Rotary Club Names Red Hook Librarian Amy Smith Citizen of the Year

Amy Smith, head of programs and youth services for the Red Hook Library, has been named Red Hook Rotary’s Citizen of the Year.

Smith also is chair of the Red Hook Village events committee, which plans such events as Hardscrabble. And in her role at the library, Smith worked with Rotary and the Town of Red Hook on the Red Hook Rec Park WiFi project installation. Smith tutors English as a second language, and she is a member of the Dutchess County Youth Board and the Think Differently Planning Committee.

Carl Dowden, chair of the Rotary committee that selects the person of the year, said the honor goes to someone who either has made a contribution through volunteerism or through their work activities. “It honors a person for doing good for our community,” Dowden said. “As part of her library responsibilities, Amy has worked with young teens and people with varying abilities. Amy has made a significant impact on the lives of these people. Her involvement at the county level enhances what she’s doing for youth in our community.”

Smith said she is thrilled to be honored. “Red Hook Rotary does so much great community service that it’s humbling to be their choice,” Smith said. “I’m very lucky to have dedicated coworkers and terrific community partners who support and contribute to everything that I do. I’m grateful to all of them and to Red Hook Rotary.”

Last year, the award went to Dan Budd and Chris Donohue, co-founders of Red Hook Responds. Budd also runs Taste Budd’s Cafe in the village of Red Hook. This is the 21st year the honor has been bestowed.

Smith will be honored at an event at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Red Hook Community Center. Tickets cost $50 apiece. For information, email the Rotary at rhrotaryfoundation@gmail.com