on some help from students to raise money for Haiti, struck by an earthquake on January 12. As scheduled now, the 100th day of school in the district should be Wednesday, February 10, unless more snow days push the date back. As a special program this year, students are asked to bring in 100 coins of their choice if possible, and add them to a container for a collection. The coins will then be counted on the 100th day and donated to Habitat For Humanity, a charity organization responsible for rebuilding homes, schools, and more in Haiti. The coin drive started January 25 and will run until the 100th day of school.

Sage DeSimone stopped by The Bee one day this week with samples of cookies and if they are any example of what she plans to sell at her bake sale, count me in. Inspired by the stories coming out of Haiti, the RIS fifth grader is organizing the bake sale at Edmond Town Hall, beginning at noon, Saturday, February 20. All funds raised will go to the Save the Children Foundation, and from there, to support relief in Haiti. You can satisfy your sweet tooth and add some sweetness to someone’s life in a not-so-sweet situation.

I’m going to stop by the Blue Z Coffeehouse at 127 South Main Street this Friday evening, February 5, to take a look at the newest art show there. An art opening for featured artist Doug Calderone will take place from 7 to 9 pm, with live music, refreshments, and a chance to talk with the artist. If you fall in love with one of the pieces, you’re in luck — all of his works on display are available for purchase.

Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is coming up on February 12. While poking around trivia-library.com, I found out that Lincoln was a big believer in his dreams, and even twice dreamed of his death — the second time just days before his assassination. Sends a shiver down my spine.

The only dream come true that I want, is that next week you will… Read me again.