The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Village Lions Club selects Irene Kuck as citizen of year
Has spent years tackling underage alcohol, tobacco, drug abuse
EAST HAMPTON » The East Hampton Village Lions Club has chosen Irene Kuck as its 2017 East Hampton Citizen of the Year for her contributions to community youth.
Kuck is a founding member of the East Hampton Local Prevention Council, was instrumental in securing the first grant award from the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council and led the effort from the beginning, working with guidance from MCSAAC and organizing volunteer support, according to a press release.
Over the years, she has developed strong relationships with town and school staff, faith organizations, health providers, elected officials, youth groups and parents. She has dedicated countless hours over many years to bring greater awareness, education and resources to address the problem underage alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse in East Hampton, according to the Lions.
She has been directly involved with organizing and facilitating many programs, including:
• Save-A-Life Tour: drunk driving simulation program for East Hampton High School juniors and seniors
• Monthly Epoch Arts Brookside Nights for teen in band
• Biking Builds Better Breathers: middle school fall and spring bike event for students, families and staff
• Facilitating independent surveys of high and middle school student drug use and presenting results to the community • Poster contest for fifth-graders and middle school students to create an educational billboard on Route 66
• Hosting guest speakers on issues of drug abuse for students and entire community
• Supporting local Project Graduation initiatives, including creating and distributing prevention flyers about teen drinking during graduation and prom season
• Coordinating annual prescription drug-take-back events with police
• Hosting the 2016 opiate forum with state Rep. Melissa Ziobron
• Helping with screening of “The Hungry Heart” documentary and community forum at the East Hampton Library
She created the East Hampton Local Prevention Council Against Substance Abuse Facebook page to share information and improve communication with East Hampton families.
She also was instrumental in collaborating with MCSAAC and the town to secure the recently awarded Partnership for Success grant for training and technical assistance to strengthen prevention services in the community and secured Prevention Coordinator James Olsen.
Kuck was also honored by the Connecticut Lions District 23-C at its 2017 Humanitarian Banquet and the Village Lions annual awards dinner, where she was presented with a plaque. She also rode in this year’s East Hampton’s Old Home Day Parade.
Kuck is married to Stuart Winquist and has two grown children.
Her name has been added to the Citizen of the Year plaque at the East Hampton Public Library.
Recipients over the last 20 years include: John Robida, 2016; Paul Peszynski, 2015; Ann McLaughlin, 2014; Gail Hamm, 2013; Joan Youngs, 2012; Red McKinney, 2011; JoAnn Ewing, 2010; Donald Ingraham, 2009; Dennis Erickson, 2008; Cindy Baloga, 2007; Ray Krupa, 2006; Eugene Hubbard, 2005; Joseph Becker, 2004; Frederick Everett, 2003; Monica Murray, 2002; Ronald Christopher, 2001; Emma Prince, 2000; Gladys Smith, 1999; and Charles Nichols, 1998.