The United Way of Western Connecticut (UWWC) recently chose Kathy Hull, New Fairfield’s Director of Senior Services, for their distinguished list of Hometown Heroes. A p
rogram in its fifth year, Hometown Heroes aims to recognize extraordinary efforts in community service.

UWWCs website describes a Hometown Hero as someone who is “distinguished through their philanthropy and volunteerism,” and that describes Kathy Hull to a T. Kathy said of being honored, “I am humbled, actually. All of the things that were mentioned about me, so many people are equally deserving.” Kathy went on to say that she was honored to volunteer with so many kind, generous people in New Fairfield, “You are always with groups of people who are such great folks.”

Though she eschews the fanfare, Kathy’s title of Hometown Hero is backed up by decades of dedicated service to the town, in particular in the form of advocacy for the senior citizens of New Fairfield. Now beloved for her direction at the town’s Senior Center, Kathy first became interested in working there when she was volunteering with the Community Service Club of New Fairfield. As a member of the club, she volunteered in projects at the Senior Center which led her to apply for position of director when it opened up. In addition, Kathy served as Municipal Agent to the Elderly.

Ever a devotee for the senior citizen community, Kathy has been involved with the New Fairfield Commission on Aging. She’s enjoyed partnering with We
stern CT State University and Ability Beyond to bring learning opportunities to the town’s seniors. She also formed the ‘Friends of the New Fairfield Senior Center’ to fundraise for special equipment and programs to enhance the Senior Center. In addition, she formed the Environment Corps, a group of se
niors who assist the Candlewood Lake Authority and who bring intergenerational water awareness education to children.

To the musical delight of all New Fairfield citizens, Kathy partnered with the town library to arrange for consistent live music which became the self-sustaining, ‘Groovin’ in New Fairfield.’

Kathy was honored at a luxe banquet given by UWWC on the evening of December 1 at The Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury. The annual banquet serves as a way to honor reci
pients of the Hometown Hero and Emerging Hero (youth) awards, plus acts as a fundraiser for the nonprofit’s campaign to end child hunger in the area. The proceeds from the event will support the UWWC evening Mobile Food Pantry, their Groceries on Wheels Truck, weekend food backpacks for hungry children, and their Healthy Savings nutrition program.

“The United Way does a beautiful job,” Kathy Hull said of the event, “They know how to fundraise. And they know how to take care of people.”

Kathy will happily continue to volunteer and serve in New Fairfield and hopes even more citizens will join in. Given the rising spirit of service in the town, Kathy says, “What is nice is to see a community that seems more complete.”

For more on the many good works afoot at the United Way of Western Connecticut, visit www.uwwesternct.org.

By Sarah Opdahl