I am suddenly feeling less secure in my belief that I am the best looking cat in town after seeing the photo sent in this week by Susan Bria of the bobcat that stopped by her yard on Boggs Hill Road on Monday.

Susan took the photo through the window of a sliding door, and after about five unnerving minutes for one of the household dogs, Bailey Boggs, who growled from his safe position inside, the cat moved off into the tall grass — limping.

Newtown’s Animal Control Officer Gerri Breyan thinks she knows the bobcat. She’s been keeping tabs on it through various reported sightings in the Boggs Hill area. She told Susan that the limp was probably a shoulder injury from a recent encounter with a dog.

Susan says they have a natural “zoo” out on Boggs Hill Road. “We have frequent coyote parades across the yard,” she said. “We had a Mom Tom Turkey for a few weeks with nine poults, that went to three, and now she is alone. I’m afraid some of the natural predators unfortunately caught the little guys. Just hoping that black bear does not join the parade!”

Did you see the article appeared in The New York Times real estate section last Sunday about artists Alexandra and Michael Rivera finally finding a house to buy in Woodbury? Alexandra is the daughter of Bill and Carolyn Greene, who used to own the Budd House on Main Street (where the Millers now live). Alexandra is a graduate of Newtown High School and a jewelry maker. Her husband, who earned a master’s degree in sculpture last year from SUNY College at Purchase, N.Y., creates steel sculptures, at heights up to ten feet so their apartment in the Washington Heights section of New York City just wouldn’t do. After moving in with the Greenes in Roxbury last September, they spent months looking for something they could afford. Finally they found a cape-style house with a barnlike two-story garage that had been used both as a ceramic studio and a model train room — plenty of room for Michael’s sculptures.

It’s hot, it’s humid, but that’s not the only bad news. It’s the end of July and time is running out to pay our property and motor vehicle taxes. The good news is the tax collector’s office up at Edmond Town Hall (first floor and down the corridor to the left of the theater ticket window) is air-conditioned, and it’s open from 8 am to 4:30 pm on Friday, from 9 am to noon on Saturday, and also on Monday, August 1, from 8 am to 4:30 pm including lunch hour. “We’re giving townspeople that extra day to pay their taxes because of the July 4 holiday that fell on a Monday,” said Evelyn Farrell. “We have extra help, the lines are moving, and we’re working right through. No lunch for us until this is over,” Evelyn remarked. They’re doing their best. Now all we’ve got to do is take a deep breath, and write out those checks.

Apparently attorney Bill Denlinger reads the small print on everything because he noticed a very interesting listing on the Mail-A-Map street maps of Newtown that are available free in the town clerk’s office. Among the locations listed under Parks & Recreation — along with such places as Dickinson and Treadwell Parks — is Garner Correctional Institution.

The newest rage on the road is devoid of shouting and hand gestures. Ask Joe Masso, who has tricked out his jeep with a horn that tootles a tune at you when he leans on it. And he’s not just whistlin’ “Dixie” — or is he?

Newlywed Nancy Schreiner is back on duty in the fire marshal’s office a little over a week after her most special day. She and husband John took their walk down the aisle together July 16. My sources at the new Peck’s Lane town office complex report that the happy couple plans to continue residing in Newtown for the time being.

And speaking of the folks down at Peck’s Lane, our friends at the Newtown Health District are already busy at work planning for the townwide health fair, which is set for September 24 at the Middle School from 10 am to 2 pm. Anyone out there who would like to promote a health-related product or service is invited to get space on one of the limited number of display tables for just $50. For details just call one of the other recent newlyweds in the Peck’s Lane office — who is already planning festivities for her own first wedding anniversary. Of course I’m referring to Donna Culbert, who can be reached at 270-4291.

Former resident Russ Bennett and his wife Niki of Salisbury, N.C., became parents of a bouncing baby boy born on July 20.Proud grandma Bev Bennett was busy spreading the news to everyone at the Board of Ed office where she works.

Speaking of the Board of Ed, board member Paul Mangiafico was spotted trekking up Castle Hill at the hottest time of the day during one of those July scorchers. He must have some awful good tunes playing on those headphones to keep working out in that heat.

I was sauntering through Olde Mystic Village down by the shore this past week when I stumbled upon the Whale Trail and lo and behold! There was Newtown artist Marty LaMarche’s “Oceana Mystica” whale sculpture on display. Not only that, but The Stonebridge Herbary, a sponsor for Ms LaMarche’s whale project, has developed a handmade soap honoring the sculpture. “Oceana Mystica” soap is a soothing blend of lavender, lemongrass and ylang ylang, aromas that echo Ms LaMarche’s theme of faith, hope, rebirth, and centering.

I think maybe this column needs an official odor — something dark and smokey called Fumata Feline. Don’t worry, I won’t be instituting it next week, so you shouldn’t hesitate to…

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