Excited to be sworn in to my third term on Jan. 4, 2024, surrounded by family!	I spearheaded an agreement with Morris County Utilities Authority to go back to more convenient weekly, “single-stream” recycling -- and it won't cost taxpayers more!	I helped coordinate with the Mendhams Arts Council to temporarily install two stone sculptures at Pitney Park.
I kicked off the 2023 campaign by walking neighborhoods speaking to residents about what's on their minds.	At the July 4th Parade, it was great to see old friends like Daryl Brewster, our former Recreation Commission Chair who recruited me to serve many years ago.	The annual Patriots' 5K Race was started in 2009 by the Recreation Commission, when I served as Chair, and has been our annual kickoff to summer ever since!
A wonderful evening at “Cops, Kids & Cones” with Police Chief Ross Johnson, speaking with residents about the Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force.	It was a pleasure to attend the 105th Annual Dinner of the Brookside Engine Co. No. 1 to honor longtime volunteers, like Buzzy Thomas who has served for 45 years!	Honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country at Mendham Borough's annual Memorial Day ceremony with Councilman John Andrews.
As a Board member of The Sharing Project, I help this student-led, nonprofit in their mission to grow vegetables for donation to area food pantries.	As President-Elect of the Rotary Club of the Mendhams, it was exciting to give a $1,000 grant to volunteers who are maintaining the Walled Garden at Pitney Park.	I've been leading the annual Schiff Film Festival for many years, which brings together community to learn about environmental issues and hear from guest speakers.
I gave out the first college scholarship on behalf of the Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force, which I launched in 2018 and serve as Chair.	The annual Stomp Out the Stigma Walk, which I help organize as Chair of the Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force, raised awareness for May as Mental Health Awareness Month.	I helped pick up discarded recyclables and trash with the Environmental Commission for Earth Day.
Supporting Mendham Township PBA 402 at their annual corn hole tournament on Team Stigma-Free!	Helping to open the new Pitney Park!	A record crowd came to the clambake, hosted by Brookside Engine Co. No. 1, for the event's 50th anniversary!
The Mendham Borough Labor Day Parade was back thanks to the work of Rec. Director Bruce DiBisceglie and other organizers!	Representing the Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force with a volunteer at Mendham Night Out!	The July 4th Parade returned after a hiatus, and Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn joined the Township Committee for the short march down East Main Street!
It's exciting to see young people at work in our community, with initiatives, such as The Sharing Project, which grows vegetables for food pantries.	I assisted the Environmental Commission and Dept. of Public Works to collect truckloads of Styrofoam for recycling.	For Women Build Month, I joined woman councilmembers to volunteer at a Morris Habitat for Humanity project.
Thrilled to join with other local elected officials to raise a Pride flag at the Morris County Pride celebration!	Celebrating May as Mental Health Awareness Month with the Stigma-Free Task Force.	The Township Committee recognized the First Aid Squad for EMT Week!
It was my pleasure to present a Proclamation for Pride Month to a student activist from West Morris Mendham High School.	After a long wait because of COVID-19, a group of Eagle Scouts from Mendham's Troop One, including my son, finally enjoyed their Court of Honor ceremony.	Rec. Director David Guida brought back the Patriots 5K Race & Kids' Fun Run in the summer of 2021, after a year off due to the pandemic!
Collecting trash for Earth Day with Township Committee candidate Meredith Sahi and other volunteers. The event was organized by the Environmental Commission as part of the Raritan Headwaters Association's annual clean-up event.	Wearing purple and walking with the Rotary Club of the Mendhams to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.	The Township Committee breaks ground at Pitney Park, being funded primarily by the New Jersey Green Acres program.
Excited to get sworn-in to a second term on Jan. 5, 2021, with local attorney Adam Dubeck administering the Oath of Office and my two children.	We delivered donations from the 12 Days of Christmas food drive sponsored by the Morris County Democratic Women's Caucus.	The day before the election, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11) stopped by my home for a front-porch chat.
A fun morning handing out "I Voted" stickers at the Brookside Post Office!	Back at the Brookside Post Office to meet with voters and discuss their concerns and answer questions.	I co-hosted an event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which drew a bipartisan group of local, county and state elected women from across Morris County.
The Brookside Engine Co. No. 1 transformed the Annual Clambake into a successful, grab-and-go eat-at-home event.	I spearheaded the purchase of new signs for our historic districts and a township park.	I spent a summer evening meeting residents with members of the Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force, during National Night Out.
With our traditional July 4th Parade canceled because of COVID-19, the Township Committee, volunteer fire departments, police, the Rotary Club of the Mendhams and others brought the holiday spirit to the town with a drive-by parade!	The Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force installed banners to promote awareness of Pride Month.	I helped at the Recreation Department's drive-in movie night, a fun family event out during the pandemic.
During the pandemic, the Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force, which I chair, organized a mental health awareness campaign, including lawn signs with hopeful messages throughout the community.	I helped organize the Mendham Gives Back campaign in which residents donated clothing, food and more, during the COVID-19 pandemic.	As a member of the Rotary Club of the Mendhams, I enjoyed reading a Proclamation recognizing the club's charitable works and support of local students through college scholarships.
Along with many other volunteers, I helped package instant meals in an event organized by the Madison Rotary Club, which were donated to local food pantries.	Schiff Nature Preserve's first soup contest brought out some talented cooks!	A wonderful time donating dictionaries with members of the Rotary Club of the Mendhams to local students at the Hilltop School.
A pleasure to be with Vanessa Brown, the president of the Morris County NAACP at the inspirational breakfast celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Martin Luther King Observance Committee.	I was honored to support the 75th anniversary of the Mental Health Association of New Jersey.	At the first public lighting of a menorah in the Mendhams with Township Deputy Mayor Sarah Neibart and Mendham Borough Mayor Christine Serrano-Glassner.
At the League of Municipalities, I was excited my resolution to restore the full State And Local Tax deduction (SALT) was unanimously approved.	I was invited to speak at the township Middle School for Hispanic Heritage Month about my family's journey from the Dominican Republic to New Jersey.	The Environmental Commission dedicated a plaque in honor of two longtime members who created many of the miles of trails that make Mendham Township a beautiful and unique community!
Enjoyed meeting with Girl Scouts from across New Jersey to discuss their aspirations and how to make a difference at the Rutgers Center for American Women and Politics.	The annual Clambake supports Brookside Engine Company No. 1!	The Stigma-Free Task Force, which I chair, co-sponsored a workshop on youth mental health with the Mendham Township School District.
We said good-bye to summer at an outdoor concert sponsored by the township Recreation Department.	Marching with the Mendham Township Committee and Rep. Mikie Sherrill at the annual Mendham Borough Labor Day Parade.	It was fun to be part of a special meet-and-greet with Chester Mayor Janet Hoven, County Clerk Ann Grossi and Mendham Township Mayor Warren Gisser at the annual Morris County 4-H Fair.
The Township Committee, with Assemblyman Bucco, gets ready to march in the July 4th Parade in Brookside.	The Annual Patriots' Race & Kids' Fun Run was a big success, thanks to our Recreation Director David Guida and Police Chief Ross Johnson.	I worked alongside elected officials from across Morris County at a Habitat for Humanity build in Roxbury.
It was a pleasure to award scholarships on behalf of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee to deserving Mendham High School seniors.	It was exciting to officially re-open Ralston Playground with Matt and Teresa Finlay, who founded the original playground, and Pat Lonergan. They were all big donors to this community effort.	I was humbled to accept an award from the Ralston Fire Engine Co. #1 at their annual recognition dinner.
Residents from Mendham and other towns met at Schiff Nature Preserve to pick up trash along nearby roadways as part of the annual Raritan Headwaters Earth Day cleanup.	Mendham's first Seder Community Dinner was a wonderful inter-faith event!	The Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force, which I am leading, sponsored an "Autism in Our Community" panel with parents and professionals for Autism Awareness Month in April.
A local resident, whose child has autism, came to our Township Committee meeting in April to accept a Proclamation for Autism Awareness Month.	I enjoyed marching in Morristown's St. Patrick's Day Parade with Rep. Mikie Sherrill.	So honored to recognize former Board of Adjustment member Norm Preston for his 34 years of service to the community.
Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.., Day at the annual Morris Inter-Faith Breakfast with LD-25 Candidate Darcy Drager and Morris Township Deputy Mayor Cathy Wilson.	Residents have been taking the opportunity to meet me at Town Hall, during my regular Office Hours.	A wonderful evening of celebration with Morris County NAACP President Vanessa Brown, Rep. Donald Payne, Jr., Morristown's Mayor Tim Dougherty and his wife, Mary.
In DC for Rep. Mikie Sherrill's swearing-in celebration with my son, Matthew; Mountain Lakes Mayor Lauren Barnett, and Harding Township Committee Candidate Kate Barry.	I took a behind-the-scenes tour of the Morris County Office of Emergency Management's Operations and 911 Center, a critical shared service.	An inspiring holiday brunch at Daytop New Jersey, featuring songs of the season and a message of hope in recovery!
A fun day with friends at the Mendham Business Association's annual golf tournament.	In October 2018, I organized a Community Forum with JCP&L Area Manager Rob Walton.	It was a beautiful afternoon at the 6th Annual First-Responders Golf Outing at Mendham Golf & Tennis Club!
It was perfect weather for the 10th Annual Harvest Hustle 5K in Mendham Borough.	Rep. Mikie Sherrill showed her support for Mendham at the borough's Labor Day Parade!	Getting ready to march in the 2018 Mendham Borough Labor Day parade with other town officials.
I congratulated former Mayor Sam Tolley and Diane Tolley, who were recognized with the Community Service Award at the July 4th parade!	Thankful to these ladies for keeping the Patriots' Race tradition going in its 10th year!	Honored to share the stage with Gov. Christie Todd Whitman at Jersey Girls State.
Enjoyed a wine tasting evening fund-raiser at the Library organized by the Board of Trustees.	My son Matthew and I joined about 40 other volunteers at the 2018 Earth Day cleanup, organized by the town's Environmental Commission.	Breakfast and networking with other Morris County Democratic local elected officials.
My son Matthew and I had a wonderful opportunity to meet New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy.	It's the year of the woman! A powerful group are running at the local and county level in 2018.	I was honored to present on a panel at the Ready to Run conference held at Rutgers University in March 2018 and meet so many women who are stepping up to serve their communities!
I was thrilled to attend the 2018 First Aid Squad dinner to support their incredible volunteer community service.	A peaceful and positive day with the Mendham Democrats at the 2018 Women's March in Morristown.	We're happy together! My husband and two children are at my side for my swearing-in on Jan. 5, 2018.
My son Matthew holds an old family Bible at my Jan. 5, 2018, swearing-in ceremony, while Michael Thompson, treasurer of the Mendham Township Democrats, does the honors.	This dedicated team of Mendham volunteers, plus others not in the photo, were critical to the big win!	A fun afternoon canvassing with my son and a high school friend.
It has been wonderful to meet residents in neighborhood wine-and-cheese parties and coffees.	Inspiring to see New Jersey's first woman Governor Christie Todd Whitman at the annual Far Hills Race Meeting (the Hunt) with Peapack-Gladstone candidate, Amy Dietrich, and state assembly candidate Lacey Rzeszowski.	My husband, Gene Messina, daughter, Elena, a student at Northeastern University, and Matthew, 15, a sophomore at Mendham High School.
It was fantastic to march through the streets of Brookside on July 4th with fellow female candidates!	A big crowd of supporters enjoyed my Fall campaign kick off!	I have been holding meet-ups in the park to hear from residents and discuss town issues.
At ECLC of New Jersey, I have won numerous grants and helped raise the nonprofit's profile as Public Affairs Director.	Old-fashioned fun at a Movie Night in the Park with my fellow Recreation Commissioners, a crowd of young families and treats from Schiff Nature Preserve and the Mendham Creamery.	I have been walking Mendham's neighborhoods, meeting voters and listening to what's on their minds.
I am the lead organizer of the Mendham Patriots' Race and highly appreciate the support of Mendham Township Police with this annual charity event.	It's time for a change.	Meeting residents and listening to their concerns at the historic Brookside post office.
I officially kicked off my campaign with an enthusiastic group of Mendham Democrats, friends, family and other supporters.	Celebrating Earth Day with a trash clean-up crew at Mendham's Schiff Nature Preserve.	A family summer wedding with my husband, Gene Messina, and our children, Elena, 20, and Matthew, 14, was a chance to dress up and celebrate.
Since 2011, I have served as Race Director for the annual Mendham Patriots 5K Race, which has raised $50,000+ for the community.	Serving on the Board of Adjustment is another opportunity to help the community.	Marking Autism Awareness Month at ECLC's school in Ho-Ho-Kus, with Bergen County Freeholder Germaine Ortiz, Principal Vicki Lindorff, Freeholder Mary Amoroso and Principal Alexis Eckert.
Part of my job at ECLC of New Jersey is to promote the capabilities of young adults in the P.R.I.D.E. Program. They helped with a mailing to Mendham residents about the "Rebuild Ralston Playground" campaign.	I represented the Schiff Nature Preserve Board during the annual Boy Scouts Trade Show.	I have chaired the Schiff Nature Preserve Annual Film Festival and helped rekindle the connection with local Scout Troops.
I have run five half-marathons to raise money for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). I also serve on the Board of the New Jersey Chapter.	Last summer, I was a mentor to runners, helping them to fund-raise for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and get in shape for the Napa-to-Sonoma half-marathon.	I've played touch football with friends at MetLife Stadium to raise money for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation.
When we opened Mosle Park, it added soccer fields, a baseball diamond and hiking trails for the community to enjoy.	We added a track at Ralston Park for teams to use during warm-ups.	I coached my son, who is now a high school student, in both recreation and travel soccer teams.
Years ago, my girls' recreation basketball team really got into March Madness!	As a grant writer, I was thrilled to accept a check with my co-workers to help adults with special needs find jobs.	I've worked at ECLC of New Jersey since 2009, and, it's been so gratifying to obtain funding to support adults with special needs.
I've always loved the Harvest Hustle race in Mendham Borough because I can just relax and run!	We were excited to play the Harlem Wizards to raise money for the Hope Autism Foundation.	I spearheaded creation of the Patriots' College Scholarship, given to a graduating senior from West Morris Mendham High School.
I've received the endorsement of the Mendham Township Democratic Committee, which is committed to making a difference in the community.	Every year, the Patriots' Race has given back to the community, including donating to Goryeb Children's Hospital.	I've played football, run half-marathons and rode in a spinathon to help the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's mission.
It's been inspiring to meet other candidates who are running this year.