The article, for anyone who the link doesn’t work for…from the Town Times, 4/1/04.
Tickets are still available for a special evening to benefit former Zoning Board of Appeals chairman Nick Reynolds from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 30, at the Grand Oak Villa.
The dinner will be a buffet. Tickets are $25 each and there will be door prizes and raffles.
Mr. Reynolds, who is fighting cancer, recently had to resign his chairmanship on the board, though still is a member, according to family friend Debbie Roger.
Donations have been pouring in to the fund set up by the family; donations also have been strong for the benefit dinner as well.
“Many door prizes have been donated,” Ms. Roger said. “Powerstation DJ has donated their time.”
Besides volunteering on the ZBA, where he was chairman for 10 years, Mr. Reynolds has always been involved in community activities, including the high school robotics team.
When not volunteering, Mr. Reynolds was owner of Wedding World on Hamilton Avenue. But, because of his health issues, he has had to close up shop. His wife, Dyanne, who is an RN at the Lutheran Home in Southbury, also has taken leave to help care for her husband.
The family recently cleaned out Wedding World, and has many items available for sale.
“There are about 200 wedding dresses,” Ms. Roger said. “They’re brand-new. They’re not this season, but they’re new.”
She said there are a number of bridal accessories available, too, including albums, toasting glasses and even store fixtures like display cases, a cash register and more.
All items are available for purchase for best offer. Those wishing to purchase items may call Ms. Roger at 203-206-2983.
Mr. Reynolds is originally from England, and has no family nearby, Ms. Roger said. Mrs. Reynolds, who grew up in the area, also has no family nearby; so the family is relying on the support of friends.
Ms. Roger said her goal is to sell out the Grand Oak Villa, which can hold 500 people.
The couple has two sons, Richard, a student at Central Connecticut State University, and Kyle, a freshman at Watertown High School.
Besides community activities, Mr. Reynolds was involved in the Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club, a motorcycle enthusiast’s club. Club members have banded together to help.
Mr. Reynolds had worked with the club after the terrorist attacks of September, 2001, and raised money for efforts in New York City. They rode to Ground Zero and spent time helping rescue efforts there.
Now, the club is working to help Mr. Reynolds, and has raised $16,000.
A group, “Friends of Nick Reynolds,” meets at 7 p.m. every Monday night at the Zoning Office in Depot Square Mall to plan the April 30 benefit.
The group also has set up a trust. Donations may be made to “Friends of Nick Reynolds,” c/o Thomaston Savings Bank, Main Street, Watertown.
Those wishing to buy tickets may email Ms. Roger at [email protected] or call her at 203-206-2983.
