I’ve had this event on my radar for a while: Trinity Episcopal Church, which has already done a few fundraisers this year to help those in Ukraine, will host a special event on September 24 with Connecticut Choral Society and special guests. “Vigil for Peace” will be a benefit concert to support José Andrés’s World Central Kitchen Chefs for Ukraine and the continuing efforts to feed millions of Ukrainian refugees. Under the direction of Eric Dale Knapp, the special performance will feature renowned organist Julian Revie, mezzo-soprano Karolina Wojteczko, violinists Yevgenia and Sander Strenger, the Chime In! Bell Choir, St Thomas More Schola Cantorum, and the CCS Festival Chorus. The concert is scheduled for Saturday, September 24, at 7:30 pm, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street in Newtown. Donations in support of World Central Kitchen Chefs for Ukraine will be accepted at the door.

Joan Crick will be 90 years old on September 15th! Maureen Crick Owen and her husband, Cramer, will celebrate the major milestone by having dinner with her. Joan is proud of the fact that she is tenth generation Glover and directly related to John Glover, one of the founders of Newtown. I just had to crow like a rooster for this birthday announcement. Happy birthday Joan!

Lights Out Connecticut, a nonprofit project of the Connecticut Ornithological Association, is urging residents to join the effort to turn off unnecessary lighting outside between 11 pm and 6 pm during peak bird migration, September 1 to November 15. Millions of birds, according to lightsoutct.org, pass through Connecticut every spring and fall, and many scientists believe that birds navigate by the light of the moon and stars. “But light pollution has wreaked havoc on our night sky. Artificial light emitted by buildings, street lights, bridges, and other structures can confuse and disorient birds, causing them to land near buildings, crash into windows, and/or circle around for hours until they drop from exhaustion. This can be made worse by weather patterns that force them to fly lower, closer to buildings. Studies show, overly lit buildings and structures can tempt migrating birds into headlong window collisions. Birds in urban environments are also subject to degraded habitats and can fall prey to house cats. The result is catastrophic: nearly 1 billion bird deaths in North America each year.” This cat hopes residents will join the effort to help protect our birds by turning off unnecessary lights through November 15.

Fall sports kicked off for a majority of Newtown High School’s teams this past week. I know The Newtown Bee’s Sports Editor Andy Hutchison is in full swing now. Make sure to check the Sports section this week to meet the captains of the fall varsity teams.

Speaking of sports reminds me to congratulate the NHS Marching Band & Color Guard! Find out why by checking this week’s Education section.

Even a tough old cat has a soft spot when it comes to patriotism, so it was wonderful to receive this image from Labor Day Parade goer Kristin Kinsey, who was quick to snap this priceless photo of young Paulie — son of Newtown VFW Post 308 Commander Paul Galietti — saluting spectator Mike Tangredi while helping distribute miniature American Flags with his dad and Post members along the parade route.

The Newtown Democratic Town Committee (DTC) has slated a Thursday, September 22, 6-7:30 pm event in C.H. Booth Library’s Meeting Room, 25 Main Street, with State Representative of West Hartford Jillian Gilchrest who will share a history and talk about the Supreme Court’s recent Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health decision and how it will impact Connecticut residents. “What other privacy rights could be at risk? What is Connecticut doing to protect access to abortion care and individual freedoms?” an announcement for the event reads. Register for the event online at eventbrite.com/e/how-did-we-get-here-privacy-freedom-and-womens-health-tickets-403777147317.

If you read this paper fresh off the press this week, you still have time to sign up for a Backyard Beekeeping class with Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, 3 Old Farm Rd, this Saturday, September 17, from 10 am to noon. “Backyard Beekeeping classes are in full swing at the sanctuary and there’s never been a better time to learn the time-honored tradition of keeping and caring for bees,” an announcement reads. “Together with Ryan, owner and expert beekeeper of Necker’s Farm, we’ll walk through summer and fall beekeeping, explore what’s happening in the hive and prepare for the colder months beyond. Each class is tailored to what is happening real-time with the sanctuary bees and hives, ensuring topics stay relevant to the many variables within each season. Sign up for one class or enjoy them all!” Registration is available online at cvhfoundation.org/event/backyard-beekeeping-2. The sanctuary’s next Backyard Beekeeping “Winter Prep” class is slated for October 8 from 10 am to noon. You see why I had to share the buzz about this, right?

Bingo lovers, it’s time to grab your daubers and head to 40 Church Hill Road. If you haven’t already heard and it’s prior to 6:30 pm Friday, September 16, put down this paper (for just a few hours; you can come back later) and head to the Monsignor Weiss Gathering Hall at St Rose School for the 2022-23 season opener of St Rose Bingo Night. Games will run 6:30-9:30 pm Friday, with doors opening 45 minute earlier. Cost is $20 per person, which covers all regular games. Raffle prizes and concessions will also be returning.

Town Players of Newtown has two special events coming up this month, including a tag sale this weekend. All are invited to visit the local theater company’s home at 18 Orchard Hill Road on Saturday, September 17, from 8 am until 4 pm, and buy up a storm! Volunteers will be at the theater selling off myriad donations that have arrived in recent weeks.

Next weekend will be a return to the stage on Orchard Hill Road for Town Players of Newtown, this time with a benefit comedy performance. “Christine O’Leary & Friends: Let’s Raise the Roof,” on Saturday, September 24, at 8 pm, will continue fundraising efforts toward a new roof of the theater building. O’Leary will headline a night of comedy that is also expected to include Stephanie Rosenberg, Laura Von Stein, Michael Mast, Muriel Dushok, Barbara Miller, Bill Greene, Suzanne Schatzle, Denise DiGrigoli, and Leslie Jacobs. Tickets are $20 and are available in advance at https://conta.cc/3BdFa97. They will also be available at the door next Saturday night.

I’ll be back on my “stage” in the paper next week as long as you promise to ... Read me again.