It’s been quite an October for Maybrook native Karl Heller. The spry 91 year old (who turns 92 in December) was named Orange County 2023 Senior of the Year by the Orange County Senior Council, receiving a plaque during the recent Senior Council fall luncheon at the Villa Venezia. He was nominated by fellow Maybrook resident Darlene Sparks.

Then, at last week’s Maybrook village board meeting, Heller received a certificate of appreciation from the board in recognition of his many years of service to a myriad of village organizations.

“Our families go way back for generations,” said Maybrook Public Works Chief Matthew Thorp. “This is well deserved.”

Village board members and many members of the public at the meeting echoed Thorp’s praise.

“He’s a pretty special guy in this village,” said Mayor Dennis Leahy. “We are very proud of him. Karl is loved by the whole village.”

Trustee William Giannico, who has lived around the corner from Heller “for my whole life”, effused: “He is a wonderful neighbor and a wonderful man.”

Anyone who’s lived in Maybrook for any length of time either knows or knows of Heller. He has been a Boy Scout leader, Maybrook Fire Dept. chief, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) commander and member of the Golden Links senior citizens. Heller is a frequent sight at the VFW Hall and still often DJs during special events there.

A Wallace Avenue resident, he also owns a large property parcel across Wallace which is informally known as Heller’s Park. He has decorated his “park” with benches and statues, with special decorations for holidays. Many village residents make special drive-bys of the “park” to view Heller’s handiwork.