The Arc of Warren County will honor outstanding individuals and organizations that have made a lasting impact on the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at its annual Community Excellence Awards. This celebrated event brings together community members, advocates, and local leaders to recognize those who champion inclusion, create opportunities, and strengthen support networks across Warren County.
Scheduled for Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 6 p.m., the awards dinner will take place at David’s Country Inn in Hackettstown, New Jersey, offering an evening of recognition, connection, and celebration. Guests will have the opportunity to attend in person and participate in supporting the Arc’s mission through commemorative journal ads, a tradition that highlights the achievements of honorees and community supporters alike. Radiothon co-chairs James Travis of Otterstedt Insurance and Norman Worth of WRNJ are spearheading this initiative, inviting local businesses and residents to participate in honoring the county’s leaders in inclusion and advocacy.
The 2025 honorees represent a cross-section of Warren County’s commitment to enhancing the lives of those with disabilities. Panther Valley Pharmacy will receive the Community Partner Award for its ongoing dedication to supporting accessible healthcare initiatives. Marylouise Rowlin of the Warren Hills Regional School District has been recognized as Educator of the Year for her innovative approaches to fostering inclusive classrooms and empowering students of all abilities.
Virgienne Spann is being named Member of the Year, highlighting her dedication to community engagement and advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities. The Trailblazer Award will go to Lorraine D’Sylva-Lee of LEE Services, acknowledging her leadership in developing programs that create meaningful opportunities for growth and independence. Chris Jacksic, Mayor of Hardwick Township, will receive the Community Advocate Award for his ongoing efforts to champion accessibility and inclusion at the municipal level.
Additionally, the evening will include a Special Recognition Award honoring James Hoover, founder of The Arc Foundation’s Warren County Chapter, whose vision and tireless work have helped shape decades of programs and services for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Community Excellence Awards offer more than just recognition—they are an opportunity for the broader community to gather in support of the Arc’s mission. Tickets were made available for members at $85 and non-members at $90, with registration closing on November 3, 2025. Attendees will enjoy a formal dinner, networking opportunities, and the chance to celebrate the contributions of those who make Warren County a more inclusive place for all.
The Arc of Warren County continues to be a pillar in the local community, providing advocacy, education, and programs that empower individuals with disabilities to live full, enriched lives. Events like the Community Excellence Awards not only honor those making a difference but also highlight the power of collaboration between families, educators, healthcare professionals, and local leaders.
For more updates on community initiatives, advocacy events, and programs supporting individuals with disabilities across New Jersey, visit Explore New Jersey’s The Humane State section.
The 2025 Community Excellence Awards promise an inspiring evening, celebrating leaders, advocates, and visionaries who are advancing inclusion and creating lasting change across Warren County.
