JUST BECAUSE….
We’ll provide the drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks)
You provide the appetizers and desserts
(Last names A-L appetizers, M-Z desserts)
Cost $20 per person/$30 per couple
Special Invited Guests:
U.S. Congressmen Jim Himes and Chris Murphy

Checks payable to the Easton Democratic Town Committee can be forwarded to P.O. Box 32, Easton, CT 06612; or pay at the door.

To be held at the English Residence
10 Easton Heights Lane, Easton, CT

On Friday, May 6, the Easton Democratic Town Committee held its annual Neary Award Dinner, honoring former Easton DTC Chairman Ron Kowalski for his years of public service to the community. The event was held at Roberto’s Restaurant in Monroe, and was attended by 140 people, including U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressman Jim Himes, Governor Dannell Malloy, and Attorney General George Jepsen.

Kowalski, who currently serves as Easton’s Democratic Registrar of Voters, has been an energetic community volunteer and dedicated town leader since moving to Easton in 1994, serving as DTC Chair as well as on its Nominating, Policy, and District Leaders committees, on the Easton Police Commission as Chairman and Vice-Chair, on the Planning & Zoning Commission, and as a coach for numerous Little League teams. Kowalski’s history of volunteerism and strong leadership were hailed by the speakers at the dinner.

Senator Blumenthal directed his remarks to the Kowalski children, saying, “Now you may find this hard to believe, but your dad is actually a great guy. And I’ll tell you why. As a leader in the Easton community, he’s had the courage and vision to make good decisions, and in the face of controversy, to do what he thinks is right.” Blumenthal added, “In the political world, real friends are rare – to have that quality of loyalty and caring – and I consider Ron a true friend. Nobody works harder than Ron, or is freer with good advice.”

Governor Dannell P. Malloy with Ron Kowalski and his children, Alex, CJ, Kelly, Megan and Jason

Governor Dannell Malloy noted that “we have an obligation to leave our communities stronger,” and thanked Ron for his “great service” to Easton and to Connecticut. Congressman Jim Himes said, “Ron has been a friend for a long time and he is to be commended for his leadership of the Easton Democrats.” Kowalski was a key campaign strategist during the 2003 Democratic sweep in Easton, during which Democratic candidates beat Republican opponents to gain seats on all major town boards, in some cases for the first time in Easton’s history.

Easton’s elected officials focused on Kowalski’s effectiveness in town politics and lively sense of humor. In presenting the proclamation that designated May 6th ‘Ronald E. Kowalski II Day,’ First Selectman Tom Herrmann lauded Kowalski for his “profound competence and aplomb” as Democratic Registrar of Voters, as well as for being “a leading voice in shaping the Easton we all know and love.” Selectman Bob Lessler called Kowalski “a true creative master,” and thanked him “for making our work together so rewarding and productive and such a heck of a lot of fun.” Selectman Scott Centrella observed, “The thing that’s so wonderful about our town is that, except in election years, it’s not political. Hartford and Washington could learn a lot.”

In accepting the award, Kowalski reflected on his years of involvement in the community, and remarked, “The most rewarding aspect of my involvement has been having the opportunity to work with all of you, on issues that matter to our community.”

L to R: Democratic National Committee Member Ellen Camhi of Stamford, Neary Award Winner Ron Kowalski, former Norwalk DTC Chair Donna King and Connecticut Democratic Party Chair Nancy DiNardo of Trumbull.

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