Shady Rest would like to let local parents know that children are invited to enjoy the nostalgic style trick or treating offered within that community. Kim McIntosh sent us a note this week to let readers know that many of the residents in that longstanding community off Walnut Tree Hill Road “participate in handing out candy and teal pumpkin safe treats. We decorate our streets and homes to give families a safe traditional trick or treating.” Children and parents should plan to visit between 5:30 and 8:30 pm on Halloween. Maps are provided to families to make sure no house is missed, Kim further noted.

Congratulations to Roberta Shea, who is celebrating the opening this weekend of “Autumn Refrain” at The Ridgefield Library. A collection of Roberta’s oil paintings and monoprints are being presented at the library through November 29. With Shea’s prints and paintings featuring the vividly hued, highly textured seasonal changes in nature and trees, the library has invited Dr Danica Doroski to present a complementary talk about urban forests and climate change. The state urban forestry coordinator for Connecticut, Doroski will discuss “Urban Forests and Climate Change” on Saturday, October 29, at 2 pm. The opening reception will then continue from 3 to 4:30 pm, and all are welcome. The library is at 472 Main Street (Route 25) in Ridgefield; call 203-438-2282 or visit ridgefieldlibrary.org for additional information.

We had a Good Egg Award nomination come in from a very grateful local pup. And I can’t help but agree with my fellow animal that a Good Egg Award should go to the homeowners at 39 Rock Ridge Road, who were so kind as to supply a watering station all summer long for thirsty dogs walking on the road there. It was much appreciated this past season by at least one dog, as proven by the submitted photo. The water stop was appreciated while the summer heat was upon us, and the homeowners certainly deserve to be praised as “good.” Congratulations! You are Good Eggs!

Two Coyotes Wilderness School — a nonprofit organization with locations in Newtown, West Granby, and Killingworth — is looking for a new program director. I learned this week that Stephanie Niles, who has served as the school’s program director for the last eight years, has taken a new position at an alternative school. We wish her the best of luck, and anyone who thinks the program director position is for them, can see the website twocoyotes.org/about/getting-involved-jobs/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=jobopenings.

Pat and Megan Hallosen of Redding (Pat grew up in Sandy Hook) recently embarked on a crafting project that I can’t help but share. Megan was inspired to create a “tree” in their home after seeing a similar project online. With some elbow-grease help from Pat and their two dogs, Archie and Wally, Megan created a room-tall paper-mache tree. The tree was created using a bit of leftover shelf, L brackets, cardboard tubes, foam, masking tape, and, of course, copies of The Newtown Bee. Once the newspaper layer dried, Megan then painted the entire frame white and created a canopy of “leaves” and “flowers.” She then used twinkle lights as the final touch. And while the end product is astoundingly beautiful, I can’t help but be partial to this middle-stage photo, showing off all of those copies of The Newtown Bee.

In case you are planning to visit C.H. Booth Library any time soon, I just want to warn you that the front entrance is temporarily closed. The library recently announced that the rear and side entrances will remain open, but while work being done to the slate roof on the building’s 1932 section is underway, the front entrance will be closed, for the safety of patrons.

I heard that Legislative Council member and Borough Sr Burgess Chris Gardner and his son Andrew Gardner recently teamed up to offer game commentary on a broadcast during a University of New Hampshire men’s soccer game. I bet they had fun!

Are you looking for new throw pillows? Look no further than the Newtown High School Marching Band & Guard. Yes. You read that correctly. The NHS Marching Band & Guard is repurposing the 17-year-old band uniforms, recently replaced with new outfits, to be crafted into 15” x 15” pillows. The pillows are being sold for $75 off the band’s website, nhsbandguard.com/merchandise, through October 31. So act fast if you are interested in these pillows that, as you can tell from the photos by Jon Miller, keep their uniform charm. The pillows will be available for pickup in early December. I’m thinking that’s perfect timing for a holiday gift ...

Newtown Scholarship Association, Inc, is gearing up to host a Casino Night on Saturday, November 12, starting at 6 pm at Rock Ridge Country Club. The evening is a fundraiser for the group that promotes and advances the education of secondary school graduates residing in Newtown. Tickets start at $150 and all donations are accepted, even from those who cannot attend. For more information about tickets see newtownscholarship.ejoinme.org/CasinoNight2022?fbclid=IwAR0EpsMlAXryrwzik7_2t2v1ToVlz8EtjdaCm84ZkX-OkyWc0sD7svhl19A. A description for the event reads, “Join us for Casino Night and try your luck at casino games all in support of need-based scholarships for Newtown’s high school seniors. Your ticket includes dinner, cocktails, music, and ‘funny money’ plus access to the champagne raffle and silent auction.”

Before the current show at the Newtown Municipal Center Art Gallery closes, you can meet Julia Sikes-Provey, the artist who created all the wonderful oversized works. New dolls were just added to the exhibit too. The Gallery, on Simpson Street in Fairfield Hills, will be open this Sunday, October 30, from 2 to 4 pm. A well-known artist, Julia was the muralist at the recent Newtown Arts Festival and was the artist for the 2014 art for the Festival. She also creates garden sculptures and fabric art. The collection at the municipal center is the latest exhibition hosted by Newtown Cultural Arts Commission.

I wish everyone a safe and happy Halloween this year. Just like trick-or-treaters, I promise to be out collecting all the sweets (news) I can to share with you next week as long as you promise next week to ... Read me again.