TransitionCT, a transitional program for adults with special needs, is a neighbor to The Newtown Bee. Often, employees have heard people laughing and speaking just outside their windows as the individuals and caretakers trekked up the hill to Edmond Town Hall for a movie and to practice for the upcoming Holiday Spectacular. Reporter Sam Cross extended an invite to the group to come tour the building. This was the first group that visited on Thursday, August 6.

Attendees from TransitionCT learned about the first edition of The Bee that was published on June 28, 1877 and what goes into making the paper every week. The groups visited each department briefly and got an exclusive look into how the different departments work together.

The groups got to see the July 2 and July 9 papers from 1976, a time when Newtowners celebrated the country’s bicentennial. Some participants brought cards and drawings as a “thank you” for the experience.

The participants also learned about the previous publishers of The Newtown Bee and more of the Smith family history. They also got to speak with Advertising Sales Representative Jeff Williams and hear what goes into his job.