Ten outstanding people who have made a difference in the community were recently inducted into the Hackettstown Area Senior Hall of Fame.

A gala luncheon, hosted by Riverwalk Village at The House of The Good Shepherd retirement community in Hackettstown, was held at David’s Country Inn on May 8.

The Hackettstown Area Senior Hall of Fame recognizes senior citizens in the Northwest New Jersey region who have made a significant impact on the lives of others in the community through their volunteerism. The event – an annual celebration hosted by Riverwalk Village – is held during Older Americans Month, a time to reflect on the contributions of seniors. This year’s inductees include individuals who have been involved in a host of volunteer programs such as Habitat for Humanity, Knights of Columbus, Hackettstown Rotary Club, Heath Village, and the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Crisis Center of Warren. This year’s group also includes two married couples!  

“This year’s inductees are all truly community-minded folks and have shown through their efforts that giving back is a worthwhile endeavor,” said Susan Lanza, Executive Director of Riverwalk Village at The House of the Good Shepherd. “You really have to tip your hat to all of them as they have and continue to make a difference in the lives of those around them.”

Lanza added, “The Senior Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is comprised of a group of ten remarkable individuals who are a testament to the strength and resilience of the Greater Hackettstown community.”

This year’s inductees are:

• Willard and Frances Blaskopf: Active members of the Heath Village Community who have served the Hackettstown area in various capacities over the years, inspiring others with their dedication.
• Barbara L. Brady: An active volunteer for over 15 years, Barbara has initiated various fundraisers for women and children with the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County and is a champion for the vulnerable.
• Candy Church: A volunteer with various organizations in Allamuchy Township, including the Senior Citizens Club and Allamuchy Road Clean-Up, Candy has shown the power of community service.
• Donna and Dave Detrick: The couple has volunteered with the Warren County Habitat for Humanity since 1998, with Donna serving on the Boards of Habitat for Humanity and the Hope in the Hills of Warren. Dave was a founding member of the Warren County Parks Foundation and served on the Warren County Board of Recreation Commissioners & Morris Canal Committee.
• Roger A. Hines Jr.: Roger has served the Our Lady of the Mountain Church community with his CCD instruction and supports youth athletics as a soccer and softball coach. His volunteer work has been in actively serving on the Joyce Kilmer Council of the Knights of Columbus for 50 years and many years with the Sons of the American Legion.
• Mary Ann Moore: Mary Ann has worked for the Hackettstown Democratic Club and the Warren County Democrats, in addition to volunteering at the Hackettstown Health Department for 24 years.
• Nancy E. Paffendorf: A community volunteer leader for many organizations, including the Hackettstown Rotary Club, Centenary University Alumni Association Executive Board and the Warren County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Nancy is also the recipient of Centenary University’s coveted Gold Dome Award, the highest honor that her alma mater offers.
• Tarcila Sutterley: An active resident of Riverwalk Village, Tarcila has helped systematize the library at the community, while serving previously as the Independent Living Resident Council President, she promoted ORANJ (Organization of Resident Associations in NJ) to Riverwalk Village.

“We at Riverwalk Village congratulate all of the honorees for this year’s Senior Hall of Fame,” said Lanza. “The hours of work and volunteering that these individuals have spent in service of their larger communities is proof that we all can make a difference, no matter how old we may be.”

About Riverwalk Village at The House of the Good Shepherd Riverwalk Village at The House of the Good Shepherd is a premier Life Plan Community dedicated to serving active adults for over 142 years. As part of FellowshipLIFE, a not-for-profit organization with a vision to transform the aging experience and empower all those we serve to live their best life, Riverwalk Village at The House of the Good Shepherd is the leading destination for senior living in Hackettstown, NJ. Located on 15 acres of riverside woodlands with all the modern amenities and services you prefer, Riverwalk Village at The House of the Good Shepherd offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Enhanced Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, Respite care and Wellness programs all on one campus. To learn more about  Riverwalk Village at The House of the Good Shepherd visit www.fellowshiplifeinc.org.

About The Hackettstown Area Senior Hall of Fame The Hackettstown Area Senior Hall of Fame was originally established as part of the community outreach initiative at Hackettstown Regional Medical Center. From the start, honorees have been recognized for their impact on helping others. As the initiative expanded over the years, 256 members were inducted since its inception. This roster includes individuals from Warren County and adjacent parts of Hunterdon, Morris and Sussex counties.