7/18/24 - Town Tribune​

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At a ceremony in front of Town Hall on June 26, 2024, the Community Service Club of New Fairfield honored Doris and Bill McDermott by giving them New Fairfield’s 2023 Town Hero Award. This award usually goes to one volunteer, but this duo is too dynamic to pass up the opportunity to recognize them together. A plaque bearing their name is hanging in Town Hall.    

 

Gina O’Connell nominated Bill and Doris for “their continuous and selfless giving, countless projects and can-do attitudes.”  Gina met the McDermotts at St. Edwards the Confessor Church, where Doris is a Trustee and Bill sings in the choir and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. Doris also is a founding contributor of “Walking with Purpose,” a women’s Bible Study. The Archdiocese of Bridgeport has recognized their devotion. 

 

Doris engaged Gina and other members of St. Edwards for a HomeFront project to help a New Fairfield veteran. Since 1999, Doris has coordinated HomeFront projects, sometimes including as many as 100 volunteers at a time to help people in need of home renovation. Even during major events, such as the pandemic, 9/11 and the Great Recession, Doris found homes in need, conducted home evaluations, organized the warehouse, and energized co-leaders. Bill jumped in as needed. HomeFront described Doris’s heart as being “as big as the world” when they awarded Doris the 2024 Volunteer Keystone Award for 25 years of service during National Volunteer Appreciation Week. 

 

Doris McDermott was also a co-founder of RebelsCare, where high school students help homeowners who struggle to maintain their properties by doing basic home repairs and maintenance. Doris serves as Executive Vice President and Bill as secretary. Gina wondered where these two vivacious people find the time since they volunteer for so much and Doris also teaches, often with special needs children.  

 

Bill volunteers actively with the New Fairfield Lion’s Club and the New Fairfield Community Thrift Shop. Bill sometimes trolls Facebook, looking for items in good condition for donations for the thrift shop. Not only does Bill take on procurement, but Gina says, “he’s often a star salesperson.”  You can see why Gina recommended these two as New Fairfield Town Heroes.  They are kind and vivacious, “put others first,” and have a “far reach” with their volunteerism in New Fairfield 

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