Two Senior Citizens Honored In Parsippany With Service Awards

PARSIPPANY, NJ — The Township of Parsippany's Office on Aging recently recognized two resident volunteers who have contributed their time and expertise to worthy projects, causes, or activities that improve people's lives.

Karen DeChristopher and Karl Riffel were both presented with the Socolowski Award and an official proclamation from Mayor James Barberio, congratulating them on their several accomplishments throughout the township.

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.

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

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.

In order to give back to the community, Riffel also joined the Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Barberio said. He pitched in wherever he could, whether it was driving the ambulance, transporting patients, moving equipment, or assisting the EMS team.

Riffel, according to Barberio, continues to volunteer at the Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad at the clubhouse, where he is known as the "handyman," providing upkeep and maintenance on the property.

"Karl has dedicated over 45 years to volunteering in this community, from his days at LPPOA to the Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad, where he still gives of his time to this day, tirelessly offering his services wherever he can be of most help," Barberio said.

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

As a three-time cancer survivor, DeChristopher has also volunteered her time to the American Cancer Society in order to assist others fighting the disease.

"Karen’s work with the CERT Team, responding during emergencies such as Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, her work with women’s and children’s causes, as well as the American Cancer Society, is truly inspiring," Barberio said. "These two individuals exemplify what service above self means, and I’m proud to say that I know them and to present them with these awards and proclamations."