On  Thursday, August 8, 2019, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) visited Senior Day at the New Jersey State Fair Sussex County Farm and Horse Show, held at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Gottheimer presented a flag and certificate to Sussex County’s “Senior Citizen of the Year” and Fifth District resident Judy Storms, who volunteers her time with an array of community organizations throughout North Jersey.

Gottheimer greeted and thanked veterans and active duty service members, including the U.S. Army tent; visited with the Sussex County Beekeepers Association; toured the 4-H farm animal exhibit; visited the Quilts of Valor exhibit; and interacted with the Newton High School robotics team’s members and robots. Gottheimer spoke with local seniors, residents, and students at booths throughout the Sussex County Fairgrounds.

Gottheimer was joined by New Jersey Congresswoman Mikie Sherill (NJ-11), New Jersey Assemblyman Hal Wirths, Freeholders Herb Yardley, Sylvia Petillo, Dawn Fantasia, George Graham, and Joshua Hertzberg, and County Clerk Jeff Parrott.

Gottheimer highlighted Storms’ work as an elementary school teacher in West Milford and in Vernon. Following her retirement, Storms has dedicated her time to volunteering at Barn Hill Care Center and Nursing Home with her certified therapy dog Jack; with the Vernon Historical Society’s roadside cleanups, street fairs, and fundraisers; at her church’s food pantry and clothing ministry at United Methodist in Vernon; with the annual Military Appreciation Week for active duty service members and their families; and with Puppies Behind Bars, working with inmates to raise service dogs for wounded war veterans and first responders, and to be explosive detection canines.

“There is no greater responsibility than that we owe to those who have given so much to us. Sussex County seniors and volunteers make invaluable contributions to our North Jersey community, and I’m proud to be able to take today celebrate with them and honor Judy Storms in particular. Judy is an example of how, at any stage of your life, you can find different ways to offer more to your community,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “The Sussex County Fair is one of my favorite New Jersey traditions and I’m glad to be able to visit with so many Fifth District residents and seniors here today.”

Below: Gottheimer congratulates Sussex County “Senior Citizen of the Year” Judy Storms for her dedication and service to her Sussex County community. Gottheimer had a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in her honor.

Below: Gottheimer  greets North Jersey seniors at Senior Day at the New Jersey State Fair Sussex County Farm and Horse Show.

Below: Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) presents awards to Sussex County Skylands Ride Omnibus Operators for their years of safe driving.

Below: Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) stands with Sussex County Skylands Ride Omnibus Operators in honor of their years of safe driving.

Below: Gottheimer and fellow New Jersey Representative Mike Sherrill visit with local veterans at Senior Day at the New Jersey State Fair Sussex County Farm and Horse Show.

Below: Gottheimer embraces “Senior Citizen of the Year” Judy Storms.

Below: Below: Gottheimer visits with North Jersey seniors at Senior Day at the New Jersey State Fair Sussex County Farm and Horse Show.

Below: Gottheimer visits the Quilts of Valor exhibit at the New Jersey State Fair Sussex County Farm and Horse Show.

Below: Gottheimer and fellow New Jersey Representative Mike Sherrill speak with Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada.

Below: Gottheimer speaks during Senior Day at the New Jersey State Fair Sussex County Farm and Horse Show.

Below: Gottheimer visits the U.S. Army tent at the New Jersey State Fair Sussex County Farm and Horse Show.

Below: Below: Gottheimer visits with North Jersey seniors at Senior Day at the New Jersey State Fair Sussex County Farm and Horse Show.

Below: Gottheimer takes part in the famous Senior Day BBQ chicken lunch, alongside New Jersey Assemblyman Hal Wirths and North Jersey seniors.

 

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