The annual Fairfield Republican Town Committee Lobster Bake and Awards Ceremony took place last month and in an event, which included a special appearance by Governor Jody Rell, Republicans honored two of their own and one long time Fairfield newspaper journalist. Charles Chiusano was presented with the Myrtle Miller Party Loyalty Award, the party's highest honor given annually to the Republican who has shown a lifetime of dedication and commitment on behalf of the party. The Gerry Malafronte Community Service Award went to the former editor of the Fairfield-Citizen News, Patricia Hines for her dedication to community service. Lastly, Christopher Tymniak was presented with the Paul Tymniak Young Republican Award, named after his late father, a Connecticut State Representative. This award is given annually to the Republican between the ages of 25-40, who leading by example, exemplifies the spirit and strength of the party.
Noting that this year's award recipients were selected based on their collective commitment and dedication to Fairfield and to core Republication values RTC Chairman Jim Baldwin said, "The decision to honor Charlie, Pat and Chris with these awards, recognizing, party loyalty, community service and early and passionate dedication to Republican ideals was easy. They are three extremely hard-working, caring and devoted individuals who have helped make our community a better place to live through the advocacy of our principles."
As the Myrtle Miller Party Loyalty award winner Charles Chiusano's service to the Republican party includes many campaigns and committees. He has been a member of the RTC Finance Committee for several terms as well as a member of the finance committees of former U.S. Representative Christopher Shays, Governor Rell and Fairfield's Judge of Probate Daniel Caruso. Chiusano has also contributed an enormous amount of time and energy to a variety of charitable organizations. He currently serves on the Yale Vision Center's Advisory Committee, New Haven's Smilow Cancer Hospital's Advisory Board and St. Catherine Academy's Advisory Board, a private school founded by the Diocese of Bridgeport for special needs students. Currently the vice-president of Avant Business Services, a family owned company that provides business logistics for Fortune 500 companies. Chiusano is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University, married to the former Ruth Pogue, and they are parents to daughter, Christine.
Editor of the Fairfield-Citizen News for 23 years, Patricia Hines retired in April after covering local political battles, fights over athletic fields, school and zoning conflicts. Hines' professional past included controversial articles on supportive housing for people with HIV/AIDS, the test tampering case at the Stratfield School and the financially and environmentally troubled third train station project. Throughout her tenure, Hines' editorials motivated and educated the community on issues important to Fairfield and provided features on local citizens doing exceptional work. A recipient of many awards and citations from professional newspaper organizations as well as honors from nonprofit venues, Hines believes her greatest service to the Fairfield community was allowing residents to share their views and ideas with their elected officials within the pages of the Citizen-News.
As Director of Governor Rell's Southwest office, Christopher Tymniak at thirty-one has a reputation as a committed, hard-working member of the Republican Party. A member of the RTC and a former member of the Representative Town Meeting, in 2004 Tymniak founded the Fairfield County Young Republicans group. His volunteer work includes Habitat for Humanity and chapter president of the Sons of the American Revolution. Prior to working with the Governor, Tymniak was the legislative aide to State Senator Judith Freedman. Currently a real estate agent with Prudential CT Realty in Fairfield, Tymniak and his wife Nicole are parents to one-year-old son Sam.