2 Parsippany Seniors Will Be Recognized For Their Commitment To Community

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Socolowski Senior Citizen of the Year Award in Parsippany.

The award honors senior citizens who have gone above and beyond for their community, through “service, leadership, and example.”

This year, two seniors will be given the award, and applications are being accepted until Oct. 31.

Residents can nominate themselves or another member of the Parsippany community. See award-eligibility requirements here:

• Must be 50 years of age or older.
• Must be a Parsippany resident who has volunteered his or her time and energy to organizations, projects, or activities that have enhanced the lives of others. The volunteer may be employed, but it will be volunteerism that is considered.
• Cannot be a township employee, prior winner, or elected official.

The winners will be recognized by Mayor James Barberio and the Office on Aging and will receive a monetary prize, courtesy of the Estate of Jean D. Socolowski.

Applications can be found online here, and any questions can be directed to the Office of Aging Human Services department at 973-263-7163.

2024's Senior Citizen of the Year

Last year, the Socolowski Senior Citizen of the Year was Peggy Smith.

Smith served as both president and vice president of the Friends of the Parsippany Library. She’s also an officer of the Board of the Friends, and has “initiated numerous projects that raise funds for the library’s programs, including the LIttle Nook, the Bag and Media Sales, and the Jewelry Sales.”

“Peggy’s has been an invaluable ‘friend’ to the library, improving funding, communication, and the use of technology,” a statement read. “She is the ‘Ever Ready Bunny’ of the Friends of the Library who never lets go of a good idea!”