SOUTHAMPTON — With the addition of a craft fair, several food trucks and 64 raffles, it was safe to say that Tammy Walunas, the co-chair of Celebrate Southampton, had her hands full at the annual event.
“My focus was making sure the event went smoothly,” she said with a chuckle. “We also had free ice cream, which 440 people took advantage of. It was a busy day.”
So as the description of this year’s Southampton Citizen of the Year recipient was read out loud before the event’s crowd, Walunas’ face started to contort as she tried to guess who the recipient would be. With her attention still focused elsewhere, Walunas was told by friends standing nearby that her expression quickly shifted into shock as she learned that she had been named this year’s Citizen of the Year.
“When my name was called, I was floored,” she said. “I started bawling.”
The annual award is presented by Southampton American Legion Post 168 as a way to recognize those who volunteer to make the community better for everyone.
“Volunteering can be like a job in and of itself, so we continue to recognize those who go above and beyond,” said Mark Nichols, commander of American Legion Post 168.
Becky Nimmons, co-chair of Celebrate Southampton, was among those who nominated Walunas for this year’s honor.
In her letter to the Legion, Nimmons noted Walunas’ volunteering efforts as a member of the William E. Norris PTO and Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School PTO, as well as her time on the Hampshire Regional High School School Committee. Nimmons also cited Walunas’ time on the board for the Southampton Youth Athletic Association for more than a decade.
Currently, Walunas serves as the president of Southampton Historical Society and the president of Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School PTO.
She has also volunteered her time at annual town meetings and special town meetings.
In her role as president, she has helped set into motion a large restoration project on the Clark-Chapman House and helped launch a festival that welcomed guests into the town’s historic building.
“She came to the rescue to help another volunteer at the parade of trees a few years ago. That was the beginning of her commitment and help she gave to the Southampton Historical Society. In just a short time, she saw the need for more board members and officers and stepped up to be the Historical Society president,” Nimmons wrote. “All of these things while planning this celebration of our town this weekend. Her service and dedication to students, schools, town organizations and nonprofits is immeasurable.”
The American Legion has been presenting the Citizen of the Year award for decades, according to Nichols. Past recipients include Kate Swistak Rooks, who made it possible for so many seniors to receive COVID-19 vaccines back in early 2021, and the late Don Puza, the longtime owner of Puza’s Pure Food Market and former special police officer with the Southampton Police Department, who continued to support the town’s police and fire departments in the decades following his departure.
“To me, this award means that people have noticed what I’m doing and that I like to help out our town,” said Walunas. “I’m grateful for the recognition.”
She also noted that she is still looking for members to join the Historical Society and is looking for volunteers to help finish the Clark-Chapman House renovation project, including the installation of a new window. Those interested should email clarkchapman1827@gmail.com.
Emily Thurlow can be reached at ethurlow@gazettenet.com.
