Warner Presented with Citizen of the Month Award

NEWBURGH – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has recognized Frederica Warner as the Citizen of the Month Award winner for the month of December.

Warner, who celebrated her 100th birthday on December 14th, founded Meals on Wheels Greater Newburgh 45 years ago. A lifelong Newburgh resident, Warner is still active in the community. She is revered in Newburgh for her class, grace and dedication to that part of the County.

“Frederica Warner is an incredible woman and her dedication to her community is inspiring,” Neuhaus said. “She has spent most of her life helping those less fortunate and has had a positive impact on thousands of residents. We all appreciate Frederica’s many contributions to Orange County and what she stands for. I enjoyed having the opportunity to spend some time with her at her home and wish her a happy belated birthday.”

Warner founded Meals on Wheels of Greater Newburgh in 1972. A registered 501(c)(3) charity, Meals on Wheels prepares and delivers hot, nourishing, noontime meals for individuals who are confined to their homes and unable to cook adequately for themselves due to age, illness, injury or disability.

Warner has also worked closely with Habitat for Humanity and Cornell Cooperative Extension. She is involved in a variety of other local charities and active in her church.

Newburgh citizens, community organizations and elected officials celebrated Warner’s lifetime of dedication in August, renaming the section of Roe Street she had lived on for 35 years Frederica Warner Way. She also earned her honorary high school diploma from Newburgh Free Academy this year. Warner had to leave school at age 16 to help support her family, she said, working as a housekeeper after her father passed away.

“I’ve always found it extremely rewarding to help people in need,” Warner said. “I’m proud of the work that I have accomplished with other selfless volunteers in the community and appreciated all of the recognition that I have received, especially this year. I’m humbled that County Executive Neuhaus has recognized me and Meals on Wheels Greater Newburgh.”

Neuhaus introduced his Citizen of the Month Award, which acknowledges outstanding Orange County residents, in January. To nominate someone for the Citizen of the Month Award, please email ceoffice@orangecountygov.com or mail a letter to “Citizen of the Month” at 255-275 Main Street Goshen, N.Y. 10924. Be sure to include the nominee’s name, hometown, a list of their accomplishments, why you are nominating them and any other pertinent information. Nominees must be from Orange County.