Enjoy A ‘Fresh Air’ Summer

By Kendra Bobowick

(Editor’s note: To protect their privacy, several people are identified by first name only.)

 “I was an only child, Tyler is an only child,” said Nikki Jones of Naugatuck, looking across the pavilion as her son Tyler laughed and had lunch with friends. Glancing back, she added, “I wanted him to have the perspective of sharing — appreciating what he has.” With Tyler Monday was Naijahe from New York City. The young man is among a group of children visiting host families from towns including Newtown that are volunteering for the Fresh Air Fund — a not-for-profit organization.

Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund has been giving inner-city children a summer vacation with volunteer host families and at fund camps, their website states. Coordinator Karen Montagna has opened her home as a host for six years. Monday, she greeted guests from area towns as their children and guests found a spot beneath the pavilion at the Lakewood-Trumbull YMCA in Monroe, which donated its facilities for the picnic.

Shy, with bright beads decorating her hair and a pink bathing suit, Kiana — also from New York City — shared a table with her host family sisters Erika, Anya, and Kayla, who sat across from their mother Lynne. “I love the opportunity it provides for the kids. In their plans were horseback riding and possibly a trip to go blueberry picking,” she said.

At another table across the pavilion with towels draped across their shoulders, Tyler Jones, city boys Sean and Naijahe, and Luke Bolton made plans to rush back to the pool for a swim. Bike rides and bird feeding were among some of their entertainments. Sean had done so much, he could not pick a favorite activity. Luke’s father Mark Bolton believes his Sean, his house guest, is having a lot of fun. The family had returned only hours earlier from a vacation. “We just drove in from Cape Cod. He was with us kayaking, fishing, at the drive-in,” Mr Bolton said. The family also went camping. “He sang the whole way,” Mr Bolton said.

Although they did not attend the picnic, Kevin and Robin Fitzgerald of Newtown are also currently hosting Davonte for the fourth year. “We always wanted to do this,” Ms Fitzgerald said. “We feel fortunate to live in Newtown.” As she watched the children swim off a dock along Lake Lillinonah this week she said, “We know he likes it.” The Fitzgeralds will “do things around town, things he can’t do in Brooklyn,” she said. “He couldn’t ride his bike. He thought it was great just to ride around.” The family does “regular” things — walk through Fairfield Hills, swim, movies, ice cream. Recommending involvement with the Fresh Air Fund, Ms Fitzgerald said, “We are surprised more people don’t do it.”

For information, contact the fund at 800-367-0003 or visit FreshAir.org.