The Community Buzz is a new series hosted by The Newtown Bee. Periodically, residents will be invited to gather and share their insights on a topic relevant to the community. To be considered for an upcoming Community Buzz, please contact editor@thebee.com, subject line Community Buzz, and include your full name, any areas of interest, availability, and daytime contact information.

For the inaugural Community Buzz, five residents were asked about getting involved in the community. Speaking from their different experiences, either as longtime or relatively new residents, the group not only offered observations on the perceived difficulties of volunteering but also came up with some ideas.

Residents Jay Mattegat, a lifelong resident, current Legislative Council member, and retired local businessman; Mike Giudice, a three-year resident from Long Island; Katherine Dahlem, an 18-month Newtown resident who is retired from an international consulting firm; Jan Brookes, a longtime resident and former Newtown High School teacher; and Robert LaPorta, a roughly 13-year resident and owner of a classic record label, gathered at The Newtown Bee’s office to share their input. The Newtown Bee Editor Nancy K. Crevier moderated the discussion.

Sitting snuggly around a table, the participants were courteous and astute listeners as each shared input.

“What does it mean to you to be involved in the community?” Ms Crevier asked to begin the hour-long conversation.

Ms Dahlem said, “To me, it starts with voting.” Taking the time to meet with people running for office is another way to get involved, as is learning about local agencies, she shared while referencing the May 10 Volunteer Fair sponsored by Friends of Newtown Seniors, the Newtown Chamber of Commerce, and C.H. Booth Library.

The group reflected on the relatively small percentage of voters that turn out to cast ballots.

Being involved in a community first requires recognizing the community’s identity, Mr LaPorta observed.

“Once you get the sense that other people have this sense of pride, allegiance, and duty... It’s the suggestion that there is a community,” said Mr LaPorta, observing that not all towns have the same sense of community or an “energizing factor.” Later he said, “Newtown offers itself as a place where there is a community; and it’s not too big, and it’s not too small.”

Mr Mattegat said community involvement is “terribly important.

“I love giving back to the community, because I think the community gives so much back,” Mr Mattegat observed.

The group spoke about ranging volunteer experiences, from activity-based events to being on local elected boards and commissions.

While Ms Brookes said Newtown “runs on volunteers” who make wonderful things happen, she said, “I also think you can be involved in informal ways, like getting an absentee ballot for a neighbor who is too sick to even go online and request it [or] like walking around your neighborhood and picking up trash... things like that.”

Ways to become involved in the community, as discussed by the group, include attending church, going to events such as the upcoming May 25 19th Annual Great Pootatuck Duck Race, reading The Newtown Bee for ideas, and calling local groups to offer to volunteer.

One hindrance people may face when wanting to become more involved, as shared by the group, is not knowing the “pathways” to being on boards and commissions.

Mr Giudice said hindrances to volunteering do not just happen in Newtown.

The group also spoke to a general fear people may have to get involved, to attend meetings, or to voice their concerns or observations.

“I think it is important to come to public meetings and not expect enemies, to know that these are neighbors, and they are volunteering their time,” said Ms Brookes, adding that it can be hard to have a back and forth discussion at public meetings.

Mr Mattegat reflected that people may be afraid to talk publicly because generally there is no longer respect for others’ opinions.

When asked where they see a need in the community, the group spoke about building development not reflecting Newtown’s historic architecture, the heavy tax burden of living in Connecticut, and the connected need to bring in more business.

Mr Giudice said the recent 2019 Fairfield Hills Community Survey was a nice way to involve the community, and Ms Dahlem added that surveys are good to collect basic information before gathering more input.

After discussion, the group collectively suggested a new group or person could be in charge of coordinating volunteers, like a “dating website” to connect with local groups. Suggestions also included announcements on the town’s website for open positions or ways to volunteer.

The next Community Buzz discussion will be held in the summer. The Community Buzz is intended for participants ages 16 and over. Conversations will be recorded, and portions may be used in subsequent articles in The Newtown Bee. The group may be photographed.