By Kim J. Harmon

Dan Winsett has issued a challenge.

Winsett – a physical education teacher, coach and long-time supporter of Newtown High School athletics – has issued challenges before. To his students and to his players. But now Winsett has put up $10,000 of his own money to help kick off the Blue & Gold Booster Club’s final stretch drive to pay off the mortgage of the new press box/concession stand at the refurbished Bruce Jenner Stadium and challenges local residents, organizations and businesses to match and even better that donation.

“I have just been so impressed with all the night time events that have been going on under the lights on the Stadium field,” said coach Winsett, “and it’s because of the Blue & Gold Booster Club’s work that so many Newtown teams like field hockey and soccer are getting an opportunity to play on the field. And it’s a great opportunity for many parents to see their children play who wouldn’t otherwise be able to during a day game.”

According to B&G Booster Club president, Mike Kelley, about $70,000 is still owed on the new facility.

“John Martocci of Newtown Savings Bank believed enough in this project, believed enough in Rich Barillari and myself, to extend a construction loan with no collateral,” said Mr Kelley. Our hope is, with Dan coming forward, is that we can bring in enough funds to pay this off.”

The original amount of the construction loan was $78,000, but concession stand profits of about $5,000 have helped reduce the loan. The stand is open for all night activities at Jenner Stadium – including football games (varsity and freshman), soccer and field hockey. The stand will be open, as well, for the Grasso Festival (all proceeds there, however, arte being directed towards the band).

Concessions bring in about $1,800 for varsity football games and about $300 for other games, said Mr Kelley.

“Once the mortgage is paid off,” he added, “these proceeds will be going towards the classes who run the stand from week to week. It will be a revenue generator for the school and a learning experience for the culinary arts students who will be cooking the food.”

Donny Pulieri of the Fireside Inn on South Main Street was the first to answer coach Winsett’s challenge and presented the Blue & Gold Booster Club with a $1,000 check.

Mr Kelley wanted to thank Mr Winsett and Mr Pulieri, as well as Pavarini Construction (CEO Larry Petretti and project manager John Pantan) for assisting in the completion of the building and getting the certificate of occupancy.

Also, he mentioned several other individuals and organizations that have helped make the concession stand/press box what it is:

- Rich Barillari, who still continues to donate all the coffee and donuts from Dunkin Donuts.

- Jeff Johns, the general manager at Pepsi Co., who donated the soda fountain system.

- Ron Moffat, Parks superintendent, and his crew, who take care of the field and keep it in immaculate condition.

Anyone wishing to take Mr Winsett up on his challenge can mail checks to Rich Barillari, 15 Old Castle Hill Road, Newtown. May checks payable to the Newtown High School Blue & Gold Booster Club.

NOTE: The B&G is actively recruiting new members for the 1999-2000 season. Please call Mike Kelley at 426-9624 for info.