Ahead of its tenth anniversary next year, Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS) celebrated the special occasion with "A Night To Remember" on Saturday, September 19.

Held at Marygold's on Main, the event marked nearly a decade of FONS bringing seniors together for friendship, support, and community connection. Dozens of people filled the venue's Gladiolus Room, with many taking the opportunity to dress up in dresses, suits, and other formal clothes.

As they entered, guests signed a poster board dedicated not just to FONS President John Boccuzzi Sr, but also to all that the organization has done over the years. The poster board featured a picture of when Boccuzzi Sr received the 2018 Connecticut Andrus Award for Community Service, with plenty of space for people to write messages.

Each table was draped in a black tablecloth and topped with a bouquet of colorful flowers. In front of every chair was a card thanking people for attending, saying it is because of their kindness and commitment to the community that FONS is able to continue enriching the lives of Newtown seniors.

Everyone ate hors d'oeuvres such as garlic bread, cheese, and vegetables before helping themselves to a drink at the cash bar. For diner, attendees enjoyed short rib, chicken piccata, mashed potatoes, and vegetables fresh from local farms.

John Boccuzzi Jr served as the event's emcee, and affectionately told stories about his dad. He said his parents lived in Stamford until 2006, when they moved to Newtown to be closer to their grandchildren.

"Both my mom and dad threw themselves into the community, just like they've done with everything else in their lives," Boccuzzi Jr said.

However, Boccuzzi Jr said titles never really defined his father; instead, it was his passion for family, friends, and the community he grew to love. He called Boccuzzi Sr one of the most caring people he knows, and said that he is far more interested in what he can give rather than what he might receive in return.

"My dad likes to say leadership has never been about doing everything yourself; it is about inspiring the people around you to contribute and become part of something that makes a difference," Boccuzzi Jr said.

It was from this passion that FONS was born, according to Boccuzzi Jr. He said Boccuzzi Sr saw the need in the community — saw the people who cared with talent, time, ideas, and willingness to help — and brought those pieces together around ten years ago.

"If you ask my dad what he's most proud of about FONS ... it wouldn't be that he helped start it, it would be looking around the room and seeing how many people have made it their own," Boccuzzi Jr told the crowd. "And I think when you look around this room tonight, all the people who've really made [FONS] their own is incredible."

He noted some of the organization's many initiatives over the years, including but not limited to holiday outreach, monthly informational roundtables, nutrition programs, annual membership meetings, and healthcare and senior issues surveys. There is also the Newtown Rides Program, which provides transportation to local homebound seniors, and Timeless Newtown, an initiative last year designed to counteract the negative attitudes and stereotypes associated with aging.

All their efforts, Boccuzzi Jr said, work to help make Newtown an even more livable community and keep residents active, independent, and connected.

He then played testimonials from people in the community and how FONS impacted them. Afterwards, Boccuzzi Jr invited State Representative Mitch Bolinsky to share some words about FONS.

Bolinsky said that, as a person who was a ten-year caregiver to three parents, the aging in place model that FONS encompasses was incredibly important to him.

"Because things don't always end the way you want them to when you don't have the opportunity to age in place in a place with the people you love," Bolinsky continued. "I want you all to know that there is only one FONS in the state of Connecticut."

Following that, First Selectman Bruce Walczak came up and congratulated FONS, noting it does not take one person to get their job done, but an entire community. He then read a proclamation recognizing the organization's work and ever-approaching ten year milestone.

"Whereas Friends of Newtown Seniors continues to demonstrate exceptional commitment to service, compassion, and community leadership ... the Town of Newtown hereby recognizes and commends Friends of Newtown Seniors for ten years of outstanding dedication to the senior community and its ongoing efforts to ensure that Newtown remains a place where residents of all ages can thrive," Walczak said.

FONS Board Member Beverly Bennett Schaedler took the opportunity to present Boccuzzi Sr with a surprise: a FONS leather jacket, with the words "FONS" and “John" embroidered onto it.

Even after hearing so many positive words of encouragement that night, Boccuzzi Sr insisted the night was not about him, but FONS.

"I was a small part in making it happen, but there are just so many people who have put energy into this organization and made things happen," Boccuzzi Sr said.

He told everyone that, regardless of age, the past is wonderful and is more than worth looking back on. Boccuzzi Sr said it is the impact people leave on your life, whether it is a teacher or a parent, that can be the driving force of change and let people appreciate the beauty of life.

"FONS is not one person, it's not a small group of people, it's an idea," Boccuzzi Sr said. "When I won the AARP award in 2018, I said 'we can do better,' and that's what we're always trying to do."

=====

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.