If you haven’t been to Dickinson Park in a little while, this weekend would be a good time for a visit. Saturday morning especially, Newtown Lions Club is hoping to see plenty of children with their adults. A ribbon cutting event is planned for 10 am to celebrate the installation of three pieces of inclusive playground equipment, adding to the offerings at 50 Elm Drive so that more children can play together outdoors regardless of physical ability. The local Lions have spearheaded fundraising efforts for two years, with support from the Town of Newtown, Parks & Recreation, and private donors. There is now a new glider and a merry-go-round, each with space for two wheelchairs plus as many as six other passengers, and a special swing for one wheelchair and several other children, all just waiting to be enjoyed. After the ribbon cutting at 10 on Saturday morning, the Lions will be scooping up free ice cream for everyone, and hosting rock climbing and other fun activities. Rain date is Sunday, June 5.

Reporter Alissa Silber recently spotted dandelions glistening in the morning dew around the area. While this plant may elicit frustration from some gardeners, when seen through the eyes of a child it is an opportunity to blow the white tufts of seeds and make a wish. What would you wish for today? I’d wish for endless cat treats — that would be purrfect. And I am counting down to seeing the sprouting yellow dandelions soon. It’s a sure sign of summer.

The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut announced Juneteenth will be celebrated in the city of Danbury on Sunday, June 19, from noon to 5 pm at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) Midtown Campus at 181 White Street. The theme will be, “Honoring our Heritage: Forging the Future.” “In an effort to recognize and celebrate the rich history of this holiday and to highlight the extraordinary contributions made by African Americans to the community,” an announcement reads, “the Danbury Juneteenth Coalition is planning a fun-filled day for the entire family — both young and old — with a curated roster of exciting activities that will take place throughout the day.” More information is available online at awct.org/2022-danbury-juneteenth-celebration.

In Newtown sports news, there was a big win on the diamonds — the Newtown High baseball team won the South-West Conference championship! And Kendall Reed won the individual title as the NHS girls’ golf team competed in the conference championships on May 31. Newtown placed third as a team. Read more in the sports section. Go Nighthawks!

Congratulations also to Newtown High School students Maggie LaBanca and Julia Camman for being selected to showcase projects at the Lieutenant Governor’s Computing Challenge Recognition event on June 8 at Infosys in Hartford. According to its website, ltgovcc.org, the “Coding for Good — Inspiring Health and Wellness For All” challenge is a statewide competition.

Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) is a local nonprofit organization that helps adopt out dogs and cats into their forever homes. While their shelter in Bethel is being renovated, the staff is temporarily working out of two locations in Newtown. In the back of Pleasant Paws Pet Center, 94 South Main Street, the public can drop off donations in a large outdoor bin. According to the DAWS website, DAWS.org, the group is in need of a variety of items, including dog food, cat food, treats, and toys. A full DAWS Wish List is available on Amazon.

Readers are reminded that members of Newtown Police Department and Garner Correctional Institution staff will be running through the center of town on Friday. Right around the middle of the day, representatives of those agencies will receive the Special Olympics Torch and will run with it from the Newtown-Bethel line to its traditional stop at Blue Colony Diner. The Law Enforcement Torch Run will follow its traditional 5.3-plus-mile route: following Route 302/Dodgingtown Road (when it becomes Sugar Street) to its intersection with Main Street, to Glover Avenue, bearing left onto Queen Street, to Church Hill Road, and then down the hill to the diner. CT State Police troopers will then escort the flame and an athlete or two to Southbury, via I-84, to continue the flame on its route toward Fairfield in time for the evening’s Summer Games Opening Ceremonies. The group is scheduled to arrive in town around 11:30 am, and it usually takes about an hour for everyone to cover the stretch of road they are responsible for. This is going to affect traffic, so try to be patient if you find yourself behind the torch on Friday. It’s a great event our police and corrections officers do every year. Their efforts raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics. Plan ahead, and if you can, stop along the route and cheer for the men and women who will be running. We’re looking forward to it.

Longtime Newtown resident Mark Aldrich is planning a video presentation for his illustrated book series. Mark will be at Ridgefield Library, 472 Main Street (Route 35) in Ridgefield, on Tuesday, June 28, at 7 pm, for a video presentation concerning “Shards of Time,” the illustrated book series created by Mark that follows the adventures of The Sisters for the Preservation Of Old Landmarks (or SPOOL, for short). Learn about Mark, his work process, and this series, during this month’s event. Following the presentation, Mark will also be taking a survey to gather audience reactions. To learn a little about SPOOL and Mark, visit shardsoftime.info. To attend the library program, call 203-438-2282.

One last reminder this week that Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company is bringing back one of its popular events this year. LobsterFest 2022 is planned for Friday and Saturday, June 10-11, at the company’s main station, 18-20 Riverside Road. Tickets are $33 in advance, $35 at the door, and include a full steak or lobster dinner and soft drink. My friends at The Newtown Bee office have those advance tickets available, as do the folks at the Office of the Fire Marshal and the Office of the Town Clerk at Newtown Municipal Center. See the ad on page A-14 and on our website for details. Tell ‘em Mountain sent you.

I am certain I will have more fun events and places to send you as long as you promise next week to ... Read me again.