About 150 well-wishers took part in a testimonial for Mae Schmidle and Julia Wasserman on Sunday, June 28, held to honor the two women for their decades of local public service.

Due to health reasons, Mrs Wasserman was not able to attend the event held in the Great Room at the Newtown Congregational Church on West Street.

First Selectman Pat Llodra served as mistress of ceremonies.

In opening the session with a prayer, Monsignor Robert E. Weiss, the pastor of St Rose of Lima Church, said he is proud to know both women and to celebrate their many accomplishments. Mrs Wasserman was active in many Catholic organizations, he said. Both women have accomplished many good things during their lives, he added.

“They represent the best…We are grateful for their efforts,” he said.

“We pray for Julia Wasserman’s recovery,” he added.

State Representative Arthur O’Neill of Southbury noted that Mrs Wasserman and Mrs Schmidle were his colleagues in the state legislature.

Mrs Schmidle was his mentor and served as a great guide for him during his early years in the legislature, he said, adding that Mrs Schmidle understood the legislative process well.

Rep O’Neill said that Mrs Schmidle introduced him to Mrs Wasserman.

He described the work of Mrs Wasserman to obtain the Fairfield Hills property for the Town of Newtown. “I see the fruits of her labor in Newtown,” he said.

“I am delighted to be able to celebrate this day” honoring the two women, Rep O’Neill said.

 State Senator Tony Hwang of Fairfield said that both women have accomplished much, with those achievements stemming from their values and their sense of conviction.

“These are fabulous people that have given their all,” he said.

Musa Lubega noted that he met Mrs Wasserman in 2005 when she traveled to Uganda for a gorilla tour at age 80. Mr Lubega noted Mrs Wasserman’s efforts to help advance his academic career when he later came to the United States.

“She wanted to be here so badly,” Mr Lubega said of Mrs Wasserman’s desire to attend the testimonial.

“I wish Mae Schmidle good luck…I thank you all,” he added.

Dennis Bloom, former Republican town chairman, said that both women always took the time to provide their opinions and advice to him when he headed the party. “I admire them both. They are strong, independent, remarkable women,” he said.

Current Republican Town Chairman Jeffrey Capeci said, “Julia and Mae have made Newtown a better place from their contributions.”

US Marine Corps Lieutenant General Robert E. Schmidle, Jr, who is Mrs Schmidle’s son, said that he gained a sense of service and a sense of duty to the community from his mother. He said that his mother and Mrs Wasserman are exceptional in that they can work across party lines to accomplish goals.

Dr Robert Grossman said, “These two wonderful ladies worked long and hard and accomplished many great things for Newtown and the State of Connecticut.”

Former first selectman Frank Delucia said, “We are extremely thankful for having these two ladies in our community and for all they have accomplished.”

Mrs Schmidle spoke about her experiences in the world of public service. “It was a great town when we [moved here] and I only wanted to make it a little better,” she said.

Msgr Weiss and Rabbi Shaul Praver closed the ceremonies with a prayer.