RTC Thanks Volunteers For Years of Service

The Darien Republican Town Committee (RTC), along with First Selectman Jayme Stevenson, Selectmen Dave Campbell and Jerry Nielsen, held its first annual “Thank You Barbeque" Friday, June 7. The event recognized 28 volunteers who, in total, have served over 300 years on various elected and appointed Boards and Commissions as well as other volunteer organizations in Darien. The honorees include Karen Armour, Harry Artinian, Bob Baker, Amy Bell, Bob Bewkes, Karen Brennan, Vin Burke, Fred Conze, Charlie Goodyear, Susan Graham, Norm Guimond, Peter Hillman, Reese Hutchison, Joi Reiner Gallo, Pete Kenyon, Bob Locke, Jon Olmsted, Jack Rearden, Linda Santarella, Janet Sargent, Jenny Schwartz, Don Smith, Murry Stegelmann, Al Tibbetts, Mike Tone, Mike Wallace, Kim Westcott and Christine Wood. Despite un-June like torrential rains and clouds, an atmosphere of bonhomie and vitality filled the room as First Selectman Jayme Stevenson, Selectman Dave Campbell and RTC Chair Jim Palen individually thanked each volunteer, entertaining us with personal stories and tributes to the almost 100 guests and honorees that turned out for the program's inaugural event held at the Weed Beach Paddle Hut. RTC Chairman Jim Palen commented, "We are honored to have such a broad base of Republican volunteers who work tirelessly on Darien’s boards and commissions. We owe them our appreciation and gratitude." “It takes hundreds of dedicated volunteers, regardless of political affiliation, to support the smooth functioning of our local government. Dave, Jerry and I are so pleased to begin a new tradition of appropriately thanking our fellow Republicans and the RTC for all the good they do for the town of Darien”, said Stevenson. Peter Hillman, former Chair of the Environmental Protection Commission, gave an impromptu, heartfelt thanks ending the evening “I presume to speak on behalf of all the honorees tonight to thank the RTC, Jayme, Dave, and Jerry, for making this evening possible. It’s a wonderful occasion to thank those who have served across all spectrums of town government.” Hillman went on to say “I remember at the end of 1 am meetings, wondering why are we doing this?” and “we agreed it’s because of the collegiality of it all, we enjoyed giving back, we enjoyed working with all our colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, to make the town a better place.”