Essex Annual Report Dedicated to Long Time Volunteer

ESSEX, CT — The 2019-2020 Essex Annual report has been dedicated to long time Ivoryton Resident, Claire Tiernan. Humble by nature and hardworking by design, Tiernan has been an integral volunteer in the community for decades.

“She is just a wonderful, wonderful person,” said First Selectman and State Senator Norm Needleman. “She is the consummate community volunteer.”

Mother of five, Tiernan spent her professional life as a nurse, she retired from her professional career as Director of Medical/Cardiology Nursing at Hartford Hospital a few years ago, but has continued to give back to the community she loves so much.

"My background is in nursing so helping others just comes naturally to me," said Tiernan, who was surprised to find out that the Annual Report was dedicated to her. "It's an honor and I feel a certain sense of pride."

Over the past 26 years, Tiernan has been very active in the community. She has served on several commissions and boards, including the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Inland Wetlands Commission, and the Essex Citizens for Clean Energy (now Sustainable Essex). She also volunteered her time as an usher at the Ivoryton Playhouse. She is still a member of the Essex Democratic committee and is on the Board of the Ivoryton Library.

Twenty twenty marked the first time in the past two decades that Tiernan did not volunteer at the polls. She explained that because of her age and COVID, she did not think it was a good idea this year.

“Volunteering in town, on boards and commissions, just seems like it makes sense,” said Tiernan, who explained that she has always felt that people shouldn’t complain about the way things are in town if they are not willing to do anything about it.

"Volunteering gives you a sense of well being and accomplishment. You meet like-minded people, you become a part of the community and do something good for everyone," said Tiernan.

All but one of her children were able to participate in the Zoom meeting that was held to honor Tiernan and dedicate the Annal Report to her.

“It was a special moment and very nice. My children were all very excited for me,” said Tiernan, who added that this honor was very unexpected.

“Claire has given so much of her time and energy to the community. We felt this was a great way to honor and thank her,” said Needleman.

Copies of the Essex 2019-2020 Annual Report are free and can be picked up in the lobby of the Essex Town Hall.