U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer at Aug. 8 Senior Day at State Fair

COMMUNITY. Judy Storms was presented a U.S. flag and certificate as Senior Citizen of the Year.

| 09 Aug 2019 | 04:13

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," saidCongressman 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.”