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WHITE TOWNSHIP (May 23, 2007) – The leader of one of Warren County’s largest senior citizens clubs was honored with the county’s “2007 Mary Louise Christine Outstanding Senior Citizen Award” by the Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Richard (Ric) Henderson received the award in appreciation of his work and dedication as a community servant, and in honor of his commitment to his community and to Warren County, Freeholder Director Everett A. Chamberlain said.
“It’s a pleasure for this board to recognize all you do for your community,” Chamberlain told Henderson as he presented him with a proclamation from the freeholders.
An Allamuchy resident,
Henderson was joined by his wife of 52 years, Frances, as he accepted the award.
Given each year during the freeholder-proclaimed Older Americans Month, the award was renamed earlier this year to honor Mary Louise Christine shortly before the 85-year-old community activist from Washington Township passed away. The Warren County Division of Senior Services Advisory Council conducts a search and identifies one older adult who characterizes the true spirit of the award, and it is traditional for the freeholder board to honor that individual.
Henderson serves as president of the Allamuchy Senior Citizens Club, which under his leadership has grown to be the second largest seniors club in the county, surpassed only by the AARP of Phillipsburg. He serves on the Panther Valley Recreation Committee, has been instrumental in introducing many intergenerational programs, assists in coordinating the AARP Senior Driving Classes, and coordinates an annual blood drive in Allamuchy. He also is a member of the Board of Trustees for the NJP&L Retirees Club, and was selected to be a Key Communicator for an ad hoc advisory committee commissioned by the Allamuchy Board of Education.
“You’re to be commended for your work,” Freeholder John DiMaio told Henderson. DiMaio noted the award “says to me that folks who have a lot of life experience have a lot to offer.”
Freeholder Richard D. Gardner said he knew Mary Louise Christine and knows that Henderson exemplifies the traits that led the freeholders to rename the outstanding senior award in her honor. “You’re someone who is extremely deserving of this award,” Gardner said to Henderson, adding he especially appreciates “your mentoring of others.”
Susan Lennon, director of the Warren County Division of Senior Services, said she has known and respected Henderson for many years. Whenever he calls, Lennon said her ears perk up, because “I know it’s something I need to hear.”
"I just enjoy working with the seniors so much," Henderson said later, adding he was pleased to have been able to help seniors with their problems.
Retired from Jersey Central Power & Light after 38 years, Henderson, 72, also officiated high school and college sports, including swimming and diving, and has donated his time to working with the Special Olympics in Warren, Sussex and Morris counties.
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Richard (Ric) Henderson of Allamuchy receives a proclamation declaring him the recipient of the 2007 Mary Louise Christine Outstanding Senior Citizen Award from Freeholder Director Everett A. Chamberlain, as Freeholder John DiMaio, Freeholder Richard D. Gardner, and Henderson’s wife, Frances, look on. |
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Richard (Ric) Henderson of Allamuchy discusses his volunteer efforts, for which he received the 2007 Mary Louise Christine Outstanding Senior Citizen Award, with Freeholder John DiMaio, Freeholder Director Everett A. Chamberlain and Freeholder Richard D. Gardner. |
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| County of Warren New Jersey 2007 Mary Louise Christine Outstanding Senior Citizen Award |
WHEREAS, each year, in honor of Older Americans Month, the Warren County Division of Senior Services Advisory Council conducts a search throughout all segments of Warren County to identify one older adult who characterizes the true spirit of the “Mary Louise Christine Outstanding Senior Citizen Award;” and
WHEREAS, it is the tradition of the Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders to honor this individual; and
WHEREAS, the Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders is privileged to honor Richard (Ric) Henderson, of Hackettstown, NJ, as Warren County’s recipient of the 2007 Mary Louise Christine Outstanding Senior Citizen Award; and
WHEREAS, what follows is an attempt to outline only some of his many involvements and contributions to the community: Ric Henderson currently serves as president of the Allamuchy Senior Citizens Club, which, under his leadership has grown to be the 2nd largest (surpassed only by AARP of Phillipsburg) senior club in Warren County; Ric also serves on the Panther Valley Recreation Committee and has been instrumental in introducing many intergenerational programs, he assists in the coordination of the AARP Senior Driving Classes; coordinates an annual blood drive in Allamuchy; is a member of the Board of Trustees for the NJP&L Retirees Club, and was selected to be a Key Communicator for an ad hoc Advisory Committee commissioned by the Allamuchy Board of Education; |
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NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, by the Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders that in appreciation of his work and dedication as a community servant and in honor of his commitment to his community and to Warren County, Richard (Ric) Henderson is hereby proclaimed Warren County’s 2007 recipient of the Mary Louise Christine Outstanding Senior Citizen award.
Ric Henderson is respected and admired by all who know him, and we thank him for his lifetime efforts, achievements and continued work on behalf of others.
Everett A. Chamberlain, Director
John DiMaio, Deputy Director
Richard D. Gardner, Freeholder
Board of Chosen Freeholders |
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