Newark Seniors Recognized At Essex County Older Americans Heritage Month Celebration – TAPinto.net
NEWARK, NJ – Yusuf Statum didn’t need a plaque to reward him for his work as a senior service employee at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) for 24 years or as a community advocate.
“My reward of helping others is to see the smiles on their faces,” he said after receiving a plaque during the annual Essex County Older American Heritage Month Celebration for his contributions to the community.
Statum, of Newark, is a founding member and president of the Central Ward Community Group, a grassroots organization that has been advocating for the neighborhood for the last 20 years. He also organized an annual three-day celebration on Howard Street, known as the Scudder Homes Reunion, to strengthen bonds between neighbors.
He was one of two Newark residents who were honored during an Essex County Legends Award ceremony in Cedar Grove Park on May 7. Bessie Johnson, a retired Newark Public Schools food service worker, was also recognized for her service to other seniors.
“Thank you for thinking this much of me. I have always enjoyed working with children and seniors,” Johnson said.
She worked in Newark Public Schools’ food service department for 28 years, serving meals to elementary and high school students. After retiring from a second career in retail, she fed children at a daycare center too.
Johnson volunteers at the Café in the Park program in Weequahic Park and knits lap blankets and hats for seniors in nursing facilities, babies born in newborn intensive care units and chemotherapy patients.
A total of five seniors were recognized as Essex County Legends during the ceremony. Stephanie Gerstein from West Orange, Claire Seidner Scholz from Livingston and Catherine F. Willis from East Orange were also honored.
“Our Legends Award recipients demonstrate that you can still contribute and make a difference in your community no matter what your age,” said Essex County Division of Senior Services Director Jaklyn DeVore.
The award winners were nominated by social service agencies and community organizations that work with the Essex County Division of Senior Services. They were chosen since they are positive role models for younger generations, have worked to help other seniors or contributed to the quality of life of their communities.
“Active in all aspects of life, our senior population is proving that you don’t slow down after you reach a certain age,” said Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, Jr.
May is recognized as National Older Americans Month.
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