John O’Byrne Sworn In As President Of Newtown Housing For The Elderly

Newtown Housing for the Elderly, Inc (NHE) has elected John O‘Byrne as president of the Board of Directors succeeding Mike Neiman, who completed three years as president.

Frank DeLucia, NHE executive director, presented Mr Neiman with a painting of Newtown in recognition of his service. Mr Neiman will remain on the executive board as treasurer. Also elected to office were George Mattegat as vice president and Pat Stroud as secretary.

The guest speaker was First Selectman Herb Rosenthal who discussed the current status of Fairfield Hills planning and acquisition.

Newtown Housing for the Elderly has a by-law that states that no member will hold office on the board for more then three complete three-year terms. Bob Shaw and Joe Borst have both completed their tenure. Members Eugene Luchansky and Michael Zilinek were elected to fill the vacancies.

Besides the board, there are more than 20 members of NHE. The annual meeting of NHE members was held simultaneously with the election of officers to apprise the members of past, current, and future plans at Nunnawauk Meadows Housing complex. The most important item on the agenda was the status of the fifth expansion project, which will have a groundbreaking ceremony in early spring when the snow melts and the ground thaws.

The newest project will add 14 more units. They will be attached to the community building to allow the residents to take part in the various programs in the community building without leaving the premises. Currently, a hot meal is provided at noon, seven days a week, and numerous social activities are conducted on a daily basis. Facilities will also be included for a beauty salon, doctors’ consultation room, arts and craft room, and a library.

Nunnawauk Meadows, which is owned and run by Newtown Housing for the Elderly, a nonprofit cooperation, provides housing at a reasonable cost for those seniors of lower income who might otherwise not be able to continue living independently in pleasant, safe, and enjoyable surroundings. There are currently 120 units housing approximately 150 seniors.