MONROE, CT — The new Pathway Pavilion next to the playground at Wolfe Park has red picnic tables inside, allowing parents to sip coffee in the shade while their children run around nearby. Parks and Recreation Director Missy Orosz said the pavilion, which is equipped with a grill, has already been used for the town’s day camp, as well as for several birthday parties.
The structure was made possible through a $24,590 donation by the Monroe First Foundation, which was also used to pay for a portion of a second pavilion in the playground area with funds leftover for future maintenance, according to Orosz.
On Thursday afternoon, Ken Kellogg, who started the foundation when he was first selectman, presented the check to First Selectman Terry Rooney, Orosz and Recreation Program Supervisor Chris Fracker.
The rest of the foundation’s Board of Directors, in addition to Kellogg — Jonathan Stone, Frank Lieto, Karen Cardi and Kellogg’s wife, Mary — also attended the ceremony. Kellogg thanked all of them for helping make the Monroe First Foundation a success.
“This is the final official business as our foundation,” Kellogg said of its biggest donation. “This will end our foundation, so we’re happy to end on such a high note.”
The Monroe First Foundation raised money through the annual First Selectman’s Golf Outing and over the years it donated a total of $68,000 (counting the pavilion) with grants ranging anywhere from $500 to $6,000 benefiting community organizations and causes such as the Monroe Food Pantry, Project Warmth and the Masuk Parent-Teacher Club’s Post Prom.
Orosz said it was an honor for the Parks and Recreation Department to be chosen as the beneficiary of the final grant. “I appreciate all you do for the town,” she said during the check presentation ceremony. “I appreciate your support.”
She said there is no smoking at the two new pavilions and no alcohol permits will be issued there due to the close proximity to the playground.
A plaque inside the Pathway Pavilion recognizes the Monroe First Foundation for its donation and lists its board members.
Orosz passed out laminated copies of the inscription for each board member, so they can frame it and display it in their home or office.
“Ken, you’re an inspiration with this foundation,” Rooney said. “Obviously, it inspired me to do the same thing and when it was brought to my attention about you waning to get a pavilion, we worked diligently to get it done.”
In fact, Rooney said Kellogg motivated the town to buy two pavilions from Lancaster, Penn., for a “very good price.”
“Thank you for your generosity,” Rooney said to Kellogg. “You’ve always been very generous to the town. You’ve always worked very hard to support all of the organizations — and still do, so thank you for all of your hard work and the altruism after being in office.”
“You’re doing a lot of fundraising, so I know you will continue that same spirit,” Kellogg said, while referring to the First Selectman Rooney Foundation.
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