Stephen J. Sedensky III of Newtown was honored at Plymouth State University’s (N.H.) 2014 Commencement ceremony May 17. Mr Sedensky, a 1980 alumnus of Plymouth State, provided the charge to the graduates and received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. As state’s attorney for the Judicial District of Danbury, he was the chief investigator of the tragedy in Newtown. His advice to the Class of 2014 was to have a plan and work hard at achieving it. “Being outwardly grateful reminds us that we cannot achieve our goals or success without other people. Please say thank you to your parents and those who made this day possible for you.”

Here’s some juicy gossip: I noticed a group of artists, gallery owners, benefactors, and educators up at Fairfield Hills this week. Rumor has it, they are interested in the development of a uniquely curated, permanent, nonprofit museum for our town. Meow! Do I sense ART 4 Newtown?

Edward Jones financial advisors Randy Eskenazi and Bryan Roth might be looking collegiate next Thursday, if you bump into them, to celebrate Save For Education Day, May 29. They’ll wear their favorite college attire to the Newtown office on Church Hill Road, joining Edward Jones colleagues across the nation for the firmwide “holiday.” Save For Education Day promotes the college saving tool called a 529 Plan.

Kids In Deed Organization (KIDO), a group of seven Newtown eighth graders, and the Fairfield County Captains U14 travel baseball team are hosting a charity baseball game at High Meadow Field, Newtown, Tuesday, May 27, at 6:30 pm. KIDO has pledged to raise $50,000 for playground equipment for Healing Hearts Center at the new Regional Hospice. They have raised $34,000 already. For more information, contact Michelle Brissette at mggbri@charter.net or Rory Dieckman at rory.dieckman@gmail.com.

Treasure hunters around town can find “something for everyone,” Monday, May 26, at a huge tag sale 9 am to 3 pm, at 5 Briarwood Lane. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale benefit the Caroline Previdi Foundation (www.carolineprevidifoundation.org), which was created to honor the memory of the 6-year-old who died 12/14. The foundation provides support to children who lack financial resources to take part in extracurricular activities.

I thought I could slip into The Big Y on Queen Street to grab a quick can of Fancy Feast, which I usually do with my eyes practically closed. Whoops! You might have already noticed the big change taking place there — the whole floor plan has been reconfigured. It’s looking great, but don’t expect to find your usuals in the usual spot.

Newtown High School Choral Director Jane Matson tells me the NHS Drama Club’s production of Peter Pan has been nominated for 11 awards for the Connecticut High School Musical Theater Awards, with a gala event set for June 2 at the Palace Theater. The award nominations are Best Hair/Make-up to Alison Koziol; Best Costumes to Bonnie Johnson; Best Lighting to Mitchell Girgasky; Best Set to Lindsay Fuori, Bill Mangold, and Mike Cummings; Best Direction to Ms Matson; Best Choreography to Ms Matson and Jenna Siroky; Best Musical Direction to Brett Boles; Best Orchestra to the student pit orchestra; Best Featured Performer to Kyle Mangold as Smee; Best Featured Group to the actors that portrayed The Lost Boys; and Best Production of the Year. Ms Matson says the students are set to perform during the gala. I’m sure you’re with me in wishing them the best of…Er… Break a leg!

If there’s a heat wave this coming holiday weekend, you can jump into the water at Treadwell Park pool or at Eichler’s Cove, off of Route 34. Both swimming holes open this Saturday, May 24, noon to 7 pm. Details on summer hours and swim passes can be found at the town website, www.newtown-ct.gov, under town departments, Parks and Recreation.

You’ll want to fit in the VFW Memorial Day ceremony Monday morning, May 26. The ceremony takes place at 11 am, at the VFW Post 308 property off of Tinkerfield Road. All are welcome to this annual observance honoring lives lost in service and those who continue to serve.

Which reminds me. There is a collection box set up in the front lobby of The Newtown Bee, in conjunction with the VFW Post 308, for donations to send overseas to troops, through May 30. Food items such as beef jerky, power bars, non-chocolate candy bars, powdered drink mixes like Crystal Light, boxed Oreos or Ritz crackers, sugar packets, and sunflower seeds are needed. Nonfood items appreciated are Chapstick, iTune cards, recent magazines and new paperback books, boxed gift cards, wet wipes and tissues, toothpaste, deodorant, and body wash. Items can be dropped off during office hours, 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday — and by chance, at other times.

Sandy Hook resident Timothy Sykes will accompany the 12th annual Tri-State Trek, a three-day, 270-mile charity bike ride, on his motorcycle, as a route support member, June 27 to 29. The bike ride runs from Boston to Greenwich, with a mission to end amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Tim and the other route supporters will make sure the 400 bike riders stay safe and hydrated, and raise awareness. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to paralysis, and eventually death. To support Tim’s efforts, go to tst.als.net/page.aspx?p=9029. All proceeds support the ALS Therapy Development Institute in Cambridge, Mass.

If you have not yet seen the viral video of the cat saving the 4-year-old California boy from a dog attack, YouTube it, right now! The May 13 rescue by Tara the tabby cat has resulted in a lot of press for the fierce kitty. I understand she even was selected to toss out a ceremonial first ball for the Bakersfield Blaze team — with a little help from her human Jeremy’s dad, Roger Triantafilo. Go, Tara!

You won’t find me in a catfight with any size dog, but you will find me doggedly collecting the nosiest of news. Be sure next week to… Read me again.