Municipal clerk, Committeeman Coggins and volunteer Kyle Lindholm honored
PETERSBURG — Municipal Clerk Barbara Young retired Dec. 1 after 28 years of “exemplary public service to this community,” Township Committee said.
Young began working for Upper Township in 1994 as a building maintenance worker. She then was appointed as a clerk-typist in the Municipal Clerk’s Office in 2002, promoted to deputy clerk in 2008 and appointed as clerk in 2012.
“Throughout her years of public service, Barbara has faithfully and diligently executed her duties with dignity, grace and compassion,” a resolution announcing her retirement stated. “Through her dedication and skill, Barbara has positively impacted the lives of the residents of this township and has served as an inspiration to her fellow employees.”
“Thank you to the residents, I really, truly appreciate having the opportunity to serve everyone here in Upper Township,” Young said. “It’s been a pleasure.”
Committeeman John Coggins also attended his final meeting after choosing not to seek re-election. He has been part of the governing body since 2014, having served as director of revenue and finance, municipal court and personnel. He was a founding member and committee liaison to the Economic Development Advisory Committee.
“John’s tenure of public service, commitment and leadership to the township are publicly recognized and this Township Committee extends it sincere appreciation,” Corson said.
“I would like to say to the township employees, this township would not be half as nice as it is a place to live without your hard work and your dedication. To the residents and voters of Upper Township, I thank you for the opportunity to represent you for these past years,” Coggins said.
Township Committee also honored Kyle Lindholm on being named the 2022 Cape May County Volunteer of the Year and the 2022 Upper Township Citizen of the Year.
The Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse chose Lindholm as Volunteer of the Year for overseeing the Upper Township Rescue Squad’s creation of its First Responders Youth Camp.
“Through Kyle’s vision and tireless dedication, the free camp was started for local at-risk youths and provided a week full of fun activities and trips to learn about the day-to-day operations of the rescue squad and important life skills,” Mayor Curtis Corson said.
According to a resolution honoring Lindholm, he has been a volunteer for more than half his life. He started at age 14 as a cadet member of his local volunteer rescue squad. At 16, he completed EMT school and became a volunteer EMT, and joined his local fire company as a junior firefighter.
Two years later, Lindholm graduated from fire school and became a volunteer firefighter/EMT.
“Through dedication and skill, Kyle rose through the ranks and currently serves as chief of the Rio Grande Squad, lieutenant in the Cape May Court House Fire Company and an EMT with Upper Township,” Corson said.
Lindholm was named Citizen of the Year by the Ocean City-Upper Township Rotary Club.
Robert J. Young Sr. was honored for his service to the Upper Township Planning Board, on which he served since 2016.
“Township Committee wishes to thank Robert for his invaluable service,” Corson said.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff