Notes From the President 2020, John S. Boccuzzi Sr.
The country and the entire world has been rocked to the very foundation by the pandemic of 2020. This has been a year of disruption and change and in some cases loss. While our ability to continue the work of our mission was certainly challenged by events, we can all feel proud of the efforts made during this tumultuous year. Through the generosity of Natalie Jackson, Director of Human Services, the board of FONS has maintained a meeting schedule via Zoom. I would like to take a moment to highlight a few of the bright spots from this year, including ways we adapted to meet unanticipated needs, and successful collaboration with other service-minded groups.
We have continued progress toward a more Livable Community through a steering committee led by Ned Simpson which has met regularly; this committee was instrumental in the successful referendum on the advisory question concerning housing at Fairfield Hills. The List Committee under the leadership of Katherine Simpson continues to make connections with other organizations in town and has grown our membership by 50%. We continue to pursue the challenge of creating a hub for senior communication in Newtown.
Our close affiliation with both the Commission on Aging and Newtown Senior Services has allowed us to identify and meet the needs of Newtown seniors more effectively. We have implemented a Chore Service in Newtown directed by Beverly Bennett Schaedler and work closely with Newtown Senior Services and Newtown Youth and Family Services to identify seniors in need and promote aging in place. Chore services also provided support services to seniors who needed help with shopping during the pandemic. We joined the Knights of Columbus Newtown Helping Hands and other organizations in organizing food support to those in need. We continue to pursue opportunities for grant funding for activities.
Friends of Newtown Seniors is an all-volunteer nonprofit group dedicated to helping the Newtown community address issues that affect the lives and well-being of seniors. Our organization was formed in the spirit of the “thousand points of light” movement suggested many years ago by President George H. W. Bush.
Seniors building a vibrant Newtown for today and tomorrow
