Rotary Returns To Meeting House To Make Charitable Contributions

Newtown Rotary held its January 26 meeting at The Meeting House, renewing its strong ties with the historic building.

 In 1988 The Congregational Church decided to build a new church in order to accommodate its growing congregation. The building was offered to the town but town officials were reluctant to accept the responsibility of bringing it up to code and maintaining it as it was felt this was outside the scope of the town’s authority.

Since the building was part of Newtown’s history, members of the Congregational Church contacted a number of local organizations for help.  Newtown Rotary immediately responded and six members volunteered to set up a committee to preserve this important part of the town’s historic history.  The Heritage Preservation Trust of Newtown, Inc was born and December 30, 1988, marked the signing of a 50-year lease on the property from the town. Signatories were President Don Studley and committee members Nelson Roberts, Bob Hall, Jim Osborne, Harvey Sellner and Bob McDonald.  The Newtown Rotary banner has The Meeting House and the Flagpole on it to show the significance of these two local landmarks.

With the help of Newtown Rotary, money was raised and restoration began.  The restoration was so well done by volunteers and restoration specialists that it received the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation Merit Award in 1991.

At Monday night’s meeting  Rotary President Brian Amey was proud to present to Don Studley a check for $1,500 toward the continued maintenance and upkeep of The Meeting House.

Mary Liversey also received a contribution for the Dorothy Day Hospitality House in Danbury.  An average of 80 people receive a hot meal seven days a week.  Without the benefit of this meal, these people would go hungry.  Mary Livesey was one of the founders of the Dorothy Day House in 1982 and has seen many changes since then including sleeping facilities for 17 people each night and it is always filled.  This facility is completely supported only by private contributions.  Ms Livesey said that what is urgently needed right now is younger workers and coordinators as many of the original workers have reached retirement age.  Anyone interested in helping to organize and coordinate the program is urged to call Jim Gulalo at 426-0377.

George Coleman received a contribution on behalf of The Hord Foundation who awards scholarships to outstanding black students in need, enabling them to obtain a college education, and a successful career.  Approximately 70 scholarships are awarded each year to high school students in the area.  Anyone interested in more information about the Hord Foundation is urged to contact the foundation at PO Box 4671, Danbury CT 06813.

The final contribution for the night was awarded to Ellen Parrella on behalf of FISH, an organization in Newtown whose volunteers provide transportation for Newtown residents — regardless of age — who need to go to a hospital, doctors office or some other necessary medical appointment — and who cannot drive and do not have anyone who could help them.  This organization is always looking for volunteer drivers and anyone interested are urged to contact Ellen Parrella at 426-6470.