(above) Seven individuals selected for the 2019 Profiles of Positive Aging Award were honored by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders at a public meeting in May. Shown from left to right: Office on Aging and Disability Services Executive Director Joanne Fetzko; Profiles of Positive Aging recipients Helen Rebmann, Charles E. Windus, Frances Ellis, Lynn Franklin, Mike Schatzki, and Sondra Fechtner; Freeholder Brian D. Levine, center; and Eldercare Services Administrator Cynthia Voorhees, right.
County Honors Recipients with Profiles of Positive Aging Award
Meet Role Models Who Are Age 60 and Above
Seven individuals have been selected for the 2019 Profiles of Positive Aging recognition and were honored by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders at a public meeting during Older Americans Month in May. The recipients are:
Lynn Franklin of Watchung
A member of the Overlook Hospital Oncology Advisory Board in Bedminster and president of the Kaleidoscope of Hope Ovarian Cancer Foundation, Lynn is dedicated to working with a support group for survivors of cancer. She is a member of the Watchung Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and is on the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission Advisory Board. Her other interests include exercising at the gym and rescuing dogs. Lynn was nominated by Ed Halper of Mountain Fitness.
Mike Schatzki of Far Hills
A self-proclaimed recovering couch potato who now walks daily, Mike spent years researching scientific articles and fitness books to learn about health. He then developed a one-hour fitness program titled, “No Sweat Couch Potato Recovery Program,” which helps people learn how to fit walking into their daily routine. His website recoveringcouchpotato.org offers free downloadable health-education materials. Mike also is a dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer for RideWise TMA and serves as co-chair of the Somerset County Business Partnership’s wellness committee. He was nominated by Ridewise Business Development Manager Leanne McGowan.
Frances “Fran” Ellis of Watchung
She is often described as always on the go. Fran is a retired nurse whose medical background has been an asset to her community in Watchung, where she helps run a blood drive twice a year. She also serves as a member of the Watchung Board of Health and the CERT team. She was nominated by Watchung Mayor Keith Balla.
Charles E. Windus Jr. of Somerville
Known in Somerville as a world-class triathlete and an Ironman competitor, Charles exemplifies a healthy lifestyle. He has been running in races for over 49 years, and now competes in the 70- to 74-year-old age group. He also assists in a weekly 5K Park Run/Walk at Colonial Park. Charles was nominated by Somerville Mayor Dennis Sullivan.
Sue McCombie of Hillsborough
Encompassing the 4-H philosophy, Sue shares her skills with children and encourages them to choose healthy lifestyles. She hopes that she will inspire children to be inclusive of all people and learn the gift of giving. Sue leads the 4-H Garden, the Bee Club and organizes the Festival of Trees to raise money for the annual 4-H community dinner that she plans and supervises. She is an outstanding Somerset County 4-H volunteer. Sue was nominated by 4-H Program Coordinator Barbara Navatto.
Helen Rebmann of Watchung
When Watchung Borough needed volunteers, Helen was one of the first residents to sign up for CERT, and she continues to volunteer at the age of 86. She is a successful real estate agent who still manages to find time to volunteer at the town’s community picnics and harvest festivals. Helen was nominated by Mayor Balla.
Sondra “Sandee” Fechtner of Watchung
Described as a “spry” 90-year-old, Sondra is always on the go. Although she is retired from the Board of Education where she served for 30 years, she continues to give her former colleagues valuable advice. As a retired educator, she is actively involved in local municipal issues, which include supporting the local library. She is an active member of the Board of Adjustment where she has served for over 40 years. Sondra was nominated by Mayor Balla.
For more information about the awards or the county’s programs for older adults, contact the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services toll-free at 1-888-747-1122.
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Photo by Somerset County
