Newtown Hearts of Hope has partnered with the Major Stuart Adam Wolfer Institute (MSAWI), I’m told. Every ceramic Heart of Hope painted in Newtown that is going to a veteran or to active military person will now be accompanied by a very special star. Hearts of Hope are distributed as anonymous messages of comfort. MSAWI, founded by the mother and sister of its namesake, honors Major Stuart Adam Wolfer, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2008 during a tour with the Army Reserves. His family turns retired American flags into gifts of kindness for troops and veterans, to let them know that their service and sacrifice is not forgotten. The stars packaged with the hand painted hearts are cut from the retired American flags. To learn more about the project, visit www.msawi.org.

What do you give a 103-year-old sweetheart for Valentine’s Day? Doris Dickinson’s friend, Carlen Gaines, figured out just the ticket. Doris was serenaded by the Danbury Mad Hatters for Valentine’s Day. INSERT DORIS AND MADHATTERS PHOTO “They sang three old songs and gave her a rose! They are great,” says Carlen, and the surprise made Doris’s day.

Mother Nature did a little bit of art work in Bridget Seaman’s driveway, following a recent snow storm. A snowball rolled down the hill, collecting snow in a perfect pattern and landing all rolled up into — a snow snail! INSERT SNOWSNAIL PHOTO

A little bird told me — surprisingly, as you know how reticent birds are to discuss anything with cats — that library staff planned to honor not only longtime librarian Beryl Harrison for her 25 years of service, but Meg Savarese, as well, at the next library staff meeting. Meg has kept on top of the bookkeeping for the C.H. Booth Library for the past 25 years, and the staff and board are most grateful for her dedication.

Of course, the upcoming staff meeting may have a different focus now that, for the second time in just over a year, flooding has disrupted the library. The Tuesday disaster, with ceiling tiles and water from pipes bursting through into the Children’s Department, is going to call on the reserves of the whole library staff once again. I certainly hope the public will support our library in its time of need. Let’s remember what a place of refuge and peace that place has been in recent hard times.

Due to the flooding issue, Lucy Handley, adult programming director at C.H. Booth Library, has rescheduled the “What’s The Buzz? Honeybees and Beekeeping” program with beekeeper Ned Farrell to this coming Tuesday evening, February 24, in the meeting room at the library. Mr Farrell will talk about the importance of bees, and how to set up as a beekeeper. Sign up (again) at www.chboothlibrary.org.

Resident Frank Rocca, Jr, experienced a great loss this past Tuesday, when his home in the Meadowbrook Terrace Mobile Home Park on Sugar Street was completely destroyed by fire. Anyone looking to help him can reach out through his father, who lives locally. Reach Frank Rocca, Sr, at 917-807-4652.

Despite storms and snow, woodworker Johnny Williams of JAW Woodworking, has been camped out in his woodshop on Obtuse Road, preparing for a big week. “This coming Thursday through Sunday, February 20 through 22, I will be exhibiting my furniture at the American Craft Council Show in Baltimore, Md.,” Johnny tells me. The custom furniture maker has been invited by the Craft Council to participate in its inaugural “Hip Pop” program, an initiative designed to support emerging artists, he says. “Five other makers and I will share a prefab exhibition booth, each of us representing different branches of craft such as textiles, jewelry, and ceramics. It will be my first exhibition on a convention center scale and I’m hoping to kick down the door!” says Johnny. Congratulations!

Gyms across the country will this week honored Charlotte Bacon, who died 12/14, with an event called Fitness For Kindness to commemorate what would have been her 9th birthday, on February 22. CrossFit Hook’d, 7 Turnberry Lane, in Sandy Hook, will host its Fitness For Kindness event Sunday, February 22, beginning at 9 am. Other groups that are reportedly participating include CrossFit 203, NYA Sports & Fitness Center, and the Men’s Soccer Team at Stonehill College. For more information about Fitness For Kindness, visit www.eventbrite.com and search for Fitness For Kindness. This event will follow on the heels of the Third Annual Charlotte Bacon Kindness Awards, Saturday afternoon, when organizers will recognize exceptionally kind acts by children.

February is healthy heart month, and there are still several days to commit to keeping your heart pumping happily. From exercise to diet to emotional well-being, the American Heart Association has lots of tips for healthy living — this month and every month. To find out the many ways you can make positive changes, visit www.heart.org. (I also notice that the Lenten season began on Wednesday. Maybe you can give up an unhealthy habit for Lent.)

If the winter weather has you feeling dreary, why not make a point of attending the Harlem Wizards comedy basketball game at Newtown High School, Sunday afternoon? The Wizards will face a fearsome Newtown Teachers’ team, and promise plenty of tricks to tickle your funny bone. Audience participation could happen, so wear your sneakers! The teams tip off at 3 pm. Tickets at the door are $12 for adults and $10 for students. I’d say laughing beats shoveling, any day.

I’m no basketball star, but I’ve got plenty of tricks of my own, when it comes to nosing out the news. Be sure next week to… Read me again.