Perfect for this week, or any week, is a bulletin board at NMS — Kindness Starts With You. Pay It Forward. Please keep kindness in your hearts as we honor 12/14, a difficult day for friends and neighbors in our community and all of those so affected.

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One local mom melted my heart this week with the news that a Megan’s Circle bus stop group gathered together early on the morning of December 6 to celebrate Hanukkah, recognized December 2 to 10 this year; St Nicholas Day, recognized on December 6 in the United States; and Christmas, recognized on December 25, all together. Debbie DeBlasi tells me the event was an example of, “Peace on Earth and goodwill towards all mankind.” While sharing traditions, the children learned about the real St Nicholas, candles were set in a menorah, one student shared the story of Hanukkah, a prayer was shared in Hebrew, and the students ate pancakes and latkes. Here’s to keeping the spirit of holiday traditions in our hearts throughout the year.

When The Bee received a classified ad last week for a New Mexico property, front desk secretary Bridget was a little perplexed why such a faraway property might be advertised here. She contacted Ann Yarmal, who had submitted the ad, and got this response:

“In 1947, when I was fourteen my dad decided to purchase property in Connecticut for when he retired. He was a NYC policeman, originally from Massachusetts, and looked forward to building a home like his dad had. He had been told that The Newtown Bee was a great place to look for out of state properties. Anyway, when my daughter, Cindy, agreed to sell my home here in Truth or Consequences, N.M., I told her that people used to say the best newspaper for selling out of state properties was The Newtown Bee and she suggested we purchase an ad in The Bee.

My dad did purchase property in Woodbury, CT… part of a former farm… from banks in Bethlehem. I married the original owner/farmer’s son and went on to live in Connecticut for the following 25 years. I graduated from Woodbury High School in 1950 and actually was assigned to write an article on Woodbury High School for The Newtown Bee at the time. I don’t believe that particular article was published by The Bee, but I had a lot of fun interviewing people in Woodbury and almost causing the principal, Mr. Coombs, a heart attack when I walked into school with the Town Records piled as high as my head, having been given them by the banker’s son to review.”

Long story short, need property in New Mexico?

Everyone loves Santa... Santa Claus (who visited courtesy of Joe Hemingway) was found near the start of the Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP) “Pictures With Santa” event, December 8, with SHOP members Maribeth Hemingway, seated, and Julie Friend. The kid-friendly, family event was held on the porch of 1 Riverside Road. There was no charge for photos, but donations were accepted for the proposed Heritage Park & Trail and FAITH Food Pantry.

A recent Facebook post by Dave Ackert shows all the excitement of the kids at Savoy Elementary School in Washington, DC, when they received the great donation of books, just in time for the holiday school break. According to Dave, over the past five years, he, his wife, daughter, son, and many friends and family members have collected and packed up books for this elementary school in the Capitol city — then delivered them while in DC for the Annual National Vigil For Victims of Gun Violence. That memorial service took place on December 5 this year, and the Ackerts were happy to be among those bringing some joy to an underprivileged community and to #HonorWithAction. A Good Egg Award for all seems so trite, but nonetheless, it is deserved.

Some wonderful family will be sharing that Good Egg Award — Fran Ashbolt was ringing the bell for the Salvation Army at Walgreens on a (particularly freezing) weekend evening and had forgotten her hat! “A mother and her three children noticed how cold I was and went into the store and bought me a hat,” says Fran. “The children were so excited to give it to me, and I thought it was such a lovely spirit of the holidays thing to do. I am sorry I did not get their names. It certainly made my weekend!”

But wait — more sharing of that Good Egg Award has to happen. Is this town great, or what? I guess good things can come from social media. After one Newtown mom posted a query to learn where she could by a Christmas tree for under $20, the community responded with heartfelt support. After recently moving, the single mom tells me she was nervous about making ends meet this holiday, and she still wanted a tree for her 6-year-old son. People responded with many offerings, but Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue firefighter Harley Garcia sent her a message. He offered to buy her a Christmas tree from the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Christmas Trees Sale and a wreath. While mom and son visited the station, Mr Garcia also let the 6-year-old climb in the firetrucks. “Everybody needs a helping hand sometimes. As firefighters, we are here to help the community however we can,” Mr Garcia tells me. Mr Garcia wasn’t the only one to offer support. Another resident purchased a gift card to Big Y to help the duo buy groceries. Now the mom has her Santa “thinking” hat on: She has plans to pay the community back for its support next Christmas. “I just want everyone to know that it is okay to ask for help,” she said. We wish her, her son, and all of those who offered support a very merry Christmas.

Oh my gosh. Does yet another need to latch onto that Good Egg? I think so. At BD Provisions, they are all about nourishing the community — one scoop at a time, I’m told. For the rest of the month of December, the new store at 125 South Main Street (behind Butcher’s Best) “will be nourishing our community one cup at a time, since 100 percent of the proceeds from our hot coffee sales will go to the FAITH Food Pantry in Newtown!” Enjoy a small or large cup of delicious coffee there “and feel good knowing that your purchase is supporting those in need this holiday season.”

Here’s an idea for those hard-to-buy-for people on your holiday list: a new or extended subscription to The Newtown Bee! For just $45 for a year’s subscription, revive the habit of reading in friends and family with community news you can trust. Send the name, address, and message (if you want) of the recipient, along with your contact information and a check or credit card number, to Bee Publishing Co, PO Box 5503, Newtown CT 06470, call 203-426-3141, or e-mail subscriptions@thebee.com. There — cross those names off the list!

There are still a couple of days left to help yourself while you help others: the C.H. Booth Library “Food For Fines” continues through Sunday, December 16. Patrons with late fees are invited to “pay” those fines by bringing in donations to support the town food pantry. Outstanding items must be returned before any fines can be forgiven. For more information, call 203-426-4533.

The only “fine” thing I have to add, is that you’ll find some “fine” news if you... Read me again.