Main Street Waterbury has announced that the recipient of the 2016 Main Street Waterbury Community Partnership Award is Robert Burns, Mattatuck Museum Executive Director. Burns will receive the second annual award during a presentation Thursday, October 6, 2016 at the Palace Theater in Waterbury between 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The Award was created by Main Street Waterbury to celebrate the leadership and contributions of the late Stephen R. Sasala, former CEO of the Waterbury Regional Chamber and former president of Main Street Waterbury Board of Directors.
Steve Sasala advocated for quality planning and policy development, and practiced the leadership approach of setting goals and staying the course while recognizing and working toward the bigger picture. With these qualities, he continually provided support for addressing local work in ways that ultimately benefitted the more global good.
Burns, a ‘relatively new’ member of the Greater Waterbury area since 2012 when he took the director position, is today widely-recognized as a passionate and highly-respected community advocate and dedicated leader. Under his guidance and mentorship, the Mattatuck Museum has taken its well-earned position as one of the region’s leading arts and culture institutions. The ‘forefront’ positioning of the Museum by Burns has also placed its’ partnering organizations into the well-deserved community spotlight.
In addition to his notable achievements as executive director of the Mattatuck Museum, Burns also serves on the City of Waterbury Mayor’s Art Advisory Council, and the Regional Advisory Council at Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC).
Robert Burns is also a volunteer member of the Board of Directors of the Waterbury Development Corporation (WDC), Washington Art Association, and Main Street Waterbury. Recognized as a true advocate for community involvement, Burns has worked in the non-profit sector for more than 20 years. He holds a Masters of Fine Arts from the University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from West Virginia University.
Main Street Waterbury CEO Carl Rosa commented, “Bob Burns brings a high level of professional energy to the Main Street Waterbury Board of Directors and is quick to offer constructive input. His ‘can do’ attitude has been a great shot in the arm for our organization and our community.”
Part of the annual Main Street Waterbury Community Partnership Award program is the awarding of a scholarship to a selected Greater Waterbury area student. In June 2016, Main Street Waterbury, presented their 2016 Stephen R. Sasala II Community Partnership Scholarship to Ms. Alexa Eason of Waterbury, a June 2016 graduate from Crosby High School, who ranked second in her class. This fall she will attend Georgetown University, majoring in Political Science, with the ultimate goal of becoming a lawyer. While at Crosby High School she achieved the highest honors all four years and was a member of the National Honor Society. She has also been very active with community service volunteering at St. Mary’s Hospital, for various local events and tutoring other students.
Main Street Waterbury is a 501c3 non-profit, downtown management and revitalization program in the context of historic preservation. Through improving the physical appearance of downtown Waterbury, promoting its architectural and cultural assets, organizing volunteer initiatives, sponsoring events, and fostering public/private partnerships, the organization strives to economically rejuvenate Waterbury’s downtown district without sacrificing its character or heritage.
Webster Bank is the platinum sponsor of the October 6 Main Street Community Partnership Award event. Additional sponsorship opportunities are currently available by contacting Carl Rosa directly at Main Street Waterbury at 203-757-0701 ext. 302.
RSVPs to this award event are required by contacting the Main Street Waterbury office at 203-757-0701 ext. 302, or emailing Carl Rosa at crosa@mainstreetwaterbury.com.
Tickets are $35/person and can be purchased in advance at the Palace Theater Box Office at 100 East Main Street in Waterbury, by calling the box office at 203-346-2000, or visiting www.palacetheaterct.org. Tickets will also be available on October 6 at the box office. A portion of all proceeds will be directed toward the Stephen R. Sasala Scholarship Fund.