Welcome A Fresh Air Child This Summer

By Kendra Bobowick

Admittedly both “excited” and “nervous,” resident Nancy O’Grady said during the first week of June, “I just found out that I was matched!”

She and her husband Terence and son Declan Terence, 8, will welcome a newcomer into their home for a summer visit.

Through the Fresh Air Fund’s volunteer network, an inner-city child, a 10-year-old named Lawrence, will enjoy Newtown’s hiking paths, parks, horse farms, riverside fishing spots, and the town beach or pool. Ms O’Grady was already making plans to buy passes for Eichler’s Cove Marina, which includes a picnic area and beach.

“This is something I have always wanted to do,” she explained, and this year was the right time. “I had read about it and thought this would be great for my son and family, and they thought it was a great idea.”

Eager to introduce a New York City child to her rural Sandy Hook home and summer fun including the Ferris Acres Creamery on Sugar Street, open fields, horses, nurseries, farms, parks, rivers, lakes, and more, she said, “I have no grand plans.” Her plans are all nearby. “My in-laws have a pool, they’re a couple blocks away,” she said. “Maybe we’ll camp out in a tent in the backyard and look at the stars.”

Anticipating Lawrence’s visit from July 12 to 21, she said, “I hope he likes it. I hope to put him at ease.” Her son is a “great host,” Ms O’Grady said. She believes the two boys will enjoy the mutual company. Thinking of Declan, she said, “I think he’ll love it.”

According to its website, The Fresh Air Fund is a not-for-profit agency that has provided free summer experiences in the country to more than 1.7 million New York City children from disadvantaged communities. Each year, thousands of children visit volunteer host families in 13 states and Canada through the Friendly Town Program or attend Fresh Air Fund camps. Children will be visiting their host homes during the stretches of July 12–21 and August 5–13 this summer.

Karen Montagna, a coordinator and chair for host-friendly towns including Newtown, encourages residents to consider inviting a child this August.

“There is still room,” she stressed. Any family can host, she said. Residents need not be married or have their own children for consideration.

Hosting “does not cost much,” she said. “All you need is to open your heart and open your home” to a city child. “This does not require a lot, just fresh air,” she said.

Contact Karen Montagna at 203-944-0710 for details, or visit www.FreshAir.org to learn more.