The Newtown Board of Realtors conducted its annual officer induction luncheon at Newtown Country Club on November 16.

Connecticut Association of Realtors CEO Cindy Butts started off the meeting with a review of recent real estate news, such as the merger of its two multiple listing services, and answered audience questions.

She also informed everyone about the Connecticut Association of Realtors' partnership with the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness and with Paddington Bear to help children receive presents this holiday season.

The fictional children's book character Paddington, adorned with a duffel coat and red hat, has become an advocate to end homelessness as his story sees him searching for a home with only a suitcase to his name.

Ms Butts explained that all the money the board members raise will go directly to the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness toward purchasing plush Paddington bears and books for children in shelters across Connecticut.

Inductions and Awards

Prior the new officers' induction, Ms Butts asked for all past Newtown Board of Realtors presidents in the room to stand and be acknowledged for their years of service, as the crowd applauded them.

She then proceeded to have all new inductees gather at the front of the room and raise their right hand as she read the oath aloud.

The 2018 Newtown Slate that was officially installed included Connie Widmann, president and state director; David Landau, vice president and state director; Whitney Taylor, treasurer; Michele Brown, secretary; Cyndy DaSilva and Anne Stark, three-year directors; Barbara Frey and Jackie Himmelfarb, two-year directors; Vincent Capuano, Robert Morey, and Diane Licata, one-year directors; Sandy Anderson, a state director; and Alice Holmes, historian.

Following induction, Anne Stark presented Ms Widmann an award on behalf of the Newtown Board of Realtors for her "outstanding and valuable service" as president.

"It has been an honor to serve over the last year, and I'm happy to do it again for another year," Ms Widmann said.

She also took the time to thank Charlie Masse of Norcom Mortgage, who was in attendance, for volunteering to sponsoring the installation luncheon "for many, many years."

During the ceremony, previous officers were also acknowledged for their service to the board and received a letter and bouquet of flowers.

Ms Widmann and Kathy Suhoza then presented Carol French with the Realtor of the Year Award for all her time and dedication assisting the board.

Before the luncheon concluded, two of the board's newest members, who were present, Phillip Lambardo and Tania Stergue, were inducted by Linda Whipkey, who read them the Realtor's Pledge.