Chuck Matheny celebrates 75th birthday

PEAPACK-GLADSTONE - “There is a lot of love in this room.”

That statement by the Rev. Dennis Jones, pastor of the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church, pretty much describes the atmosphere that permeated the Robert Schonhorn Arts Center on Wednesday, March 30, as students, patients and staff members at the Matheny Medical and Educational Center and friends from the community celebrated Chuck Matheny’s 75th birthday.

When Chuck was born in 1941 and diagnosed with cerebral palsy, his parents, Walter and Marguerite Matheny, decided to devote their lives to helping him and other children like him. In 1946, they opened the Burnt Mills School for Paralysis Correction in Burnt Mills. Today, Matheny is a special hospital and educational facility for children and adults with medically complex developmental disabilities.

In addition to the Rev. Jones, speakers included Greg Skinner, Peapack-Gladstone police chief; Jim Hintenach, Matheny School curriculum supervisor; and Kenneth R. Sprott, MD, JD, Matheny president and CEO. Dr. Sprott pointing out that, “his parents’ love for Chuck created what we have today,” presented Chuck with a Joint Legislative Resolution from the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly, written by state Sen. Michael Doherty and Assemblymen John DiMaio and Erik Peterson.

The Resolution said, in part: “The Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey are pleased to honor and salute Charles “Chuck” Matheny, a highly esteemed resident of his community, who will celebrate his Seventy-Fifth Birthday during a special party on March 30, 2016 … Diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after his birth, Chuck Matheny has overcome many obstacles throughout his life while continually exhibiting a positive spirit and everlasting smile … ”

Among the many presents Chuck received were a portrait of himself, created by Keith Garletts, a staff member in Matheny’s Arts Access Program, and a book of New York Times March 30 front pages.