JWC Awards Sharon Rutledge 2024 Community Excellence Award

MILFORD, CT- The Junior Woman's Club of Milford had the great honor of presenting their 2024 Community Excellence Award to Sharon Rutledge on Tuesday, April 16th.

The award, previously known as the "Living Treasure Award," is bestowed upon a candidate whose community service has enriched Milford and made it a better community in which to live in. The organization lowered the age requirement for nominations to 55, in order to showcase as many incredible citizens as possible. The core value of the award remains the same: having a history of extraordinary service in the Milford community. For a history of past Living Treasures, click here.

Sharon was the epitome of a proud Milford resident. She worked in Milford Public Schools as both a secretary and in the guidance department. She was an artist and the owner of Blue Point Designs. She loved the shoreline and walked Gulf beach daily in search of sea glass and oyster shells, the canvas of her art.

Many know Sharon as the creator and moderator of the popular 36-thousand-member Facebook Page “You know you live in Milford, CT if…” donating countless hours of her time on its forum to connect, inform, and assist Milford community members. During the pandemic when families were having to celebrate the holidays differently, she inspired the entire city to adorn local street signs with Christmas decorations putting Milford on the map as a destination to visit during the holiday season. It's a tradition that many Milford residents continue to keep alive today.

As a creator, nurturer, and generous giver of her time and gifts, Sharon also owned “loVINglyremember” where she created custom bracelets for people who were affected by cancer. Proceeds were donated to the American Lung Association in honor of her own father, Vin. She also helped thousands of discarded dogs find their forever homes through Circle of Hope K9 Rescue.

Sadly, Sharon passed away suddenly in June of 2023, leaving behind her beloved husband, Michael – a retired Greenwich firefighter, three cherished children – Sara, Michael and Andrew, two precious grandchildren, Gavin and Caden and countless other relatives, friends and loved ones.

Mayor Tony Giannattasio presented a proclamation to her family and a personalized stepping stone with Sharon's name will be added to the Walkway in the back of City Hall.

The Junior Woman's Club of Milford is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded on the principles of promoting education, public health, philanthropy and service to the Milford community. Our programs include the Citywide Spelling Bee, Community Excellence Award, Adopt-A-Spot, and the Respect Campaign.