CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2022 HONOREES
Jane ConklinBernards Township
Bernards Township: Jane Conklin
Jane Conklin has lived in Basking Ridge since 2005. She also works as an educator for the Bernards Township school system. Jane has served on the Bernards Township Democratic Committee as Secretary and has been involved with township and Congressional campaigns since 2016.
She has served on Bernards Township Environmental Commission and the local Diversity Council, which she fought tirelessly to keep in its original mission despite efforts to undermine it.
We enthusiastically recommend Jane to receive this award
Jane Conklin has lived in Basking Ridge since 2005. She also works as an educator for the Bernards Township school system. Jane has served on the Bernards Township Democratic Committee as Secretary and has been involved with township and Congressional campaigns since 2016.
She has served on Bernards Township Environmental Commission and the local Diversity Council, which she fought tirelessly to keep in its original mission despite efforts to undermine it.
We enthusiastically recommend Jane to receive this award
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Bernards Township: Sara Nichols
Sara Nichols, who has lived in Basking Ridge for ten years, is a career filmmaker, producer, and director who has worked in documentary films, television, music, and activism. She serves as the BTDC's media chair, handles the website and social media for both the community and local campaigns, and is campaign manager this year. Both Sara's inexhaustible commitment to Democratic candidates and causes and her professional work to highlight women's and children's issues make Sara a deserving candidate for this award. |
Sara Nichols
Bernards Township |
Kerry Hazelton
Bernardsville |
Bernardsville: Kerry Haselton
Bernardsville is pleased to nominate Kerry Haselton for the SCFDW 2022 Eleanor Roosevelt award. While Eleanor Roosevelt is most well-known for her activities with respect to human rights, she has another less well-known, but no less important interest: environmental conservation. Her activities predated the current environmental movement, and were couched in terms common from the 1930’s to the early 1960’s. She advocated for schools to educate children in the value of natural resources, the need to preserve wildlife and how soil erosion and wasteful use of water could cause the deterioration of the entire continent. She encouraged the reforestation of logged-over lands and supported an early United Nations program: The International Union for the Protection of nature. |
She opposed efforts by Western cattle interests to abolish national monuments and open national parks to private grazing, an issue that remains alive today. Eleanor Roosevelt said “Personally, I believe conservation of all natural resources is somewhat like foreign policy. It cuts across party lines; it is of interest to the people as a whole regardless of politics.”
Kerry is an activist who embodies this principle. A member of the Raritan Headwaters Associate Board of Directors , the Somerset County Open Space Advisory Committee and a longtime member of the Bernardsville Environmental Commission, Kerry firmly believes in the importance of protecting water quality and preserving land to benefit all. She supports the creation of greenways connecting natural areas and parks. She is a member of the Mayor’s Trail Committee and is an avid hiker, cyclist and birdwatcher. She formed and led a coalition of residents that successfully lobbied the NJ Department of Transportation to reduce the size of a replacement bridge on Route 202 and to cover it with native stone. Most recently, she spearheaded the creation of the Class of 2020 Garden a native species landscape.
Bernardsville is proud to nominate Kerry Haselton for the 2022 SCFDW Eleanor Roosevelt award.
Kerry is an activist who embodies this principle. A member of the Raritan Headwaters Associate Board of Directors , the Somerset County Open Space Advisory Committee and a longtime member of the Bernardsville Environmental Commission, Kerry firmly believes in the importance of protecting water quality and preserving land to benefit all. She supports the creation of greenways connecting natural areas and parks. She is a member of the Mayor’s Trail Committee and is an avid hiker, cyclist and birdwatcher. She formed and led a coalition of residents that successfully lobbied the NJ Department of Transportation to reduce the size of a replacement bridge on Route 202 and to cover it with native stone. Most recently, she spearheaded the creation of the Class of 2020 Garden a native species landscape.
Bernardsville is proud to nominate Kerry Haselton for the 2022 SCFDW Eleanor Roosevelt award.
Marla LecinBound Brook
Bound Brook: Marla Lecin
Marla Lecin and her husband Matthew are lifelong residents of New Jersey and have lived in Bound Brook since 1986. They have one son, Sam, a recent graduate of Rutgers University. Marla and Matt are active members and officers of Congregation Knesseth Israel in Bound Brook.
Marla, also a graduate of Rutgers University, worked as a Computer Software engineer, and in 1996 started freelancing as a website designer. In 2009-2010, she worked with the Somerset County Democratic Committee to redesign their website.
Marla registered with the Democratic party in 2008, in order to vote in the presidential primary runoff between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. That fall, she volunteered to work on the phone banks, encouraging Democrats to vote in that historic election.
Marla has been a member of the Bound Brook Democratic committee for about 10 years, helping with get-out-the vote phone banking and mailing campaigns. She looks forward to continuing with volunteer work to support our local candidates, and to help members of our community be more engaged and informed about our town.
Marla Lecin and her husband Matthew are lifelong residents of New Jersey and have lived in Bound Brook since 1986. They have one son, Sam, a recent graduate of Rutgers University. Marla and Matt are active members and officers of Congregation Knesseth Israel in Bound Brook.
Marla, also a graduate of Rutgers University, worked as a Computer Software engineer, and in 1996 started freelancing as a website designer. In 2009-2010, she worked with the Somerset County Democratic Committee to redesign their website.
Marla registered with the Democratic party in 2008, in order to vote in the presidential primary runoff between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. That fall, she volunteered to work on the phone banks, encouraging Democrats to vote in that historic election.
Marla has been a member of the Bound Brook Democratic committee for about 10 years, helping with get-out-the vote phone banking and mailing campaigns. She looks forward to continuing with volunteer work to support our local candidates, and to help members of our community be more engaged and informed about our town.
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Bridgewater: Jill Gladstone
Public service and advocacy comes naturally to Jill, a 27 year resident of Bridgewater where she and her husband, Cliff, raised their three boys. This December she will be wrapping up nearly 16 years as a member of the Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education. Her Board peers entrusted her with leadership positions as they elected her to serve as Board President for 3 years and Vice-President for 4 years. She has never been afraid to speak her mind and ask tough questions because oversight and accountability to all constituents has been the driving force behind her work. Jill’s interest in education advocacy went beyond the school board. In 2009 she co-founded a group that challenged the NJ Department of Education’s practices of developing core curriculum content standards. After numerous trips to Trenton to provide public testimony she was instrumental in getting a bill written that would improve transparency and demand disclosures of conflicts of interest of standards-writing committee participants. |
Jill Gladstone
Bridgewater |
In the fall of 2020, Jill spent hours and hours phone banking for President Joe Biden in the Battleground States and Congressman Tom Malinowski in CD-07, after which she was inspired to bring her experience in public service to her local government. Jill ran for Bridgewater Township Council in 2021, along with Jennifer Feigley and Saad Toor, to challenge the incumbent Republicans and bring to light that the current municipal officials were not representing the diverse perspectives of all community members.
During the campaign, Jill’s advocacy for Bridgewater residents was demonstrated by her tireless efforts to assist flood victims after Hurricane Ida. Her energy, enthusiasm, and door-knocking efforts throughout the campaign season were boundless and inspiring! The word on the street was that the opponents were running scared, and ultimately won by a historically close margin, but Jill felt incredibly proud to have participated in the race and appreciative of all who helped and supported her campaign.
Jill was recently elected as a Bridgewater Democratic County Committee Member and has been organizing volunteer efforts to support and promote the Democratic candidates on the November 8th ballot. Jill has stepped up to provide support and inspiration helping Chairman Howard Teichman since his recent medical emergency. She is also a volunteer chef for Lasagna Love, a global nonprofit that provides freshly prepared meals to families struggling with food insecurity or other issues. Jill has shown throughout her experiences in public service that she is a devoted advocate for those within and beyond the borders of Bridgewater.
During the campaign, Jill’s advocacy for Bridgewater residents was demonstrated by her tireless efforts to assist flood victims after Hurricane Ida. Her energy, enthusiasm, and door-knocking efforts throughout the campaign season were boundless and inspiring! The word on the street was that the opponents were running scared, and ultimately won by a historically close margin, but Jill felt incredibly proud to have participated in the race and appreciative of all who helped and supported her campaign.
Jill was recently elected as a Bridgewater Democratic County Committee Member and has been organizing volunteer efforts to support and promote the Democratic candidates on the November 8th ballot. Jill has stepped up to provide support and inspiration helping Chairman Howard Teichman since his recent medical emergency. She is also a volunteer chef for Lasagna Love, a global nonprofit that provides freshly prepared meals to families struggling with food insecurity or other issues. Jill has shown throughout her experiences in public service that she is a devoted advocate for those within and beyond the borders of Bridgewater.
Bernadetter Maher
Franklin |
Franklin: Bernadette Maher
Bernadette has resided in Franklin Township for over 34 years and has raised her family here. She is a graduate of Rutgers University. Her professional background has been in the NYC non-profit sector at a multi service community- based organization. In addition to membership in the JFK Club, she was also a member of the steering committee of the Franklin Township Task force to Stop NESE (Northeast Supply Enhancement Project) and Compressor Station 206 and several other organizations that espouse her goals of environmental and social justice. Bernadette has served as the Recording Secretary for the JFK Club since 2020 and is pleased to have been elected for another term. Ms. Maher is also a member of the Sierra Club, the Central Jersey Environmental Defenders, the League of Conservation Voters, Food and Water Watch, and Fair and Welcoming Coalition of Somerset County. |
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Franklin: Zainab Sisay
Zainab F. Sisay has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Howard University and a Master of Business Administration from Rutgers University. She is a Senior Marketing Specialist of Competitive Intelligence and Analyst Relations with a public technology company that provides revenue management solutions to life sciences and high-tech companies. She is also a mother and best friend to her beautiful and intelligent daughter Zaria, a junior student at Syracuse University. Zainab worked as a legislative Intern for Senator Carol Moseley Braun, the first African American woman to serve in the Senate. She also worked for Kenneth E. Reeves, the first openly gay-African American man to be elected as Mayor in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and to serve as mayor of any city in the United States. |
Zainab Sisay
Franklin |
Zainab re-engaged in politics when she and her daughter joined the Somerset County Democratic Committee Black Caucus as members in 2018. Since then, she has been an active and avid supporter of Democrats in the local, state, and national elections by participating in phone banking, canvassing, GOTV initiatives, and fundraising activities throughout the county.
Zainab is currently the Chair of the SCDC Black Caucus, where she, along with the executive board, advocates promoting an open and positive dialogue amongst the Black community, the business community, and the Democratic Party.
Zainab is currently the Chair of the SCDC Black Caucus, where she, along with the executive board, advocates promoting an open and positive dialogue amongst the Black community, the business community, and the Democratic Party.
Amy Levine
Hillsborough |
Hillsborough: Amy Levine
Amy Levine is a lifelong Democrat who has been involved with the party for over 20 years since moving to Hillsborough. In 2016 Amy stepped up to be appointed as a DC for a vacant seat and has been an active member of the Hillsborough Democratic Organization and all clubs. Amy is one of those volunteers that does whatever is needed, supporting Democratic candidates up and down the ticket. Be it donating, walking with candidates, co-hosting events, vote by mail efforts, GOTV, poll challenger, or as she is currently, serving as the HDO liaison to the Malinowski campaign, Amy Levine gets the work accomplished with a smile and quiet determination that inspires others. Amazingly she does all this while being the founder and former Executive Director/Clinical Director for a palliative care non-profit The Doula Program to Accompany and Comfort Inc, is an accomplished author, and holds lectures and workshops including internationally. Hillsborough, Somerset County, New Jersey, the entire United States is better off for the work that Amy Levine does in all areas of her life. |
Jessica Nichols
Manville |
Manville: Jessica Nichols
The Manville Democrats are honored to nominate Jessica Nichols for the Eleanor Roosevelt Volunteer Service Award. When you look up volunteer in the dictionary, you are bound to see a photo of Jessica in the definition. She is the epitome of self-less. A dedicated mom, Jessica is active in her daughter’s school serving as a volunteer, Read Across America participant, girl scout volunteer and she is a former treasurer of the Roosevelt PTA. Jessica is most known and recognized for starting the Manville Relief Center. When Hurricane Ida devastated Manville last year, Jessica realized those who were most effected were of lower income or had language barriers that prevented them from getting the help they needed. She was one of the first in town to make sure social media communications were posted and shared in Spanish, a practice that the town is now beginning to embrace. |
Jessica quickly worked to get food and supplies to those with the most critical needs. Securing a place, and with the help of volunteers the center opened on Main Street and served a community desperate for help. Eventually the Center moved to the library and Jessica’s car was a permanent fixture in the parking lot where she continued to help those who lost everything.
Jessica is also administrator for the “Free Things for Manville Flood Victims” Facebook group. The group has almost 3,000 members and has been instrumental in helping those impacted by Ida rebuild what they lost. The group serves to match those needing critical items with members of the community who are willing to donate.
The work post Ida exposed the deep food insecurity happening in our community, pushing Jessica to word harder at finding a more
permanent solution. Even today, Jessica can be found with a car full of food and supplies in the library parking lot helping fellow residents.
As a member of the Manville Democrats, Jessica has helped spearhead a food drive and school supply drive which helped dozens of Manville families prepare for the new school year. Thanks to her connections, we were able to donate $750 worth of supplies to the four Manville schools and their teachers.
Never one to seek the limelight, Jessica prefers to work behind the scenes. When out canvassing, it is not unusual for her to take phone numbers of residents who might need assistance. She never fails to ask those she meets “what do you need”.
Jessica embodies the spirit of Eleanor Roosevelt , she is a role model for her daughter and she is a pillar in her community. For these
reasons, Manville is proud to nominate Jessica Nichols for the Eleanor Roosevelt Volunteer Service award.
Jessica is also administrator for the “Free Things for Manville Flood Victims” Facebook group. The group has almost 3,000 members and has been instrumental in helping those impacted by Ida rebuild what they lost. The group serves to match those needing critical items with members of the community who are willing to donate.
The work post Ida exposed the deep food insecurity happening in our community, pushing Jessica to word harder at finding a more
permanent solution. Even today, Jessica can be found with a car full of food and supplies in the library parking lot helping fellow residents.
As a member of the Manville Democrats, Jessica has helped spearhead a food drive and school supply drive which helped dozens of Manville families prepare for the new school year. Thanks to her connections, we were able to donate $750 worth of supplies to the four Manville schools and their teachers.
Never one to seek the limelight, Jessica prefers to work behind the scenes. When out canvassing, it is not unusual for her to take phone numbers of residents who might need assistance. She never fails to ask those she meets “what do you need”.
Jessica embodies the spirit of Eleanor Roosevelt , she is a role model for her daughter and she is a pillar in her community. For these
reasons, Manville is proud to nominate Jessica Nichols for the Eleanor Roosevelt Volunteer Service award.
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Montgomery: Marilyn Blazovsky
The Montgomery Democratic Organization is proud to nominate Marilyn T. Blazovsky for the Eleanor Roosevelt Award. Marilyn is a powerhouse in Montgomery Township and has a major force behind our success over the past several years. Marilyn serves as County Committee Representative for District 1 and has gone above and beyond the call of duty. After the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Marilyn was a true lifeline and embodied the values we hold dear as Democrats. She made countless calls to community members informing them about how to get COVID testing, vaccinations, food aid, and spearheading our efforts to educate the public about how to vote with updated and accurate information. |
Marilyn Blazovsky
Montgomery |
A lifelong Democrat, Marilyn first got involved in Democratic politics in Somerset County in the 70’s and 80’s. While living in Branchburg NJ was active in Democratic politics and served as a District Committeeperson. She has worked on the gubernatorial campaigns of Brendon Byrne, James Florio, Jon Corzine, James McGreevy, and Phil Murphy. She is a true champion for women in
politics and has been an invaluable advisor on the local Montgomery campaigns of Sadaf Jaffer, Devra Keenen, Shelly Bell and Neena Singh.
Marilyn was appointed by Phil Murphy in 2019 to serve on the NJ State Lottery Commission and has served as Vice Chair for the last three years. She also serves on the
Montgomery Township Zoning Board and is a member of the Somerset County and State Federation of Democratic Women.
Professionally, Marilyn had a 38-year career in state government, serving in civil service and appointed positions in the Departments of Labor, Treasury (OIT) and the NJ State Lottery. She served as Deputy Director and Acting Executive Director of the NJ State Lottery.
In sum, Marilyn Blazovsky represents the best of what Democratic women aspire to be, and we are delighted to nominate her for this award.
politics and has been an invaluable advisor on the local Montgomery campaigns of Sadaf Jaffer, Devra Keenen, Shelly Bell and Neena Singh.
Marilyn was appointed by Phil Murphy in 2019 to serve on the NJ State Lottery Commission and has served as Vice Chair for the last three years. She also serves on the
Montgomery Township Zoning Board and is a member of the Somerset County and State Federation of Democratic Women.
Professionally, Marilyn had a 38-year career in state government, serving in civil service and appointed positions in the Departments of Labor, Treasury (OIT) and the NJ State Lottery. She served as Deputy Director and Acting Executive Director of the NJ State Lottery.
In sum, Marilyn Blazovsky represents the best of what Democratic women aspire to be, and we are delighted to nominate her for this award.
Alissa DiScala
North Plainfield |
North Plainfield: Alissa DiScala
Alissa DiScala serves as the Acting Associate Director of Conference and Event Services at Kean University. She has been with Kean for over 10 years, and before her current role, she was the Director of Annual Giving with the Kean University Foundation. Along with her extensive fundraising career, she has planned and executed events for donors and alumni. Currently, she manages the logistics and planning of events for the Kean community and external clients. She has executed several conferences, social events, and business meetings for organizations and individuals since starting her role in October 2021. Alissa has been involved within the North Plainfield community since December 2010. She began volunteering for the Recreation Department as a site supervisor. She then ran the field hockey program for two years while continuing as a site supervisor for basketball and soccer. She also assisted her husband in coaching their son’s basketball team. However, Alissa’s passion for volunteering was as a member of the Mayor Special Events committee, which later became part of Parks and Recreation. |
While serving on the Recreation Committee, she was chair of two community events; Memorial Day services and the Car Cruise. She also assisted with the Street Fair, the July 4th Parade and Fireworks, Community Day activities, Santa Comes to Town, the Halloween Parade, and Opening Day activities for recreation soccer. Alissa has also volunteered on Election Day by handing out literature on North Plainfield candidates.
Alissa received her first professional award In June 2018 as the Outstanding Young Professional Fundraiser by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Alissa graduated from Saint Peter’s University with a B.A. in Communications. While dedicated and committed to her field and volunteer work, Alissa considers her greatest job being a mother to Dominic and Ella and a wife to Mike. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Communication Studies at Kean University. In her spare time, Alissa “indulges” in baseball, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Alissa received her first professional award In June 2018 as the Outstanding Young Professional Fundraiser by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Alissa graduated from Saint Peter’s University with a B.A. in Communications. While dedicated and committed to her field and volunteer work, Alissa considers her greatest job being a mother to Dominic and Ella and a wife to Mike. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Communication Studies at Kean University. In her spare time, Alissa “indulges” in baseball, cooking, and spending time with her family.
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Raritan: Paige Shovlin
Since 2017, Paige Shovlin has been asking what she can do to help grow the Raritan Borough Democrats. This year alone, Paige Shovlin has helped organize VBM nights and walked with our local municipal and county Candidates. She even poses for our campaign flyers. She does not do this alone, she also recruits others with her enthusiasm and genuine zest for life. Anytime we (Raritan Democrats) have needed her, Paige has answered the call. Paige has always answered our plea for help with an enthusiastic "HOW CAN I HELP?" This year, Paige became an official Committeewoman in Raritan's 3rd Voting district. Over and over again Paige goes above and beyond to help us. We (Raritan Dems) owe our success to Paige and supporters like her. Thank you, Paige, for all you have done for me and the Raritan Borough Democrats |
Paige Shovlin
Raritan |
Pam Garafalo
Somerville |
Somerville: Pam Garafalo
Why We Nominated Super Volunteer, Pam Garofalo… I met Pam back in 2016 when she was involved with the Somerset County Young Democrats. I knew immediately that Pam was a dedicated volunteer, because she had a huge smile on her face and only faithful volunteers look so happy! Pam grew up in Somerville, attended Immaculata High School and Monmouth University. She lived in Washington DC for a year and was actively engaged in the Human Rights Campaign. She is a strong advocate for both women’s rights and women’s reproductive rights. She is a dedicated and consistent hard worker and has volunteered on numerous campaigns in Somerville, the County, and the State. She’s been a Somerville’s District 9 committee woman since 2019. She’s worked for two assembly members and helped craft legislation as a policy director. Pam is a loyal Democrat, currently working for Assemblyman Freiman. |
Pam has been a major help in this year’s Vote by Mail initiative, showing up to help write sticky notes and address envelopes, encouraging our residents to Vote by Mail.
Pam has an optimistic world view, which she cultivates by traveling at home and abroad. She understands the interconnectedness of people. We cannot thank Pam enough for what she does to help keep Somerville a Democratic stronghold. And… she’s a Beatles fan! Icing on the cake!
Thank you, Pam, for your hard work! We appreciate YOU!
Pam has an optimistic world view, which she cultivates by traveling at home and abroad. She understands the interconnectedness of people. We cannot thank Pam enough for what she does to help keep Somerville a Democratic stronghold. And… she’s a Beatles fan! Icing on the cake!
Thank you, Pam, for your hard work! We appreciate YOU!
Lynn FranklinWatchung
Watchung: Lynn Franklin
The Watchung Democratic Committee is proud to nominate our member Lynn Franklin. Lynn has served as a staunch advocate for the Watchung Free Public Library and is a continuous presence in Town to raise awareness of the importance of the Library for all residents. In addition to her advocacy work, Lynn has dedicated a great deal of her time to the Democratic Party.
There has never been an occasion where Mrs. Franklin was not willing to provide a helping hand or take the lead on initiatives that would benefit the Democratic Party - from mailing VBM forms, delivering lawn signs to neighbors, writing personal notes welcoming new residents to participate in the local party or walking with Candidates during Election season.
In partnership with her husband, former Watchung Borough Councilmember, Lynn assists at fundraisers to check guests in and with her quiet grace makes everyone in attendance feel like part of the Watchung family.
Through and through, Lynn is the personification of a supportive member of our community and I am proud to nominate her for the Eleanor Roosevelt Award.
The Watchung Democratic Committee is proud to nominate our member Lynn Franklin. Lynn has served as a staunch advocate for the Watchung Free Public Library and is a continuous presence in Town to raise awareness of the importance of the Library for all residents. In addition to her advocacy work, Lynn has dedicated a great deal of her time to the Democratic Party.
There has never been an occasion where Mrs. Franklin was not willing to provide a helping hand or take the lead on initiatives that would benefit the Democratic Party - from mailing VBM forms, delivering lawn signs to neighbors, writing personal notes welcoming new residents to participate in the local party or walking with Candidates during Election season.
In partnership with her husband, former Watchung Borough Councilmember, Lynn assists at fundraisers to check guests in and with her quiet grace makes everyone in attendance feel like part of the Watchung family.
Through and through, Lynn is the personification of a supportive member of our community and I am proud to nominate her for the Eleanor Roosevelt Award.
Somerset County Award: Carol Shields
What an incredible evening and event. THANK YOU to everyone who attended
Photo Credit: Al Ojdea
Photo Credit: Al Ojdea
