Community Corner
Fresh Air Fund Children Arrive in Fairfield County
Eager host families greeted nine inner-city children at the Old Greenwich train station on Friday as parents and children alike prepared for weeks of summer fun.
Each summer, close to 5,000 New York City children travel to stay with families in suburban and rural communities during the summer. On Friday, families from Stamford, Greenwich, and New Canaan gathered with signs, balloons, and big smiles at the Old Greenwich train station to welcome children from the Fresh Air Fund.
“My son brought a brochure home from school and said he’d like to do it,” Dawn Konzerowsky said.
The Konzerowskys looked into the program and decided to host a child at their home in Stamford this summer. Oftentimes, host families are able to have a child visit who is the same age as one of their own children, setting the stage for new friendships that often last far beyond the initial visit.
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“We’re going boating tomorrow and the boys are doing a marine biology camp down at Cove Island, at — we thought that would be great because its outdoors and also educational,” Konzerowsky said. “We’re planning lots of barbecues, just getting to know each other.”
David and Sharon DeLuca have hosted Chloe Gordon of Jamaica, New York for three years now and daughter Olivia — less than a year older than Gordon — has enjoyed having a sister during visits.
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“The first year, one of the things we had to straighten out was what to call us — Mrs. DeLuca seemed too formal and Sharon seemed too informal — we’re mom and dad now.”
“The Connecticut edition,” David DeLuca laughed.
The DeLucas plan to have a belated birthday party for Gordon and the girls look forward to another summer full of sports, swimming, and fun.
Joleen Grogan of New Canaan is another new host, waiting with daughters Caroline and Ellie for their new visitor to arrive. The Grogan family first read about the Fresh Air Fund in “The New York Times” and they are looking forward to a great first two-week visit packed full of plans.
“Definitely swimming,” Ellie Grogan said.
“We might do a hike and go fishing,” Caroline Grogan added.
Lisa Zimmerman of Old Greenwich was also eagerly waiting for her guest to arrive. The Zimmermans had decorated their car with signs welcoming Destiny Smith-Blyden to Old Greenwich.
“We’re so excited,” Zimmerman said. “Especially my daughter who’s the same age, we can’t wait.”
The Fresh Air Fund is still looking for additional families in our area who are able to host a child this summer. Visit the Fresh Air Fund’s website or call chairperson Nicole Heath at (203) 329-8629 for more information.
