By Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
Manville Resident Bruce Hixson was honored last week by the Board of Chosen Freeholders in Somerville as the January Employee of the Month.
Mr. Hixson was chosen by the Employee Recognition Committee. The committee is made up of 23 employees from various divisions throughout Somerset County for the award.
”On Feb. 22 I was honored by the Board of Freeholders with the special recognition award for the month of January for my Scouting work. Kathye Quick was the issuer of the award and she asked me to say a few words. I did and I brought two examples and they wanted to know why I do it because it is still fun. I brought up Nicky Lazos using his first aid skills and saving someone and that I watch a lot of boys grow up. It was an honor and it was very nice,” Mr. Hixson said.
He did not want to take all the credit so as Mr. Hixson spoke he talked about Jim Kelly.
”I did mention that Jim and Florence Kelly came and that the award was initiated by Ms. Sherri Lynn who is also the Manville Borough Council president and she is also a county employee. I mentioned Jim, that he was the reason for our award.”
Ms. Lynn nominated Mr. Hixson for the award.
”I nominated Bruce for his length of service and dedication to improving the lives of our youth. Bruce is exceptional in that his son has been out of Scouts for somewhere around 10 years already yet he is still very much involved,” Ms. Lynn said.
”Today’s Scouting offers so much in the way of education and character building. That said, it’s important to have people who really want to be there do the leading. Bruce truly has such a passion for what he does and treats these young men as his own.
If you ask him, he’ll tell you that he’s involved because ‘it’s still fun.’ I don’t know about you, but that’s the guy I’d choose for the job. He and Jim Kelly (who is not a county employee) make a fantastic team. I’d have nominated Jim, too, if he worked here. Together, these men have turned out something like 26 Eagle Scouts. Manville is very lucky to have them both and I am thrilled that he won the award,” she said.
According to the website, The ERC was formed in 1992 to recognize outstanding county employees who meet the criteria of one or more categories. The committee comprises employees who have volunteered to become members and those who have been recommended by their supervisors. The ERC recognizes employees in several categories: Employee of the Month, Special Recognition, Humanitarian, and Professional Achievement. Nominations are usually made by co-workers and supervisors. In some cases, the public has nominated an employee.
Ms. Lynn said she has known Mr. Hixson for about 14 years and was introduced to him by a friend at a picnic. At that time, her friend was also involved in Scouting with his three boys.
Mr. Hixson was very humbled about the award. “It’s nice to have received the award and be honored but it’s time to get back to Scouting,” he said.
