Makayla Ile had a special request for her birthday party on August 15 — donations to the food pantry instead of gifts! The Middle Gate Elementary School fourth grade student received quite a bounty, it seems, from the photo her mom provided. What a generous gesture!

The Newtown Bee invited residents last year to submit their favorite photos from the first day of the 2019-20 school year. While this year’s photos may look a little different, parents are still welcome to submit photos depicting what the fall 2020 first day of school looks like. (Maybe learning takes place with the household cat in your lap, or Fido at your feet?) What will your 2020-21 first day of school photos show? On September 3 and 4, be sure to take photos and share them with the paper for consideration in an upcoming edition of The Newtown Bee and/or for use at newtownbee.com. Submit photos by e-mailing them with a description of each photo — including the first and last name of those pictured, what grade they are in, and which school they attend — to eliza@thebee.com by noon on Tuesday, September 8.

Speaking of school, All-Star Transportation and the Newtown Public School District have released bus routes for the 2020-21 school year. The routes are available off the district’s main website at newtown.k12.ct.us/transportation. An “Overview of School Bus Expectations and Policies” is also available, along with a “2020-21 Parent and Guardian Letter with Alternate Stop Form” and more on the website.

Select professionals were invited to Church Hill Village August 25 for Breakfast On The Go, as seen here. The assisted living and memory care community served up breakfast sandwiches from their Church Hill Road neighbor Eunice at Bagel Delight, along with coffee and Danish made by their very own chef Dennis Simonson. Facility staff also welcomed First Selectman Dan Rosenthal.

I hear from the National Wildlife Federation that it is time to think about providing for our colder weather feathered friends: “Now is the time to start thinking about fall planting in your yard or garden. Many birds such as cardinals, chickadees, bluebirds, robins, cedar waxwings, and mockingbirds are year-round residents or migrate south to your area in winter. By planting native berry producing shrubs or trees you will attract these birds and ensure they have food throughout the winter.” Suggestions for those living in the eastern United States are “Winterberry — The attractive bright red fruit of winterberry is eaten by small mammals and many bird species. Beautyberry — The long-lasting fruits provide food for birds and other animals well into the winter months when other food sources are unavailable.” Local nurseries can assist with acquiring these shrubs.

Resident Louise Zierzow shared a glowing report about mail carrier Bertha Trentini this week, and it has me itching to give out a Good Egg Award. “Special recognition” is due to Bertha, who has 518 customers through the United States Postal Service. Many of her Sandy Hook customers “love her,” Zierzow tells me. “She goes well beyond her duties.” Zierzow keeps a flower garden around her mailbox planted for Bertha. It is now blooming with morning glories, snapdragons, forget-me-nots, back-eyed Susans, and zinnias. Congratulations Bertha, you are a Good Egg!

An e-mail from State Rep. J.P. Sredzinski (R-112) notes he is “calling for the elimination of the 6.35 percent state sales tax on face masks and other personal protection products, like face shields and latex/rubber gloves, particularly with Governor Lamont’s signing of a new executive order calling on all residents to wear face masks in all public places to curb the spread of the coronavirus.” Mandated face masks — not to mention face shields and gloves — fall under the definition of “safety apparel,” which are taxed. Don’t punish people for supporting the use of personal protection products, our rep urges.

Features reporter Alissa Silber spotted a decorative rock left on a bench outside the Edmond Town Hall on the morning of August 22. The rock was painted a light pink with a blue flower border and had the phrase “Live your best life” written in the center. Perhaps the anonymous rock painter placed it there sideways hoping to convey the message that the best life is not always the most conventional.

The Monday, Thursday, and Friday outdoor “Reserve the Patio” program for Newtown Senior Center members has been moved to the back patio of the 8 Simpson Street facility. Each program is from 10 to 11 am, and limited to six participants. Reservations are required each week by calling 203-270-4310. Face coverings are required and temperatures will be taken. Outdoor protocols and 20/21 membership forms can be picked up at the Senior Center. The Newtown Senior Center offers other outdoor opportunities for members to socialize throughout the week, including Tai Chi Under the Tree and art classes at Glander Pavilion. Call for information and to register!

There is little more satisfying than browsing books and stumbling across a great find. Along with its Library on the Patio service — weekdays and Saturdays, check the website for times — and its option for contactless pickup of materials, C.H. Booth Library announced on August 25 that it will be reopening, on a limited basis and by appointment, to the public on September 2. To make an appointment for browsing or computer use, call 203-426-4533 or e-mail help@chboothlibrary.org. The library will accept reservations up to one day in advance. Friends of the C.H. Booth Library will also start accepting book donations in the back of the library on September 2 from 10 am to noon on Wednesday and Saturdays, rain or shine. Books, media, puzzles, and games from the public are accepted. Please no encyclopedias, magazines, Time-Life books, VHS tapes, cassettes, or outdated textbooks or travel guides. Check if your donation is suitable at boothbooksale.org.

You don’t have to stumble far to find my column each week. I promise to keep it up as long as you promise next week to... Read me again.