HOMETOWN PERSON: Prue Shepherd

Treadwell and Dickinson Parks reopened this past Wednesday, and for those who are using the trails and open spaces, and in case you’ve missed hearing about them, some recommendations are in order:

*Refrain from using parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms.

*Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails.

*Prepare for limited access to water fountains.

*While on trails, warn other users of your presence, and step aside to let others pass.

*Follow CDC guidance on the recommended size of social gatherings (five), including outdoor picnicking, pick-up sports and other group hangouts, and maintain proper physical distance at all times.

*Observe CDC’s minimum recommended physical distancing of six feet from other individuals at all times. If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location or depart that space.

Questions? Call P&R at 203-270-4340, Monday -Friday, 8 am- 4:30 pm. (And don’t forget to have fun!)

Kathy Williams, a Meals On Wheels volunteer, arrived about a block away from her drop off point on Tuesday, and was unable to get through. “A policewoman [later identified as a firefighter, not police... and one we know quite well here at The Bee!] was redirecting traffic because of downed wires,” Kathy shares. The police officer told her she couldn’t access the client’s road. “When I explained I was delivering [for Meals On Wheels], she radioed someone nearer to the problem to ask if I could go through. They said yes, and the vehicles (firetruck, police cars) that were blocking the way were moved so that I could navigate my way and make my delivery — not exactly an escort, but they helped to make sure I made the delivery.” Now that is good news in tough times. Thank you, police and fire, for seeing the human side of this and assisting!

I’ll be perking up my ears, and I hope you will, too, on Monday, May 25, when musicians salute Memorial Day from eight sites along the Housatonic River in Newtown, beginning at 10:10 am. I hear there is a special duo stationed at one spot — trumpeter Paul Fadus, and his WWII veteran father, Charles, on trombone! With large gatherings still highly discouraged, and with many veterans in that susceptible age group, no public ceremonies will take place in town to honor the veterans, past and present. There’s nothing to stop you, though, from giving a friendly call to any veteran you may know and thanking him or her for service to this country.

All of those hungry folks who have missed their pasta and meatballs from the monthly Newtown United Methodist Church spaghetti dinners have something to cheer about. A curbside option for the popular dinner takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 4-7 pm. Orders must be made to 203-217-9732 by Monday, June 1. You’ll find the menu at the NUMC Facebook page, but rest assured: your favorite items are there!

Upcoming holidays and traditional celebrations are all turned upside down or on hold this year, due to novel coronavirus concerns. Those in high school and college are dealing with the crisis in a number of ways, and their feelings differ greatly from older generations. So if any young men and women missed last week’s story at newtownbee.com, you may want to check out thequaranteencollection.com, where stories are being shared. Maybe you have a story to tell, too, about life in this time of social distancing.

Thanks to the great effort by staff and administrators of our schools, it looks like Newtown Middle School eighth grade students will have a way next month to celebrate moving up to the high school, and Newtown High School seniors will get to walk across a stage to receive their diplomas. Both are combos of virtual and carefully considered in-person opportunities that are sure to bring smiles (behind masks, of course) to students and parents. Read more in this week’s Board of Education meeting article at newtownbee.com.

I hope you had a chance to catch the sidewalk art at Hawley School, created by PTA volunteers and families. The colorful chalk artwork, stretching all along the sidewalk on the east side, was a way to show appreciation for teachers and support staff.

I was counting on this year to be the year that my yellow rubber duckie was the first to cross the watery finish line at the Lions Club Annual Great Pootatuck Duck Race, but it looks like those plans are dashed. The Duck Race, scheduled for May 30, has been canceled. Looks like I’ll have another year to dream of success.

Meanwhile, the Lions have been busy. In case you missed the letter in the Hive, The Newtown Lions are seeking support to raise enough funds for ADA compliant playground equipment for our town parks. They are helping fulfill Leah Mangino’s dream of special needs kids having the same chance for fun as typical kids. Donations can be made on the Newtown Lions website, www.newtownlions.com, or checks can be sent to Newtown Lions Playground Project, PO Box 218, Newtown CT 06470.

The coronavirus has taken out two of my other favorite Newtown events. The St Rose Carnival, usually in mid to late June, has been canceled, and we have received word that the Friends of C.H. Booth Library’s huge book sale in July is also not happening this summer. It’s all sad, but I’d rather know we are all staying safe and staying well.

Garden centers have been hopping the past couple of weekends, and I have no doubt they will continue to see action this coming long weekend as, with time on their hands, our friends and neighbors seem focused on landscaping all over town. As I wove my way beneath tables and around potted plants last weekend, I was purr-fectly happy to see shoppers graciously providing each other space and wearing face masks as they selected flower and vegetable plants.

Talking about plants makes me think about our Farmers Market up at Fairfield Hills. I hear that news is on the way regarding a June date for this popular weekly outlet of fresh veggies and other Connecticut grown/made items to open up. Just like every other business, you’ll be seeing safe practices at the Market. It’s a change, of course, but nice to know that local farmers will have a place to sell their harvests, safely.

At any rate, the gradual reopening of businesses in town gives me hope. I hope, as well, that you will make time next week to... Read me again.