Just in time for the first day of summer, June 21, C.H. Booth Library has its summer reading program for kids, teens, and adults all ready. Summer reading packets are available at the library, 25 Main Street, and participants could win prizes by reading books. And it is not too late for adults to join the year-long “travel” around the world challenge. Each month, adult readers are challenged to read a book that takes place in a certain area around the globe. For the month of June, the library’s focus is on Eastern Asia. More information about all the library’s reading challenges are available at the library and on its website, chboothlibrary.org.

We’re offering a Good Egg Award with this week’s photo. The Newtown Bee Production Department member Lynn Remson spotted a container of water while walking at Fairfield Hills recently, and was pleased to find out it had been put out for pets by members of Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps. It’s an ongoing offering the ambulance crew offers to pets, and we can’t help but applaud that effort with our honorary award. NVAC members, you’re this week’s Good Eggs!

Congratulations to author Tracy Bittner, daughter of Sandy Hook residents Neil and Sandy Bittner, who released her book The Forgotten Nurses: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Stressful World of Veterinary Medicine last October. It was published through Wind Moon Wellness. It is an Amazon best seller and came in at #6 for Veterinary Nursing sales on June 20.

And we congratulate Newtown second grade student Violet Hughes, who was among the top selected students for ASAP!’s 17th Annual Celebration of Young Writers. Students from public, private, and home schools from across the state submitted poetry and prose. A panel of judges then selected the top twelve pieces through a blind process. The 2022 Young Writers had their pieces read at the Spring Hill Vineyards outdoor SHAG Festival on Friday, June 17 in New Preston, CT. Celebration of Young Writers was inspired by ASAP!’s objective to foster children’s creativity and imagination in the literary arts.

I noted two upcoming events that the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary (CVHAS) is set to host. Both events are free and for all ages. One is a Wednesday, July 13, 8 pm to 9:30 pm “Finding Fireflies & Friends” event that will be led by WCSU entomologist Dr Rayda Krell. “We’ll explore the world of nocturnal insects who call the sanctuary meadows home. From moths to fireflies to our favorite chirping crickets, our entomologist experts will help us recognize these amazing creatures by sight and sound. A mid-summer night’s dream like no other,” a description reads. The event is limited to 40 guests, and information about both events is available on the CVHAS website cvhfoundation.org/events. The second event is a Saturday, July 16, 9 am to noon “For The Love Of Horses” event with a collaboration with the 2nd Company Governor’s Horse Guard. “Join us for this incredible free community event celebrating Newtown’s equestrian history. Meet and interact with the horses, learn equine care through hands-on demonstrations, and experience an official color guard opening. Plus, seasoned equestrians who have their own horses are invited to join in our guided trail ride,” a description reads. Both events are set to take place at CVHAS, 3 Old Farm Road.

Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS) is planning its next social gathering. Newtown residents age 55 and over are invited to join FONS for dinner on the patio at Sal e Pepe Contemporary Italian Bistro, 97 South Main Street, beginning at 5 pm Wednesday, June 29. Drinks and dinner will be the responsibility of each attendee. There is no membership fee to join FONS events. “Everyone age 55 and over is automatically a member,” board member Frank Monette said earlier this month during a Meet & Mingle event at NewSylum. Reservations are requested, however, especially for these social gatherings, where space can be a premium. Contact Janice Garten, at 203-304-9196, if you’d like to be part of next week’s dinner event.

Newtown Historical Society announced it is looking for a volunteer to become its new “voice.” The volunteer will be responsible for recording monthly telephone messages and responding to all incoming calls. If interested e-mail Barbara Wilson at bkwilsonhistory@yahoo.com.

During a book discussion series hosted by Trinity Episcopal Church earlier this year, participants discussed how they feel they are called to protect the Earth. Following discussions focused on Loving God’s Creation: Faith Community & Climate Disruption, Trinity parishioners and local residents all indicated a desire to continue the conversation and do what other parishes have done by creating “creation care teams.” Now Trinity is planning An Invitation to a Conversation about Creation Care. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, July 13, at 7 pm. The one-hour event will be presented in person at the church (36 Main Street) and via Zoom. All are welcome to the brainstorming/focus session, which will be moderated by WCSU Professor of Biology and Climate Change Educator Dr Mitch Wagener. Questions? Contact Lisa Mages at lisamages2@gmail.com or 202-469-2568 for additional information about the planned program. Ready to register? Contact the church office, 203-426-9070 or trinity@trinitynewtownCT.org to attend in person or request the Zoom link.

Melanie Bonjour was very happy to visit our office last week. Not only was she picking up the gift certificate for an ice cream birthday cake from Ferris Acres Creamery for her grandson Oliver, but she mentioned the recent selection of Oliver to receive the birthday gift marks the second generation of the Bonjour family to win a birthday cake from The Newtown Bee! The Bonjour family has been in Newtown “for years,” Melanie proudly said during her stop at the office last Friday afternoon. “It was so exciting when our children each won birthday cakes, and now our grandson has won too.” Birthday cakes for son Douglas Jr and daughter Courtney date back to the years when The Newtown Bee partnered with Luigi’s Italian Pastry in Monroe. Now, of course, the paper has partnered with the popular ice cream stand on Sugar Street. Melanie and her family were looking forward to Oliver’s birthday celebration, she said. We’re glad we were able to make it just a little sweeter.

Is your child set to celebrate a birthday? Parents can send a head and shoulders photo of their child, with their first and last name, age, and date of birth to eliza@thebee.com for publication in “Birthday Wishes.” Be sure and include a daytime phone number in case we have questions, as well as your address.

I’ll have much to celebrate as long as you promise next week to ... Read me again.