Silvert's salutes employee upon 50 years of service BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer ERIC SUCAR staff Elike Jenkins was recently saluted by the Freehold Borough Council and feted by his friends and co-workers from Silvert's furniture store on the occasion of his 50th anniversary as an employee of Silvert's, one of the oldest businesses in the borough. FREEHOLD - If Harry Silvert needed something done, Elike Jenkins was the man he went to. Jenkins, 68, has been a valued and dedicated employee of Silvert's furniture store on South Street for 50 years. The respected employee of one of Freehold's oldest businesses was honored at a Borough Council meeting on April 7. Jenkins was presented with a resolution which recognizes the "high-caliber work ethic" he has shown while serving local youths and for serving Silvert's "with distinction." Calling Jenkins "a pillar of the African-American community in Freehold," the resolution referred to his community service organization "Group 12" which ran functions for children in need. His position as a trustee of theWalter J. Conley Elks Lodge No. 1379, Throckmorton Street, was noted. Jenkins was moved by the honor and surprised that the governing body would honor him. The resolution's words as it refers to Jenkins' ability to help those in need and to give "110 percent of himself" resonate with Larry Iserson, who owns Silvert's now and who has worked with Jenkins for 33 years. "I've always considered Elike my 'goto man,' " said Iserson, who owns the furniture store with his wife, Dale, the youngest daughter of Evelyn and the late Harry Silvert. Iserson said Jenkins has always functioned as the owner's right-hand man, first to his father-in-law, Harry, and now to him, since Harry's death almost four years ago. "If I need something done I know Elike will get it done or he will find someone who will get it done," Iserson said. "Elike has become like a family member to us since Harry offered him a job 50 years ago." "I used to work as a cutter in a clothing factory around the corner on Elm Street," Jenkins said. "When they closed up, I was offered a job here at Silvert's and I took it." He has been with Silvert's ever since then. Jenkins, who is one of 13 children, began working for Silvert's at the age of 18. He worked in the warehouse and then began to deliver furniture. He then took on the job of rentals and was made manager of Silvert's Warehouse and Furniture Rental Division in 1968. Evelyn Silvert said, "Elike was always a very good worker and a very good-natured man. He has always been such a big help to us." A party to honor Jenkins for his 50 years of service to Silvert's was held at the Walter J. Conley Elks Lodge on April 6.More than 100 friends, family members and employees from Silvert's attended the big event. Speaking about Jenkins' dedication, Iserson said, "Whenever he is needed, Elike is here for us." When Jenkins was asked about his relationship with Harry Silvert, he became reflective. Considering Silvert more than an employer, Jenkins said the two became close friends over the years. "More than friends, really," Jenkins said, recalling his late employer. "He was just like another father to me."