Honoring Groton's First Councilor Emeritus

Former colleagues stopped by, school children sang, and town, city and state officials gathered Thursday evening to honor former Town Councilor Catherine Kolnaski, Groton’s first councilor emeritus. More than 200 attended the event.

“It’s hard to explain how good I feel about it,” said Kolnaski, 91. “When I served I always got all the support. I got a lot of encouragement, and I loved it. I loved it all.”

Kolnaski served on the Groton Town Council from 1977 to 1981, then was elected mayor of Groton City, where she remained until 1995. She returned to the Town Council in 1995 and was re-elected every term until leaving the post last year.

“Catherine is an icon,” said Rose Marie Althuis, who served with Kolnaski on the council in the 1990s. “She should be Miss Groton.”

Kolnaski was instrumental in starting Ledge Light Health District, getting lights installed at Washington Park and keeping the Naval Submarine Veterans Memorial in Groton City. In 1979, she pushed to have Trumbull Airport renamed Groton Airport.  

As town councilor, she watched the Groton Senior Center, Poquonnock Plains Park and the Town Hall Annex built.

She served as co-chair of the Phase 1 school committee, which led to the renovation of Fitch High School and construction of two elementary schools, including named after her.

“Catherine Kolnaski is not only an institution in this town, she’s an extraordinary woman. An inspiration to public service,” said State Sen. Andrew Maynard. “And just one of the most cheerful public servants I’ve ever known.”

Said Town Councilor Harry Watson: “When she says something, everyone listens to her.”

Kolnaski received six proclamations Thursday, including four from the state and one each from the city and town. Town Mayor Heather Bond Somers said another event will be planned to celebrate Kolnaski’s designation as councilor emeritus.

“It’s something that’s a revered honor,” Somers said.