FAITH Food Pantry needs food. Period. That was the crux of the phone call from Lee Paulsen, co-chair of the Sandy Hook-based food pantry when she called after more than 45 people visited the pantry Tuesday morning. “It’s getting scary again,” she said, “and I don’t think we’ve still seen the worst of it.” Families, individuals, churches, and other groups continue to donate items as they can, but the pantry’s volunteers can’t keep the shelves stocked. Among the items on the FAITH Food Pantry wish list this month are canned chili and pasta (“Chef Boy-R-Dee is very popular,” I was told), crackers, fruit (fresh and canned), cake mix, cereal, pancake mix and syrup, and juice. The pantry can also use paper towels, toilet tissue, and laundry detergent. Hours are every Tuesday, from 10 am to noon, and Thursdays, from 6 to 7:30 pm, at St John’s Episcopal Church, 5 Washington Avenue. If neither of those times are convenient for you or you’d like more info on how to help, call Lee at 426-5604 or fellow FAITH co-chair Nancy Taylor at 426-5807. (By the way, Breanne Lubinsky whispered in my ear this week that she will be bringing her “1 Can Make(s) A Difference” food drive for the pantry back to the Labor Day Parade this year.)

While weather watchers were worrying about the tornado warning issued this past Sunday evening, the audience at Newtown Congregational Church was setting aside any cares to enjoy the music of Calaveras, a California-based folk, jazz, blues, and country trio consisting of singer-songwriters Greg Beattie and Victoria Blythe, along with instrumentalist Dave Decker. The musician’s enthusiasm was not dampened in the least by the humidity that had concertgoers crafting fans from any usable material, although Victoria, who just happens to be NCC senior minister Matt Crebbin’s sister, did comment that the East Coast weather was a far cry from the dry air of California. I chose a cool spot in the window so that I could gather in the contented looks on the faces of everyone listening. If you were home huddling in the basement and missed the concert, check them out at myspace.com/CalaverasSongs. I’m still purring.

You say “tomato,” I say “tomahto.” But Slow Food Connecticut says, “Yes, we have no tomatoes.” The 2009 annual heirloom tomato tasting feast scheduled for August 23 has been canceled, according to chapter leader Susan Chandler. Urban Oaks Organic Farm in New Britain and Upper Forty Farm in Cromwell, the host farms, have taken a hit from the cold, rainy weather. Not only are the tomato plants suffering from flooding and blight, even the tent and park areas usually used to host guests are swamped. “It is unclear if there will be any field grown tomato plants surviving in four weeks,” Susan said in an email to me last week. Now that’s a sad, sad statement to hear. The tomato season is brief enough without being thwarted by the weather.

I see on The Bee Facebook that NHS graduate Loribeth Pavone has been having some fun reconnecting and getting together with other NHS alumni over lunch. What, you’re still not a fan of The Bee? Check it out at facebook.com.

Which reminds me, if you are planning to stop by the high school for any reason, it is temporarily closed for electrical work by Connecticut Light & Power until August 4. Visit the Newtown Middle School on Queen Street or call 426- 7645 for assistance.

All I ask is a clean litter box, but apparently there are those who respond to a far more pleasant “resting” experience when out and about. This is kind of down to the wire, but if you have visited any of these premier restrooms around the country, there is still time to vote for your fav restroom from the ten finalists in this year’s America’s Best Restroom competition, sponsored by Cintas Corporation. Finalists include the Radio City Music Hall restroom this year, among others. Vote online at BestRestroom.com through Friday, July 31. The site provides a photographic tour of the restrooms, just in case you have not had a chance to visit, live and in person. Check for the winner in August.

Here’s a competition that is more up my alley. Connecticut Commissioner of Agriculture F. Philip Prelli is challenging Connecticut residents to eat one Connecticut grown item a day for the Connecticut Grown Challenge. Take your pick from the wealth of Connecticut grown products — maple syrup, milk, honey, meats, cheese, vegetables, fruits, or any of the other specialty items grown and produced in our own state. Not only does it promote pride in our local farmers and products, but it promotes good health, as well, by encouraging the use of fresh items locally grown. The Connecticut Grown Challenge is part of a nationwide Department of Agriculture Eat Locally Challenge. Visit CTGrown.gov to discover producers by product and location. Then, sink your teeth into the challenge and count yourself a winner.

And believe it or not, it will be August next week when you... Read me again.