Business Leader and Citizen of The Year
Rooted in Service: Andrea Robbins and JJ Hensley Build a Legacy of Care
On a warm Sunday at the Daniel Webster Estate’s Family Fun Day, two people went about doing what they love most: helping others. Andrea stood beneath a green tent, sharing the mission of A Simple Gesture: Marshfield, while a box truck from JJ’s business, Stoneridge Design, anchored the Touch-A-Truck attraction for children.
What few people knew was that just the day before, they had learned something extraordinary: both would be honored by the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce—Andrea as Citizen of the Year, JJ as Business Leader of the Year. Their official recognition will take place at The Venus II, 277 Ocean Street, Marshfield on Thursday, August 28, 2025 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST.
These awards honor more than service; they celebrate two lives guided by family values, humility, and the simple belief that small acts can change a town.
Andrea Robbins: A Mother’s Influence, A Daughter’s Promise
For Andrea (Cedrone) Robbins, the call to serve began with her parents. “My mom was the ultimate example of kindness,” Andrea says softly. “When I lost her in my thirties, everything I do became about asking: what would Mom do?”
That question guided Andrea years later during Lent, when a simple thought became a life-changing idea: What if, instead of giving something up, I gave more? Reading a local story about the Hanover program for A Simple Gesture sparked what she calls “a proverbial lightning bolt.” With encouragement from the Norwell program founders—who later recommended a Wall Street Journal article—Andrea knew Marshfield needed this too. Within 40 days, her Lenten challenge became a reality.
Since 2018, A Simple Gesture: Marshfield has collected nearly 200,000 pounds of food for the Marshfield Food Pantry and raised $40,000 for McKinney-Vento, helping homeless students in local schools. But the number Andrea returns to most is one: one child, one birthday.
Through tears, Andrea recalls the day a 9 yr old child asked if instead of a 10th birthday party, if they could invite friends from school to an ASG collection day. “That moment floored me,” she says, her voice catching. “This isn’t just about food. It’s about what we’re teaching our kids.”
On June 15th, 2024 ASG celebrated Harry B's 10th birthday with his friends, family, and SO. MUCH. JOY. There are few things that make us happier than seeing the next generation embrace service to others. [Photo: Facebook-ASG]
Andrea’s service extends beyond ASG. She chairs Public Relations for Grad Nite Live, serves on the Marshfield Education Foundation Board, and coaches youth basketball through Impact Athletics, working with athletes ages 3–22 with physical and intellectual challenges.
Recently, her father handed her a necklace he bought because it reminded him of her mother. “He said, ‘You remind me of her,’” Andrea shares quietly. “That was everything.”
JJ Hensley: Honoring a Father, Leading a Family
When JJ Hensley learned he’d been named Business Leader of the Year, he was stunned. “I was pretty excited and honestly humbled,” he says. “I don’t like the spotlight much, so it meant a lot to know people noticed.”
JJ is a full-time Quincy firefighter and co-owner of Stoneridge Design, which he runs with his wife, Jenna, and his father-in-law, Bob Madill. His father, Jim—a retired Marshfield firefighter—isn’t a business partner, but he’s always ready to lend a hand when JJ needs help. More than that, Jim is JJ’s model for what it means to serve. “If I call him and say I need a hand, he’s there,” JJ says. “I learned from my dad that if you love a place, you take care of it.”
That belief shapes JJ’s work far beyond the shop. For five years, he has served on the Town Zoning Board and chairs the Chamber’s Webster Walkability Committee, leading efforts to plant trees, install benches, and make Marshfield safer and more inviting. “When we put in the first benches, I didn’t think anyone would use them,” he says. “But before I even left, people were sitting on them. That pushed me to keep going.”
“The Chamber has given me a way to get involved in projects that make a real difference,” JJ adds. “Leading the Walkability Committee has been awesome—seeing benches and trees go in, and knowing these small changes make our town safer and more welcoming, that’s huge for me.”
JJ’s proudest role, though, is at home—with Jenna, their three children, and a playful seven-month-old puppy. “Ronan is eight, Kay is five, and Maeve is four,” he says with a grin. “We give them trash grabbers and a wagon when we do cleanups. It’s fun for them, but more than that, it teaches them this is their home—and you take care of home.”
JJ’s proudest role, though, is at home—with Jenna, their three children, and a playful seven-month-old puppy. “Ronan is eight, Kay is five, and Maeve is four,” he says with a grin. “We give them trash grabbers and a wagon when we do cleanups. It’s fun for them, but more than that, it teaches them this is their home—and you take care of home.”
The Webster Walkability Project: Planting trees for shade.
Two Families, One Shared Light
Andrea and JJ may have different stories, but they share something powerful: the belief that service isn’t just work—it’s a way of life, a lesson passed from parents to children.
Andrea thinks of her mother every time she organizes a food pick up. JJ sees his father’s example every time he waters a new tree on a hot day. And in the laughter of children picking up trash or filling donation bags, both see something lasting: a future built on care.
“This is home,” Andrea says simply. JJ nods. “When you love your home, you take care of it.”
Tickets are available at https://web.southshorechamber.org/atlas/events-v4/register/22552