Barbara Davitt Celebrates Fifty Years at WATR

Barbara Davitt, the lovely host of  WATR's "Coffee Break," will be marking her 50th anniversary in broadcasting in November.  An Open House was held on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Country Club of Waterbury in her honor.

On Ms. Davitt's first day on air at WATR 1320 AM in Waterbury, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. She began her career there as a "weather girl" and today hosts her half-hour program at 9:30 am on weekdays.

During my summer vacation, I enjoy listening to "Coffee Break" on my car radio. Ms. Davitt is a gracious host that discusses a variety of topics. I especially enjoy when she speaks about local theater happenings or the latest news on Broadway.  I can't get to New York often, but I love hearing about her trips to the Big Apple. Although I have never had the pleasure of meeting this gracious lady, I know that I would enjoy discussing the performing arts with her.

Community theater celebrity Joanne Chenkus described the veteran broadcaster in this way: "She is a really elegant woman whose work in radio is a class act."

The Open House was attended by many members of the WATR family as well as dedicated fans. WATR owner Mark Gilmore was on hand to congratulate the honoree.  Surprise guests included Ms. Davitt's son in law Stan, daughter Melissa, and her grandsons Liam and Sam. There was a live broadcast hosted by Ed Flynn that featured Mayor Neil O'Leary and Prospect Mayor Chatfield.