Rotary Club Cited For FFH Contribution

By Kendra Bobowick

Interrupting the meeting for a moment of recognition, Fairfield Hills Authority Chairman John Reed nodded toward Newtown Rotary Club past president William Calderara.

Straightening his suit jacket, Mr Calderara moved toward the front tables in the library meeting room. Standing to greet him, with an award in hand, was a newer member to the Fairfield Hills Authority, Jim Bernardi. Also welcoming Mr Calderara was the newest member, Ross Carley. As the men shook hands, Mr Reed acknowledged the Rotary’s donation of $25,000 in past months. “We’re aware of the significance of the gift you gave,” he told Mr Calderara.

“We were happy to do it,” he answered.  The club wanted to do “something permanent” in assisting the town’s effort to revitalize the once-thriving hive of state hospital buildings vacated by the state in the late 1990s.

Noting the civic effort, Mr Reed said he admires “someone who cares about making a difference. There are so many ways to participate.”

Hoping that as the town makes effort to reclaim the former state facility, turning it into a central hub of municipal and public activity, Mr Reed noted, “I want people to perceive this as Newtown, not a separate entity.” Addressing Mr Calderara, he said, “Thank you very much.”

Funds went toward improvements at the central green where a flag pole, landscaping, and benches now sit between Newtown and Woodbury Halls.