The Boston Tea Party Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) presented Community Service Awards to Winthrop residents, Barbara Bishop and Joanne Hillman. Their selfless devotion and passion were recognized during an Annual Awards Brunch on April 28, at The College Club of Boston.
“Barbara and Joanne have been serving the Winthrop community for decades. They are truly deserving of this award,” said Susan Gerow, Chair, Community Service Award Committee, and Regent of the Boston Tea Party Chapter.
Bishop volunteers with many civic organizations throughout Winthrop, East Boston, and Revere. She has organized a Women’s Health Forum for 10 years. Bishop is also a long-time member of the Winthrop Improvement & Historical Association, which maintains the 1637 Deane Winthrop House.
As one of the board of directors of Winthrop Community Access Television, Bishop has produced thousands of programs, more than any other volunteer.
“Programs reflect her range of commitment to community service in Winthrop, from school concerts and events, Art Association Festivals, celebrations of our town’s poets and authors, and Winthrop History, to current events,” Gerow exclaimed.
Dedicated to wildlife conservation and the preservation of natural salt marshes in Winthrop, Revere, and East Boston, Bishop has served as past president and member of Friends of Belle Isle Marsh, a non-profit organization that also promotes non-intrusive recreation in local reservations.
Bishop is an active member of the Winthrop Chapter of Mothers Out Front, which raises awareness about climate change. Additionally, she is a founding member of Friends of Winthrop Beach, which supports restoration projects and promotes public access and community events on the beach.
Joanne Hillman is an avid environmental and arts activist, as well.
“Her enthusiasm and dedication to Winthrop in these capacities has made a large impact,” explained Gerow. “Joanne is a tireless advocate for the Winthrop Cultural Council, having secured permanent space for an art gallery and community center, and initiating annual and special programs in the historic building.”
Hillman coordinated the redesigning of former E.B. Newton School classrooms into gallery spaces, where she promotes speakers, musicians, artists, and community activities. As chairperson, she has written and secured state grants for materials and lighting, and organizes annual programming such as Music on the Landing, a late-summer waterfront music festival.
Hillman has also envisioned and assisted in the creation of Winthrop Loves Trees, a non-profit organization that protects and cares for Winthrop’s green spaces. She has arranged the planting of dozens of trees throughout the town.