If Don Ramsey had his way, a whole crate of Good Egg Awards would go to his nominee, a certain Hawley School kindergarten teacher! Effusive in his praise, Don wants a Good Egg Award to go to Deborah Lubin... “Her general demeanor of gentleness, encouragement, and her effervescent smile slices through the ‘red tape’ of citizen challenges to meet everyday responsibilities,” says Don, adding, “It is who she is, even more than what she does, that provides the warm inspiration for other ‘good eggs’ in town to pay it forward. One particular Board of Education Meeting she received the “Profiles of Professionalism Award.” Instant friends blossomed liked spring flowers after a warm refreshing rain shower. As the ‘Good Book’ says, ‘You know them by their fruit.’ Deborah was a parent that modeled respect and kindness for her two wonderful children, Jocelyn and Bryan. As if those two kids (like their mom) didn’t give me such joy of teaching, Deborah came in to numerous Open House events to make me realize I wasn’t half the teacher she so generously said I was. I was overwhelmingly motivated to be the best teacher with her encouragement in the same way my kindergarten teacher back in 1959 encouraged me to be the best student. I will bet the farm that she encourages Newtown people in all walks of life in a similar manner as she goes about her daily activities.” Well, who can argue with former NMS instructor Don Ramsey on this? Deborah, you are a Good Egg! INSERT GOOD EGG GRAPHIC.

That Good Egg may have to be shared. We hear from Animal Control: “Last Monday was a wet, cold, but rewarding day. A mother raccoon was hit by a car and two of her babies were left behind, stuck down in the storm drain.” Thanks to John Manville and Joe Prah from Public Works, with assistance from Suada Likovic of Newtown Animal Control — and a six hour rescue by them in the torrential downpour — the babies were saved. The raccoon kits are currently in a rehab facility, and Animal Control assures me that they are doing well. Is this not living proof of the kind, dedicated people who populate our town? You are Good Eggs!

By the way, Newtown Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason tells us that she is looking for a veterinarian that can help an injured bobcat spotted in Newtown. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the shelter at 203-426-6900.

Just a reminder that Birthday Wishes is back; your child can win a cake from Ferris Acres Creamery. Just send a head and shoulders original photo (original or large attachment please), age, birth date, and a daytime phone number to eliza@thebee.com, within a month of the birthday celebrant’s big day.

And we have to give a shout out to ourselves: The Newtown Bee celebrates its 144th birthday this coming Sunday, June 27. Now, what do you get for the paper that already has everything?

Wheeeee! The carnival is back in town, thanks to Parks & Rec! Starting Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon, you can once again enjoy the fun and excitement of games, rides, and refreshments up at Fairfield Hills. Check out our calendar listings for times and details, or give the P&R office a call at 203-270-4340.

A little bird told me (and how surprising that a bird would whisper in the ear of the cat!) that there was a bit of unanticipated “hot” yoga happening outside the new Robeks Fresh Juices & Smoothies as part of the Grand Opening celebration, last Saturday. Turns out that a parking lot on a simmering day is not ideal for poses — but making it all worthwhile, I understand the smoothies get two thumbs (paws?) up. Looks like I’ll be putting the 75 Church Hill Road business on my “must do” list!

Is teaching for you? Teach.org can help you decide, and according to TEACH Connecticut, new teachers are in great need. The non-profit TEACH Connecticut is a statewide teacher recruitment initiative founded in partnership with The Connecticut State Department of Education’s Talent Office. Teach.org allows you to access one-on-one advising, compare teacher training programs, and find financial aid opportunities, among other useful tips to get you into the schoolroom.

I’m marking my calendar now for the FONS (Friends of Newtown Seniors) social at the Villa Restaurant on Wednesday, June 30, at 4 pm. If you are 55 or over, FONS welcomes you to join the fun and find out more about the organization that is geared toward helping others while helping Newtown be a more “liveable” community for aging in place. The Villa is located at 4 Riverside Road in Sandy Hook. Reservations are requested and should be called in to Janice Garten, 203-304-9096.

Life can get busy, but if life’s business has prevented you from getting the COVID-19 vaccination, please make time to do so. While our state has a low rate of incidences right now, the prospect of easily transmitted new variants lurks in the background; a vaccination now can cut down on your chance of getting a variant virus as they become more prevalent. Check out newtown-ct.gov/newtown-health-district/news/covid-19-vaccination-update to find out where you can get a vaccination. The life you save may be your own, to steal a line from Flannery O’Connor.

The Best Friends Animal Society nonprofit reminds us that new pet owners might need some summer safety tips:

*You should not leave a pet inside a car, even for a short errand. The temperature inside a car on a 70 degree day can rise to 89 degrees in ten minutes, and to 104 degrees in only a half hour. Normal body temperatures for dogs and cats range from 100 to 102.5 degrees. If you suspect a dog or cat is suffering from heat stroke, move it to a cooler environment immediately and apply cool water to the abdomen, ears, and footpads. Then, get to a vet clinic as quickly as possible.

*Keep pets indoors during the day when it is hot.

*If pets must be outside during the day, ensure that they have access to shade at all hours.

*Provide pets with fresh, cool water at all times.

*Exercise dogs during the cooler morning or evening hours.

*Hot temperatures on the sidewalk, asphalt, sand, or even packed dirt can cause burns to your pet’s paw pads.

*Consult a veterinarian about whether your pet needs a pet-approved sunscreen on exposed areas.

If it’s too hot for people, it’s hotter for those of us wearing permanent fur coats!

As much as I am always on alert around dogs, I do offer condolences to President Biden’s family on the recent death of their German Shepherd, Champ. One of their two German Shepherds, Champ was adjusting to life in the White House, but old age caught up. (Here’s hoping Major, dog number two, is able to overcome his bad habit of nipping people and be the stand-up canine his companion was.)

I’ve never been accused of nipping anyone, but I cannot give up my habit of nosing out the news. Be sure next week to... Read me again.