Nancy Adam named Vernon Senior of the Year

VERNON — Despite nasty weather with a wind driven rain, Vernon seniors gathered at the Crystal Springs Clubhouse on May 5 for a celebratory luncheon honoring the annual selection of Senior of the Year. The winner remained a sworn secret to the very last second until announced by Senior Center Director Jane Damstra. As always, Damstra teased the audience by describing the winner.
“Our senior of 2017 is an active member and trustee of the Vernon United Methodist Church, where she teaches Sunday school and participates in the mission outreach program. She’s a member of the Community Choral Society, a trustee and treasurer of the Vernon Historical Society, is a retired teacher who continues to substitute teach in the Vernon school system, as well as, assists with remedial help for students.
“Currently,” Damstra concluded, “our winner is a Move Today senior exercise instructor.
With that impressive list of accomplishments, Damstra announced Nancy Adam as the Vernon Senior of 2017. A somewhat surprised Adam made her way to the podium where Mayor Harry Shortway commended all Vernon seniors for being a necessary resource for the town of Vernon. The mayor presented Adam with her Senior of the Year plaque and a letter was read from Adam’s son Scott who lives in California. Scott praised his civic minded single mom who sacrificed, practiced patience and helped improve the quality of life for everyone. The letter concluded with, “Mom, I’m so proud of you.”
Freeholders Carl Lazzaro and Jonathon Rose were in attendance, praising the Senior of the Year, as well, offering thanks.
"I was honored and surprised to receive this award,” Adam said. “I moved to Vernon 40 years ago, I made friends here and I needed to get involved. Community is so important to me,” she beamed as she held her plaque and a beautiful bouquet of flowers.