History of the SCFRW

The first meeting was a luncheon held on September 10, 1981 with thirty women attending. Each municipal chair from all twenty-one municipalities was contacted and asked to suggest women who might be interested. The county chairman, Luke Gray, was advised of our intent to charter and from that small nucleus the charter membership was closed as of December 31, 1981 with ninety-seven members. Barbara Harris was elected the first SCFRW president. Her slate of officers included Vice Presidents Regina Desvernine and Marie Quick, Secretaries Pat Dzienis and Carolyn Trimmer and Treasurer Blanch Mathers.

Since that early beginning the SCFRW has grown and changed. We no longer have luncheon meetings as many more women work outside the home. In 1993, an annual award named for the late Congresswomen Millicent Fenwick was established with recipients being recognized for their public service and dedication to the Republican ideals.

The SCFRW presents a scholarship each year to a female student who attends a high school in Somerset County. The scholarship award is based on a winning essay on a selected topic.  This award is presented at the Annual Millicent Fenwick Luncheon.

Today the SCFRW actively works to promote our members, both women and men, in their efforts to shape the future of politics in New Jersey and nationally.

Filed: 03/02 at 04:31 PM • Section: About SCFRW • Category: About the Federation • • Permalink