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On March 12, we thanked Robert F. Wessel for his long standing dedication to our community by honoring him with a plaque on the Foundation’s Tribute Wall at the CommunityArts Center. Wessel has been credited with laying the foundation of the village, and then the city of Fairfield, in the mid 1950s.

“We are a far better community for your service,” said Foundation Trustee Gregg Stagg, at the awards presentation.

“Helen and I have enjoyed 56 fun-filled years in this community,” said Wessel, who served as Fairfield’s first mayor. “l am greatly interested in the city, particularly, and I want it to be the best place to live in the whole wide world.”In 2006, the Foundation formally dedicated its Tribute Wall at the Community Arts Center, and a total of  five outstanding citizens have now been honored on the wall.  The wall pays homage to “citizens whose tireless and selfless efforts have made our city a better place to live.”

Esther Benzing was the first citizen to be honored on the wall.  In May of 2006, the Foundation held a reception to honor her and as well as the next three inductees: Dr. Robert Cropenbaker, Thomas O. Marsh and Joe Nuxhall.

Through the years, the Foundation will continue to honor local philanthropists – those who selflessly give of their resources and time to enrich our community.

Sally Braun, Foundation president, holding the plaque with Mr. Wessel.	Paul Avance, Howard Dirksen,  Robert Wessel and Gregg Stagg, at the Tribute event.  Mr. Avance, Mr. Dirksen and Mr. Stagg serve on the Foundation’s tribute wall committee (absent: Kathy Clark).
Helen and Bob Wessel in front of the Tribute Wall.	Jim Irwin, long time friend of Bob Wessel, spoke of Mr. Wessel’s accomplishments to the group