Carol Groote may have deep, meaningful roots in the Midwest, but this BTDC gem considers herself to be a Jersey Girl through and through. Her political sensibility was born of an upbringing that spanned from Omaha to Chicago, then Iowa to Madison, Wisconsin. Carol is a proud UW Badger and met her husband during her first year in college, where Vietnam protests and anti-war activism were very much alive.

From an early age, Carol saw her mom running polls in Davenport, Iowa and thus learned how important it is to become politically involved at the local level. When she moved to Basking Ridge many years later, she saw a promotion for the BTDC picnic at Pleasant Valley Park and decided to go. “Nancy D’Andrea asked me what I wanted to do and the rest is history,” she amiably said. “I’m much more organized when I have lots to do.”

Carol DOES, in fact, do a lot. She’s a retired mom of two grown daughters and one grandson, a former teacher who taught second through fifth grades in Summit for 28 years. In addition to being engaged with her family, she sings in the St. John’s Lutheran church choir, acts as the church archivist, and writes postcards for different democratic candidates and organizations. She’s also a prolific canvasser, phone banker and overall strong supporter of BTDC events.

Groote’s involvement stretches beyond Bernards as she reflects, “I’ve met so many diverse people throughout Somerset County, I really enjoy events all over our area, and I’m a member of the National Federation of Democratic Women.” Keeping the Bernards Township Committee’s democratic majority is top of mind for Carol these days. “I also want to protect our immigrants,” she said. To that end, she’s been busy this summer writing postcards for Rebecca Bennett’s congressional campaign.

When Carol isn’t volunteering or spending time with family, she loves competing with various local trivia teams. “It’s a hoot!” she giggled.  “We learn a lot, laugh a lot and talk politics in a quiet way.” As an involved member of our local democratic community, Carol’s politics and activism aren’t quiet at all, and her fellow volunteers are grateful for tha

– Jen Aaron