Date: Fri 01-Nov-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: DOTTIE

Quick Words:

schools-bus-drivers

Full Text:

with cuts: Town Says `Thank You' To School Bus Drivers

B Y D OROTHY E VANS

She knew they were coming, but she exactly didn't bake a cake.

Instead, Newtown Schools Transportation Director Mary Kelly ordered a huge

bowl of chocolate pudding (just like she has for the last seven years) and

served it up in style, along with bagels, coffee and cookies, to the town's

many school bus drivers, whom she called "an exceptionally good crew."

Mrs Kelly has a party for the drivers every year. She says the chocolate

pudding layered with mounds of whip cream, known affectionately as "Death By

Chocolate," is what they look forward to most.

"You wouldn't think people would want chocolate at 9 am, but remember, they've

been up and driving since before dawn," Mrs Kelly said, as she spooned out the

dessert.

It was Friday, October 25, and to celebrate National School Bus Safety Week

(October 20-26), Mrs Kelly welcomed her guests in the school administration

building, scheduling the party to begin as soon as the drivers came in from

their morning runs.

The event was well attended by drivers and visitors alike, including Sandy

Hook school secretary JoAnn DiDonato, school principals Nancy Onorato, Linda

Siciliano and Donna Page, Business Director John Torok and Superintendent of

Schools John Reed.

"You're out there in the ice and snow. We thank you for that kind of

dedication," Dr Reed said, handing out certificates to those drivers having 20

years of service or more.

The drivers cited for longtime service were, Art Bennett (45 years), Fred

Pendergast (37 years), George Mattegat (31 years), George Oberstadt (23

years), Gary Wheeler (22 years), Lee Glover (22 years), John Cash (22 years)

and Charlie Rudolph (20 years).

Newtown's fleet of school buses comprises 23 40-foot vehicles and 10

mini-buses.

"This is one of the few towns in the area lucky enough to have a fleet of

owner operators. They drive their own buses and they park at their homes," Mrs

Kelly said.

The owner-operator system works to the advantage of the children, she said,

since there is so little turnover, many drivers have stayed on the same route

for years.

"The driver may be the first smiling face a child sees on the way to school

and the last one he or she sees at the end of the day. That's important," Mrs

Kelly said.

"You need to have special abilities to work with children. When there are 40

to 60 kids sitting behind you and you're at the wheel, you'd better like

them," she added.

First Selectman Robert Cascella, who was not present because he was away on

vacation that week, had proclaimed Friday as "Appreciation Day" for Newtown's

school bus drivers. The flag was flown in their honor and Mr Cascella issued a

special proclamation that was read by Mr Torok at Friday's party.

The first selectman's proclamation recognized the drivers for "taking

responsibility for the school children" in good weather and bad.

"The Town wishes to celebrate such love, care and comfort which is given daily

and for the commitment of time given to this job and to congratulate such

dedication," the proclamation concluded.