Rotary Receives Leadership Award

 From Shelter Of The Cross

Newtown Rotary was honored recently at Shelter of the Cross’s 7th Anniversary Breakfast when Karen Messina, executive director, presented to Rotary President Larry Nkabinde the agency’s leadership award.

Ms Messina thanked the Rotary for its longtime support that has enabled the Shelter of the Cross to help almost 50 people to change their lives for the better.

President Nkabinde then presented Ms Messina with a check for $8,500 representing proceeds from Rotary’s Annual Golf Tournament in 2004. Newtown Rotary has just announced that this year’s Golf Tournament will be held on September 12 at Tashua Knolls Golf Club in Trumbull. Anyone interested in more details is encouraged to call Dick Sturdevant at 426-5957.

 The Shelter of the Cross is a nondenominational, privately funded, nonprofit, program, developed to provide transitional housing, services, and support to homeless, elderly (58+) men and women in the Danbury area. It provides a home for six full-time residents at a time and although only opened in 1998 has provided support and referrals for employment for 17 clients, moved 26 clients into permanent housing, and helped 32 clients receive financial entitlements.

 Newtown Rotary is not only involved financially, but many members are involved in the actual organization of the program. Rotarian Scott Senete is chairman of the Board of Directors, Bob Grossman was master of ceremonies for the breakfast, and Scott Senete’s daughter, Tory Senete, was part of the entertainment.

Said Mr Nkabinde, “Since it is a nonprofit, privately funded operation, it can always use contributions to keep it running. Anyone interested in helping this worthwhile and sorely needed program is urged to call Karen Messina at 791-1050.”