There was a moment of levity during the Memorial Day weekend observance last weekend, when Selectman Michelle Embree Ku was introduced as our First Selectman. Michelle handled the snafu graciously, and even joked with Jeff Capeci, who was standing nearby, that she would hang on to his title for just a few minutes. I understand it was a very nice event on Saturday organized by American Legion Post 202. “Very nice and respectful” was how one friend described it. I’m glad the weather held until nearly the end of the ceremony, and that organizers and those who participated were greeted by a sizable crowd for the solemn observance.

We’re heading toward a new month, which means it’s time for a new outfit for Bruce the Spruce. The three-foot tall artificial pine tree in our Production Department is ready to celebrate with all graduates. I send my sincere congratulations to students of all ages who will celebrate commencement this season. Well done all of you!

Newtown High School will say Farewell to the Class of 2025 soon. Ahead of that we’re doing something new with our Snapshot column. This week we’re featuring Salutatorian Sophia Wade, and next week it will be Valedictorian David Baghdady. Both agreed to sit down with us recently and share a little about themselves, marking the first time we’ve featured the two top local high school students in that space. Next week’s paper will also offer Reporter Jenna Visca’s feature on the top two graduates of the NHS Class of 2025.

State Representatives Mitch Bolinsky and Martin Foncello are working with Boy Scout Troop 270 and Newtown VFW Post 308 in encouraging Newtown residents to dispose of worn American flags in a dignified and respectful way. As June 14 and Flag Day holiday approaches, five locations are available for readers to drop off worn American flags for proper ceremonial disposal according to the US Flag Code. Through June 13, collection boxes are in the lobby of Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street; C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street; Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street; the southern entrance of Newtown Municipal Center (near the first selectman’s office), 3 Primrose Street; and The Brookfield Library, 182 Whisconier Road in Brookfield. Mitch and Marty will host a final drive-up flag collection at C.H. Booth Library on Saturday, June 14, from 9 to 11 am. Mitch reportedly plans to then deliver all collected flags to the VFW Post for proper retirement.

Readers are reminded that a collection box is available for flags ready for retirement year-round within my office at 5 Church Hill Road.

Flagpole Photographers Camera Club is hoping to see current and former members, and those who enjoy photography, at its 40th anniversary celebration next month. All are invited to commemorate the significant milestone on June 5 at Newtown Senior Center. The 7 pm celebration promises an evening of desserts and beverages, raffles for Flagpole Photographers apparel and gift cards, and an opportunity for past and present members to reconnect, reminisce, and create new memories. We had a press release about this just last week but I’m offering the reminder now because organizers would really like to hear by May 31 from anyone planning to attend. If you’re interested send a quick note to Info@FlagpolePhotographers.com.

If you’re interested in history and enjoy hearing a good lecture on related subjects, Greg “The Urban Archeologist” Van Antwerp continues to find cool items and build lectures around their history. Recent discoveries have included pin fire cartridges for a miniature cap gun and a 10-page speech given at Edmond Town Hall for Decoration Day in May 1930 by a Ridgefield resident. Greg’s photo of part of the latter is featured as this week’s Way We Were photo. Greg has been searching, researching, and sharing his finds online (theurbanarcheologist.com) and through lectures and live programs for 12 years. His blog is available on his website, and he’s always looking to add live presentations to his schedule. Reach out if you’re interested. Tell him I sent you.

As the 15th season of The Victory Garden at Fairfield Hills takes root, I understand plenty of crops are in the ground. Beans, beets, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, shallots and onions, squash, Swiss chard, peppers, eggplant and of course plenty of tomatoes have all started life at the garden, the results of which will soon be filling shelves at FAITH Food Pantry. I hear some leeks that were planted last fall are already showing up as well.

The final countdown is on ahead of The 2025 Great Pootatuck Duck Race, returning to Heritage Park in Sandy Hook Center this Saturday from 11 am until 3 pm. Final pre-event ticket sales will take place Friday, May 30, from 9 am until noon, at Bagel Delight on Church Hill Road and Dunkin Donuts on Queen Street. Tickets are $10, with proceeds to benefit multiple projects and groups supported by Newtown Lions Club. The absolute final sales will be Saturday morning in Sandy Hook Center, ahead of the dumping of rubber ducks into the Pootatuck River at 2 pm.

Next weekend it’ll already be time for another local tradition. Sandy Hook LobsterFest 2025 will be Friday and Saturday, June 6-7, and we’re starting to see an uptick in pre-event ticket sales at our office. Tickets are again $35 in advance for a full steak or lobster dinner, and $10 for a hamburger or hot dog dinner. All dinners include potato salad, corn on the cob, chowder, a dinner roll, and a water or soda. Tickets are also available from most members of Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue — hosts of the fundraiser — and at the office of the Fire Marshal and the Town Clerk, both within Newtown Municipal Center. I hear Sandy Hook firefighters will also be at the duck race this weekend, and will have LobsterFest tickets there.

Those pre-event prices for steak and lobster dinners are good until noon next Friday. After that tickets will be available only at the fire company’s main station, for $40 each. Additional details including the live music schedule and other event details can be found at sandyhookfire.com.

From Mr Tuesday Afternoon — the wonderful Italian gentleman who visits the office every week to make sure he buys his Antiques and The Arts Weekly fresh off the press, and tell a joke or two — to Isaiah Morris, I share the following: Why did the banker break up with his girlfriend?

He was losing interest in her.

I will never lose interest in you, my dear friends and readers. Keep your vegetables growing and keep those funny jokes coming. I’ll share the next collection of goodies with you when you come back next week and … read me again.