CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2021 HONOREES
Penny StrakhovBedminster
Bedminster: Penny Strakhov
Penny was born and raised in Monmouth County. She graduated from Bradford Junior College and moved to NYC with a job at the Reader's Digest Book Department. She then taught Nursery school at the Brick Church Nursery School where she also led a Brownie troop.
Married in 1969, Penny has 2 boys, Jed and Billy Nachman. While living in NY, Penny started a Decorating business. She eventually opened a wallpaper/fabric shop, Penny Annie, Ltd. in Fair Haven, NJ and reverse commuted from NY. She had the shop for 20 years and then went into custom decorating again as Penelope Stout Interiors.
While in NYC, Penny was involved in an organization called "The Door" which provided support for disadvantaged teenagers in NYC and the boroughs. This organization provided tutoring, job counseling, health care and many other services that are so needed for young people.
In 2000 Penny married Nick Strakhov and moved to Bedminster after 33 years in NYC.
Penny's father was the Republican State Senator from Monmouth County from 1952 thru 1973. Regarding politics, coming from a very Republican family, Penny had always been a registered Republican. However, she found herself voting more and more to the left, especially nationally. Perhaps living on the upper west side of Manhattan for all those years and seeing so many hardworking families getting the short end of the stick did it for her.
Penny remained a Republican thinking that possibly she could have some influence through primaries in keeping the Republican party moderate. That certainly didn't happen, so in 2015 with Donald Trump looming, Penny registered as a Democrat and joined the Bedminster Democrats whom she was introduced to by Ginny Fisher. As Penny often says " the Bedminster Democrats are the best, hardest working people I have ever been involved with. So many gains have been made in Bedminster because of this group of people."
Penny was born and raised in Monmouth County. She graduated from Bradford Junior College and moved to NYC with a job at the Reader's Digest Book Department. She then taught Nursery school at the Brick Church Nursery School where she also led a Brownie troop.
Married in 1969, Penny has 2 boys, Jed and Billy Nachman. While living in NY, Penny started a Decorating business. She eventually opened a wallpaper/fabric shop, Penny Annie, Ltd. in Fair Haven, NJ and reverse commuted from NY. She had the shop for 20 years and then went into custom decorating again as Penelope Stout Interiors.
While in NYC, Penny was involved in an organization called "The Door" which provided support for disadvantaged teenagers in NYC and the boroughs. This organization provided tutoring, job counseling, health care and many other services that are so needed for young people.
In 2000 Penny married Nick Strakhov and moved to Bedminster after 33 years in NYC.
Penny's father was the Republican State Senator from Monmouth County from 1952 thru 1973. Regarding politics, coming from a very Republican family, Penny had always been a registered Republican. However, she found herself voting more and more to the left, especially nationally. Perhaps living on the upper west side of Manhattan for all those years and seeing so many hardworking families getting the short end of the stick did it for her.
Penny remained a Republican thinking that possibly she could have some influence through primaries in keeping the Republican party moderate. That certainly didn't happen, so in 2015 with Donald Trump looming, Penny registered as a Democrat and joined the Bedminster Democrats whom she was introduced to by Ginny Fisher. As Penny often says " the Bedminster Democrats are the best, hardest working people I have ever been involved with. So many gains have been made in Bedminster because of this group of people."
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Bernards Township: Pat Sodolak
Pat was born in Washington D.C. a few years after WW2 ended. Her father became an FBI agent and her family moved frequently, finally settling in New Jersey. Pat attended a 'liberal' college, majored in Math, and minored in Music, marched against the Vietnam war, witnessed the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, and was devastated by the murders of John, Martin and Bobby. She had a 40-year career as a systems engineer and database administrator and spent the last 20 years at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in the Wall St. area. Aside from voting, she was not politically active during those 40 years but awoke in 2016 when she felt fear for the first time that the democracy she loved and had taken for granted could be lost. |
Pat Sodolak
Bernards Township |
In the last 5 years, Pat has phone banked and canvassed at the federal, state, county and local level, runs the grassroots group We The People NJ-07 and fundraised for Congressman Tom Malinowski. She is happy and finds reward in returning to concerns in Washington D.C. where her life began. She is a County Committee Person with the Bernards Township Democratic Committee (BTDC).
Pat’s work with the BTDC, Congressman Malinowski, and local campaigns has had an immense impact. She has engaged in conversations with people all over the state about why it is necessary to elect Democrats up and down the ticket. Also, she did all of this while battling cancer during the pandemic in 2020. Pat is one of the greatest!
Pat’s work with the BTDC, Congressman Malinowski, and local campaigns has had an immense impact. She has engaged in conversations with people all over the state about why it is necessary to elect Democrats up and down the ticket. Also, she did all of this while battling cancer during the pandemic in 2020. Pat is one of the greatest!
Christina Balas
Bernardsville |
Bernardsville: Christina Balas
Christina is currently a candidate for Bernardsville Borough Council. She is focused on learning about her hometown and what kind of community it is. This plays a large part of her community involvement. She joined Bernardsville Diversity and Inclusion Council (later committee), have helped break down barriers for Covid-19 vaccinations by moderating zoom meetings with experts for our town, and have been involved with efforts to get out the vote Her personal mantra is: “Assume Positive Intent” Over the past couple of years, the concept of “it takes a village” has taken on a whole new meaning for Christina. The COVID crisis showed her how much our community is intertwined, how we all need each other, and how we all have skills to benefit each other. |
She was able to manage a blossoming career, childcare for an at risk little one, working with the teachers, staff, and school to make sure her school-aged child was keeping up with her education all with the absolute support of my loving spouse.
During this hard time, she found helping her community by using the skill set developed throughout her professional life as the way to can give back and feel fulfilled while doing that. Her volunteerism in the community is rooted in a “get-it-done” attitude all while building relationship along the way.
Additionally, Christina comes from a family full of hard-working entrepreneurs, and she believe there is a way to make decisions that are conscious of lasting impacts. I
During this hard time, she found helping her community by using the skill set developed throughout her professional life as the way to can give back and feel fulfilled while doing that. Her volunteerism in the community is rooted in a “get-it-done” attitude all while building relationship along the way.
Additionally, Christina comes from a family full of hard-working entrepreneurs, and she believe there is a way to make decisions that are conscious of lasting impacts. I
Bonnie GrubeBound Brook
Bound Brook: Bonnie Grube
Bonnie Grube is the mother to a wonderful three year old boy who lights up her life. You can often find them at Codrington Park playing and smashing Spotted Lantern Flies, his newest obsession. She is a lifelong resident of Bound Brook and Graduate of BBHS.
Bonnie has her Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Memphis and her Bachelors of Science from Greensboro College. She is the Chair of the Bound Brook Cultural Arts Committee (BBCAC) and Acting Treasurer.
The BBCAC hosted the Arts stage and performers at Riverfest, and rented the Sculptures that are placed around town from the Seward Johns Atelier. The BBCAC is the winner of Somerset County’s 2021 Excellence in Arts Award. Through the BBCAC, she designed and assisted in the painting of the Planet Kindness mural at Lafayette School.
Bonnie is also the Historian for the Local Camp Middle Brook Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and over sees their essay, and fashion design contests. She works at the Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School doing Costumes and Props, as well as a Substitute Teacher for Bound Brook and the surrounding area. Bonnie also teaches a theater class to a local home schooling group and offers private tutoring to students of all ages in a diverse area of subjects.
Bonnie is an avid reader, enjoys playing the piano, singing, and believes that through kindness and love all things are possible.
Bonnie Grube is the mother to a wonderful three year old boy who lights up her life. You can often find them at Codrington Park playing and smashing Spotted Lantern Flies, his newest obsession. She is a lifelong resident of Bound Brook and Graduate of BBHS.
Bonnie has her Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Memphis and her Bachelors of Science from Greensboro College. She is the Chair of the Bound Brook Cultural Arts Committee (BBCAC) and Acting Treasurer.
The BBCAC hosted the Arts stage and performers at Riverfest, and rented the Sculptures that are placed around town from the Seward Johns Atelier. The BBCAC is the winner of Somerset County’s 2021 Excellence in Arts Award. Through the BBCAC, she designed and assisted in the painting of the Planet Kindness mural at Lafayette School.
Bonnie is also the Historian for the Local Camp Middle Brook Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and over sees their essay, and fashion design contests. She works at the Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School doing Costumes and Props, as well as a Substitute Teacher for Bound Brook and the surrounding area. Bonnie also teaches a theater class to a local home schooling group and offers private tutoring to students of all ages in a diverse area of subjects.
Bonnie is an avid reader, enjoys playing the piano, singing, and believes that through kindness and love all things are possible.
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Bridgewater: Wen-Ling Hsu
Wen-Ling Hsu was born in Hualien, Taiwan and has lived in the United States for 40 years. She and her husband, Guy Jacobson, moved to Bridgewater NJ in1992, where they raised three daughters. United States is her chosen country—she became a naturalized citizen of the United States after Al Gore lost the presidential election in 2000. She realized that every vote counts, and that it’s every citizen’s responsibility to elect intelligent, capable public servants with integrity. A member of the Bridgewater Democratic Committee, Wen-Ling has been active in politics from that time, working to support Democratic candidates in local, state, and national elections. |
Wen-Ling Hsu
Bridgewater |
She has participated in phone banking and knocked on many doors, canvassing in swing districts both here and in Pennsylvania. She has hosted virtual and in-person back-yard fundraising parties for local and national candidates and contributes widely to democratic candidates in competitive districts nationwide.
During the unfortunate incidents involving anti-Asian hatred earlier this year, Wen-Ling was a strong advocate for calling attention to the problem and for understanding among people, and was a featured speaker at the Stop Asian Hate rally at the Bridgewater Municipal Building in April, where she spoke eloquently and forcefully of her own experiences.
Wen-Ling received her PhD in Information Systems from Purdue University, and her BS in Computer Engineering from National Chiao-Tung University in Taiwan. Currently she works as a Lead Inventive Scientist in Data Science and AI Research at AT&T’s Chief Data Office. Prior to joining AT&T Labs, she was an Assistant Professor of Information Systems at Carnegie Mellon University, a Principal Research Scientist in Distributed AI and Machine Learning at Siemens Corporate Research, and an Adjunct Professor in the school of IEOR at Columbia University.
Wen-Ling enjoys hiking, biking, gardening, board games, and raising chickens, bees and everything about coffee.
During the unfortunate incidents involving anti-Asian hatred earlier this year, Wen-Ling was a strong advocate for calling attention to the problem and for understanding among people, and was a featured speaker at the Stop Asian Hate rally at the Bridgewater Municipal Building in April, where she spoke eloquently and forcefully of her own experiences.
Wen-Ling received her PhD in Information Systems from Purdue University, and her BS in Computer Engineering from National Chiao-Tung University in Taiwan. Currently she works as a Lead Inventive Scientist in Data Science and AI Research at AT&T’s Chief Data Office. Prior to joining AT&T Labs, she was an Assistant Professor of Information Systems at Carnegie Mellon University, a Principal Research Scientist in Distributed AI and Machine Learning at Siemens Corporate Research, and an Adjunct Professor in the school of IEOR at Columbia University.
Wen-Ling enjoys hiking, biking, gardening, board games, and raising chickens, bees and everything about coffee.
Kimberly Francois
Franklin |
Franklin: Kimberly Francois
Kimberly has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Harvard University, a Master of Science in Project Management from George Washington University, and Lean Six Sigma and Green Belt Certifications. Francois is an Information Technology (IT) Executive in the Health Care Industry working in New York City. She is a Mother, Godmother, Auntie, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. She currently serves as an At-Large Councilwoman in Franklin Township and is a former two term Mayor and three term Deputy Mayor. Councilwoman Francois has been an elected official for eighteen years. Prior to elected leadership, she has been involved in many volunteer activities. She started out her long Volunteerism journey as the Vice Chair of the New Brunswick Area Branch NAACP while she also Chaired the Legal Redress Committee. She then became involved at the NAACP State Level and she Chaired the NAACP State Criminal Justice Committee. That led her to become the Chair of the Community Concerns Committee at First Baptist Church which provided Free Legal Counseling and Education and Social Services Programs for Church Members. |
Kimberly became Mayor in 1996, where spearheaded the construction of the Senior Community Center. As Councilwoman, Kimberly is the Founder and Leader of the Franklin Youth Initiative (FYI). She spearheaded the FYI program in 2007 to prevent Gang violence in Franklin Township. The Franklin Youth Initiative has provided many Youth programs for the past fifteen years such as Career Fairs, Job Readiness Training, Life Skills Workshops, and the establishment of the FYI Police Youth Academy. Kimberly also established the FYI Teen Drop In Center at the Franklin Middle School which was the home of the Boys Council and Girls Circle Youth Mentoring Groups. Since FYI outgrew the Teen Drop In Center, she went further and spearheaded the construction of the Franklin Youth Center which is planned to open in 4th Quarter 2021.
Kimberly is also the Chair of the Franklin Township Redevelopment Agency, which is responsible for assisting the Township in providing Affordable Housing and Economic Revitalization. She is on the Sisters2Sisters Professional Advisory Board which helps women with Breast Cancer, a Board Member of the Somerset County Action Program (SCAP) which provides subsidized affordable Child Care and a myriad of Community Action Programs such as Rental and Utility Assistance, Workforce Development, and the PSE&G Jobs Program.
Included in her many accomplishments, she is particularly proud of her work to build the Senior Community Center, establishing the Franklin Youth Initiative and the Teen Recreation Program, providing Affordable Housing and Affordable Child Care, and spearheading the building of the Franklin Youth Center.
Kimberly is also the Chair of the Franklin Township Redevelopment Agency, which is responsible for assisting the Township in providing Affordable Housing and Economic Revitalization. She is on the Sisters2Sisters Professional Advisory Board which helps women with Breast Cancer, a Board Member of the Somerset County Action Program (SCAP) which provides subsidized affordable Child Care and a myriad of Community Action Programs such as Rental and Utility Assistance, Workforce Development, and the PSE&G Jobs Program.
Included in her many accomplishments, she is particularly proud of her work to build the Senior Community Center, establishing the Franklin Youth Initiative and the Teen Recreation Program, providing Affordable Housing and Affordable Child Care, and spearheading the building of the Franklin Youth Center.
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Green Brook: Jennifer Dawson
Jen has been an advocate for the Green Brook community for years, working in the Green Brook schools, volunteering on the PTO and ran their Sunshine Committee for a number of years, Youth Services, Recreation and Girl Scouts, Troop 44. Just to show you how deeply supportive Jen is of her community, when Green Brook reported having mold in their school, she showed up as a volunteer to assist with the mountain of students being placed in the gymnasium and helped maintain calm and relive teachers for a break. Another example of Jen's enthusiasm for her community is when she noticed the opportunity to help the students attending Recreation that were going to Kindergarten in the Fall. She started a Story-time for those students who would meet in a group, and she would read to them. For many this was their first time in a larger group setting. It helped them transition to a school setting. |
Jen Dawson
Green Brook |
She is a member of the National Audubon Society, the Arbor Day Foundation, and a supporter of the Trevor Project.
When the Green Brook Democrats sought candidates for township committee in 2021, Jen was the ideal choice for her work ethic, Democratic values, connection to the community and her passion to help others. In her typical manner, she jumped in wholeheartedly and is working daily in pursuit of a win for herself, but most importantly, to uplift the Township.
Jen's hobbies include writing, hiking, swimming, gardening, and reading
When the Green Brook Democrats sought candidates for township committee in 2021, Jen was the ideal choice for her work ethic, Democratic values, connection to the community and her passion to help others. In her typical manner, she jumped in wholeheartedly and is working daily in pursuit of a win for herself, but most importantly, to uplift the Township.
Jen's hobbies include writing, hiking, swimming, gardening, and reading
Joan Lewinski
Hillsborough |
Hillsborough: Joan Lewinski
Although she is originally from Massachusetts (and a Red Sox fan - just like Phil Murphy) don’t ever say that Joan is not a Jersey Girl (she’s talking to you Jack!!). For 48 years, Joan has called Jersey home and as a resident of Hillsborough they are lucky to have her. Joan has a BS from the University of Massachusetts and her Masters degree from Kean University in Special Education. She even served in the Peace Corps from 1970 - 1973 in Jamaica, West Indies Joan has worked for the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities for 37 years as a Special Ed teacher at the Woodbridge Developmental Center; as a Program Developer, working with Non-Profit organizations to develop group homes in various parts of the state and as a case manager during the closure of the North Princeton Developmental Center. |
She has been a member of the Somerset County CERT team since 2012, and a non-medical volunteer with the Somerset Medical Reserve Corps. Joan is an active member of the Hillsborough Seniors, Chapter A
In 2016, Joan joined the Hillsborough Democrats and has not stopped supporting them since. She is one of the hardest working volunteers and supporters. Joan is also a district chair.
The Hillsborough Democrats are proud to recognize Joan for everything she does.
In 2016, Joan joined the Hillsborough Democrats and has not stopped supporting them since. She is one of the hardest working volunteers and supporters. Joan is also a district chair.
The Hillsborough Democrats are proud to recognize Joan for everything she does.
Patricia Zamorski
Manville |
Manville: Patricia Zamorski
Patricia Zamorski is a lifelong resident of Manville who has spent much of her life in service to others. Whether it was volunteering at the Annual Summer Festival, attending community events, or helping residents as a Councilwoman, Pattie has always been someone you could count on. Pattie spent 28 Years in Service for the Borough of Manville. She held positions in Finance, Human Resources, was a Deputy Municipal Clerk and a Registered Municipal Clerk. After she retired, she began to volunteer with the Manville Democrats and in 2018 was elected as a first term councilwoman. |
Over the last few years, Pattie has been the ultimate volunteer. Whether it was making calls, helping to fundraise, write letters or canvass, Pattie is always the first one to raise her hand to help. Earlier this year, Pattie was unanimously elected Chairwoman of the Manville Democratic Club. She stepped in when others stepped away and she is committed to building up our committee and the Manville Democratic Party as a whole.
Never one to seek the limelight, Pattie has worked behind the scenes quietly without fanfare. She is an inspiration and motivates us all to do better. We are so proud to call her our leader and we are honored to be her friend.
Never one to seek the limelight, Pattie has worked behind the scenes quietly without fanfare. She is an inspiration and motivates us all to do better. We are so proud to call her our leader and we are honored to be her friend.
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Montgomery: Devra Keenan
The Montgomery Democrats are proud to nominate Mayor Devra Keenan for the Eleanor Roosevelt Volunteer Service Award. Devra Keenan’s love for the environment and passion to build a better government led her to volunteer for many causes within Montgomery Township, where she has resided since 1996. Her high standards and determination to make a positive impact resulted in her election to the Montgomery Township Committee in 2019. As a testament to her professionalism and judgement, her peers elected her as Mayor in only her second year on the Committee. While serving in these positions she has worked selflessly and tirelessly to assist Democrats to be elected to other offices. |
Devra Keenan
Montgomery |
Devra holds a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology from Brandeis University. She followed a very successful career in Human Resources at New York Life with the founding of her own company, High Impact Advisors, LLC. She provides consulting and executive coaching services to a wide variety of professionals.
Devra embodies the characteristics of Eleanor Roosevelt in that she is strong, smart, compassionate, and filled with moral certitude.
Devra embodies the characteristics of Eleanor Roosevelt in that she is strong, smart, compassionate, and filled with moral certitude.
Nyja Canada
North Plainfield |
North Plainfield: Nyja Canada
When she is not working her day jobs as a small business owner, Nyja can be found front and center working hard for the North Plainfield Democrats. Whether it is managing their social media and web page or helping to create and distribute campaign literature, you can be rest assured Nyja is working to support the North Plainfield Democrats. When she is not supporting the democrats, she is busy working in her community. She is currently the vice-president of the North Plainfield Athletic Parent Organization (NAAPO) where she promotes parental/guardian participation, secures fundraising and sponsorships and helps create everything needed to help the NPAPO be successful. Previously, Nyja was PTO President of the Somerset Intermediate School and was a member of the North Plainfield Equity Steering Committee, where she worked to formulate a plan, inclusive of goals and actionable steps that would, ultimately, realize our vision for an equitable and inclusive community. |
For this and for all she continues to do to support the North Plainfield Democrats, we respectfully nominate Nyja Canada as our recipient for the Eleanor Roosevelt Volunteer Service Award.
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Raritan: Dr. Emily Bengles
Dr. Bengels is a teacher and a tireless volunteer. As a teacher she has organized “World Fairs” that facilitated diversity conversations with kids and teens. Her volunteer work is not just constrained to our borders. Dr. Bengels has worked across Central and South America fighting for immigration rights and helping asylum seekers. That is just the beginning of how Emily works to improve her community. She just completed her Ph.D. in Holocaust Studies. She is heavily involved in community theater and believes it is her duty to spread the arts. Emily helped attempt to start a diversity committee in Raritan Borough and although it did not pass, we are working towards making it a reality next year. Our borough has had a demographic shift over the past decade. Dr. Bengel’s idea of a diversity committee in town will help celebrate our diversity here in Raritan. Going back to the days of Ellis Island Raritan Borough has always been an immigrant community and 100 years later that is still the case. |
Dr. Emily Bengles
Raritan |
Emily honors that tradition, by advocating for immigration rights and starting what she likes to call "impossible conversations" because she knows that at the other end of these tough conversations is true understanding.
Her work towards starting our diversity committee will benefit our borough in the years to come. Every year, despite her busy schedule she finds time to support our local candidates. Dr. Bengels is our head supporter on Facebook and social media. She was the first to share our posts and publicly support the Raritan Democrats when no one knew who we were, this year because of the support of Democrats like Dr. Emily Bengels the Raritan Democrats are up for taking control of Raritan Borough Council.
The Raritan Democrats are proud to nominate Dr. Bengels to be recognized.
Her work towards starting our diversity committee will benefit our borough in the years to come. Every year, despite her busy schedule she finds time to support our local candidates. Dr. Bengels is our head supporter on Facebook and social media. She was the first to share our posts and publicly support the Raritan Democrats when no one knew who we were, this year because of the support of Democrats like Dr. Emily Bengels the Raritan Democrats are up for taking control of Raritan Borough Council.
The Raritan Democrats are proud to nominate Dr. Bengels to be recognized.
Margaret Weinberger
Somerville |
Somerville: Margaret Weinberger
Margaret grew up on Long Island in Uniondale with two brothers and two sisters. She was a Girl Scout until the age of 18, where she learned and honed her public service skills and became a lifelong Democrat, by becoming involved in the political process before she could vote, passing out literature for Eugene McCarthy for the 1968 Democratic primary. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education from State University College of NY at Buffalo and a master’s degree in Educational Technology from Long Island University, NY. Margaret worked for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of AZ as a computer programmer during the 1980’s and later as an educator teaching or supervising educational technology in school districts in NY and NJ before semi-retiring. |
She is currently married, with two married stepsons and 2 grandchildren. She is a former Councilwoman, longtime committeewoman and longtime volunteer.
Margaret held public office as a replacement for a Somerville councilwoman who passed away while in office, served on the Jessamine Smith Henderson Scholarship Board, and has created various fundraising and social activities. She is also an original member of S.A.F.E. (Somerville Alliance for Food Education), the Somerville Farmer’s Market Committee.
She was President of the Somerset County Federation of Democratic Women from 2013-2020 and is currently the First Vice President of the New Jersey Federation of Democratic Women.
Margaret believes we are all connected in this temporary existence where we must do everything we can to leave the world a better place for future generations.
Margaret held public office as a replacement for a Somerville councilwoman who passed away while in office, served on the Jessamine Smith Henderson Scholarship Board, and has created various fundraising and social activities. She is also an original member of S.A.F.E. (Somerville Alliance for Food Education), the Somerville Farmer’s Market Committee.
She was President of the Somerset County Federation of Democratic Women from 2013-2020 and is currently the First Vice President of the New Jersey Federation of Democratic Women.
Margaret believes we are all connected in this temporary existence where we must do everything we can to leave the world a better place for future generations.
Marie ScannellSouth Bound Brook
South Bound Brook: Marie Scannell
Marie is no stranger to hard work. As the Executive Director of the Food Bank Network of Somerset County, she is always working hard on behalf of others.
Marie is committed to making sure residents of Somerset County are well fed and she always says she never wants a family to be hungry. She is always front and center to support her community.
That same passion is what Marie has for the South Bound Brook Democrats. As chair, Marie is a mentor and a friend. She has worked to maintain South Bound Brook as a democratic stronghold and every election she mentors her candidates to success.
Marie is the person who will give you the shirt off her back. She is a beautiful person inside and out. The South Bound Brook Democrats want to recognize Marie for everything she has done and everything she continues to do. We are so proud of Marie and we are so thankful for her leadership and friendship.
Marie is no stranger to hard work. As the Executive Director of the Food Bank Network of Somerset County, she is always working hard on behalf of others.
Marie is committed to making sure residents of Somerset County are well fed and she always says she never wants a family to be hungry. She is always front and center to support her community.
That same passion is what Marie has for the South Bound Brook Democrats. As chair, Marie is a mentor and a friend. She has worked to maintain South Bound Brook as a democratic stronghold and every election she mentors her candidates to success.
Marie is the person who will give you the shirt off her back. She is a beautiful person inside and out. The South Bound Brook Democrats want to recognize Marie for everything she has done and everything she continues to do. We are so proud of Marie and we are so thankful for her leadership and friendship.
Patti O'Byrne
Warren |
Warren: Patti O'Byrne
Patti O’Byrne plays a lot of roles - Warren Twp. Democratic Committee Chairwoman since 2018; Somerset County Chairwoman; Tom Malinowski Steering Committee; and Commissioner on Somerset County Commission on Status of Women. Patti O’Byrne’s work ethic, energy level and determination have reenergized the Warren Twp Democratic Committee. Her organizational skills and willingness to accept new challenges allow the group to recruit vibrant female candidates for town committee office. This year’s campaign team consists almost entirely of female candidates, managers and support personnel. Patti is a visionary, always looking to the next election and anticipating challenges. She is strategic and decisive in her planning, and yet gracious and genuine in her appreciation of those who support the committee’s goals. She generously shares her knowledge and expertise with newcomers and makes all feel welcome. |
Behind the scenes, Patti treats her volunteer position with the intensity of a full-time job. When not at her desk, she is out socializing in search of the next possible committee member, fundraiser host or potential candidate, and she loves doing it! Patti makes hard look like fun.
With her genuine warmth and great sense of humor who wouldn’t want to follow her to change a deep-rooted red town to blue in any local election!
With her genuine warmth and great sense of humor who wouldn’t want to follow her to change a deep-rooted red town to blue in any local election!
Daryl Eisenberg KnegtenWatchung
Watchung: Daryl Eisenberg Knegten
When Daryl Eisenberg Knegten observed the tide of political discourse that became excruciatingly evident in 2016, she knew she had to do something. When her local town council, the borough where she had lived from childhood, voted to close the local library, it was emblematic of a destructive direction for the town where she had also chosen to return and raise her own family. She gave birth to her youngest son on the day she filed to run for the Watchung Borough Council in 2018. She proudly became a mother of three and a Democratic council candidate on the same day. A Democratic candidate was a novelty in Watchung: The town had had nothing but Republican council members for some fifty years. When she won her seat on the council in November of 2018, she was a game changer. She was the first female Democrat ever elected, along with her running mate, and, at the time, the youngest council member ever elected.
Daryl is totally immersed in life in Watchung, with a long track record of local volunteerism. While running her campaign in 2018, she learned a lot about local campaigning, and set up protocols to follow for the next set of Democratic candidates in her town. She remains a constant active local Democratic party organizer.
When Daryl Eisenberg Knegten observed the tide of political discourse that became excruciatingly evident in 2016, she knew she had to do something. When her local town council, the borough where she had lived from childhood, voted to close the local library, it was emblematic of a destructive direction for the town where she had also chosen to return and raise her own family. She gave birth to her youngest son on the day she filed to run for the Watchung Borough Council in 2018. She proudly became a mother of three and a Democratic council candidate on the same day. A Democratic candidate was a novelty in Watchung: The town had had nothing but Republican council members for some fifty years. When she won her seat on the council in November of 2018, she was a game changer. She was the first female Democrat ever elected, along with her running mate, and, at the time, the youngest council member ever elected.
Daryl is totally immersed in life in Watchung, with a long track record of local volunteerism. While running her campaign in 2018, she learned a lot about local campaigning, and set up protocols to follow for the next set of Democratic candidates in her town. She remains a constant active local Democratic party organizer.
When the PTO was in need of a president, she stepped up and agreed to head the organization. When COVID meant the PTO’s usual lunchtime fundraisers had to be put on hold, she organized Food Truck Fridays, a fundraiser that reached out to the entire town--a welcome and safe outdoor gathering point in a time of pandemic. This weekly community event continues to this day. She led local efforts to support Watchung for Biden, including organizing virtual phone banking.
She and her husband Paul are raising two sons, Calvin (6) and Judah (3), and Daryl’s cousin Calee (15) as part of the family. It was with Calee, a young black woman being raised in a white household, that Daryl helped organize BLM rallies in Watchung following the murder of George Floyd. Daryl staffed the phone helpline for local volunteers during the pandemic, an essential resource available to residents who were isolated and distressed. Also during the pandemic she organized community events that could take place within health restrictions: Easter bunny visits to families, front porch photos (where a local photographer took family pictures in front of homes). When supply chains disrupted supermarket supplies, she ran a chicken fundraiser that matched restaurant suppliers with the public, and also donated funds to a local food bank.
Daryl also established the Watchung Chamber of Commerce this year, to support small and large businesses and business owners in Watchung. A small business owner herself, Daryl is managing partner at Eisenberg/Beans Casting, an Artios-nominated full-service casting office for Broadway, theater, film, television, and commercial industries. She holds a BFA from New York University, Tisch School of the Arts.
She and her husband Paul are raising two sons, Calvin (6) and Judah (3), and Daryl’s cousin Calee (15) as part of the family. It was with Calee, a young black woman being raised in a white household, that Daryl helped organize BLM rallies in Watchung following the murder of George Floyd. Daryl staffed the phone helpline for local volunteers during the pandemic, an essential resource available to residents who were isolated and distressed. Also during the pandemic she organized community events that could take place within health restrictions: Easter bunny visits to families, front porch photos (where a local photographer took family pictures in front of homes). When supply chains disrupted supermarket supplies, she ran a chicken fundraiser that matched restaurant suppliers with the public, and also donated funds to a local food bank.
Daryl also established the Watchung Chamber of Commerce this year, to support small and large businesses and business owners in Watchung. A small business owner herself, Daryl is managing partner at Eisenberg/Beans Casting, an Artios-nominated full-service casting office for Broadway, theater, film, television, and commercial industries. She holds a BFA from New York University, Tisch School of the Arts.
