Kean Hosts Fourth Annual Seniors of Distinction Event

September 15, 2026 Press Release (September 15, 2026) BRIDGEWATER, NJ – Last week, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) hosted his fourth annual Seniors of Distinction event at the Bridgewater Township Senior Center to honor the outstanding seniors of New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District. This year, Congressman Kean celebrated 24 seniors representing all six counties within New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District. Each honoree was nominated by their friends, families, or local officials in recognition of their exceptional service and dedication to others. The Seniors of Distinction were selected for their long history of giving back 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.” “I want to thank Congressman Kean for hosting the Seniors of Distinction event and for his advocacy, which has made a real, measurable difference in our district,” said Bernard Rosario . “For working families and seniors on fixed incomes in a high-property-tax state like New Jersey, the SALT deduction that Congressman Kean fought is often the difference between being able to afford to stay in the home and community we have spent our lives in or being forced to relocate out of state in retirement. Thank you, Congressman Kean, for your continued dedication to NJ-07 and for fighting for policies that keep our community strong and allow our working families and seniors to stay where they belong.” The 2026 Seniors of Distinction Honorees: Hunterdon County: James Barile (Raritan Township) - “Big Jim” has made a lasting impact on the Flemington Area Food Pantry, dedicating every Tuesday for the past nine years to leading volunteers, serving neighbors, and caring for the Pantry inside and out. Most meaningfully, Jim supports volunteers with special needs by treating them with respect and guidance, helping them develop new skills and confidence, making them irreplaceable members of the Pantry family. Nancy Chobin (Lebanon) - Nancy has dedicated more than four decades to healthcare, advancing safe surgical instrument processing, infection prevention, sterilization, and patient safety through leadership, education, and published resources. She has also shared her expertise as a volunteer with national healthcare organizations and Hunterdon Medical Center, helping establish best practices and supporting the development of its new Sterile Processing Department. Robert Ent (Stockton Borough) - Bob and his family represent four generations of service to Stockton, with him helping manage the Borough’s water and sewer systems for decades with expertise and dedication. A U.S. Army veteran, Bob has also served as a first responder for the water system and built a respected surveying career, training countless surveyors and taking on challenging projects throughout New Jersey. Mary Elizabeth Lawler (Three Bridges) - Mary has dedicated decades to Mary, Mother of God Church in Hillsborough, where her work with the Altar Rosary Society and Adopt-a-Senior program has become a true calling to serve older adults. She brings the Eucharist and Sunday services to the homebound, regularly visits nursing home residents, delivers holiday and birthday gifts, and advocates for seniors while recruiting others to join her mission of ensuring they feel seen, valued, and cared for. Gloria Padgett (Frenchtown) - Gloria has made a lasting impact on the Hillsborough Township community through nearly three decades of leadership, mentorship, and service to older adults, including 30 years as the Township’s Senior Line Dance instructor. By adapting routines to different abilities and encouraging dancers to perform throughout the area, Gloria promotes inclusion, confidence, and the message that aging can be a time of purpose, creativity, joy, and service. Rosemarie Platt (Clinton) - Rosemarie has dedicated herself to preserving and celebrating Clinton’s history, serving as Chair of both the Town of Clinton Historic Preservation Commission and Historical Society while volunteering at the Red Mill and helping bring the annual Haunted Red Mill tradition to life. As a local Realtor, she also shares her passion for Clinton by helping families find homes and become part of the community, reflecting her commitment to giving back through both her civic and professional roles. Irene Stoller (Whitehouse Station) - After retiring from a career in pharmaceuticals, Irene dedicated herself to serving others through Literacy Volunteers of America, United Way, Girl Scouts, the Clinton library, a community garden, a local food bank, and countless handmade donations for those in need. Irene continues to volunteer weekly with United Way and recently completed training to serve at Hunterdon Medical Center, demonstrating an extraordinary lifelong commitment to helping her community. Morris County: Kevin Franken, Sr. (Long Hill) - Kevin has revitalized the Long Hill Township Senior Center through expanded programming, modernized operations, improved facilities, and advocacy for services such as senior transportation. He has also provided hands-on assistance with tax preparation and senior tax relief programs while volunteering as Financial Secretary and Treasurer of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians in Morris County. Robert Grignon (Budd Lake) - Robert dedicated an extraordinary 48 years of service to Mount Olive Township, earning recognition as the township’s first-ever Employee of the Month in 2000 and Employee of the Year in 2001. Beyond his professional service, Robert has also given back as a volunteer with the Budd Lake Fire Department, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to protecting and strengthening his community. Gary Grimm (Flanders) - Gary is a longtime member of the First Congregational Church of Chester, where he has become a vital part of the church family and a hero to many who have needed his help. His acts of quiet generosity have extended throughout the church community, including getting a member’s car fixed and paid for without being asked. Gary bravely served our country during the Vietnam War and was the recipient of a Purple Heart medal for his service. Carmine Salzano (Flanders) - Carmine has dedicated more than two decades to serving Mount Olive Township, beginning his township career in 2002 after successfully owning and operating his own landscaping company for 17 years. Known for his kindness, reliability, and genuine care for both township residents and fellow employees, Carmine has earned recognition as a valued and respected member of the township team. Somerset County: John Orfan (Basking Ridge) - John has dedicated more than three decades to the Bernardsville Fire Company No. 1 & First Aid Squad, serving in every available leadership role and earning multiple EMT of the Year honors while responding to major local emergencies. A longtime first responder and 9/11 response volunteer, John continues to be recognized by his colleagues as an EMS “Captain Emeritus” for his extensive experience and unwavering commitment to his community. Bernard Rosario (Branchburg) - Bernie has dedicated years to supporting local organizations by generously sharing his photography and videography talents, from Scouting and school activities to serving 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, demonstrating his commitment to giving back in many ways. William Sundburg (Warren) - Mr. Sundburg has dedicated years to serving Warren Township’s senior community, including eight years as a member and President of the Warren Seniors Club and his current role as Chairman of the Senior Advisory Committee, where he has encouraged greater participation among younger seniors. He has strengthened senior programs and leadership while helping recruit new board members, and his commitment to the broader community also includes 13 years of service with the Warren Township Rescue Squad. Sussex County: Mary Butt (Hopatcong) - Mary has dedicated her life to serving others, including more than 40 years at St. Clare’s Hospital while also volunteering as a Scout leader and CCD teacher. She continues to give back through her church and community organizations, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, Bingo organizer, fundraiser, and treasurer, and was recently named Hopatcong’s 2026 Female Senior of the Year. Alfred Zotynia (Stanhope) - Al, known as the “energizer bunny” of Hopatcong Seniors Inc., has spent decades serving his community through countless acts of volunteerism, from organizing events and helping with transportation to improving accessibility at the seniors’ meeting space. A U.S. Army National Guard veteran, Al 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) - Peggy founded and serves as President of the New Jersey Physicians Advisory Group, a nonprofit dedicated to helping students in grades 8–12 make healthy, informed life decisions, and she has never taken a salary so that resources can remain focused on its mission. Under her leadership, the organization has reached more than 40,000 students across New Jersey, while the curriculum she created has been adopted by more than 225 schools in 25 states, reflecting her extraordinary commitment to empowering young people. Ruth Goense (Mountainside) - Ruth has dedicated her life to community service, volunteering as a Sunday school teacher, coach, ministry leader, and through 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, Ruth helped preserve and relocate two historic homes while raising funds to support these important community efforts. Teddy Grossi (Mountainside) - Teddy Grossi has devoted his life to service, from serving in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War to leading the Bricklayers’ Union, where he helped organize skilled volunteers for community projects including local 9/11 memorials. A longtime Mountainside resident, recent cancer survivor, and devoted family man, Teddy is admired for his generosity, faith, passion for cooking, and commitment to his community, and was honored with the Union’s Craft Award in 1995. Michael Pozyc (Clark) - Mike has spent more than two decades supporting young Clark athletes, volunteering with Clark Travel Basketball as well as Clark Baseball and Softball in countless behind-the-scenes and hands-on roles. His dedication to organizing tournaments, breakfasts, registrations, equipment, games, and concessions has helped generations of local boys and girls enjoy positive and memorable youth sports experiences. Patricia Roman (Clark) - Pat has turned a deeply personal family experience into more than 25 years of dedicated service to individuals living with mental illness and their families through NAMI Union County, helping build the organization and serving in numerous leadership roles. Her legacy includes creating the Traci Roman Enrichment Scholarship and organizing the first Rally for Recovery, helping reduce stigma and provide support to countless individuals and families throughout Union County. Henry Varriano (Clark) - Henry has dedicated decades to serving the Clark community, including 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, Henry also established the annual Columbus Day Essay Contest and has generously supported the Clark Public Library through financial contributions, artwork, and community displays. Warren County: Candace Church (Hackettstown) - Candy has dedicated her time and talents to mentoring youth through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program, preserving local history, improving community spaces, and bringing people together through Mahjong. For 14 years, she has provided hands-on support to preserve Rutherfurd Hall while also serving her church and local senior organizations and spearheading the creation of a community playground, walking trail, and dog park in Allamuchy Township. Ann LaPadula (Hackettstown) - Ann has dedicated more than 15 years to volunteer service in Allamuchy, supporting the Allamuchy Senior Citizens Club, Friends of Rutherfurd Hall, and numerous township and community events. Known for her tireless behind-the-scenes work, leadership, and willingness to help wherever needed, she has contributed to senior programs, historic preservation, fundraisers, family events, cleanups, and holiday activities. Her commitment has earned her induction into the Hackettstown Area Senior Hall of Fame and recognition as the Mary Louise Christine Outstanding Senior of Warren County. Image Back Row: Bernard Rosario, Robert Ent, Kevin Franken, Sr., Congressman Tom Kean, Jr., Alfred Zotynia, James Barile, John Orfan, Michael Pozyc, Nancy Chobin, Frank Manuella (for Patricia Roman), and Teddy Grossi Front Row: Ann LaPadula, Candace Church, Henry Varriano, Gloria Padgett, and Mary Butt View additional photos from the event HERE . ###