Tercentennial Commission Seeks Support For A Full Slate Of Celebrations

By Jan Howard

The Steering Committee of the Newtown Tercentennial Commission is moving ahead with plans for the celebratory year that begins on January 1, 2005.

Mike Fitzsimons, chairman of the fireworks committee, told its members last week that a proposed location for a fireworks display on August 6, 2005, is being considered at the highest point of the Fairfield Hills campus following a survey of possible sites.

Reporting on a recent meeting with police and fire officials and Janet Woycik, co-chairman of major events, Mr Fitzsimons said a “line of sight test” would have to be made to make sure setbacks and line of sight would be safe for spectators. The “line of sight test” will be done within the next couple of months, he said.

He said balloons would be used to determine where people would need to sit to see the fireworks. They could probably be seen from other places in town, such as the high school parking lot, he said.

Police and fire personnel would also need a crowd control plan, he noted.

Mr Fitzsimons said he also spoke to First Selectman Herb Rosenthal and was assured of the town’s support for the event. Selectman Bill Brimmer said the committee would also need approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The kickoff event for the tercentennial will be a ball on January 1. The Ball Committee is currently looking into a possible location. It is hoped that 300 people would attend.

The group also discussed a townwide picnic planned for August 6, 2005. Among ideas for food served that day is a Taste of Newtown by local restaurants, individual organizations, and fire departments. Children’s activities would also be offered, such as a skateboard demonstration, battle of the bands, and entertainers. The committee also discussed the need for many volunteers that day.

“All organizations had participated when we had the block party,” Barbara Kasbarian said.

Ms Woycik said she has been approached in regard to a vintage baseball team.

Richard Woycik reported that the Committee for Commemoratives would buy and sell merchandise rather than outsourcing. He is to submit a list of items and costs at the next meeting and will be asking for some seed money.

“The committee eventually wants to be self-funding,” he said.

He said that whenever the tercentennial logo will be used there would be a “TM” on the product. All utilization of the logo will be controlled by the Steering Committee. Merchandise would include both wearable and commemorative items.

John Martocci said that Nancy Adams, branch manager of Newtown Saving Bank, would help with merchandising.

Mr Martocci, chairman of the fundraising committee, reported he has received about $6,000 in donations. His goal for this initial fundraising is $15,000.

He is looking for two types of membership: Charter Member, $250, and Founder Member, $500. The committee agreed that Curtis Packaging should be included as a Founder Member for its in-kind contribution of the logo. He is also looking for sponsorships for the ball.

Chairman Dan Cruson discussed the Board of Finance’s reduction of a funding request for the tercentennial to zero. The Board of Selectmen had originally approved $75,000 for the yearlong celebration.

Mr Cruson made a presentation before the Legislative Council at its recent public hearing, and said he is hopeful the council may restore some of the funding.

 Volunteer Coordinator Gordon Williams has sent out 70 letters and emails to volunteers. He also recruited three new volunteers, Girl Scouts, Rocking Roosters, and the Lions Club.

The Girl Scouts are looking for ideas on how they can help, he said. The Rocking Roosters want to participate on the day of the picnic, and will have three hours of square dancing and teaching. The Lions Club plans to take on fundraising for the $100,000 project for Town Hall Theater seats.

Mr Williams said he and other members continue to speak to local clubs and organizations in regard to participation in the tercentennial events.

Brigette Sorensen has met with SCAN, which is proposing a Main Street open-air event at which David Merrill has offered to do a tour of his Town Hall mural.

Other recent volunteers include Charter Communications, which has offered to do the training and provide equipment for verbal essays, and the manager of Toy Works, which has offered to contact the manufacturer of Scrabble seeking donations of the game.

Ms Sorensen said that WIN (Women Involved in Newtown) plans to designate a $500 scholarship toward the tercentennial and will also do something regarding historical families of Newtown. Ms Sorensen would also contact the Air Force Band in the fall in regard to a performance during the tercentennial.

“The band won’t commit until after summer,” she said. There is no charge for the performance.

Mae Schmidle is looking into obtaining a full-size banner that would hang in a prominent location in town. It was also suggested that the committee contact the borough to see if buntings could be hung on individual homes during the tercentennial.

Three publications are being planned for the tercentennial, a book of essays with photographs, a photographic calendar relating to Newtown, and Flagpole Photographers will coordinate a souvenir book.

Following review by Mae Schmidle and some amendments, the Steering Committee also approved new by-laws that reflect the commission’s status as an incorporated entity.

The Steering Committee’s next meeting will be Thursday, May 6, at 3:45 pm.