Simsbury Announces 2022 'Hometown Hero' Winners

SIMSBURY, CT — Four Simsbury residents have won the town's 2022 Hometown Hero awards for their contributions to the community, town officials announced.

On Monday, the Simsbury Board of Selectmen presented this year's awards to Margaret Kennedy, Marianne O'Neil, Gerard Wetjen and Jay T. Willerup.

The Hometown Hero awards, a statewide initiative, go to people whose deeds or services have made their community a better place to live.

In Simsbury, recipients are chosen by a committee made up of the first selectperson, a previous Hometown Hero, a member of a service or veterans' organization and representatives from the board of selectmen, Historical Society and local business community.

The individuals chosen have "demonstrated selfless and altruistic behavior which contributes significantly to the betterment of the town," officials said in a news release.

Then-Gov. William O'Neill began the Hometown Hero initiative in 1986 as part of the 350th anniversary of Connecticut's founding, and he invited towns to designate residents as "Hometown Heroes."

Every year since, Simsbury has chosen Hometown Heroes and recognized them at a ceremony.

Background on the winners, provided by the town of Simsbury, can be found below:

Margaret Kennedy

Since 1993, Margaret has been very active in her community at the First Church of Christ Simsbury, serving on several committees and tutoring students at the Maria Sanchez School in Hartford. As part of her work with the hospitality committee, prior to COVID she served at the monthly Men's Senior Luncheons.

In addition, she volunteered at the Simsbury Public Library Book Sale every year up to 2020. For many years Margaret has used her accounting skills through the senior center to helping seniors in town file their taxes.

Marianne O'Neil

As a member of St. Mary's Church, Marianne teaches Sunday School and provides meals to Hartford homeless shelters. She has also participated in fundraising campaigns for Squadron Line PTA.

Marianne's commitment and vision have greatly benefited the Simsbury Public Library. She first served as a Trustee, and for the last 12 years of her tenure served as the Board's Chairperson. During this time Marianne helped direct the Library's expansion and renovation for the Tariffville Room, guiding it through the Town's budget and referendum process.

She also served on two distinct five-year strategic planning committees, and is an Investor Angel of the Friends of the Library, assisting with the "Books–To-Your-Door" program and the annual Used Book Sale.

Gerard Wetjen

Gerry has served on Simsbury Youth Hockey's Board of Directors, and was a coach with the Simsbury Little League for over 20 years.

Golfing is one of Gerry's many passions, and he held every leadership position with the Simsbury Farms Golf Men's Club at one time or another from 2003-2010. Gerry was crucial in creating the Tee-Sign sponsorship program, which provides funds for golf course items.

For the past 11 years, he has also served on various committees for the Culture, Parks and Recreation Commission.

Finally, Gerry spearheaded the efforts to establish the Friends of Simsbury Farms in 2016, which has since generated over $172,000 in donations for facility improvements at the Simsbury Farms Recreation Complex.

Jay T. Willerup

Jay joined the Board of the Friends of Heublein in 2003 with a passion to restore the landmark while preserving historical accuracy. He has served as President of the Board since 2015, leading fundraising efforts for successful restoration projects.

Jay was recruited to join the Board of Directors for the Friends of Connecticut State Parks, and has been actively supporting other "Friends" groups in Connecticut.

In addition to these positions, Jay was also instrumental in designing and implementing fundraisers for the MLK in CT Memorial, which was unveiled in January 2021.