I love that I can pull down any book I want from a shelf and lose myself in the story. I’m particularly fond of Lilian Jackson Braun’s The Cat Who… series, but not all of my friends agree with me on my choice of literature. And that’s okay. I read what I like, thanks to librarians and other free-rights supporters across the country. Through their efforts, many books deemed inappropriate by special interest groups are back on the shelves, allowing me the freedom to read what I feel is right for me, and allowing writers the freedom to truly express themselves. The C.H. Booth Library has set up a terrific display to celebrate “Banned Books Week, September 27 to October 4” near the main circulation desk on the second floor. Take a look, and then check out a book — any book you please.

Linda Hastey spotted a bobcat strolling along near Mt Pleasant Road one day last week, she reports. Linda grabbed her camera and she and a friend followed the wild kitty. The bobcat complied by posing nicely for this photo  before slipping off into the woods. “He seemed very calm and unfazed by our presence,” said Linda. “We’re assuming that all of the construction [in town] may be scaring animals out of their natural habitat. What a beautiful sight such a large cat was!” she exclaimed. I do have to add, though, that knowing how moody us felines can get, I wouldn’t recommend stalking a large wild animal armed only with a camera.

Here’s some walking that can pay off. Students who walk to their bus stops may earn a surprise gift from their bus drivers soon. The Newtown Public Schools Wellness Committee’s “Walk To The Stop” campaign will have bus drivers giving out yellow bus key chains for students who walk to their bus stop instead of having parents drive them. The initiative is meant to help students start making the healthy choice to walk when possible. The key chains will say “I Walk to the Stop!” Flyers went out to the schools last week to let students know what they should be expecting.

Everyone may march to the sound of a different drummer, but not The Newtown Marching Nighthawks. They are all quite in tune with each other, thank you, and here’s the proof: The Newtown Marching Nighthawks won the Class IV Division of the Musical Arts Conference (MAC) competition hosted by the Brien McMahon High School Marching Senators in Norwalk this past Saturday. The band’s performance of “Virtruvian Man,” by Richard Saucedo, led by drum majors Laura Bittman and Lauren Hanulik, received a score of 71.15 to 68.35 over Danbury High’s Marching Hatters. The Class IV Division consists of bands with 71–91 members. The Marching Nighthawks were also the 2007, 2006, and 2005 Musical Arts Conference Class IV Champions, and the band was awarded seventh place in the 2007 United States Scholastic Band Association National Championships in Baltimore, with the color guard winning first place. Congratulations to the band and band leaders who clearly know how to lead the way.

The Republicans are hoping for better luck with their next event than the Democrats had last weekend. Newtown’s DTC had planned a pig roast for September 13 to take place at Treadwell Park, but when hungry folks started showing up around 3 pm they weren’t greeted by the sight and smell of cooking pork over a spit. Instead one lone sign informed everyone that due to “unforeseen circumstances,” Saturday’s event had been cancelled. The skies had been cloudy and threatening all morning, which may have been one reason the outdoor event was called off. This weekend’s weather won’t make a difference for another political party, however. The RTC will host the grand opening of Republican Headquarters at 49 South Main Street on Sunday afternoon between 1 and 5 pm. All Republican candidates will be available to meet, and refreshments will be available. Rain or shine. Give Tom Catalina a call at 364-0803 or 496-1069 if you’d like additional info about the headquarters or the open house.

I stopped by Hawleyville Naturopathic Medical Center last week and met Ben Stratford, ND, who has recently joined the staff. Dr Stratford is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Connecticut Naturopathic Physicians Association and earned his medical degree at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Wash. Dr Stratford works part-time at the center assisting Drs Josh Berry and Deb Bossio in the ever-growing family medicine office. Welcome to Newtown, Dr Stratford.

We say hello to new people all of the time, but sometimes we have to say goodbye. For instance, recently I got a peek at a photograph of Doug Bixby, who grew up in town and can still visit his parents at home not far from The Bee. Last month the camera caught him with his friends from the Salem Covenant Church in the community of Washington; he is leaning back and enjoying a laugh with his wife, daughters, and parents during a farewell party after 15 years with the church. Reverend Bixby, as our local young man grew up to be known, is beginning work at another parish far out of my reach in Attleboro, Mass.

As catty as I am, I like to keep an eye on how the town’s residents turn out, and I agree with the reverend’s father, James: here is one local boy who did well for himself, and is now passing it along to those seeking a reverend’s advice.

His former congregants sang for him, they spoke their thanks, they listened to his advice, then those gathered waved goodbye to Rev Doug Bixby, who will take his devotion and inspiration across one state line…not too far, we hope….

I can only hope that you won’t wander too far next week to… Read me again.