We
are proud to announce Claire Phelan has been selected as the 2008 recipient of this prestigious award. Claire will be honored at City Hall on May 30, 2008 from 7-9pm at a ceremony conducted by the Junior Woman’s
Club.
Claire’s
commitment and dedication to Milford and its citizens is stellar. As one nomination read: “her unceasing energy for improving our city and assisting our citizens continues unabated
for over forty years.”
Another nomination added “Claire has a great affection
for Milford. She contributes to the vitality of Milford through her tireless work for
those in our community who suffer due to diminished capacity, addiction or other circumstances.”
Claire has lived in Milford all her life. She was born on February 5, 1927, graduated from Milford High School in 1944 and settled here with husband Robert,
raising four children.
Currently widowed, Claire has four children, eight grandchildren
and two great-grandchildren.
She worked for 32 years at the New Haven & Hartford
Railroad before retirement.
Over the years, Claire’s contributions to our town are many. She currently serves as Chairperson on the Board of Directors to Bridges, a community mental health
support system; Vice Chair, Board of Directors to Beth-El Center; serves as a Constable
of the City of Milford and is a Justice of the Peace, performing marriages throughout the year. Her work for those in need spans many agency and government positions including Agency on Aging in Southern Central
Connecticut, Mental Health Planning Council, State Board of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Catchment Six Area Council
and the Regional Mental Health Board.
This is not the first time Claire has been recognized for her many achievements
and contributions.
Claire is a 2007 recipient of the Secretary of State’s
Public Service Award for her 20 years of service to municipal, state and federal elections. She was also honored in 2007 with the Certificate of Appreciation from the Connecticut State Legislature for her
many years of volunteerism on behalf of those less fortunate. Claire received this
award on her 80th birthday.
As one resident put it, “If Milford is the “small city with a
big heart”, Claire Phelan is what Milford is all about.