Eleven outstanding individuals will be inducted into the Hackettstown Area Senior Hall of Fame in May.

A recognition luncheon that will honor the 11 is scheduled for Wednesday May 11 at David’s Country Inn in Hackettstown.

The Hackettstown-Area Senior Hall of Fame was originally established as part of a community outreach initiative. From the start, honorees have been recognized for the impacts that they have done to help others. Over 250 individuals have been so honored since the Hall’s inception several years ago. All of the honorees either live in the Hackettstown area or have been associated with organizations nearby.

Here’s a rundown of the Class of 2022 and brief details about each of them:

Octavia (Tavia) Brown; for more than 50 years she has been a pioneer in therapeutic riding in the United States, dedicating her life to ensuring accessibility to horses for the disabled. The former Professor of Equine studies at Centenary University, has received numerous awards over the years for her life’s work. 

Ethel Conry; a longtime volunteer in the Washington area, Ethel, currently the Deputy Mayor in the Borough, over the years has been involved with the Warren Hills Community Coalition, Warren County Human Relations Commission, the Warren-Sussex Chapter of the NAACP, and through her time on Borough council, other town-related committees.

Robert (Bob) Jones; At Heath Village, Robert’s involvement has helped to illuminate the lives of other residents as an Ambassador and Greeter, Friendship Center Pen Pal, and Community Garden Coordinator. A high school teacher for many years, he is also a former Deacon and Elder at the Community Presbyterian Church and a longtime member of the 50-plus Club of Chester.

Ernie Maso; A veteran of the Navy, Ernie has served on his town’s Environmental Commission, and has been involved in numerous organizations such as the American Legion, NORWESCAP, Warren County War Memorial, and through his church, to name a few. 

Robert (Bob) Moore; A longtime resident of Hackettstown, Robert, a veteran of the Air Force, was a town council member for six years, been a Board of Education member since 2008, is a lifelong member of the Hackettstown First Aid and Rescue Squad, and has held membership in the Kiwanis Club, American Legion, and Knights of Columbus. 

Barbara Morgan; Barbara has been a loyal member and volunteer at her church, Tranquility Methodist Church, for 68 years, and has been an important addition to the Allamuchy-Green First Aid Squad for 23 years.

Annette Munley; Annette has been a dedicated member of the Soroptimist International in Hackettstown for over 20 years. The former teacher in the Great Meadows school district served on the Warren County Community College Board of Trustees for many years, helping with the expansion of the colleges, both physically and in new programming. She has always been known as an advocate for women’s rights. 

Ray Nisivoccia; Ray’s volunteerism expands throughout Northwest New Jersey and in the Hackettstown area his efforts have duly recognized as a Board Member at Hackettstown Community Hospital/Hackettstown Medical Center, as a trustee on the Board at Centenary University, and as a strong advocate locally for the Boy Scouts of America.

George Paffendorf; The first Director of the NJ  Challenge Youth Program (for at-risk kids) he later founded the NJ Youth Corps program in Phillipsburg where he also was a member of the Rotary Club. In retirement he volunteered in the therapeutic riding program at Centenary University. A decorated military veteran, he has also been recognized with several community awards. 

Kelly Simonetti; A lover of wildlife, founded the Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary in 2003. She has also volunteered at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center. Among her honors, she was named Conservationist of the Year by the NJ Audubon Society. She has been active in the Hay Bales of Hope, a fundraiser devoted to cancer research.  

Steve Somers; To say Steve has made an impact on Hackettstown is an understatement, in particular when it comes to youth. He has supported numerous Hackettstown High School students and athletes in myriad ways, He has supported Centenary University, as well, serving on its Board and jump-starting the creation of a beautiful baseball complex on its campus. A resident of town since 1987, he has also supported a variety of community initiatives at Trinity Church. 

The luncheon event, which includes live music with Grover Kemble, is open to the public. For ticket and general information, email h.a.seniorhalloffame@gmail.com.