Newtown Youth Services Presents Gail Smith Awards

By Laurie Borst

On the evening of May 22, the Gail Smith Awards were presented by Newtown Youth Services at the Cyrenius H. Booth Library.

Gail Smith, a founder of Newtown Youth Services, believed in the youth of this community. Ms Smith  was dedicated to enabling children to realize their full potential, and in turn use their gifts and talents for the well-being of their peers and the community.

Presented each year to an adult, a youth, and a business, the Gail Smith Awards recognize the community contribution and leadership of the recipients for the betterment of services, facilities, and recognition of Newtown’s youth.

The 2006 Gail Smith Award Recipients were Gordon Williams, Adult Award; Lola Aldritch, Youth Award; and Sandy Hook Hair Company, Business Award.

Gordon Williams moved to Newtown in 1966. He taught in the Trumbull school system for 39 years, receiving many accolades for his outstanding dedication to his students. As a volunteer in Newtown, his accomplishments are many.

At various times, Mr Williams has served as the president of the Newtown Jaycees, Newtown Lions Club, and Newtown Historical Society. He has chaired the C.H. Booth Library Board during its recent renovation, the Adventure Quest Committee, the Orchard Hill Nature Center Committee, the “Town Hall Seats” committee. These are just a few of the places where Mr Williams has volunteered.

In nominating Mr Williams, Jon Christensen said, “…Gordon represents a highly motivated, community minded citizen of Newtown, who has had a significant impact on Newtown’s families and, in particular, the youth of our town.”

Lola Aldritch was nominated by Natalia Aparicio for the help she has given the Aparicio family. In her nominating letter, Mrs Aparicio describes Lola. “Our family is gifted with autism, and her efforts have been a great soothing balm on our lives. She has been able to speak autism to our kids and help us learn and deal with our children.”

Sandy Hook Hair Company owner Bonnie Fredericks grew up in Newtown and believes in giving back to the town. Bonnie has also brought a commitment to community service to her staff, several of whom attended the ceremony with her.

The Hair Company supports the fundraising efforts of many groups, such as Newtown High School Athletic Club, Drama Club and Band; Newtown Underwater Rescue; Newtown Women’s League; Locks of Love; and Relay of Love. The company helped send the Newtown High School Chorus to Italy and organized a Cut-A-Thon to support the Red Cross Katrina Relief Effort.

Laurie Petrasanta of Newtown Youth Services nominated the Sandy Hook Hair Company “based on their outstanding philanthropic leadership in the community.”