CHAUMONT — Sister Anne G. Hogan and Harriette B. Hardy have been named Citizens of the Year by the Lyme Lions Club for their extensive humanitarian efforts and contributions to the community.

Sister Hogan, a pastoral associate of the Catholic communities of Chaumont, Cape Vincent and Rosiere, is a well-known figure in the community, not only as a spiritual leader but as a teacher and social worker.

Sister Hogan joined the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1954 and earned a master's degree in social work from Boston College in 1969.

For almost 24 years, she administered the social work program at Mater Dei College, Ogdensburg, and taught at the college's extension campus on the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation in Hogansburg.

Her interests then led her to western Alaska in 1996 where she ministered to the Yupik people. During her seven-year stay, she not only performed the tasks of a full-time priest at three village churches but also taught at local schools and served on election boards.

She became affiliated with the All Saints Church in Chaumont shortly after her return from Alaska in 2003.

Sister Hogan said that she was amazed of the spiritual strength in the community when she moved to the area.

"The people here help each other out," she said. "There is a deep sense of cooperation in the community."

She said that working in such a community was like "walking on the shoulders of giants" and that the efforts of area churches continue to empower the community in such economically hard times.

"Her work made her well aware of the needs in both the church and the community at large," said Eugene Smith, a member of the Lions Club.

Harriette B. Hardy, a mother of eight, moved to Chaumont in 1980 and founded the Chaumont Food Pantry shortly thereafter.

With the help of her late husband, Harley, she opened the food pantry in the basement of her home and has devoted her time and energy to feed those in need for the past 24 years.

"I think I'm just a figurehead," Mrs. Hardy said. "It takes a village to build a food pantry."

Mrs. Hardy said that the food pantry operates on donations from the community and all the work is done by volunteers. There are four volunteers who work on a regular basis and another four who help out when needed.

"Harriette not only helped them with food but tried to find out how their other needs can be met," Mr. Smith said.

The pantry already is gearing up for the holidays. Those who wish to make a donation to the Chaumont Food Pantry should contact Mrs. Hardy at 649-5588.

A dinner to honor Ms. Hardy and Sister Anne will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Three Mile Bay Fire Hall on Route 12E. Tickets are $9 in advance and $10 at the door.

For more information, contact Mr. Smith at 783-1728.