Urging senior citizens to “engage at every age,” the Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders proclaimed May as Older Americans Month.

The freeholders urged all county residents “to recognize and celebrate our older residents as powerful and vital citizens who greatly contribute to this community,” according to the proclamation they approved and presented to Patricia Carnellie, vice chairwoman of the Warren County Senior Advisory Council.

The freeholders also noted that there will be several additional opportunities in May to honor the county’s older residents, including the Hackettstown Area Senior Hall of Fame ceremony conducted by The Foundation for Hackettstown Medical Center on May 22, and at a May 24 county event honoring the Mary Louise Christine Outstanding Senior Citizen of Warren County recipient along with all of the nominated seniors.

Nominations for that award are still being sought, and are due to the Warren County Division of Senior and Disability Services by May 3.

Freeholder Director Edward J. Smith and his board colleagues, Freeholders Jason J. Sarnoski and Richard D. Gardner, all stressed the importance of Warren County’s senior citizens to civic life in the county, which has more than 23,000 residents age 60 or older.

“We have a number of older Americans that serve on committees and are thoroughly engaged in what they need to do for the greater community,” Gardner said, adding, “Their participation is welcomed at all levels. We appreciate their service, their vitality, and certainly their education and life experiences passed down to the next generation.”

“Our volunteer boards are overwhelmingly seniors,” Smith said, noting that without their involvement, “the county would be in trouble.”

Meanwhile, Sarnoski thanked all those who are involved in providing the county’s senior programs – including the county Human Services staffers and volunteers – who help older residents to live active and fulfilling lives.

Carnellie thanked the freeholders for the proclamation on behalf of the senior advisory council, and said she was proud of the work the group does alongside the Division of Aging and Disability Services. She noted members of the council range in age from 60 to 84, demonstrating that seniors are involved in helping their fellow older Americans.

Information about the Mary Louise Christine Outstanding Senior Citizen Award, including nomination forms and the award criteria, is available on the Warren County government website at www.co.warren.nj.us or can be obtained by contacting the Division of Aging & Disability Services at 908-475-6591 or toll free 1-877-222-3737.

Photo: Patricia Carnellie, vice chairwoman of the Warren County Senior Advisory Council, accepts a proclamation designating May as Older Americans Month from Warren County Freeholder Jason J. Sarnoski, Freeholder Director Edward J. Smith, and Freeholder Richard D. Gardner.