Congratulations to all of the local politicians who ran a good race this fall, and special congratulations to Pat Llodra, our new first selectman-elect. It seems fitting to have a new leader in a new town hall — which, if you have not made the time to stop by yet, is looking pretty spectacular.

With school in session this year, NHS has extended an invitation to all Newtown veterans to attend “Thank A Veteran Day” at the school on November 11, Veterans’ Day. An assembly will be held at 12:30 pm in the school’s auditorium, and a luncheon prepared by culinary arts classes will be served an hour before, at 11:30 am. If interested, please notify Lynn Korotash, in the NHS Guidance Department, 426-7652, by Friday, November 6.

Just a reminder that if you see a veteran around town, take a moment to thank him or her for their service to our country.

The month of November is so associated with giving thanks, and most of us have a great deal for which to be grateful. At The Bee, we are grateful to all who have taken part in our Three Weeks of Caring, donating nonperishable foods, toiletries, and pet food to be divided between the town food pantry at Town Hall South, and the FAITH food pantry. If you had all good intentions of helping us to make this the biggest and best collection ever, but haven’t made it to our 5 Church Hill Road office to drop off your donation, there is still time. Bring by any final Three Weeks of Caring donations between 8 am and noon, Monday, November 9, and busy Bees will make sure your contribution gets to one of the pantries.

The C.H. Booth reference librarians tell me that several patrons have taken time to browse the collection of vintage Scribner, Harpers, and Atlantic magazines now shelved on the third floor of the library, since town historian Dan Cruson’s discovery of them in the attic this summer. The magazines are a treasure trove of literature, with early writings of some well-known authors (like Connecticut’s own Mark Twain) featured within the pages. The upcoming chilly months might be the perfect time to curl up on one of the library’s comfortable chairs and travel back in time as you turn the pages of those historical magazines.

FISH could use some more drivers, according to FISH treasurer Fred Stakel. The volunteer organization provides free transportation for Newtown residents needing a ride to doctor’s appointments or other medically necessary appointment. Volunteers provide these rides Monday through Thursday, and the current drivers could use some relief. If you can help, even driving once a week or once a month, call FISH president Colleen Honan at 426-0714 or scheduler Ellen Parrella at 426-6470.

From what I hear, the Newtown High School’s Drama Club’s latest production will be the cat’s meow. Tickets will still be available at the door of the Newtown High School auditorium this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, November 5 through 7, for the high school’s Drama Club production of Neil Simon’s comedy Lost in Yonkers, the coming of age tale that follows two teenage boys as they cope with their eccentric extended family in Yonkers, N.Y., during World War II. Performances in the Newtown High School auditorium begin Thursday, at 7:30 pm, and continue Friday at 7:30 pm, and Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 pm. All tickets are $10.

I went to visit a friend at the Newtown Dog Pound this week. Iris was hiding at the back of her kennel, but she perked up when she heard I was there. When she looked out between the bars, though, her eyes were sadly empty. Iris can’t see and she needs help. A kitty like me, Iris needs to find a home right away, Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason tells me. Unfortunately the glaucoma that has rendered her blind means she frightens easily — because she can’t see what’s happening around her. That means she needs to be the one and only cat at home, with a consistent environment and a lot of affection. Lovable Iris would make a great lap cat, said Ms Mason. Iris could require additional veterinary care because of her eyes, but for now she just wants to become acquainted with a friendly voice and caring hands. Contact the dog pound at 426-6900.

There was an amazing outpouring of support for the first area PanCan Purple Strides pancreatic cancer awareness walk this past Sunday, at Danbury Fair Mall. Kristen Angell, who along with her mother, Mary, of Newtown, Karen Rowe, of Bethel, and Ellen Klaus, Newtown, helped organize the huge event, said that more than 500 walkers registered for the event, raising nearly $75,000 — a sum far exceeding what the national PanCan organization suggested would be reasonable for a first-time effort. Congratulations to the hardworking organizers, and thanks to all who participated to support pancreatic cancer research funding.

I’m counting down the days to Thanksgiving, now that Halloween is just a sweet memory. Hopefully, you are counting down the days until next week, when you can…. Read me again.