Prall is #1 senior

FRANKLIN — Agnes Prall is someone who has always received “no fanfare, no needed recognition,” in the words of Mayor Paul Crowley. Until now, that is. But now, having been named the borough’s 2009 Senior Citizen of the Year, all that anonymity has vanished. Prall was honored at a picnic held last Sunday. Known affectionately to her friends as “Aggie,” she has lived a quiet, yet important, life in Franklin — the town she has called home since 1960. “It’s an exciting day,” said her son Chris Prall. “My mother is happy to help out in the town and it’s nice to see everybody come out to honor and surprise her.” Brutal heat and high humidity notwithstanding, many of the borough’s seniors made their way to Fireman’s Park on Sunday, where the lean-to was a vital respite from the late summer heat wave. The event, originally begun by former mayor Ed Allen in 2003 to honor all of the borough’s voluntary officials — such as the planning board and fire department — has turned into more of a senior’s day instead. But no one is complaining. Not even the many volunteers who helped out in two major events the day before, then came out on Sunday and worked with just as much dedication — in the brutal heat. A labor of love “These men worked real hard,” said councilman Joe Limon, the event’s coordinator. “It’s like a big weekend. I just cannot stress enough how hard the men of the fire department have worked.” Agnes Prall has “quietly served her community for many years,” said Mayor Crowley, “starting with the Franklin swim team, in which all five of her children participated.” Whether it was baking cakes and preparing Texas wieners for fundraising — at her own expense — or helping the Salvation Army, she was always willing and on the spot. Prall later became “very involved” with the Franklin Senior center also; moreover, Prall is a hard worker with the community food pantry, trying to see that those in need don’t do without. Her late husband Alan was a treasured, longtime member of the fire department, who according to the mayor, “was one of the first members to clear out” land to create the Fireman’s Park. And who cut the ribbon? It was Agnes Prall. Prall, who was congratulated personally by last year’s honorees, Harold and Sally McGrath, will have her honorary street signs on each end of the driveway around borough hall. She also received a plaque. "I love the town of Franklin. I’m very honored and very surprised to receive this award.” Agnes Prall Just as was intended, Prall who was caught completely off-guard by the mayor’s announcement that she had been named Franklin Senior Citizen for 2009. For this year’s picnic, no outside vendors were able to contribute to the food, water and soft drinks on hand. Councilman Joe Limon thanked the fire department and other volunteers who did all that instead. Making the afternoon a festive party, the Franklin Band played patriotic music, conducted by Ray Aspinall. Other entertainment was provided by Dick Scott.