Newtown news and notes as told from the point of view of a cat named Mountain.

Fresh off the Newtown High School boys’ lacrosse program hosting an Ovarian Cancer Awareness Night last weekend in conjunction with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (see Andy Hutchison’s story in this week’s Sports section), both Newtown High School lacrosse teams will raise awareness of and funds for 15 For Life next month. The local high school’s teams have been supporting the foundation with a mission to open dialogue about depression and mental health for at least three years. The foundation was created by the family of lacrosse standout Rob Kavovit, brother of Jeff Kavovit of Newtown, after Rob took his life at age 45 in March 2021. The Kavovit family has promised to “carry the torch of the 15 For Life Foundation to shed the shame and embarrassment around depression and mental health.” The fundraising and awareness events at Newtown High started with both lacrosse programs, and have since branched out to field hockey and basketball teams doing similar efforts.

The NHS girls’ lacrosse teams will host a Mental Health Awareness Game on May 2, when the Nighthawks host the Cheshire Rams. The JV game will begin at 2 pm, the varsity game will follow around 3:30, and the afternoon will also include an opportunity to learn about The Alex Archie Foundation, which was also launched following the sudden death of another standout lacrosse player. Alex was just 18 and a Pomperaug High School graduate of a few months when he died in December 2007. The foundation in his name was launched “to help student-athletes achieve their dreams through lacrosse and life,” according to its website.

The NHS softball team will also highlight 15 For Life when they host Immaculate at Treadwell Park this Saturday; first pitch is 7 pm. The NHS boys’ lacrosse team will have a 15 For Life game on May 9, when they host Pomperaug at 5 pm at Newtown’s stadium. Then the NHS baseball team will highlight 15 For Life when they host Masuk at Fairfield Hills on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:30 pm.

If you’ve traveled west on Church Hill Road in recent months, you have probably noticed the guy in this week's photo. He appeared ahead of Halloween, updated his outfit around Christmas, and is now trying to celebrate spring. I say “trying” because there was a lot of talk this week about pulling scarves and turtlenecks back out when the temperatures dropped last weekend and continued into the work week. Apparently it was quite the shock after last week’s beautiful weather with sunny skies and very warm temperatures.

I don’t get it. I have one year-round, all-weather outfit. It suits me for all occasions and seasons. I don’t envy people and the need to keep changing clothing on a daily basis.

Without even opening yet for the season, Ferris Acres Creamery recently topped another list of ice cream and gelato shops. This time it was a national list, with more than 100 million people reportedly chiming in with their favorites. The very popular Sugar Street ice cream stand was announced as #1 of Top 12 US Ice Cream by @beli-eats on Instagram last Friday. Within the list were locations in California, Massachusetts, New York (three alone in New York City), New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. The Creamery plans to open for the season on May 5. Meanwhile, Holy Cow Ice Cream on Church Hill Road and the ice cream shop at Shortt’s Farm on Riverside Road have both launched their 2026 season. If the weather ever decides to warm up consistently, I’d say it’s time for fresh ice cream!

Not all town meetings are cut and dry. At last week’s Planning & Zoning meeting, Reporter Sam Cross learned a few things about two commissioners that would make anyone at least chuckle. While discussing the definition of a farmers market, Rob Sibley said he liked the word “entertainment” in the proposed update because if someone wanted to juggle balls, for instance, they will be able to. Rob then looked toward P&Z Chair David Rosen who, if you didn’t already know this, dear readers, apparently knows how to juggle! Keep your eyes peeled around those tents at Fairfield Hills this summer, there may be flying tomatoes from David's hands.

Those tomatoes might have already been serenaded by P&Z Commissioner Roy Meadows, who apparently likes to sing to his fresh produce as it’s growing. David said if he tried to sing to the tomatoes, they would be thrown at him. Ian Appleby, the applicant trying to get the farmers market definition updated, responded, "But you're going to be juggling them!" Next time you see David out and about, test him on his ability to juggle. I know Sam will be!

The Friends of Newtown Seniors Outreach Program is getting ready to deliver joy again. Launched in November with a mission to visit senior citizens in town who live alone, have been recently widowed, and/or are otherwise isolated or in need of assistance, FONS Outreach visited over 150 people either at their homes or nursing homes between mid-November and mid-December last year. Co-Coordinator Beverly Bennett Schaedler says an organizational meeting is planned for Tuesday, April 28, at noon, at My Place Restaurant. Whether you participated last year or would like to learn more and perhaps join the outreach this year, the invitation is open to all. Registration is requested; call Bev at 203-430-0633 to make sure a seat and some refreshments are ready for you.

If it feels like you’re seeing Girl Scout Cookie Sales booths for a longer duration than usual this year, you are not wrong. Girl Scouts of Connecticut announced last week that the 2026 season — originally scheduled to close last weekend — has been extended another two weeks, to April 30.

Next Friday is May Day, which means, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, we will be observing the dual-purpose holiday marking both the arrival of spring (ancient traditions) and International Workers' Day. The former celebrates with maypoles, dancing, and flowers while the latter honors labor rights with global rallies, marches, and strikes for worker justice.

According to travel company Exoticca, Connecticut’s “springiest” day also falls on May 1. We officially reached the first day of spring back on March 20, but the past few weeks have been topsy-turvy, between seasonal weather, some very hot days last week, and the return of rain and chilly weather this week. The folks at Exoticca say the real turning point of spring is when the season “really starts to feel settled in rather than just beginning.” It’s beyond the first stretch of mild air, longer evenings, and trees suddenly filling with leaves again.

Researchers analyzed the average timing of the last spring freeze in different parts of the country, since that’s typically when winter finally stops threatening gardens and new growth. Because plants usually need a little time after the final frost to properly leaf out, the analysis also included a point three weeks later, when greenery tends to be more noticeably returning. The midpoint between these two markers was used to estimate each state’s “springiest day.” Connecticut experienced its last freeze of the season on April 21, says Exoticca. Our greenery return will become more noticeable around Tuesday, May 12. Based on these combined indicators, the state’s “springiest day” is estimated to fall on Friday, May 1.

So much to think about before then. Do I celebrate May Day? Springiest Day? TGI Friday? All I know is it’ll be seven days from now, so it will be time to come back and … read me again.