Our Own Pat McDonnell, a Winner!

The Redcoats Are Coming- Jeanne Harrison and Pat McDonnell paint a fire hydrant on the Post Road near the oldf Exide battery plant in Fairfield on Wednesday (10/9). The two have been painting some hydrants as British Redcoats along the Memorial parade route for Fairfield's 375th anniversary. At right is a finished hydrant in front of the Fairfield Public Library. (photo courtesy of Mark Conrad)

Roz Schoonmaker and Tom Singleton with Pat as she displays her award.

Roz Schoonmaker, last year's recipient, presents Pat with the ARTC's 2013 Moe Nirenstein Award. ARTC president, Tom Singleton, looks on.

Very humbly, Pat listens as Roz Schoonmaker, last year's recipient of the Moe Nirenstein Award, details her many contributions to community and professional organizations.

Pat McDonnell, Activist

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The winner of the Moe Nirenstein Award was announced at the 2013 Spring Meeting and Luncheon of the ARTC (Association of Retired Teachers of CT (www.artct.org).

“Moe” Nirenstein was a teacher in the Colchester and Deep River Public School Systems, former president of ARTC, ARTC’s legislative chairman and chief lobbyist at the state Capitol, and vice chair of the STRB (State Teacher Retirement Board). He dedicated many years of service to the ARTC and to his town of Colchester. In appreciation of his years of service, an award was created by ARTC in his name to honor a person who has worked tirelessly to benefit the retired teachers of CT.   

The recipient of this year’s award (2013) for outstanding volunteerism is Pat McDonnell. Rosalyn Schoonmaker, last year’s recipient, presented the award. Her tribute to Pat is as follows:

Pat McDonnell was a dedicated  2nd Grade teacher at McKinley (29 years) and Mill Hill (4 years) Elementary Schools in Fairfield for 33 years.  She also taught in Newtown for 3 years. During this time, she was a building rep and social committee co-chair for numerous, numerous years in the FEA (Fairfield Education Assoc.).

One of the two organizers who started the affiliate Fairfield Education Association in the late 80’s, Patty was president for four years, vice president, newsletter editor, and now liaison among the Retired Educators of Fairfield (REF), the ARTC, and the CEA-retired (Connecticut Education Association–Retired  (www.cea.org/cear/).

She also is very active in the ARTC volunteering her time as newsletter editor; as a member of the Board of Directors, PAC, Membership, and Legislative Committees; and Lobby Day organizer. 

In addition, she has served on the Bridgeport St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee as past vice chair and now currently is serving on the scholarship committee.

She belongs to Greater Bridgeport Retired Teacher Association (www.gbrta.org ), is a member and past president of the Widow/Widower Club, an AARP driver safety course instructor, a Literacy of America volunteer through which she tutors adults in reading, and is on the Sisters of Notre Dame hospitality committee.

Check out the photo of Pat and a friend painting a fire hydrant in Fairfield. This photo appeared in the Oct. 10, 2013 issue of the CT Post Newspaper.  The caption read:

The Redcoats Are Coming

Jeanne Harrison and Pat McDonnell paint a fire hydrant on the Post Road near the oldf Exide battery plant in Fairfield on Wednesday (10/9). The two have been painting some hydrants as British Redcoats along the Memorial parade route for Fairfield's 375th anniversary. At right is a finished hydrant in front of the Fairfield Public Library. (photo courtesy of Mark Conrad)

****Editor’s note:  When does she sleep?  If anyone deserves the aforementioned Moe Nirenstein award, Pat does, although she was very humble and extremely gracious in her acceptance. 


P 10.11.2014 23:05

VERY NICE--YOU DESERVE MORE THAN A CRYSTAL APPLE. LOVE YOU

pat 18.02.2014 16:17

i love it!

Helen Hamm 27.05.2013 19:44

Wow! Pat,as I read this I , too, was thinking, "When does she have time to sleep?" Thank you so much for all your service on our behalf. Congratulations!

Dawn Hogan 23.05.2013 15:02

Congratulations Pat! Thanks for all the amazing time & energy you have devoted through the years..You continue to truly elevate our chosen profession!

Betty Mulholland 23.05.2013 14:47

Congratulations, Pat. You are just one amazing lady.
Keep up the good work.
Want to volunteer at Boothe Park in your free time????

Carolyn Marcato 23.05.2013 13:13

Congratulations,Pat! You are an inspiration to us all.

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Latest comments

17.06 | 18:00

Hi, Yes I am still working in CT but am cutting back. Feel free to contact me so we can discuss your concerns and determine if I can help.

17.06 | 14:40

Are you currently working in CT. If so I would like to use your education advocate services for our 8 year son

15.06 | 20:43

Our battles were fierce but always cordial and a handshake from Dr/ Z was was his bond.I share your loss.

15.06 | 19:03

Yes, Colleen, I remember him as a true gentleman who led with respect for all. Truly inspiring!