Introducing: Marva Jones

Six in a series of articles spotlighting Borough of Palmyra employees, volunteers and community members.

If you want something done just give it to a busy person!  And Marva Jones, President of the Palmyra Senior Citizens Program, Inc., is that busy person.  Marva not only works diligently with the Seniors but is very active in her Church, community and most recently has been helping out at the Tunsil Funeral Home located on Market Street in Palmyra.

Marva Myers-Jones was born and raised in Palmyra and graduated with the PHS Class of 1955.  She subsequently spent 33 ½  years working for the Federal Government in Philadelphia where she married and lived for 30 years working, planning and developing activities for her three sons and community youth.  Marva was counted on to be the free taxi cab ride making sure her children and local youth participated in various constructive activities.

Upon retirement Marva moved back to Palmyra and at the urging of the late John Washington, got involved in our community.  She became President of the Tri-Boro Seniors and during this time was also the Coordinator of the Palmyra Municipal Alliance, a State-funded Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drugs Prevention Program, which she continued to coordinate for over ten years.  With help from Mary Ann Middleton (Charles Street School Nurse) and the late Florence Bentzel (local Pharmacist) — known as the Three Musketeers — a highly successful program was run for both children and adults in Palmyra and Riverton.  Marva loves what she does and can always be counted on to either suggest or develop a program relying on her wide range of contacts.

Marva has received many awards and recognition during her lifetime; some of the highlights include:

1993 – Marva received the Distinguished Career Service Award – the highest civilian award from the U.S. Department of Labor.

1999 — She received the Paul Harris Fellow Award for Volunteerism from the Palmyra, Riverton, Cinnaminson Division of Rotary International.

2004 – Marva received the Burlington County Volunteer Award from the State of New Jersey Governor’s Council on Alcoholism, Tobacco and Drug Abuse for her exemplary work.

Marva attributes her success and talents to the Lord and hopes to continue with his help, because, as Marva likes to say, “if you don’t use it, you will lose it”.

In 2007, along with Florence Bentzel, the Palmyra/Riverton Seniors Program was started with 25 members, utilizing the Epworth United Methodist Church as their meeting place on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, excluding July and August.  A myriad of activities were held, which included games, cards, workshops, trips, and luncheons (food is an absolute must for a successful Seniors Program!).  A good time was had by all.  During this time the Senior Program began to give back to the community, beginning with the Epworth Food Pantry, through donations made by the Seniors.  Monetary donations for Thanksgiving turkeys and Christmas gifts for Food Pantry clients and their families were also contributed.  In addition to participating in this program, donations were also provided to Providence House – all programs the Senior Program continues to do to this day.  Additionally, the Senior Program has also donated to the Halloween Parade for the past two years.

Upon completion of the Palmyra Community Center, the Palmyra/Riverton Seniors Program moved into the new building, incorporated as a non-profit organization, and changed the name of the program to the Palmyra Senior Citizens Program, Inc., where any senior of Burlington County may join.  The program has since improved and expanded and membership has now blossomed to over 100 — and a number of the original 25 members are still going strong!  The Palmyra Senior Citizens Program, Inc. currently meets every Wednesday and Friday through most of the year at the Palmyra Community Center.  Their monthly newsletter keeps all informed as to their upcoming activities.  Programs can vary from bridge playing, movie time, computer lab, social luncheons, exercise classes, arts and crafts and various day trips to many locations.

Kudos to Marva Jones and The Palmyra Senior Citizens Program, Inc. …..Keeping our Seniors active and involved in our community!!!!

Marva with Gretchen Myers, Marva’s niece and former Coordinator of the Palmyra Municipal Alliance.  Sadly, Gretchen passed away on October 31, 2010.

Previous Introductions

Five:  Millie Opperman & Jeanne Kahana
Four:  Susan Doerr
Three:  Jules Dore’
Two:  Jeremy Jankowski
One:  Bridget Elmes