Rooster Review Fundraiser Is This Weekend

By Shannon Hicks

For a few months now, visitors to many of Newtown’s businesses and even one of its churches have seen what are certainly the most unique roosters around. Hatched from a series of 13-inch-tall flat bisque ceramic sculptures, 24 artists have turned each rooster into a unique work of art.

Those roosters are getting ready to head to new, permanent homes. The sculptures will be auctioned on Saturday, April 29, during “Newtown Rooster Review ’06,” a special event that will double as a fundraiser for The Parent Connection. The event is going to be held at Rock Ridge Country Club, off Route 302, and will run from 7:30 until 11 pm.

Tickets for the fundraiser are $30, which covers the auction and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets can be purchased by stopping in at The Gym at Newtown (18 Commerce Road) and C.H. Booth Library, or by contacting Wendy Davenson at 426-1997.

Father Bob Weiss, pastor of St Rose of Lima, will be the auctioneer.

In addition to the roosters on view around town, organizers have now added a few special items to the event. The 24-inch tall rooster that was used as the topper for the Tercentennial cake created by Andrea’s Bakery for the Labor Day Parade will now be offered for purchase Saturday night.

Also, a poster (pictured) depicting all of the roosters being auctioned has been created by Newtown residents Trish Dardine and Cindy Vavrek and will debut during the event. The poster will sell for $20 and partial proceeds of those sales will also benefit The Parent Connection.

The poster will also be available at locations around town after Saturday.

For last minute reservations and additional information contact Ms Davenson. Also, while the ceramic roosters will be making their way to the country club by the end of this week, a PDF on The Parent Connection’s website (NewtownParentConnection.org) offers a full-color view of the items to be auctioned.

The Parent Connection is a grassroots organization established in 2003 by Mrs Carolan and Donna DeLuca to address the continuing problem of substance use and abuse among young people in the community. It sponsors forums with guest speakers on a regular basis, and offers information and referrals to anyone struggling with substance abuse.