Concert Picnic Sept. 9—

Fundraiser Is Being Planned For An Ailing Hero

By Kaaren Valenta

Three years ago John McCourt risked his life by stopping his truck and rushing into a burning building in Seymour to rescue an elderly couple. For his heroism, Mr McCourt received the Owen R. Cheatham Medal of Valor.

Now his co-workers at Georgia-Pacific in Newtown are planning a benefit concert to raise money for Mr McCourt, who is gravely ill with liver cancer.

“His short-term wages have stopped and he is without a paycheck now,” explained Richard Evon, warehouse supervisor.

One of his co-workers, Manny Pavone, a materials handler in the warehouse, suggested that a band be organized to play a benefit concert on Sunday, September 9, at Dickinson Park. Mr Pavone, who plays lead guitar, was soon joined by joined by Kenny Kavanaugh on drums, Richie Evon on rhythm guitar, and Richie Truelove on bass.

Mr Truelove, a former Georgia-Pacific employee, is the father of Holden Truelove, a 12-year-old prodigy whose fiery mix of blues, rock and R&B have brought him increasing acclaim. He has been a guest on Live With Regis and has played with such musical greats as Buddy Guy, Marshall Tucker and B.B. King.

His group, The Holden Truelove Band, will perform free at the concert.

“Everyone is donating their services,” Mr Evon said. “The sound engineer, the food, the bands – they are all donating. Every cent of the money generated will go to John McCourt.”

The event will include a pig roast plus hot dogs, hamburgers, and other food. Tickets are available in advance for $10 per person by calling 203-888-7008 and leaving a message, or at the gate for $15. The picnic will begin at 2 and is expected to run until 6 pm.

 Mr McCourt was making one of his regular runs to Seymour in the company truck in January 1999 when he spotted flames coming from a house on Bank Street, just off Exit 21 of Route 8. After parking the truck, he learned from bystanders that an elderly couple was still inside the burning building. Without hesitating, Mr McCourt ran into the smoke-filled house and rescued the couple.

“The woman was still asleep in the back bedroom, so she was startled when I woke her up and brought her outside,” Mr McCourt explained later.

The New Fairfield resident was presented with a plaque and a check for $1,000 from company executives who made the trip to Newtown from Atlanta.

Georgia-Pacific, the nation’s largest distributor of building products, has a distribution facility on South Main Street in Newtown. Owen R. Cheatham was the founder of the company.