Seniors of Distinction 2024
On Friday, September 13, 2024, Congressman Kean hosted his second annual Seniors of Distinction Event. To view photos from this event, click HERE. Below are the bios of each Senior of Distinction.
Eleanor Annis of Mountainside
Eleanor, better known as Ellie, has always been a huge part of the Senior Citizens of Mountainside. During Covid, Ellie not only made over 1,000 masks for Overlook Hospital staff, but she also worked with the community to create a Senior Buddy Meal Program. The Meal Program is still operational, and Ellie is instrumental in keeping the program running from helping seniors place orders to keeping the delivery lists organized. In addition, Ellie is the 1st vice president of the Mountainside Active retires, an elder and trustee at the Community Presbyterian Church and still works part-time in a doctor’s office. According to those who have worked with Ellie, her favorite line is ”what can I do!”
Ida Brown of Hopatcong
Ida has been called the “walking encyclopedia for Hopatcong” and is credited with participating in and contributing to almost all events unique to Hopatcong from parades, veteran programs, baking contests and Hopatcong Days. A well-respected fixture in the community, Ida has served on several local boards and committees but is truly recognized for being the first person to call when someone needs a ride or general assistance. Ida is also a passionate cook and baker and is known to bring food and cookies to those in need throughout the neighborhood and community.
Brad Chenanie of Westfield
Brad has served as the co-chair of Lifelong Westfield for the past six years. Under Brad’s leadership, Lifelong Westfield has organized and run dozens of events and programs every year for Westfield seniors. During the pandemic, Brad initiated a program nicknamed “the feel-good calls,” that placed calls to seniors to check in on their health and wellness. Lifelong Westfield has continued to place “feel good calls” to more than 100 seniors each week and Brad personally makes at least half of these calls.
Edna Deacon of Mine Hill
Edna has been a NJ Emergency Medical Technician for over 40 years as well as a NJ EMT basic course instructor, course coordinator and CPR instructor. She has been credited with helping hundreds of EMT trainees prepare for and pass the course curriculum and rigorous testing regime. Edna has also been the president and captain of the Mine Hill First Aid Squad and continues to serve the 12th District of the NJ EMS Council as district vice president. On September 11, 2001, Edna was one of the first responders who responded to the call for assistance in New York City.
Robert English of Gillette
Bob is a 32-year member of the Long Hill First Aid Squad and has served as an EMT, ambulance driver and as an officer for most of his tenure. Bob has been captain of the squad for 11 years and was president for 3 years. Over the past ten years, he has averaged about 250 first aid calls per year. Bob is also a CPR and First Aid Instructor and is usually on the crew on stand-by for Watchung Hills football games as well as community and school events. For his efforts, Bob has won many awards for his EMS services as well as for his professional achievements, including a 2020 induction into the New Jersey Institute of Technology “Athletic Hall of Fame” for his support of the NJIT athletic community.
Julie Flynn of Berkeley Heights
Julie has been called the “good Samaritan” of the Berkeley Heights community and that is not just because she is the leader of the Good Samaritan’s Committee at the Church of the Little Flower. In this role, Julie organizes transportation for people in need – often stepping in to drive as well. She personally has assisted a young person with a disability hold down two paid jobs by providing driving shifts to and from work. Again, she often does the driving herself. Julie also founded the Prayer Shawl Plus Committee at her church, which knits baby hats for babies in the NICU in area hospitals as well as shawls for cancer patients. When she is not driving, knitting or serving food to the homeless at St. Joseph Social Services Center in Elizabetha, Julie is a master bridge player who voluntarily teaches small groups.
David Gardner of Mount Arlington
David is a proud veteran who served as a US Army paratrooper and whose contributions to the Mount Arlington veterans’ community has earned him acclaim and appreciation from the Mount Arlington Borough Mayor and Council as well as the community at large. David is a critical part of the effort to recognize area veterans every year. David coordinates a group affectionally dubbed the “A Team,” which under his leadership for the past 20 years, has ensured the smooth and successful staging of the annual parade.
Dr. D. Michael Hart of Westfield
Dr. Hart enjoyed a distinguished career in his profession of dentistry, earning several recognitions in the Academy of General Dentistry. However, his record of volunteerism is equally impressive. Dr. Hart has been active in Rotary for 42 years. He has served as president of two clubs, was district governor, and international foundation chair for 6 years. He was awarded the Rotary International Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service, and he created a Foundation for the Rotary District, of which he is still chair. A scout since first grade, Dr. Hart earned his Eagle Scout, was pack and troop leader for his son and after retirement, joined the Flintlocks, a group of scouter volunteers who support the Patriot’s Path Council. In this role, he has been a tireless advocate for the Scouts, serving in several leadership roles, chairing numerous fundraising efforts, securing critical grants and earning several Scouting awards. This May, Dr. Hart was inducted in the Eagle Scout Hall of Fame.
Martin Kane of Mountain Lakes
Marty is known as Lake Hopatcong’s number one caretaker and ambassador. Marty is the chair of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation and the president of the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum. His advocacy for Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey’s largest lake, is rooted in Marty’s advocacy for clean water throughout the State. Marty helped champion a legislative effort passed in 2021 to provide NJ Department of Environmental Protection grants to improve water quality and recreational opportunities at Lake Hopatcong and other public lakes throughout the State. He is currently working toward more state action and monies to go to lake maintenance and conservation efforts. Motivated by a lifelong love for Lake Hopatcong, Marty is quick to tell everyone that the best days for Lake Hopatcong “are here right now and will only get better.”
Norma Kania of Clinton
As president of the Clinton Platinum Club, Norma has been a driving force in organizing annual events on behalf of Clinton’s thriving senior community. She is also a member of the Green Team, the Shade Tree Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission, reflecting her commitment to preserving the natural beauty and historic character of her hometown. Norma is an active realtor and member of the Clinton business community and is also a Board Member of the Red Mill Museum, who lends her acting skills every year to the museum’s largest fundraiser, the Haunted Mill Event. The Mayor and Council, who nominated Norma, call her “an indispensable part of our community.”
Sandra Masklee of Budd Lake
Sandra serves as the president of the Mount Olive Senior Club. As an active leader of the club of over 100 members, Sandra works to provide programming to help promote independence and interaction among seniors. The Senior Center puts together activities which include trips, special events, fine arts and crafts, music and dance, lifelong learning, and fitness and health programs. The club also provides other services to seniors like subsidized meals, transportation for shopping and medical appointments. Sandra is also the Chaplin for the American Legion Auxiliary Post 278 and is a member of the Friends of the Library of Mount Olive. She has also volunteered her time for Eastern Star Recreation for soccer, has chaperoned for the Mount Olive Ski club, and has served as a leader for the local girl scouts.
Donna Moser of Hopatcong
Donna is known for helping whenever and wherever it is needed. An active member of the Hopatcong Seniors and a volunteer academic tutor, Donna oversees fundraising efforts for the Rosary Altar Society at St Jude’s Church. In addition to baking, assisting with raffles and providing funeral support for the church, Donna founded the “Hope” bereavement group at St Jude’s, a personal mission of hers to ensure that no one grieves alone. For all her many contributions, Donna was selected as the 2024 Female Senior of the Year for Hopatcong.
The Hon. Howard Norgalis of Bridgewater
Councilman Norgalis understands public service. He has been a Bridgewater councilman for 20 years. He has served as Council president in the past and is currently serving as Council vice president. Howard was also a volunteer firefighter for 37 years for which he earned the Lifetime Achievement Award from the North Branch Volunteer Fire Company. He was also an elected fire commissioner for 15 years, including serving as chairman for nine years. Currently, Howard is a member of the Somerset County Medical Corp, a trustee of the 200 Club of Somerset County and a board member for Centerbridge Housing.
Kathleen Piedici of Basking Ridge
A past recipient of the Outstanding Women in Somerset County award, Kippy has devoted her energy, time and extensive land use experience to serving Bernards Township. She currently serves on the Township Zoning Board of Adjustment and previously served as vice chairman and chairman of the Township Planning Board, overseeing such critical projects as an update to the Master Plan. Kippy also served as the president of the Library Board of Trustees. Kippy’s willingness to lead and make an impact beyond the Township is reflected in her service as second vice president of the New Jersey Library Trustees Association and most recently, as the president of the New Jersey Planning Officials.
Anita Rogers of Belvidere
Ann, according to the president of the Belvidere Town Council and the mayor, possesses superpowers, which include intelligence and a gift for leadership. An active member of the United Presbyterian Church of Belvidere and several town organizations, Ann organized a group of Belvidere volunteers to participate in the “Trex Challenge,” which involves gathering plastic not permitted in traditional recycling and sending it to the Trex Corporation in exchange for park benches. Led by Ann, over 21 tons of non-recyclable plastic have been collected over the past six years and more than 50 new benches have been donated to Belvidere. Ann also began a quilting program with a small group of friends to create quilt blankets for local service organization. Ann’s group is credited with making more than 5,000 bed-sized quilts for church and veterans’ organizations over several states.
Robert Rossi of Landing
It is safe to say – and this is according to a Roxbury Fire Chief – that there are few volunteer firemen as committed to service as Robert Rossi. Robert is celebrating 50 years of service to the Roxbury Fire and First Aid Company 2, where he has served as deputy chief, captain, lieutenant engineer and assistant engineer. He is currently a trustee of the organization and his response to calls even now places him among the top four responders in the entire community.
Dennis Ryan of Berkeley Heights
In the 90’s, Dennis got involved with the Berkeley Heights Memorial Day Parade as a way of encouraging respect and recognition for area veterans. In 2008, Dennis was asked to chair the parade committee and has remained in the role ever since. In 2024, the township formed a Berkeley Heights Veterans Affairs Committee and once again, Dennis was asked to take charge of this new committee and he agreed. Dennis is also a cantor, lector and youth leader at the Church of the Little Flower and has a long history with the Berkeley Heights Volunteer Rescue Squad, which he first joined at 18 years old. A former two-time president of the squad, Dennis was granted “honorary membership” in 2024 when he decided to rejoin the squad and attain recertifications so he can once again be of service to Berkeley Heights residents.
Elisa Sananman of Westfield
Elisa is the founder and executive director of a nonprofit organization called New Jersey Connect, which assists individuals with physical disabilities find affordable barrier-free housing. Under Elisa’s direction, NJ Connect has worked to foster independent living and has partnered with organizations like “Habitat for Humanity.” In Westfield, Elisa has been a leader in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Association and has worked to create events and opportunities to document the town’s Black history. Her efforts have led to a published book, guided walking and trolley tours through Westfield and Black History Month lectures and exhibits. Her volunteer efforts have also included developing outdoor adult programming at Trailside Nature and Science Center in the Watchung Reservation Elisa is quoted as saying “she believes that a few committed people working together can make big changes in the community.”
James Smythe of Belvidere
Jay is known for his strong sense of community and his love for his hometown of Belvidere. Jay is an active participant and promotor of local events including Victorian Days, Christmas Wassailing tour, the Earth Day Seed Trail, Holiday Lighting. He is a member of the Neighborhood Block Watch Committee, a National Night Out volunteer and member of the historic society. He has worked to expand opportunities for students and teens at the Community Center, and using his skills as a landscaper, Jay beautified and enhanced the community pool, creating a new parklike setting. A board member of the community center and pool, Jay is always looking for new ways to celebrate all that Belvidere has to offer.
The Hon. Victor Sordillo of Warren
Mayor Sordillo has been committed to public service in Warren for almost a quarter of a century, serving on the Township Committee and as mayor for five terms. As an elected official, he has made significant contributions to the quality of life in Warren, including renovating the library, working with utilities toward storm preparedness and developing sports and recreation fields. Mayor Sordillo has also served as president of the Warren Township Lions Club, was a board member of the Red Cross and United, volunteered as a youth soccer coach and founded the Warren Township Education Foundation, which raises funds for K-8 schools. It has been said that his contributions to Warren have inspired a new generation to uphold his legacy of service and unity.
Sharon Still of Netcong
After Covid 19 severely impacted the Netcong Seniors Club, Sharon took it upon herself to rebuild the Club. As its current president, Sharon now oversees an organization experiencing its highest levels of membership. Sharon has a long history of volunteer service to Netcong as a member of the Netcong Board of Education, the Lenape Valley Board of Education and as a current member of the Netcong Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary. A former president and longtime member of the Netcong Recreation Commission, Sharon is credited as being the moving force behind the first ever Holiday Parade, a tradition still being enjoyed today.
The Hon. Elmer Still of Netcong
Born in Netcong, Elmer raised his family in his hometown and has found numerous ways to serve the community he loves. He is the current mayor of the borough of Netcong and has been a member of the Council since 1991. Prior to running for office, Mayor Still was a member and officer in the Hilltop Fire Company #2, serving as department fire chief as well as department president. Mayor Still was also a volunteer baseball coach for the Lakeland Little League. Always looking for ways to move community forward, it has been said that Mayor Still carries the borough of Netcong in his heart always.
Harold Willard of Somerville
According to his friends, Harold is more than a US Navy veteran, a social worker, and a community leader; he is also a man of faith, a generous family man, loyal friend, and a very proud Native American. A Navy medic, Harold served in both Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and spent 27 years as a social worker with the NY State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. Harold is also a nationally recognized leader in the Native American community. He has been profiled in the New York Times; featured at the opening of the Smithsonian’s Museum of the American Indian and credited with developing unique programs in Somerville that celebrate the culture and heritage of Native Americans. A disabled veteran himself, Harold worked with Habitat for Humanity to construct a home in Somerville for a veteran in need. And this year, Harold was instrumental in reinstating a Memorial Day Parade in Somerville and for his efforts, he was named its Grand Marshall.
Seniors honored but not in attendance:
Harvey Kessler of Budd Lake
Harvey has been a staple in the community of Mount Olive. A member of the U.S. Army Reserve, Harvey was president of the Basketball Association for 30 years and served as chair of the Recreation Committee for 12 years. In recognition of “his decades long volunteer service,” the Mayor and Council declared December 19th, 2023, as “Harvey Kessler Recognition Day.”
The Hon. Allen Kurdyla of Bound Brook
Allen has been a fixture of the Bridgewater community, where he has served over 55 years on the Finderne Fire Department, including serving as Chief. He is currently the chair of Bridgewater’s Fourth Fire District. Allen has also been a Bridgewater councilman for over 15 years, where he has been credited with prioritizing open space preservation in the township.
The Hon. Colleen Labow of Budd Lake
Colleen is in her sixth term on the Mount Olive Township Council, having served as Township Council president in the past as well as on the Open Space and Stigma Free Committees. She is the current chair of the Board of Health.
Richard Mason of Gillette
Richard Mason, who is a Marine veteran who served during the Korean war, is a retired Captain who worked with the Union County Prosecutors office. He also was an important part of founding the New Jersey Narcotics Task Force.
The Hon. Kenneth Short of Long Valley
A veteran of the armed forces, Ken has served in a variety of volunteer positions for our 30 years. He has served on the Board of Education and has been a member of the Washington Township Committee for over 20 years, including serving as mayor.
Robert Wolff of Hardwick
A retired state fire warden, Bob is still on the job on High Fire Danger Days as the “eye in the sky” at the Catfish Fire Station in Hardwick, which sits at one of the highest elevations in New Jersey. The current safety officer at the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company, Bob is also active in the Hardwick Township Historical Society and The Vass Farmstead.