By Andreas Yilma, Staff Writer
NAUGATUCK — Donna Andrew and Andy Bottinick both see the value in giving back to the community.
The Naugatuck Rotary Club sees the value in what they do for the borough. The club will honor Andrew and Bottinick for their dedication to the community with the Paul Harris Award on Nov. 10 at The Crystal Room, 98 School St.
The award is the club’s most prestigious honor and is given annually to members of the community who have demonstrated the Rotary principal of “service above self.”
Club President Matt Fortney said Andrew and Bottinick, who are borough residents, have shown they hold the same values and ethics through their volunteer efforts.
“It was a very easy decision for our club when they were put forward as the nominees,” Fortney said.
The club wasn’t able hold a ceremony last year to honor Andrew, the 2020 recipient of the award, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Club officials wanted to ensure she was honored appropriately this year.
Andrew, 66, who works in human resources at Flabeg Technical Glass, said it’s important to her to volunteer and help behind the scenes. Some of her volunteer work includes serving on the board of directors for United Way of Naugatuck and Beacon Falls, serving on the Naugatuck YMCA board of directors, and volunteering with Jane Doe No More, a borough-based nonprofit that provides support for victims of sexual violence and works to improve the way society responds to survivors of sexual violence.
“I’m honored. I’m flattered,” said Andrew about receiving the award. “There’s so many that does so much. I’m honored that it was me that was chosen.”
Bottinick, a 62-year-old attorney with Carter Mario Law Firm, is the 2021 award recipient. His volunteer work includes serving on the Naugatuck YMCA board of directors and helping with the annual Christmas Day Dinner in the borough. He previously volunteered as president of the Naugatuck Education Foundation, coached youth soccer, and chaired a few borough boards and commissions.
Bottinick said he takes any chance he gets to help someone, adding he is a firm believer in karma.
“I think that if you do good, it comes back to you,” Bottinick said.
The Paul Harris Award dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person. For information or tickets, email at naugatuckrotary@gmail.com or call at Kim Santulli 203-509-9359.
