Politics & Government

Bloomfield Seniors Recognized

Essex County recognizes members of Senior Clubs at luncheon earlier this month

They danced, chatted and sat with their friends at a luncheon honoring seniors from throughout Essex County.

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo honored area seniors on Thursday, May 5 for their volunteer work and commitment to senior clubs in the area. It's an annual event where seniors are recognized for their participation throughout the year.

The Outstanding Senior Citizen Awards were presented at  The Chandelier in Belleville.

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“Our historic Park System is a great resource for the community and we are proud that our parks serve as regular meeting places where our senior citizens congregate, play games, meet for lunch and make new friends,” DiVincenzo said. “These activities are organized entirely by volunteers who give their time for the benefit of the club membership."

The honorees included:

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Bloomfield resident Carmen Castro, who is a member of the Watsessing Park Thursday Club.

Her friends say she  loves to read and keeps club members well informed on various issues of importance.  Castro volunteers her services whenever needed and is well respected by her fellow members.

“I am very surprised that I was nominated for this award. It was unexpected,” she said. “I’ve been a member of the club for four years and I really enjoy it. I love the activities and I enjoy helping out by serving food.”

The annual award program was sponsored by the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs. Essex County hosts 13 senior citizen clubs, and each one has the opportunity to nominate someone from their club for the award. This year, 10 clubs participated in the awards ceremony.


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