The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Citizen award goes to one who’s ‘always willing to help’
Roy G. Hallberg is named Lions Citizen of Year
EAST HAMPTON — For the past two decades, the East Hampton Village Lions has been recognizing citizens who have benevolently served the town.
This year, Roy G. Hallberg received the club’s 2018 Citizen of the Year Award for his decades of unselfish service to his community, most notably working tirelessly as the Haddam Neck Fair Association director and president, according to a press release.
Hallberg is a lifelong, fourth-generation resident of East Hampton. He has been affiliated with several organizations that support projects and programs throughout the community, including the East Hampton Volunteer Fire Department, in various capacities, such as fire commissioner; charter member of the Belltown Antique Car Club, member of the Anchor Lodge No. 112 A.F. & A.M., board member of the Union Hill Cemetery Association, and a member of the Second Congregational Church of Middle Haddam.
“The giving of his time is also evident in his daily support of neighbors, relatives and friends,” his son, Gordon Hallberg, wrote in his nomination letter. “Roy is either working in his workshop repairing or fixing something for a neighbor, transporting someone to a doctor’s appointment, or taking the time to visit friends and family either in their homes, or at a hospital or health care facility.
“Most importantly, Roy is one of those individuals always willing to help others throughout our community and beyond — not expecting any recognition or reimbursement,” his son wrote.
In January, he was one of nine nominees to be honored at the Humanitarian Awards program for the Eastern Connecticut District (23-C) of Lions Clubs International. Each year, Lions clubs in Eastern Connecticut ask members to honor individuals for their outstanding service to their communities. The Village Lions club also nominated Roy for the Humanitarian of the Year, the release said.
Roy Hallberg’s name has been added to the Citizen of the Year plaque at the East Hampton Public Library.
Previous years’ recipients include: Irene Kuck, 2017; 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.
Roy Hallberg was honored June 11 at the Lions awards night celebration at the Dublin Pub in East Hampton, surrounded by his family, and presented a plaque for his home. He will be riding in the Village Lions vehicle in this year’s East Hampton’s Old Home Day Parade July 14.