East Hampton Village Lions name Joan Youngs as 2012 Citizen of the Year

Mrs. Joan Youngs (center) honored as the Village Lions 2012 East Hampton Citizen of the Year Award with Committee Chair Nancy Kraft (left) and President Linda Brogan (right). Contributed photo.

The Village Lions recently honored Joan Youngs their 2012 Citizen of the Year.

The Village Lions have been bestowing this honor on deserving citizens since 1998.

Lion Nancy Kraft presented Youngs with a plaque for her home at a ceremony held June 12 at Angelico’s Lake House Restaurant.

Youngs was chosen for her decades of unselfish service to both the local community and Middlesex County, according to the press release from the Village Lions.

“For 70 years, Youngs has volunteered in some capacity in our Middlesex County,” the release states.

A list of her contributions includes:

• In the 1940s, as an adolescent, she knitted wool scarves for the British War Relief efforts, and supported World War II American soldiers.

• In 1965, she began coordinating blood drives and services to area hospitals.

• She coordinated the military notification programs for area service members.

• In the 1970s, she established and implemented the Food and Fuel Banks.

• She worked for the Middlesex County Chapter of the American Red Cross as Assistant Director and then became Director from 1973-1998.  She maintained and improved many ongoing programs and established many new innovative programs.

• In 1973 she established and implemented the Elderly and Handicapped Transportation Program.

• In the early 1980’s she established and implemented the Red Cross Shelter for Families with Children.

She continued to volunteer for the American Red Cross after retiring in 1998.

Youngs also has volunteered for many other organizations including the  Girl Scouts, St. Patrick’s Church and the Parent Teacher Associations.

She also is a member of the Board of the Middlesex County Community Foundation where she serves on the grant committee.

She is on the Board of St. Luke’s Home and Elderly Services where she volunteers regularly.

Youngs also was instrumental in developing a housing program for the Board of Gilead Community Services, a mental health service provider.

After retiring from the Red Cross, Youngs’ energies were channeled into managing area food banks and creating the East Hampton Fuel Bank, where she continues to serve today.

At 81, Youngs was the oldest participant in the November 2011 “Turkey Plunge” in Lake Pocotopaug to benefit the Food and Fuel Bank.

In January 2012, Youngs was also honored at the Humanitarian Awards Program for the Eastern Connecticut District (23-C) of Lions Clubs International.

Each year, Lions clubs in Eastern Connecticut nominate someone to honor their outstanding service to their community.

The Village Lions nominated Youngs and she was chosen as the recipient of the Grand Humanitarian Award out of four counties and approximately 33 Lions clubs in Connecticut.

Mrs. Youngs name has also been added to a plaque listing previous East Hampton Citizens of the Year on display in the East Hampton Public Library.

And look for her in the Old Home Day Parade on July 14.

Posted July 5, 2012 based on a press release as edited by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

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