Date: Fri 07-Jun-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

Jaycees-Hurley-Mangold

Full Text:

with cut: The Newtown Jaycees: Good Works And Good Times

B Y A NDREA Z IMMERMANN

WANTED: Men and women between the ages 18 and 40, single or married,

professionals or non-professionals, to fill important position in the

community. No experience necessary. Innovative thinkers welcome. Opportunity

to learn/practice leadership skills. Guaranteed high rate of satisfaction.

Benefits the community. Respond to Laurie Brautigam, The Newtown Jaycees

Membership Chair, 426-8184. Only those willing to make commitment need apply.

The reasons for joining the Jaycees are as diverse as the people who comprise

the civic group. But the underlying motivations are the same - to meet people

and have fun giving something back to the community. The group holds food

drives, hosts an evening at the Town Players Theatre in Newtown, assists with

the Parks and Recreation Easter Egg Hunt, sponsors blood drives and fundraiser

such as a booth at the Labor Day Parade. Often, they lend a hand to projects

sponsored by other community service groups in town.

"We're not a strict organization. We don't have clear cut rules on how many

meetings you have to attend or how many events you must perform. The

volunteers try to divvy up the work," said Jaycees' President Bill Hurley.

"You can take a back seat and be one of the helpers, or you can be one of the

main organizers of an event."

The Newtown Jaycees meet the third Tuesday of each month for an hour to plan

upcoming events and meetings; six to 12 events are currently scheduled each

year. And the total monthly commitment might be two hours, said the president.

"Even though I have a busy schedule with my boys and my house, and work three

part time jobs, the Jaycess isn't a huge commitment," said club Vice President

Amy Mangold. "I feel that we have a good impact on the town, but it doesn't

take a tremendous amount of time to do what we do. We keep it small and simple

and look at the areas that need the most attention in town."

Mr Hurley said he likes the group because of its flexibility. "In August,

September and October, I'm not that busy so I can be very active in the group;

but in the spring I'm extremely busy with Little League," he said. "And we

allow kids to come to the meetings if baby sitting is a problem."

An Innovative Group

Founded at the turn of the century by Americans in the midwest, the group is

now an international organization. It emphasizes development of leadership

skills - for instance, public speaking and team work - through community

service.

At one point, the Newtown Jaycees was the second largest chapter in the state,

according to club Treasurer Steve Savarese. The group has always been

innovative, establishing such local traditions as The Haunted House and the

holiday weekend free coffee stand near the highway, which are now sponsored by

other groups in town.

"Seasonally, we're always trying to do something for the community," said Mr

Savarese. One Valentine's Day, Jaycees brought roses to residents at Nunnawauk

Meadows and spent half an hour visiting each person who participated in the

program, he said. They also sponsor pictures with Santa.

"I'm one of a few members who don't live in town," said Mr Savarese, an

attorney. "I don't want to be seen as only making a living off of Newtown

residents - but want to give something back.

"Our town is unique. We have five fire companies here and [the Jaycees] are

recruiting from the same age group," said Mr Savarese, who also serves on the

ambulance board. Young people are encouraged to join the group which is a

"nice fit" for busy schedules, he said.

"As we get more members, we can do more events," said Mr Hurley. Eight members

recently moved from town so the organization hopes to attract some new

participants.

"Most of the funds we raise stay in Newtown so you're helping your neighbors

directly," he said. "We are looking for all kinds of people to join. For

instance, you could have organizational skills [that we need] - if you have a

computer, or don't mind making a few calls a month."

Membership in the Jaycees provides the opportunity to "meet other like-minded

people who wish to serve the community and get involved in fun things," said

Mr Savarese. "The spice of life here in Newtown."

Anyone interested in the Newtown Jaycees may attend the next monthly meeting

at 7 pm on Tuesday, June 18, at the offices of Hall & Savarese in the General

Store Building. For more information, contact Laurie Brautigam at 426-8184.