We hope the bright span of white that now graces the cement wall below the Church Hill Road railroad bridge isn't too inviting to shenanigans. Newtown artist Virginia Zimmerman and volunteers spent time priming the abutment last weekend, in preparation for a full-size "Welcome To Newtown" mural that will adorn that space is short time. Ms Zimmerman has designed a scene that will adorn part of the cement wall to the immediate south of Church Hill Road, as well as a shorter cement wall that runs in front of Newtown Veterinary Specialists at 52 Church Hill Road. Each letter of the phrase Welcome To Newtown will contain a different Newtown icon, from Ram Pasture to a view from Castle Hill. The project is being funded by a $3,500 grant supported in part by the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The project is also being partially funded by Newtown Cultural Arts Commission.www.newtown-ct.gov. You'll find information on membership, as well, at the website, or stop by the P&R office during weekday hours. Money will not be accepted at the pool or beach.join.mgwalk.org/Register.asp. Raising awareness and raising funds for research to find a cure is an ongoing effort. The MG Walk is a chance for those with MG to meet others who live with it, and find support. You might be surprised to discover that you know someone with this rare disease. (If you can't take part in the walk, you can donate at mgwalk.org.)The Newtown Bee this week, published in 2002, and came upon an interesting article regarding the buildings at Fairfield Hills, as the town first began developing a plan for that property. It seems that Canaan House was pegged as a potential municipal center, and Bridgeport Hall "would be best suited as a community center." What an interesting flip-flop, now that Bridgeport Hall is the actual Municipal Center and the site of Canaan House is on its way to becoming our community center.ethsurvey.com that will help the Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers determine the future of the historic Main Street building. Your thoughts on the best uses for the building, how you currently utilize the space, and any other input are appreciated.

It will be a little while before these kittens can be on view in public, but the Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport is pleased to announce the birth of two Canada lynx kittens, born April 26. The zoo is home to the parents, a male, Sasquatch, originally from the Minnesota Zoo, and a female, Selma, from Hogle Zoo in Utah. The twins are expected to be on exhibit at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo by early this summer. (Sounds like a summer day trip to the zoo, to me.)

Meanwhile at New York's Central Park Zoo, a white-naped crane chick has made its public debut. The chick hatched on April 29 and is only the second of its species ever hatched at the Central Park Zoo.

I was reminded this week, too, that Newtown has its share of baby animals. Goslings have been spotted at Ram Pasture pond. Mama and Papa Goose have taken them for field trips that involve crossing Elm Drive, so please drive with caution in the area of the pond. It is the season for other wild babies - fawns, raccoons, opossums, fox, bobcats, and even bear cubs. Keep an eye out for these inexperienced creatures as they learn to navigate the many roads of Newtown.

I spotted a poster  reminding all to "[bee] kind" at Middle Gate Elementary School this week. Friendly reminders like this one while I am buzzing around town, always make me smile.

Newtown High School shared the list of the 2017 Connecticut High School Musical Theater Awards final nominations on its Facebook page on May 22. This school year's musical, Evita, is nominated in categories of Costumes, Direction, Music Direction, Orchestra, Chorus, Lobby, Leading Actress, Leading Actor, Supporting Actor, Featured Performer, Ensemble Group, and Overall. According to the High School Musical Theater Awards Facebook page, award recipients will be announced at The Palace Theater in Waterbury on June 5 during a "black tie gala."

Anthony Fitti was in town visiting loved ones on Friday, May 19, when he stopped at the General Store for lunch with his rescue dog, Sophie. The two enjoyed lunch, both seated at an outdoor table. I can't help but wonder, what sandwich did Sophie order? I have a soft spot for "The Bee," of course.

There can never be too many reminders about why most Americans have the day off this coming Monday, May 29. Memorial Day is meant to honor those who have given their lives in service to our country. Our VFW Post 308 will host a ceremony at 11 am on Monday, at their Freedom Defenders Way property off of Wasserman Way, and the public is encouraged to attend.

Memorial Day also kicks off summer traditionally. If you are celebrating with a party, please do so safely. Fireworks, drinking, poolside fun, and road trips all should be undertaken with great responsibility this busy weekend. If you are taking Fido on the road, a crate is the safest and most secure way for your dog to travel. Be sure to stop every couple of hours on long trips to offer clean water and a potty stop. Most kitties who like to travel with the family will be happiest secured in a crate, too... except for a couple of King Street cats, or so I hear.

The pool at Treadwell Park and beach at Eichler's Cove open this weekend, too, a true sign of summer. You can take a dip on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 7 pm; on Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 8 pm; and on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from noon to 7 pm, through June 18. Hours for the rest of the summer can be found at the Parks & Recreation Department page at

I'm excited about the June 3 Catherine Violet Hubbard Butterfly Party - lots of kittens, cats, puppies, and dogs will be on view for adoption, lovingly brought there by various regional pet rescue agencies. I'm hoping that many will find forever homes. The party takes place at Fairfield Hills from noon to 4 pm, and includes lots of other family fun activities and exhibits, if adopting a pet is not on your radar at the moment.

The MG Walk to benefit the mission of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation takes place Sunday, June 11, at Hubbard park in Meriden. MG is a chronic autoimmune disease in which antibodies attack neuromuscular connections, causing debilitating muscle weakness. There is currently no cure for it. Registration to take part in the walk, either as a solo walker or part of a team, can be found at

A little bird tells me that Lee Brownell, of the NHS library media staff, celebrated a special (but who's counting?) birthday this week. Happy birthday, Lee, and best wishes for many happy days to come!

I was browsing the 125th Anniversary issue of

There's a nice and easy survey you can take at

As always, you know what I appreciate: that you open the paper next week and... Read me again.