Domanie Ragni is leaving her position as the community services director for the Town of Crawford after leading the department for a decade.

The Crawford Town Board accepted her resignation letter at their meeting on Sept. 16. Her last day in her current role will be Oct. 1. Ragni noted that she resigned from the position because working full time was taking a toll on her and it was time for a change.

“I was missing my family and the current worldly events put that all into perspective,” she said.

The community services director position covers a lot of ground. Depending upon the time of year, the position can entail writing grant applications to fund senior and youth programming and then directing those programs. The position also entails coordinating large community events such as summer concerts, sitting on the advisory board for the Friendly Visitor Program and taking action as needed. During her time as director, Ragni also directed summer programs for the town.

Ragni started working at Crawford Town Hall in 2009. At the time, she was employed by the Town of Wallkill Boys and Girls Club and was brought on to direct the Town of Crawford’s summer camp program. She continued to work there and the position evolved over time. By January of 2011, she was working directly for the Town of Crawford.

Ragni is proud of her recent involvement with tourism and economic development.

“The opening of the [UFO] museum on Main Street was such an accomplishment for all involved,” she said. “To see the empty storefronts literally disappearing, restaurants and shops on every corner, the increase of sidewalk traffic, it’s all a testament to the town board’s commitment to its residents.”

Ragni noted that the people she worked with are what she will miss most about her job.

“I’ll miss the people I worked with at town hall, it’s such a great team over there,” she said. “I’ll miss the senior citizens, my job was to assist them– but in turn they taught me life lessons every day. The teens who could seem so hard to talk to– but then once they open up, everything just pours out. The little ones at camp who come out with exactly what they are thinking– so hilarious.”

She added that she’ll miss the sense of community that the Town of Crawford has.

“The community spirit in this town is so strong,” Ragni said. “It’s a wonderful place. I feel humbled to have had the opportunity to work here.”

Ragni’s plan is to take some time off to think about her next career move. She hopes to find a position that involves working with people but affords her the opportunity to be at home more often.

Crawford Town Supervisor Charles Carnes spoke highly of the work Ragni has done.

“Domanie has affected many, many, many youth over there at the high school, down at the summer camp, the summer youth leadership,” he said. “At this time, I want to thank Domanie for everything she’s done. Thank you very, very much.”

Town of Crawford Councilwoman Kelly Eskew also thanked Ragni for all the work she has done over the years.

“I just wanna say Domanie you’ve always been dedicated and committed to the Town of Crawford...,” Eskew said. “I wish you the best and I can’t thank you enough for everything that you’ve done.”

Ragni will help Carnes interview candidates to replace her. Ragni added that she might someday work for the town part time.