Parsippany Accepting Nominations For Senior Citizen Awards

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Do you know an elderly Parsippany resident who has gone above and beyond to help others by volunteering their time?

Mayor James Barberio has announced that the township will be accepting nominations for the 2023 Socolowski Senior Citizen of the Year Award.

The Socolowski Award was established through an endowment from the estate of Jean Socolowski, a woman who was committed to volunteerism and worked to encourage others to get involved in their communities.

The Township of Parsippany's Office on Aging will soon honor two resident volunteers, aged 60 and up, who have volunteered their time and skills to worthwhile projects, causes, or activities that improve people's lives.

Although the nominee may be working, only volunteer work will be considered, officials said.

The winning volunteers will also receive monetary prizes thanks to the Estate of Socolowski.

Applications can be obtained by visiting the Office on Aging at the Parsippany Senior Center, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha, NJ, 07034 or by calling 973-263-7163. Completed applications can be faxed to 973-299-1349, emailed to mpicone@parsippany.net, or submitted by mail or in-person to the above address.

Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30, 2023.

Employees of Parsippany Township, previous winners, and elected officials are not eligible. Applicants who did not win last year are encouraged to apply again, the township said.

Last year's winners were Karen DeChristopher and Karl Riffel and they were presented with the award and an official proclamation from Barberio, congratulating them on their several accomplishments throughout the township.

Riffel has volunteered his time for over 45 years for organizations such as the Girl Scouts of America, the Parsippany PAL Color Guard and the Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad, according to officials.

DeChristopher has volunteered her time for over 20 years for organizations such as the Parsippany OEM Emergency Response Team, Family Promise, the Jersey Battered Women's Shelter, and the Parsippany Township Public Library, Barberio said.

"I’ve known both Karen and Karl for years, and their dedication to giving back to the Parsippany community is amazing," Barberio said.