A final reminder this week that not only will Panacea & Friends be playing a second annual Twixtmas show at Aquila’s Nest on Sunday, but the ticket prices were reduced from $25 to $20 for adults last week for the special event. We had a press release in print and online last week and I mentioned the performance in this space two weeks ago, so the details can be easily found. You can always check our calendars, which are also in print and online, for details and — with the online calendar — a link to the press release.

Panacea lead singer and flutist Leslie Ballard reached out last week to share a secret with me: She’s going to be offering a raffle for a one-year subscription to this newspaper! Leslie coordinated a similar raffle during the Panacea Newtown Reunion concert Labor Day Weekend, when she offered the prize of a subscription by selling tickets for a raffle. The funds raised that afternoon were all donated to FAITH Food Pantry. This weekend she’s going to do a free drawing, so I think I’m giving Leslie my final Good Egg Award of 2025. Between fundraising for the local food pantry and now providing two Newtown Bee subscriptions to others, how can I not think of her as a good egg?

Speaking of those all important reminders, a Mitten Tree has been set up by Newtown Police Department Officer Maryhelen McCarthy. Donations of new and gently used winter hats, mittens, and gloves are being accepted at the tree, within the Newtown PD lobby at 191 Main Street South, until January 1. At that time the collection will be given to Newtown Center for Support & Wellness, helping local families in need during the winter season.

Meanwhile, if you or someone you know needs help right away, you are invited to visit the Mitten Tree and take what you need. According to a recent Facebook post by the PD, there is no need to ask. “That’s what it’s there for,” the December 9 post concludes.

Meanwhile, I have good news regarding the local Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign that took place earlier this month. In just four days — December 4-5 and 11-12 — volunteer ringers outside multiple locations in town collected nearly $8,300! Glenn Nanavaty, who has been serving as the president of Salvation Army Newtown Unit for years, said this week the “incredible total will allow Newtown Human Services to deliver much-needed assistance to local residents” thanks to those funds.

Glenn and other members of the local Salvation Army unit are already looking toward the new year. They would love to add a few new members to their planning group, he said. Volunteers are needed for everything from finding organizations to host drives and assisting with registration to placing and picking up kettles and even serving as treasurer. The Newtown unit is already thinking about another Christmas in July Red Kettle Campaign for 2026 as well as its traditional December fundraising effort. If you’d like to learn more — or even if you’re ready to join the group — contact Glenn at gnanavaty7746@yahoo.com.

While Bruce the Spruce — the three-foot tall artificial tree in our Production department, regularly costumed for different occasions — is often highlighted in this space, this week I am putting the spotlight on Bruce’s taller cousin. Zeus the Spruce was the center of attention last Thursday morning, when all gifts for the 2025 DIY Secret Santa were piled under his branches. Thirteen employees (and one granddaughter) participated in the annual event this year. Bees have been busy for a few months, trying to decide what to make for their gift recipient. December 18 was the big day this year, when nearly everyone gathered in Production to open their gifts. Sophia Baggett, who again collaborated with her grandmother Sherri to create a gift, couldn’t get out of school that morning (go figure…). Our copy editor, Tamar Mayer-DeAngelis, was also unable to join the festivities in person, but Sam Cross was right there with her phone and Zoom, so Tamar joined us virtually. The paper was done for the week, so this offered a fun way for people in many departments to enjoy a few minutes of levity. When they finished opening their gifts, everyone went back to work for the rest of the day. I was then able to curl up under Zeus and enjoy a cat nap on his tree skirt. What a gift!

Newtown Woman’s Club members exchanged gifts and good news last week as well. Nearly 30 members of the very longstanding club gathered on December 18 for their annual holiday luncheon, which included a brief business meeting, a delicious meal, and the presentation of Secret Santa gifts, among other special moments. Pat Lowell delivered some very good news before members enjoyed their meals: the co-chair of the Woman’s Club Pewter Ornament Committee told the others that ornaments were “all but sold out” at that time. A very happy cheer went up around the room at that announcement, which was delivered by way of a poem Pat had written to mimic “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

I hope you continue to have a good holiday season, my friends. Winter is formally here, it’s snowing as I put the final touches on this week’s column, and I look forward to catching up again next week, when it will be time to … read me again.