Andrea Reu Continues Work as Active Voice in Community
If you live in Clinton, chances are you know the name Andrea Reu. The New Jersey native has made a name for herself as an active voice in her community.
"I'm involved in a lot of things and they are all really locally focused," Andrea says. "The most rewarding part is being a leader of some sort to show people it's okay to have an impact and say what you believe in."
Andrea began coming to town in her infant years, spending summers vacationing with her family at their summer cottage. She then inherited that home and has lived here for about six years with her 11 year-old son Wyatt.
She attended Syracuse University School of Management and majored in accounting, law, and public policy. From there, she worked in jobs ranging from senior account executive to senior realtor associate. Her volunteer efforts began even before she moved to Clinton, working with fundraisers on behalf of Habitat for Humanity and the Coalition against Rape and Abuse.
After moving to Connecticut, it was then that her involvement with the shoreline began to grow. She was an active volunteer with her son's Cub Scout troop, assisting the den leaders by coordinating events and activities. She enjoyed helping out as often as possible, watching Wyatt's self-assurance grow.
"It was a really neat age where you can see them grow and develop. I was a Girl Scout years ago and there's a lot to be said for what that gives a child. It gives them character and confidence, something you don't get from anywhere else," she says. "That was the fun part."
From there, Andrea jumped right into a leadership position for the district-wide Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and is currently serving as president of the group. Her involvement in the PTA has helped the group to grow from 10 to close to 100 and now even has 10 teachers participating.
Taking a stand for education has always been important to the Clinton resident. She was able to take a stand and work collaboratively with both parents and teachers from kindergarten through the high school, providing input on her child's learning situation and future.
"The PTA-that's your connection, your lifeblood, your voice. I want other people to realize that they have a point to make, too. They have a voice, they have input, and I think when people work together in a collaborative situation, there's so much to be said for what everybody can bring to the table and how that turns into something that's dramatically different than what one person can do," Andrea says. "That's what we do with the PTA."
Through her involvement in the PTA she was introduced to the town's First Selectman's Task Force on Substance Abuse. She is an active member and also finds time on a weekly basis to volunteer for the Shoreline Soup Kitchens & Pantries
"I love the Shoreline Soup Pantry. That's probably my favorite and it's the one that breaks your heart. You see young people, old people, single people, and huge families…It's so real," Andrea says. "It's the most humbling experience I've ever done in my life."
When possible, Andrea also attends town meetings and public hearings in an effort to stay aware of what's happening in town. She has been involved in the background effort in hopes to get a new Morgan School built and also enjoys writing, gardening, cooking, traveling, and party hosting on the side.
Making a difference and taking a stand isn't something that Andrea imagines she'll ever stop doing. She enjoys being a part of a tight-knit community and making an impact on the town she has loved ever since her childhood summers.
"The thing about Clinton is it's small enough that you really do get to know the community; you meet a lot people. It's a real range, too-older people, younger people," Andrea says. "It's been a really interesting process for me and I've enjoyed it a lot."