EASTHAMPTON – Annette Szczygiel, a 40-year city resident, was honored as a member of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s 2020 class of Commonwealth Heroines. Szczygiel was recommended by state Rep. Daniel R. Carey because of her commitment to the community.

“Annette loves her hometown and is always willing to volunteer when needed. There are so many deserving women in the Second Hampshire District, but when I heard the Commonwealth Heroines’ description as ‘women who don’t always make the news, but truly make the difference,’ I immediately thought of Annette as she is always willing to assist even with thankless tasks that can sometimes go unnoticed,” said Carey.

Although Szczygiel was born and raised in Holyoke, her father was born and raised in Easthampton so it has always been her home, she said. She became an active resident when she started her crossing guard job after retirement.

“I became concerned about the safety of children walking to school so I started going to City Council meetings, which led me to going to Safety Committee meetings to see what could be done to get our city streets safer for pedestrians and bike riders. From there I realized I really enjoyed the meetings and I started to get more involved in my city,” she said.

Her crossing guard job is part-time and she’s been doing it for about seven years. Years ago, when she was still working, she told a friend that when she retired, she wanted to become a crossing guard. She said she’s able to walk to work which makes it even better.

“The kids are great and I miss them now that school was canceled,” said Szczygiel.

Along with her part-time job, she has a list of things she has been involved in over the years. She has been a member of the Manhan Rail Trail Committee for the past two years. She has helped with maintenance of the trail and maintaining the flower boxes. Szczygiel has volunteered with the Pascommuck trust in cleanup and maintenance of trials. She helped with campaign to build a new Pre-K-8 school, worked on the mayor’s and city councilors’ campaigns, and has volunteered for Cultural Chaos, the city’s winter festival and chili cook-off.

When asked if she has a favorite thing to be involved in, she said, “I can’t say that any one thing is any favorite. I am just happy that I am able to help whenever needed.” Szczygiel says she volunteers her time because she is able to, she loves her city, and will continue as long as she can.

Szczygiel and Carey first met when Carey was on the Easthampton City Council. Szczygiel said he has helped a lot with her safety concerns of their city streets. When he told her that he nominated her for the award, she was surprised and very humbled by the acknowledgment.

Carey shared that each year for the past 17 years, Massachusetts legislators submit one woman from their constituency as a means of recognizing their invaluable community contributions. These are women who use their time, talent, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others and make a difference in their neighborhoods, cities, and towns.

“Annette goes above and beyond, without being asked, for her neighbors and for our community. I’m impressed with the consistency of Annette’s dedication. She is a steady presence in town,” said Carey.