BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. recently honored 24 residents from across New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District during his fourth annual Seniors of Distinction event at the Bridgewater Township Senior Center.
The honorees represented Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties and were nominated by friends, family members or local officials for their service and dedication to their communities.
“The people we recognize today represent what is best about our communities,” said Congressman Kean. “They have spent years giving their time, sharing their experience, helping their neighbors, and strengthening their hometowns. So much of what makes a community strong comes from people who simply choose, day after day, to show up for others. It is a privilege to recognize these extraordinary New Jerseyans and to thank them for the example they continue to set for all of us.”
“I want to thank Congressman Kean for being here and for holding this event,” said 2026 Honoree Gloria Padgett. “It was great getting to know the people here and hearing about their volunteering. They are doing wonderful things for their communities, and when you give to people, it deserves to be recognized.”
The 2026 Seniors of Distinction honorees are:
Hunterdon County
James Barile, Raritan Township: Known as “Big Jim,” Barile has volunteered every Tuesday for the past nine years at the Flemington Area Food Pantry, where he leads volunteers, serves residents and helps care for the facility. He also works closely with volunteers with special needs, helping them develop skills and confidence.
Nancy Chobin, Lebanon: Chobin has spent more than four decades in health care, focusing on safe surgical instrument processing, infection prevention, sterilization and patient safety. She has volunteered with national health care organizations and Hunterdon Medical Center, where she helped establish best practices and supported development of its new Sterile Processing Department.
Robert Ent, Stockton Borough: Ent and his family represent four generations of service to Stockton. He has helped manage the borough’s water and sewer systems for decades. A U.S. Army veteran, Ent also served as a first responder for the water system and built a career in surveying, where he trained other surveyors and worked on projects throughout New Jersey.
Mary Elizabeth Lawler, Three Bridges: Lawler has spent decades serving Mary, Mother of God Church in Hillsborough through its Altar Rosary Society and Adopt-a-Senior program. She brings the Eucharist and Sunday services to homebound residents, visits nursing home residents, delivers holiday and birthday gifts and advocates for seniors.
Gloria Padgett, Frenchtown: Padgett has spent nearly three decades serving older adults in the Hillsborough Township community, including 30 years as the township’s senior line dance instructor. She adapts routines for different abilities and encourages dancers to perform throughout the area.
Rosemarie Platt, Clinton: Platt serves as chair of both the Town of Clinton Historic Preservation Commission and Historical Society. She also volunteers at the Red Mill and has helped with the annual Haunted Red Mill tradition. As a local Realtor, she also helps families find homes in the community.
Irene Stoller, Whitehouse Station: Following a career in pharmaceuticals, Stoller volunteered with Literacy Volunteers of America, United Way, Girl Scouts, the Clinton library, a community garden and a local food bank. She continues to volunteer weekly with United Way and recently completed training to serve at Hunterdon Medical Center.
Morris County
Kevin Franken Sr., Long Hill: Franken has worked to expand programming, modernize operations and improve facilities at the Long Hill Township Senior Center while advocating for services such as senior transportation. He has also assisted seniors with tax preparation and tax relief programs and volunteers as financial secretary and treasurer of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians in Morris County.
Robert Grignon, Budd Lake: Grignon served Mount Olive Township for 48 years and was named the township’s first Employee of the Month in 2000 and Employee of the Year in 2001. He has also volunteered with the Budd Lake Fire Department.
Gary Grimm, Flanders: Grimm is a longtime member of the First Congregational Church of Chester and has assisted fellow members through acts of service and generosity. A Vietnam War veteran, Grimm received a Purple Heart for his military service.
Carmine Salzano, Flanders: Salzano has served Mount Olive Township for more than two decades, beginning his township career in 2002 after owning and operating a landscaping company for 17 years. He was recognized for his service to residents and fellow township employees.
Somerset County
John Orfan, Basking Ridge: Orfan has served the Bernardsville Fire Company No. 1 & First Aid Squad for more than three decades, holding every available leadership position and earning multiple EMT of the Year honors. He also volunteered in the response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and is recognized by colleagues as an EMS “Captain Emeritus.”
Bernard Rosario, Branchburg: Rosario has donated his photography and videography skills to local organizations, Scouting and school activities and serves as chair of the Branchburg Communications Committee. He also photographs for the Meghan Rose Bradley Pediatric Brain Cancer Foundation and volunteers at the St. Ann’s Fest Pizzelle Tent.
William Sundburg, Warren: Sundburg served eight years as a member and president of the Warren Seniors Club and currently chairs the Senior Advisory Committee. He has also served with the Warren Township Rescue Squad for 13 years.
Sussex County
Mary Butt, Hopatcong: Butt spent more than 40 years at St. Clare’s Hospital while also volunteering as a Scout leader and CCD teacher. She continues to serve as a Eucharistic minister, bingo organizer, fundraiser and treasurer and was recently named Hopatcong’s 2026 Female Senior of the Year.
Alfred Zotynia, Stanhope: Known as the “energizer bunny” of Hopatcong Seniors Inc., Zotynia has spent decades volunteering, including organizing events, providing transportation assistance and helping improve accessibility at the seniors’ meeting space. A U.S. Army National Guard veteran, he also supports St. Jude’s Church and neighbors in need and was recently named Hopatcong’s 2026 Male Senior of the Year.
Union County
Peggy Cowan, Fanwood: Cowan founded and serves as president of the New Jersey Physicians Advisory Group, a nonprofit that helps students in grades 8-12 make healthy and informed life decisions. The organization has reached more than 40,000 New Jersey students, and a curriculum Cowan created has been adopted by more than 225 schools in 25 states.
Ruth Goense, Mountainside: Goense has volunteered as a Sunday school teacher, coach and ministry leader and with organizations including the Foothill Club, Woman’s Club, Garden Club and Mountainside Active Retirees. An art teacher and founding member of the Mountainside Preservation Committee, she helped preserve and relocate two historic homes.
Teddy Grossi, Mountainside: Grossi served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War and later led the Bricklayers’ Union, helping organize skilled volunteers for community projects, including local 9/11 memorials. He was honored with the Union’s Craft Award in 1995.
Michael Pozyc, Clark: Pozyc has spent more than two decades supporting young athletes through Clark Travel Basketball and Clark Baseball and Softball. His volunteer work has included organizing tournaments, breakfasts, registrations, equipment, games and concessions.
Patricia Roman, Clark: Roman has spent more than 25 years serving people living with mental illness and their families through NAMI Union County. Her work includes creating the Traci Roman Enrichment Scholarship and organizing the first Rally for Recovery.
Henry Varriano, Clark: Varriano served more than 20 years on the Township Board of Education, where he advocated for music, arts and extracurricular programs and helped restore the high school marching band. A founding member and longtime leader of Clark UNICO, he also established the annual Columbus Day Essay Contest and has supported the Clark Public Library.
Warren County
Candace Church, Hackettstown: Church has mentored young people through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program, worked to preserve local history and helped improve community spaces. For 14 years, she has helped preserve Rutherfurd Hall and has also served her church and local senior organizations. She spearheaded the creation of a community playground, walking trail and dog park in Allamuchy Township.
Ann LaPadula, Hackettstown: LaPadula has volunteered in Allamuchy for more than 15 years, supporting the Allamuchy Senior Citizens Club, Friends of Rutherfurd Hall and numerous township and community events. Her work has included senior programs, historic preservation, fundraisers, family events, cleanups and holiday activities. She has been inducted into the Hackettstown Area Senior Hall of Fame and recognized as the Mary Louise Christine Outstanding Senior of Warren County.
