It isn’t too late to dive into NUSAR’s fundraising efforts. On September 17, Newtown Underwater Search And Rescue (NUSAR) members will be testing the water on a new event. To make up for two years of cancelling their annual fundraising basketball team, NUSAR this year has launched a dive-a-thon, planned for Saturday afternoon and early evening at Eichler’s Cove. Members of the team will take turns being in the water, with an underwater communication line and camera keeping them in touch with those on land. They’re also planning to livestream the event. Want to get a shoutout from below the surface of Lake Zoar? Make a donation of at least $25 through NUSAR.org before next Saturday, leave a comment with the donation, and tune in!

What do local Newtown authors Andrea Zimmermann, Sydney Eddison, and Nancy Crevier have in common? Well, honestly, a lot. But for now know one main thing: All three of them are offering an evening of discussion and readings of their recent published works Thursday, September 15, from 6-8 pm, at C.H. Booth Library, 24 Main Street. More details about the event are in this week’s Enjoy section. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this event, and remember to tell them Mountain sent you.

I always wander throughout the C.H. Booth Library when I visit, noting all the new displays and updates (and some of the older ones I have somehow missed over my decades of reporting for The Newtown Bee.) I highly recommend it. For instance, as C.H. Booth Library announced, it has moved a Newtown Allies for Change diptych it has on display to its third floor. That sounds like a great excuse to climb some stairs to me.

Readers are reminded that a motorcade for The CT United Ride — the state’s largest annual 9/11 tribute — will be traveling through town around midday Sunday. A full press release ran in last week’s paper and online, but here’s the nuts and bolts: There could be up to 3,000 motorcycles, including a large police escort, again participating. Riders can still register on Saturday at Captain’s Cove Seaport in Bridgeport or on Sunday at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, which will also be the departure location on Sunday. The ride will then travel a 60-mile continuous route, leaving from Sherwood Island at 11:30 and arriving around midday in Newtown by way of Route 302/Dodgingtown Road in Dodgingtown. The motorcade will follow 302 into the center of town, where it will turn right and travel south on South Main Street/Route 25, into Monroe. Spectators are welcome along any part of the route, including Dodgingtown and Botsford fire stations, and 40 South Main Street, where Hook & Ladder and Sandy Hook members and friends will be staging. Wave flags, show your patriotism, and know that funds raised through participation in the race, and the post-ride gathering in Bridgeport, are all donated to United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, CT State Firefighter Emergency Relief Fund, three CERT programs, and Police Cadet/Explorer chapters. The Newtown Police Cadet/Explorer unit was among those honored earlier this week, in fact, with a donation from last year’s CT United Ride proceeds.

Final note on the ride: If you are driving in town on Sunday when the motorcade is passing through, please note that (a) it could take 30 minutes or longer for the full motorcade to pass, and (b) drivers are expected to pull over and stop for the motorcade.

The Newtown Economic and Community Development Department recently announced it was awarded grants from the Jeniam Foundation and the Newtown Board of Realtors that will be used to install a gathering space where visitors to the Fairfield Hills Campus can sit, relax, and socialize. “We’re so excited to have the opportunity to make our vision a reality. Thank you to both the Jeniam Foundation and the Newtown Board of Realtors for their roles in the beautification of the Fairfield Hills Campus! Stay tuned for updates on this project!” the announcement read. You know this cat loves to sit and relax. I’ll be keeping my perfectly groomed ears perked for news on this.

Newtown Bee Sports Editor Andy Hutchison reminded me this week that high school sports seasons are getting underway for fall sports. Check this week’s sports section to catch up with Newtown High School’s teams as they get the ball rolling on another season of exciting games. I know our local athletes will be keeping Andy busy this year, and I can’t wait to see all the coverage!

I can’t help but remind you that this Saturday, September 10, 11 am-3 pm, will see the return of the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard’s open house at 4 Trades Lane on the Fairfield Hills campus. Who wouldn’t want to attend a day of demonstrations and more? Details are in this week’s Horse, Dog, & Pet News in the Sports section.

Do you know someone who has lived in Newtown all their life? Or do you have a new neighbor that just moved to town? Both people — as well as everyone in between — would make a great person to be featured in The Newtown Bee’s Snapshot profile. Reach out to reporter Alissa Silber by e-mail at alissa@thebee.com to recommend yourself or someone who lives and/or works in Newtown. It is a fun way to get to know people and learn more about what makes the Newtown community so special. See page two of this week’s print edition to read about this week’s Snapshot.

It is officially fall as far as I am concerned, because Ferris Acres Creamery now has its fall flavors available. Apple crisp ice cream anyone?

Speaking of apples ... Blue Jay Orchards, 125 Plumtrees Rd, Bethel, announced its farm market is now open seven days a week, 11 am-5 pm, for the season. Apples, cider, pies, produce, peaches, nectarines, and more are available. More details, including information about picking your own apples, is available on its website, bluejayorchardsct.com.

Our friend Dr Bob Grossman will celebrate his 94th birthday this Saturday. I only wonder, will the Newtown Rotary Club’s long-time pancake flipper have a regular birthday cake or one made out of a stack of pancakes? Either way, we wish you a wonderful birthday, Dr Bob!

I’ll serve myself a cake to celebrate if you promise next week to ... Read me again.