Lucy Bowman Honored by Simsbury Aging and Disability Commission

Lucy Bowman was honored with the Aging and Disability Commission’s Citizen Service Award at a Board of Selectmen meeting earlier this week.

Bowman, a town resident since 1958, was lauded for her work with the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Service, Valley Homemakers Service, the Simsbury public Safety Board and more.

“The reason we set up the award is to recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond to enhance the lives of people with disabilities and seniors in Simsbury,” said Edward J. LaMontagne, chairman of aging and disability commission

Kathleen M. Fallon, who chairs the service award committee, said she was thrilled when she saw the nomination from Pam Lacko.

“I am always amazed at individuals who care so much about others,” Lacko wrote.

Fallon said Bowman has been instrumental in so many organizations, even playing a crucial role in the current building of the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association.

She was also a dedicated EMT.

"Working as an EMT, she was able to help thousands of individuals in need,” Fallon said. “Her devotion to the volunteer position was so intense that she sometimes left her children on a bench at Fitzgerald’s, guarding the groceries so she could go off to an ambulance call.”

Of course, Bowman called someone to pick up the girls and groceries, Fallon added.

Bowman has also been a key part of the SVFD ladies auxiliary and in the 1960s was instrumental in the Valley Homemakers Service, which helped seniors and individuals with disabilities, Fallon said.

Bowman thanked those involved in giving her the award.

She also acknowledged her late husband for bringing the family to Simsbury. A product of the Boston area, she said she wasn’t so sure about Connecticut and said no to her husband’s idea of moving to Norfolk.

However, when a couple told them about a house on West Mountain Road during a game of bridge, her husband vowed to buy it the following Monday – and did.

"It certainly has given me the wonderful opportunity to do many of the things that I’ve enjoyed doing," she said. "I certainly enjoy helping people and I’ve enjoyed all the organization I’ve belonged to in town."