Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling honors 21 volunteers at inaugural Lifetime Achievement Awards

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — Morris County Surrogate Heather J. Darling recognized 21 community volunteers for their years of service during the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township.

The awards were established to honor residents who have demonstrated ongoing dedication and service to their communities over many years. Mayors from across Morris County were invited to nominate individuals, with 21 of the county’s 39 municipalities participating in the first annual event.

Honorees, mayors and guests gathered to recognize volunteers whose contributions have helped support their respective communities.

“We can never do enough for the volunteers in our county, because they are the ones who make Morris County the great place that it is,” said Surrogate Darling. “Volunteers are the bedrock our communities are built on, and the reason so much gets done. This event was about saying thank you to people who have given their time, year after year, without asking for anything in return.”

The 21 honorees and the mayors who nominated them were:

• Town of Boonton: Cy Wekilsky, honored posthumously, nominated by Mayor James Lynch.
• Chatham Borough: Jack Conlan, nominated by Mayor Carolyn Dempsey.
• Chatham Township: Celeste Fondaco, nominated by Mayor Jennifer Rowland.
• Chester Borough: Edward Ng, nominated by Mayor Janet Hoven.
• Denville Township: Douglas Gabel, nominated by Mayor Tom Andes.
• Hanover Township: Stephen Bolcar, nominated by Mayor Ace Gallagher.
• Mendham Borough: Stephen Swiencki, nominated by Mayor James Kelly.
• Mendham Township: Evan “Buzzy” Thomas, honored posthumously, nominated by Mayor Sarah Neibart.
• Mine Hill Township: Scott Esposito, nominated by Mayor Sam Morris.
• Montville Township: Richard Cook, nominated by Mayor Frank Cooney.
• Morris Plains Borough: Stephen Welsh, nominated by Mayor Jason Karr.
• Morris Township: Daniel Nunn, nominated by Mayor Donna Guariglia.
• Morristown: Richard “Dick” Tighe, nominated by Mayor Tim Dougherty.
• Mount Arlington Borough: David Gardner, nominated by Mayor Mike Stanzilis.
• Mount Olive Township: Gerald “Jerry” Sheard, nominated by Mayor Joe Nicastro.
• Mountain Lakes Borough: Sandy Batty, nominated by Mayor Melissa Muilenburg.
• Randolph Township: Ron Harmetz, nominated by Mayor Mark Forstenhausler.
• Rockaway Borough: Christopher Richardson, nominated by Mayor Tim Mulligan.
• Rockaway Township: Jim Skutka, honored posthumously, nominated by Mayor Joe Jackson.
• Roxbury Township: Steve Alford, nominated by Mayor Shawn Potillo.
• Roxbury Township: Suzanne Barba, nominated by Mayor Mike Marino.

The Lifetime Achievement Awards are part of the Morris County Surrogate’s Court community outreach program, which includes visits to senior centers, Kiwanis and Rotary clubs, municipal councils and other civic organizations throughout the county.

During those visits, Darling provides information about estate planning and the services available through the Surrogate’s Court. She also discusses improvements made by the office to provide faster and more convenient services while maintaining support for Morris County residents and their families.

“Outreach is at the heart of how we run this office,” said Surrogate Darling. “Whether it’s a talk at a senior center or a celebration like this one, our goal is to be present in every corner of the county.”

The Morris County Surrogate is a constitutional officer who serves as judge of the Surrogate’s Court and clerk of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Probate Part. The office is responsible for probating wills, appointing estate administrators and guardians, and handling adoptions.

Darling, an attorney, has served as Morris County surrogate since January 2020.

For more information about the Morris County Surrogate’s Court and its services, visit www.morrissurrogate.com.