Note: Ken Kellogg, president of the Rotary Club of Monroe, volunteered to write the following article since it includes coverage of The Monroe Sun founder and editor, Bill Bittar. Kellogg presented the awards and served as emcee for the event.
MONROE, CT — Fifteen members of the Monroe community, including 12 students, were honored by the Rotary Club of Monroe during its Service Above Self Awards breakfast held this past Thursday morning at Whitney Farms. The awards recognize individuals who exemplify “Service Above Self,” which is Rotary’s motto and captures its philosophy of putting the needs of others before your own personal interests.
Rotarians are encouraged to use their time, skills and resources to make a positive difference in their communities and the world. In presenting these awards, Rotary honored individuals who demonstrate these ideals, despite not being Rotarians.
In addition to the members of Monroe’s Rotary Club, three Rotary District leaders representing clubs from throughout southern Connecticut were in attendance: Assistant Governor Crystal Engram, Governor-Elect Stephanie Phillips, and current Governor Robert Friend.
Friend congratulated the honorees and praised the Monroe club for its strong focus on service and for hosting an inspiring event.
Honored guests also included all three members of the Connecticut General Assembly who represent Monroe: State Rep. Tony Scott and senators Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox and Jason Perillo. Scott organized state citations, signed by all three lawmakers, to recognize the adult award winners.
Adult Honorees
Rotary recognized individuals in three categories for their service in Monroe, introduced by Bill Florin, who also served as chairman in planning the event.
In the General Community Service category, Kelly Plunkett was honored for her leadership of the Monroe Farmers’ Market. Plunkett has been volunteering for the market for many years and has managed the entire operation since 2020.
Florin remarked how the market has continually improved under Plunkett’s direction, “including being awarded the No. 1 market in Connecticut for three straight years.”
Scott presented the state citation to Plunkett, noting that she has harnessed “the dedication of 14 other volunteers who return every year,” and that every Friday afternoon during the season the Monroe Farmers’ Market is “the place to be.”
Bill Bittar received the award in the Business category. Florin reviewed Bittar’s extensive background and experience as a journalist covering Monroe and other local towns while working for various publications.
When the Monroe Courier closed in October of 2018, Bittar stepped up less-than-one-year later to fill the vital need for local media coverage and launched The Monroe Sun. Bill’s contributions were most evident through his coverage of the pandemic, and the Sun now enjoys over 1 million visits a year.
Gadkar-Wilcox read the citation recognizing Bittar, noting that The Monroe Sun has become the “go-to source for information on what is happening in town.” Bittar was thanked for his service going well beyond writing stories, ranging from his personal financial investment in The Monroe Sun, to his personal touch in answering questions from readers.
For the Education category, Florin passed the microphone to Superintendent Joseph Kobza, who is also a Monroe Rotarian. Kobza introduced Ron Bunovsky Jr., who was presented this award for his dedication to the Monroe community by serving as finance director for Monroe Public Schools.
Kobza recalled how a search for a new director was not going well in 2020 and the town embraced the concept of having Bunovsky, who was already serving as finance director for the town, take on the education role as well.
“This isn’t done in many towns,” said Kobza, “but Ron has proved that it can work, and it has been invaluable for the town and Monroe Public Schools.”
Perillo presented the state citation to Bunovsky, honoring his level of financial discipline and excellence that places the interests of the people of Monroe first in every decision.
In recognizing Bunovsky, Perillo observed that all the award recipients shared something in common. “They all saw something that needed to be done, and they stepped up to serve,” said Perillo. “Isn’t that exactly what Rotary is all about?”
Student Awards
Twelve students in grades seven through 12 were also given awards for their service. Each student was chosen based upon their actions and activities serving others. Student involvement ranged from student government, mission trips to help people in need in other states, and various student clubs and organizations such as Unified Sports. The event program listed over four pages of student volunteer activities.
Rotary District leaders and school administrators joined Florin as certificates were presented to the following students:
- Joceyln Allen, Grade 12
- Sawyer Judge, Grade 12
- Olivia Cusa, Grade 11
- Riya Pooskur, Grade 11
- Juliana Recchia, Grade 10
- Maya Fisher, Grade 10
- Alaina Sy, Grade 9
- Khloe Blair, Grade 9
- Mackenzie Sawyer, Grade 8
- William Rodriguez, Grade 8
- Abigail Goss, Grade 7
- Jonas Bresky, Grade 7
Paul Harris Fellow
The Rotary Club of Monroe also honored one of its own members, Wayne Chmura, with a Paul Harris Fellow pin. Named after Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges an individual’s substantial commitment to Rotary, not only in the community but throughout the world. It is one of the most prestigious awards given to a member of Rotary.
Invitation to Join
Rotary is a global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe and in our communities.
The Rotary Club of Monroe supports these global causes, but remains focused in the Monroe community. It has supported blood drives, improvements at Wolfe Park and the Monroe Senior Center, and provided scholarships to high school graduates.
Rotary provides financial grants to various need-based programs, such as Project Warmth and the Monroe Food Pantry.
Rotary is an open, inclusive organization that strives to foster a sense of belonging. Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to get more information by visiting RotaryClubOfMonroe.org, or sending an email to RotaryClubMonroe@gmail.com.
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