CHARLES H. FLYNN HUMANITARIAN AWARD |
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The 1984 Charles H. Flynn Humanitarian Award
In recognition of "outstanding volunteer leadership" in the Lower Naugatuck Valley
Helen Ragusa was active in community affairs all of her life. She was a troop leader for the Girl Scouts and was active with the Cub Scouts in Derby. While a resident of Derby, she was on the Board of Education and served as a probation officer as well.
She was an active member of the American Red Cross since 1951. She was involved in that organization's disaster program during the 1955 floods. She was a member of the local chapter's Board of Directors and took part in their blood drives for many years and served as their blood program chairman.
She was a past chairman for Heart Association drives, as well as those for Cooley's Anemia Clinics and the March of Dimes. She participated in Cancer Society activities as well.
She assisted at the Griffin Hospital thrift shop and volunteered at the hospital with more than 3,500 hours to her credit.
She was a leader of the Sons of Italy for many years and was president of its auxiliary. She was a past grand trustee and grand officer of the Valley Regional Lodge of that group. In 1979 she received the State of Connecticut Sons of Italy merit award, its highest honor.
She was an active member of Holy Rosary Church and served on its guild, which visited all of the convalescent homes in the Valley. She was a past president of St. Michael's Ladies Society in Ansonia and St. Ann's Society.
She also served as a member of the Catholic Council of Women and the Holy Rosary choir as well as the Burma Mission.
She was a recipient of the Valley Chamber of Commerce Gold Seal Award in 1976 and was made Volunteer of the Year in 1980 by the Ansonia-Derby Women's Club.
Learn more about the Charles H.
Flynn Humanitarian Award:
Past Winners of the Award
