(HARMONY TWP., NJ) – Ruth Skirbst, lauded as the community’s “go to” person, was named the 2024 Mary Louise Christine Outstanding Senior Citizen of Warren County as the county celebrated Older Americans Month.

Skirbst and her fellow nominees were honored at the annual luncheon presented by the Warren County Aging Services Advisory Council and the county Department of Human Services’ Division of Aging & Disability Services, held at Harkers Hollow Golf Club.

Warren County Commissioners Lori Ciesla and Jason J. Sarnoski presented a proclamation for Older Americans Month that urged all county residents to take time to recognize and celebrate our older residents as powerful and vital citizens who greatly contribute to this community.

They then highlighted the achievements of all the nominees – Skirbst as well as Candy Church of Allamuchy, Martin Connor of Frelinghuysen, Jim Ferguson of Phillipsburg, Paul Williams of Harmony and William Wintermute of Harmony – before announcing Skirbst as the recipient of the Outstanding Senior honor.

The award has been given since 1984 but was renamed in 2007 for Mary Louise Christine shortly before the 85-year-old community activist from Washington Township passed away. Nominations are accepted in the Spring each year for the award.

In nominating Skirbst, her friend Rhonda Olswfski described her as “active, outgoing, and a friend to everyone she meets,” adding, “Her dedication to others has, and is, helping many in need and encourages others to follow her lead in supporting the community.”

Skirbst is active with Harmony Presbyterian Church organizing events, food collections for the needy, holiday food baskets, rummage collections and sales, and gaining recognition for gravesites currently hidden under a building addition. She was a main organizer for the bell choir, has served as a deacon, worked to get the elevator installed so everyone can attend services, and remains active in the ongoing projects and leads the way in welcoming guests and encouraging new members.

Ruth and her late husband, Henry, founded the Harmony Township Historical Society and were instrumental in the preservation and renovation of the Van Nest Hoff Vanatta Farmstead, located along Route 519 in Harmony. She also has worked on Wreaths Across America to decorate the graves of veterans, and supports local homeless veterans by hand making lap robes for the residents of the veteran’s local shelter.

Steve Unger, Executive Director of the Warren County Division of Aging & Disability Services, welcomes attendees to the annual Senior Awards luncheon.

(L-R) State Sen. Douglas Steinhardt, Warren County Commissioner Lori Ciesla, 2024 Mary Louise Christine Outstanding Senior Citizen of Warren County Ruth Skirbst of Harmony, Warren County Commissioner Jason J. Sarnoski, outstanding senior nominees Paul Williams, Jim Ferguson, William Wintermute, Candy Church, and Martin Connor, and Steve Unger, Executive Director of the Warren County Division of Aging & Disability Services.

  Candy Church 

Martin Connor

  Jim Ferguson

 Ruth Skirbst 

  Paul Williams

  William Wintermute

WHEREAS, each year the Federal Administration for Community Living designates the month of May as “Older Americans Month” and issues an annual theme for Older Americans Month; and

WHEREAS, the theme for Older Americans Month 2024 is “Powered by Connection”, which offers an opportunity to explore diverse aging experiences and discuss how communities can combat stereotypes; and

WHEREAS, Warren County includes a thriving community of over 27,000 residents age 60 and older; and

WHEREAS, older residents in our community continue to redefine aging – through work or family interests, volunteerism, advocacy efforts and by taking charge of their health; and 

WHEREAS, the Warren County Board of County Commissioners continues to encourage and support local programs and initiatives that promote healthy aging and independent living for older residents; and

WHEREAS, each May the Warren County Board of County Commissioners has made it an annual tradition to honor county residents age 60 and over as vital and contributing members of the community. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Warren County Board of County Commissioners does hereby proclaim May 2024 as Older Americans Month and urges all Warren County residents to take time during the month of May to recognize and celebrate our older residents as powerful and vital citizens who greatly contribute to this community.

James R. Kern III, Director

Jason J. Sarnoski, Deputy Director

Lori Ciesla, Commissioner

Board of County Commissioners