Artist Makes Progress On Veterans Mural

Artist David Merrill has “gotten quite far” on a mural he is painting to recognize Newtown’s veterans, said Laurie McCollum, a Northern Fairfield County chapter of the Blue Star Mothers member. She and others have formed Project Newtown Troops and Veterans, a committee that is coordinating and fundraising for a new project honoring Newtown’s servicemen and women.

The group will be selling $10 dollar raffle tickets at a table at the Labor Day Parade this weekend. Tickets buy a chance to win a certificate or basket to one of the following restaurants: The Hook, The One-Eyed Pig, Sal e Pepe, the Inn at Newtown, McGuire’s Ale House, Figs, Pub 25, the Stone River Grille, Lorenzo’s, and My Place Restaurant.

Ms McCollum said the generosity has been “overwhelming from our town businesses, stores, and food establishments.” A Sign Depot donated the banner she will use during the parade.

Since commissioning Mr Merrill to create a mural honoring the town’s veterans past and present, which will decorate the Newtown Municipal Center’s walls, she and other committee members have begun fundraising for the project.

Another fundraising event will be held on Saturday, September 29, at Newtown Country Club from 6 to 8:30 pm.

As part of the night’s offerings, Mr Merrill will be signing three lithographs that will be raffled. The Project Newtown Troops and Veterans committee will be putting together baskets for a raffle that night, with one of the prizes being a pasta night from Lorenzo’s Restaurant. The Cork-N-Barrel wine and spirits shop in Plaza South on Main Street South will also provide the wine for those dinner baskets.

The committee has a 501(c)(3) set up through Newtown Savings Bank. Donations can go directly to the bank.

More importantly, the group also needs the names of any veterans who should be included in the new mural. Residents with information on a veteran past or present should contact Ms McCollum at 203-788-4079 or LaurieM30@sbcglobal.net.