Nearly 100 friends, colleagues, supporters, and more than a few individuals who were deeply inspired by former First Selectman Joe Borst and retired School Superintendent John Reed gathered Sunday, October 23, to pay respects at an annual event conceived by First Selectman and host Pat Llodra that recognizes two of the community's most cherished residents.

Among those honored to date have been the late Julia Wasserman, as well as Dr Thomas Draper, Dr Robert Grossman, and Mae Schmidle. The testimonial was held in the Great Room of Newtown Congregational Church at 14 West Street.

Local attorney Robert Hall, Republican Town Committee and former Legislative Council Chairman Jeff Capeci, longtime Public Works Director Fred Hurley, and Public Building & Site Commission Chairman Robert Mitchell all reflected on their experiences with Mr Borst. The former one-term first selectman has served the town in a number of capacities, including recently being named chairman emeritus of the Public Building & Site Commission.

Newtown Poet Laureate Lisa Schwartz got things rolling with a few simple verses she penned for the pair:

"So let's begin with Borst and Reed - each syllable a beat of its ode

Not Cheech and Chong; not Starsky and Hutch - these guys are a class all their own

And I like the sound of Borst and Reed - it's catchy right from the start

Like Fisher and Price with pedigree, or Ernst and Young with heart

Like a law firm with swank, or a high-powered bank

Borst and Reed are a Newtown sensation

They've got wisdom and more, and experience galore

They deserve our celebration..."

Praise For Mr Borst

Mr Hall said it was difficult to sum up the immense contributions of Mr Borst in just the few allotted minutes he had, and decided to talk about the person he came to know, versus reflecting on Mr Borst's many civic contributions.

"I decided to focus on his character," Mr Hall said. "I can say without reservation that he is a great success as a father. He's a friend, he is honest, loyal, reliable, and steadfast. He has integrity and is a man of his word. He answers the call when requested for help, and most of all he loves Newtown."

Mr Capeci noted how Mr Borst stepped up to run for first selectman when there were no others able to, and how he won a term in office, unseating longtime town leader Herb Rosenthal. He also recognized how Mr Borst played a role in helping plan and build many town facilities.

"While his passion has clearly been in large-scale projects - in his 60 years-plus of dedication, Joe has sat on most boards and commissions, all the way up to the office of first selectman," Mr Capeci said. "But it's not just his dedication to volunteer work that distinguishes Joe."

Ticking off the community's myriad annual and public events, Mr Capeci noted that Mr Borst was always close by, lending a hand or socializing with attendees.

"I'm honored to know Joe all these years," he added. "May he continue to show his presence and offer his advice to leaders who follow in his footsteps."

Mr Hurley said communities like Newtown are like tapestries, but the length of time a tapestry survives is based on the strength of its fabric.

"If the fabric is good and solid, it endures. In many respects it comes down to a town's people to make up that fabric, and Joe is certainly part of that fabric that has made Newtown a very proud place," Mr Hurley said.

Mr Mitchell said he has known Mr Borst more than 20 years, and has seen the longtime official in both civic and social situations.

The site commission chairman said by creating the position of chairman emeritus, Mr Borst could remain a valuable resource to the community offering guidance and perspectives rooted in the history and his personal contributions to many local building and facility projects.

"Every town has an asset like Joe," Mr Mitchell said, "we were just smart enough to use him."

Honoring Dr Reed

Turning to those who came to speak about Dr Reed, longtime local educator Thomas Kuroski was brought to tears recalling the inspiration he drew from the educator and colleague.

"He really relied on his trust in the people who worked under him," Mr Kuroski recalled after being hired by Dr Reed. "He is a visionary educator, and since 1984 I've had the honor and privilege to work with a man who has regularly demonstrated through his ideas, acts, and achievements, what it means to be a leader and a friend."

The first of several to become emotional upon remembering Dr Reed's immediate response, Mr Kuroski noted Dr Reed's coming out of retirement to accept an interim superintendent's post following 12/14.

"The energy and enthusiasm he brought to the table during our many difficult conversations was inspirational," Mr Kuroski concluded. "John was there to help in any way he could."

Former first selectman and current Selectman Herb Rosenthal recognized both honorees, first poking fun at his former political challenger and noting that Mr Borst had only defeated him by 81 votes.

"But who's counting," Mr Rosenthal remarked to laughter and applause, adding that Mr Borst had served well and proudly alongside both Mr Rosenthal and his father, Jack Rosenthal, also a first selectman.

Turning his attention to Dr Reed, Mr Rosenthal reminded the audience that the former superintendent also took the reins when it came time for the community to acquire Fairfield Hills.

"John is an outstanding leader, and from my experience in both government and business, I have found very few leaders with the skills John exemplifies," Mr Rosenthal said. "Some executives need to micromanage - and need to take all the credit, but that's not John. He always gave full credit when it was deserved."

Former Fairfield Hills Authority colleague Andrew Willie then paid tribute to Dr Reed, giving Dr Reed full credit for establishing the trail system that circles the campus. Mr Willie said it was Dr Reed's leadership that helped develop one of the first public facilities that began drawing residents and visitors to the newly acquired campus.

"John was the inspiration behind that, and the force that got it accomplished," Mr Willie said. "We all appreciate that, and by the way, if you have some time on your hands, we'd like to have you back on the Authority."

Dr Reed's daughter, Elizabeth, and son, John, Jr, both also became emotional when discussing their father's role in helping the community, his colleagues in the district, and especially the families and students affected most by the Sandy Hook tragedy recover as he served in some capacity nearly every day at the temporary Chalk Hill complex in Monroe, even before he became interim superintendent.

"Nothing has had more impact on him than the time he spent at Sandy Hook School," she said.

"Newtown is what he's all about," John Reed, Jr, echoed. "He's never been political, and he's never been about personal gain. It's always been about the benefits for the town and its citizens."

Following the speakers, State Senator Tony Hwang and Representative Mitch Bolinsky presented proclamations, and each of the honorees took a turn at the microphone reminiscing and thanking those who came to the event.

Light refreshments for the event were served by LeReine Frampton, and Barbara O'Connor supplied autumn-themed centerpieces from Planters Choice. Event organizers are currently considering honorees for the 2017 event.