After 22 Years, Senior Center Director Retires

Residents, members, employees and officials gathered at the Chatham Township Municipal Building Sunday to honor Micki Chaput, who stepped down after 22 years from the Senior Center of the Chathams.

Chaput's leadership of the center helped guide it from its humble beginings, described as a storage room for desks and chairs when the township first acquired the building, into a financially secure and fully operational gathering place for seniors from the Chathams, New Providence, Madison and numerous other towns in the area.

"Micki's warmth and genuine-ness cannot be overstated," Terry Berry, founder of the Senior Center, said. "She puts herself in another's place."

Chatham Borough Mayor Bruce Harris read aloud a proclamation which was passed by the borough council Monday honoring Chaput's volunteerism and leadership at the center and on the borough's Board of Health.

Chatham Township Committee Member Bailey Brower, Jr. said the township will vote on a similar resolution when they meet Thursday.

Chatham High School senior Patrick Sullivan and junior Olivia Konteatis serenaded Chaput with "O Danny Boy," and students from the orchestra played during the reception. Tom Salvas created a video honoring Micki's contributions over her years at the center, which played continuously.

Chaput officially retired on Dec. 21. Pam Mansfield, who has worked with Chaput for several years at the center, will take over as executive director of the center.