Volunteer, Leader Joan Crow Named Sierra Madre's Older American of the Year

Volunteer and community leader Joan Crow has been selected as the Older American of the Year for Sierra Madre, the city Community Services Department and Senior Community Commission announced Friday.

Crow, widow of former Sierra Madre mayor and sculptor Bruce Crow, has been a fixture for decades with clubs and happenings in Sierra Madre, including the Sierra Madre Civic Club, the Sierra Madre Knitting Club, and the annual One Book One City event.

She is a longtime resident of Sierra Madre and active member of the Sierra Madre Civic Club for more than 30 years, serving as president from 1983-1984, according to the city Community Services Department.

"In addition to her community support through Civic Club, Joan is a Eucharistic Minister at St. Rita's Catholic Church and has served as the Chair for the St. Rita Women's Retreat and St. Rita Feast Day," city officials said.

"Joan is a faithful supporter of the Friends of the Library, Creative Arts Group, Sierra Madre Playhouse, and much, much more."

Each year the President of the United States, the Governor of California and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors designate the month of May as Older American Month, city officials said.

In recognition of Joan Crow's dedicated volunteer service to the community, the City Sierra Madre will honor her at a reception at Hart Park House Senior Center, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday May 10.

Previous Honorees include: Jerry & Nan Carlton, Pat Alcorn, Fran Garbaccio, Ken Anhalt, Eph Konigsberg, Russ Anderson, George Throop, Loyal Camacho, John Grijalva, Joylouise Harte-Smith, James Heasley, Midge Morash, James Tyler, Isbella Paegal, Bonnie Garner, Rose Fafach, Ed Wellman, Celeste McCreary, Dorothy Tillquist, Doris Webster, Elsie Dammeyer, George Mauer, and Karl Teigler.

For more information on the Older American Reception and how to assist with honoring Joan Crow, contact the Senior Services Desk at (626) 355-7394.

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