Neighbor News
Middlesex United Way to Honor Ramona Burkey with Community Service Award
The longtime volunteer has held many roles within the nonprofit
MIDDLETOWN, CT- Middlesex United Way will honor Ramona Burkey with its Community Service Award at the nonprofit's 2025 Annual Meeting on January 22nd. Burkey, a longtime volunteer with the local nonprofit, serves as the Director of Middletown's Russell Library.
The Community Service Award honors a community member who has gone above and beyond to support Middlesex United Way's work within the 15 towns it serves. It is the nonprofit's highest honor, typically presented to someone with a long-standing record of involvement in programs, initiatives, or agencies in Middlesex County.
Burkey became Director of Russell Library in 2018 and has been a prominent member of Middlesex United Way's team of volunteers ever since. She currently serves as the board's Treasurer and has been a part of the nonprofit's Women United affinity group for several years. Burkey also works closely with United Way staff to coordinate the City of Middletown's annual workplace campaign.
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"She's a constant for us," said Shawonda S. Swain, President and CEO of Middlesex United Way. "We can always count on Ramona to show up and give one hundred percent. We're lucky to have her on our team and we're excited to recognize her dedication."
Burkey's rich history of community service likely comes from what she describes as her "passion of providing library services that are tailored to the unique needs of the community." Before coming to Middletown, she served as Library Director in Cheshire for over a decade. Burkey holds degrees from both Yale University and Southern Connecticut State University, but she began her library career at just 14-years-old as a high school page in her hometown of Belfast, Maine.
Find out what's happening in Middletownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Burkey lives in Middletown with her husband, her teenage son, and three border collies.
Middlesex United Way will host its 2025 Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Cross Street AME Zion Church, located at 440 West Street in Middletown. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., with the meeting beginning promptly at 8:00 a.m. Tickets are $20 per person and include breakfast. More information and tickets are available at www.middlesexunitedway.org.
