The Newtown Rotary Club hosted a picnic at the Dickinson Memorial Park pavilion, on September 21, to show their appreciation for Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Troop 270 and Troop 370.

Both BSA troops have volunteered with various community projects that the Rotary has led in the past. Most recently, they helped with the plantings at the Fairfield Hills’ Fruit Trail.

During the picnic, the older BSA scouts took a moment to speak with the younger scouts about the importance of giving back. They encouraged the young scouts to participate in an upcoming volunteer opportunity with the Rotary to break ground for pollinator gardens at the local elementary schools on Thursday evenings.

Meanwhile, Rotary members David Freedman, Daniel Honan, Judy Grabarz, and president Alex Villamil work diligently to grill hotdogs and hamburgers for their guests to enjoy.

Once everyone sat down at the tables to break bread and connect with one another, Villamil stood to express the Rotary’s gratitude to the many volunteers.

“We want to thank you for everything… for helping us and the community,” he said. “This is our way of saying ‘Great job, keep it up.’”

Villamil concluded by saying, “Hopefully, one day you’ll be Rotarians.”

Newtown resident Rob Sibley was onsite with the Scouts and commended the Rotary for reaching out to the BSA troops for volunteer opportunities and for going out of their way to show their appreciation for their work.

“This is how you knit relationships,” Sibley said.

Villamil was in agreement and added that “This is the beginning of something” between the civic organizations’ partnership.

For information about the Newtown Rotary Club and to help volunteer, visit newtownctrotary.org or e-mail info@newtownctrotary.org.

Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.