Laurie Kilchevski stopped by our office last week to tell us that she is now the proud owner of a map of early Newtown that came her way via this very column. In June, we received a note from a former Newtown resident, Gerard Healy, now living in California. Gerard was paring down his living space and no longer had room for the large framed map. "If anyone is interested and willing to pay for shipping, the map is good to go," he promised. Laurie, a map and Americana collector, was the second to respond, she says, but when Gerard did not hear again from the first inquirer, off the map went to Laurie. "He was so nice," she tells us. He did not even want her to send the check until the map arrived safely to her, which it did, about three weeks ago. It turns out, this is the second copy of the sepia tinted map Laurie has had in her possession. The first one she gave to her son; and now she is trying to find the perfect place on her walls for this map. (Who says print advertising has died?)castlehillfarm.net/book-online for more information and to reserve a spot.The Bee wishes a speedy recovery to the Newtown soccer player who suffered a broken nose while competing at a high level during playoff action this past weekend... truly a nose out of joint, I would say. Ouch.Despicable Me was in charge. Then, over at Middle Gate Elementary School, the faculty and staff were replaced for the day by colorful "trolls,"  less scary than the ones I remember from when I was a kitten…www.adath.ticketleap.com/the-edwards-twinsrsvp@jfed.net.

I'm impressed with the tenacity of the trees that managed to hang onto any leaves following this past Sunday night's wind and rain storm. You'd think that all of the trees would have been stripped bare, but no - we still have a few well-dressed maples and oaks lining the streets.

What the rain did delay was the Castle Hill Farm's Second Annual Mutts, Maze, and Muffin Morning. Scheduled for Sunday, October 29, it is rescheduled for Sunday, November 5, from 8 to 10 am. The $10 fee gets you hot coffee and warm muffins, and your favorite mutt gets treats, too, at the Sugar Lane/Route 302 farm. Go to

Fun was had in Newtown's schools for Halloween, I understand. As part of its Spirit Week, Newtown High School had a costume day, and from what I hear, Gru from

"We said 'rain or shine' and they believed us," reports Friends of the C.H Booth Library publicist Toni Earnshaw. The Friends want to thank the generous donors who braved the rains on Sunday to make Fall Book Donation Day a success. "Using tarps and cardboard to protect the donated books, volunteers helped donors unload their cars quickly - with slightly damp tax receipts in hand," she tells me. "Will Newtown ever run out of books? And will Newtown ever run out of good people who want to donate them... even in the rain? If Sunday tells us anything," Toni adds, "it's that the answer to both questions is a resounding No!"

It seems Kathy Williams and son Johnny are bidding farewell to their enterprise on Obtuse Road, the antiques and specialty items shop, The Weathered Way. Johnny, who gained a reputation for his woodworking skills, is on to new pastures. "He is currently at graduate school pursuing a degree in early childhood education, aiming to become an elementary school teacher," Kathy says. "Life takes many twists and turns, but rest assured, he will always be a woodworker and Weathered Way will always hold a special place in our hearts."

Congregation Adath Israel of Newtown will host The Edwards Twins, celebrity impersonators, this Saturday, November 4, at 7 pm, at Masuk High School in Monroe. Doors will open at 6 pm. In addition to an array of stars, courtesy of The Edwards Twins, the event will feature a silent auction and bake sale. Proceeds will be used to support the future of the temple, its community programs, education, and outreach to the greater Newtown area. Tickets are priced in advance at $35 for adults and $25 for seniors, as well as students. Tickets at the door: $40 for adults and $30 for seniors/students. For information or tickets by phone call 203-459-0089 or 203-426-5188. Tickets can also be reserved by visiting

Mark your calendars for November 11, when preschool through first grade students are invited to a breakfast with Wild West characters, like Woody from Disney's Toy Story, at St Rose of Lima School, 40 Church Hill Road, from 9 am until noon, in the school's gathering hall. Story time and opportunities for pictures will also be featured at the breakfast. For information call 203-426-5102. The event is part of the school's Scholastic Book Fair. St Rose parishioners will also be able to shop at the book sale after Saturday and Sunday Masses, November 11 and 12, except the 5 pm Sunday Mass.

Fill The Fire Trucks returns to The Big Y and Shop & Stop, Saturday, November 18, from 9 am to 2 pm. All five fire companies will be collecting food and household necessities to stock the shelves at FAITH Food Pantry on Pecks Lane - and just in time for Thanksgiving. Look for details, coming soon.

Are you looking for a way to "bee" friendly? The Jewish Federation of Western Connecticut is hosting a volunteer service project at Audubon Center Bent of the River, 185 East Flat Hill Road, Southbury, on Sunday, November 19, at 2 pm. Audubon Center Bent of the River needs help collecting seeds from the bees' favorite flowers, so they can plant them in the spring. Join in on the free "Let's Give Back to the Bees" (concluding the event with mulled cider, and reading a book about caring for the earth for the young volunteers) by calling 203-267-3177, ext 340, or e-mail

I don't know about collecting seeds, but I do know about collecting the news. Be sure next week to... Read me again.