Henderson Bids Lower Adieu

VILLAS – Councilwoman Jacqueline Henderson bid farewell to council and the public during Lower Township Council’s Nov. 4 meeting. Henderson was appointed to council Sept. 17, filling the vacancy left by former Ward 3 Councilman Glenn Douglass. Her tenure officially ended Nov. 5.
“My biggest lesson has been listening to the input of Lower Township citizens and how vital that communication is to good government,” said Henderson. She also thanked township employees and council for their kindness and professionalism.
“Thank you for your patience. Thank you for teaching me,” Henderson continued. “This is an experience I will not let go to waste and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for this opportunity.”
Mayor Michael Beck presented Henderson with the “Stepping Up to the Plate” award in recognition of her respect and enthusiasm for the councilmember position. “It’s been a pleasure having you here,” said Beck. “She’s a real dynamo. I think I went to every ribbon cutting and she was there.”
Later, Beck updated the public on the joint FEMA meeting the municipality held with Middle Township Nov. 1. He said council had already begun to work on putting together a plan, but that it would come at a price.
“Like everything else, whether it’s the school situation with Cape May or now FEMA, we’re going to spend money,” said Beck. “There are no ifs, ands or buts about it, we’re going to have to hire professionals that are going to have to come in and do the wave analysis and all the other things that we need to do.”
Beck said certain aspects of the township, such as Cox Hall Creek drainage renovations, needed greater consideration before determining final flood zones. He also mentioned working alongside Middle Township to kick start beach restoration along the bayside.
“It seems like whenever there’s sand being put somewhere, it’s everywhere but here or along the bayside,” said Beck.
Finally, Johnnie Walker, commander, DAV Chapter 44 Del Haven, informed the public of an event geared toward veterans Nov. 14. The first Veteran’s Specific Resource and Homeless Prevention Fair will be held at Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum at the Cape May County Airport. Representatives from local hospitals, Department of Veterans Affairs, and other agencies are expected to attend to answer questions and offer guidance.
Free flu shots, blood pressure screenings, diabetes testing and cholesterol tests will also be offered.
“If you or your loved one has served, then let us serve you,” said Walker. “We’ll have everybody there to help; we just need the veterans to show up.”
To contact Kirby Reed, email kreed@cmcherald.com.