Unbeknownst to Bee Publishing, which owns The Pleasance at the corner of Main Street and Route 302, statues at the park, frequently sporting various kinds of caps and scarves, were fashioned differently over the past weekend. Hopefully, the message left there, with the masking of the statues, was one of concern and not one meant to make light of the current COVID-19 threat.

Over the past weekend, some citizen(s) outfitted “Steve” and the crew of dogs with medical masks and latex gloves.

The Newtown rooster, also a Pleasance statue, was provided with mask protection, as well.

Although humor is sometimes appreciated, "Steve" and dogs will be relieved of these gifts. It should be noted, masks and gloves are not demanded to protect from current illnesses at this time; the local health district does recommend thorough hand-washing as a first step toward staying healthy this winter and spring.

Visit newtownbee.com for updated information on COVID-19, or the town website at newtown-ct.gov.