Like a swarm of bees, Newtown Bee staff members buzzed out into the backyard of the office building last Thursday afternoon, where they found Business Manager Sherri Baggett flipping burgers and dogs for all to enjoy. The impromptu luncheon, hosted by the Smith-Baggett family, included delicious side dishes, too — and did I notice a number of people lingering to take part in dessert? Nothing like Ferris Acres ice cream on a hot day, I always say!

Dick Kovacs was in our office last week for a visit, and the Apple Blossom Lane resident mentioned that his one little pear tree has had a banner season, producing 150 pears. It’s hard to keep up with that kind of production, he said, but the deer in the neighborhood are helping him out...

No doubt the sports teams selling ice cold water and popsicles raked in the funds at the Labor Day Parade. A hotter and more humid parade day than this past Monday has not occurred in many, many years. The Newtown High School Marching Band, in a nod to that sweltering heat, sported a look we have not seen on parade before: white, short sleeved shirts and dark shorts. A wise decision, I think.

Dan Del Vecchio, 79 years old (resident of Newtown for more than 50 years), not only looked forward to cheering on the 5K runners this past Saturday morning, but he was prepared. The Newtown resident made up signs to let runners know he had water for them at his Birch Rise Drive home, and got his “boom box” ready to play the Rocky theme song. While I hear he had no takers on the water (what?!), he was the guy waving the American flags as runners/walkers made it past his house. I think Dan is quite deserving of a Good Egg Award for his efforts!

Visitors to the Bantam Lake area this Labor Day weekend may have caught sight of a special floating fire engine. We are told that Morris Fire Company member Tom Weik transformed his pontoon boat into a replica of a firetruck, nicknamed “Engine #5 Marine” and set sail on Bantam Lake. The watercraft was painted red, with “wheels,” insignia on the bow, ladders, spouting water and strobe lights, and complete with sound effects — even a firehouse dog. It was done as a way to raise awareness for the new Morris Fire Company and included handouts of ice cream and candy. Who couldn’t support such a sweet effort?

Early bird readers may see this in time to attend: “Sueños: Celebrating the Surreal,” is on view at The Point of Contact Gallery, 350 West Fayette Street, in Syracuse, N.Y., through September 21, and Joseph Kugielsky of Newtown will be there for the reception and to give an artist’s talk this Friday, September 7, from 5 to 8 pm. Both are free and open to the public. Titled after the Spanish translation for “dreams,” the show highlights works by contemporary Latin American artists that share in the characteristics of dream-like imagery. All works in the show are from Syracuse University’s permanent collections. “The Tower,” and “The Last Supper” are two works by the Newtown artist (b 1951, Buenos Aires) that center the exhibition. Gallery hours are noon to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, or by appointment. For additional information, call 315-443-2169 or visit puntopoint.org.

Do you sing in the shower? Do you sing for your kids? Do you sing because you just can’t help it? Maybe there’s a spot in Newtown Choral Society for you. Rehearsals for the Sunday, December 2, winter concert begin Wednesday evening, September 12, from 7 to approximately 9 pm. The NCS groups meets in the choral room of Newtown Middle School on Queen Street. All who love to sing, of all ages, are invited to join. Director Mary Andreotta will assign singers to the appropriate sections. For more information contact NCS President Laura E. Lerman at 203-426-3769 or lel@se-ltd.com.

All locations of Newtown Savings Bank are collecting food donations to benefit local food pantries through September 23, in honor of Hunger Action Month. Donations of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items will be accepted at all 14 branch locations in Newtown, Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, Monroe, Oxford, Shelton, Southbury, Trumbull, and Woodbury, as well as the new New Haven Regional Lending Center in Hamden. Food donations, along with a financial contribution from the bank’s foundation, will be delivered to food pantries located in each of these towns during the week of September 25.

Just a reminder, as well, that a box for donations to FAITH Food Pantry can always be found in the lobby of the office of The Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road. Donations are accepted during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. So many ways to help!

Who says reading the paper online isn’t fun? Check out the crossword puzzles and Sudoku puzzles you can now access at newtownbee.com. Select Games under the Living tab at the top of the home page, and get ready to test your wit and wisdom.

One of the other new features of the updated Newtown Bee website is an interactive poll. It’s a completely unscientific poll, but one we hope will grow in popularity as more people find and participate in it. The Labor Day Parade Committee should be happy with the results of the first poll we offered. When asked what their favorite annual Newtown event was, half of those who responded selected the Labor Day Parade as their top event. Additional choices, in decreasing order of popularity, were Newtown Middle School Scarecrow Contest, Halloween, the various tree lightings, and the Holiday Festival. This week, we are hoping to hear from people about their pet peeves. Anyone can vote, and suggestions are welcomed. Suggestions from readers will be added as they arrive, and will be noted as reader submitted — so please consider not only voting but also offering suggested answers if you see a poll that doesn’t have your particular answer as an option. Votes and suggestions are both done anonymously. To find the current poll, visit newtownbee.com and scroll down; the polls are along the right side of each page. We are currently asking readers to vote for their biggest pet peeve.

I’m always seeking questions and answers. So be sure next week to... Read me again.