Groton, August 1, 2025 – Joann Donnel was presented the 2025 Groton Utilities Jacqueline B. Nixon Community Service Award during a ceremony at Groton City Day on Friday, August 1st in Washington Park. The award is given out annually to a member of the City of Groton community who exemplifies GU’s slogan of “Giving Back to the Community”.
As part of the award Groton Utilities presented a check for $2,500 to the Special Olympics of Connecticut in the name of Joann at her request.
Joann has spent over two decades with the Groton Lodge of Elks 2163, serving in leadership roles and championing charitable efforts that support local youth, veterans, and families. She has organized helmet giveaways, coat drives, and provided vital support through Operation Warm.
Her grant work has funded local nonprofits and sustained the monthly Donation Station, which delivers essential hygiene items to those in need. As Connecticut State Chair for the Elks National Foundation, Joann helps other communities secure charitable funding.
She also led the design and organization of the 9/11 20th Anniversary Commemoration and the annual Field of Flags at the Groton Municipal Building.
Joann has offered her time, energy, and financial support for many years to numerous local organizations and exemplifies the Groton Utilities slogan of "Giving Back to The Community". Groton Utilities is pleased to present this award to this deserving citizen for giving back to our community selflessly, sincerely, willingly and with great pride.
Joann was nominated for this award by City of Groton Parks and Recreation Director Mary Hill.
Groton Utilities named the award, The Jacqueline B. Nixon Community Service Award, to commemorate Mrs. Nixon’s service to her community. Jackie gave back to the community in many ways, including operating a food pantry in her residence for 24 years. She distributed food on a regular basis to many needy families. Groton Utilities created the award in 2004 during its 100th anniversary year.
Earle A. Williams was the recipient of the first annual Jacqueline B. Nixon Community Service Award. Previous winners of the award are:
2004 – Earle A. Williams
2005 – Robert “Bob” Leeney
2006 – E. Marion Orkney
2007 – Lillian “Lil” Hansen
2008 – Sara Stanley
2009 – William “Bill” Welsh, Jr.
2010 – Alfred Restivo, Jr.
2011 – Robert LaFrance
2012 – Archie C. Swindell
2013 – Millie Carlson
2014 – Lian Obrey
2015 – James “Jim” Streeter
2016 – Charlie Ebbinghaus (*Community Service Merit Awards given to Shirley-Dunbar Rose and Phil Tuthill)
2017 – Marcia Gipstein
2018 – Martin Cloudas
2019 – Timothy LeHouillier
2020 – Beatrice Jennette
2021 – Barbara Frucht
2022 – Tim Jackson
2023 – Tammy de la Cruz
2024 – David Rose
About Groton Utilities: Serving the Community since 1904, Groton Utilities is a municipally owned and operated utility providing electric, water and sewage services to thousands of consumers in Southeastern Connecticut.