Not only is Casey Collins a true-blue Democrat, she’s a true-blue friend.

As a freshman at UC Santa Barbara, during the first week of college, Casey met two men who would both become loves of her life. One would become her husband, but that story is for another day. The other would become a lifelong friend, named Jim Woltmann. She calls Jim, “a true gentleman, the smartest and most gentle soul.” Casey smiles when she speaks of him. 

“He was a long and lean 6’4” and a big cyclist. He loved music, literature, and nature. He loved discussing the meaning of life, what was important and mattered. He often invited me to have a glass of port in the evening, and we would talk for hours,” she says.

Casey and Jim stayed in touch through the years, in fits and starts. They sometimes spoke, and other times shared interesting articles on topics as far-reaching as mushroom hunting! Jim attended Casey’s wedding, yet he never married. He was both a romantic and kind individual who did not have a lifelong partner.

After Jim’s untimely passing a few years ago, his sister sent a letter to Casey, informing her of some funds Jim had left in a trust for her. The surprising thing was, he did so with no note or explanation. Intuitively, Casey knew that he had done so because of all the deep wide-ranging conversations they’d had. She knew he wanted her to make a difference in the world with the funds on his behalf. And that she did!

Casey thought long and hard about what to do with the trust. She ultimately decided to put her intentions “out there” in the universe. Not long after, she found herself attending the February 2025 BTDC meeting, where Steve Katz, Executive Director of the Food Bank Network of Somerset County, addressed local Dems and spoke to the food insecurity experienced by many residents. In addition, he spoke about his organization’s pressing need to raise funds for a protective canopy to protect people waiting in line for food from inclement weather.

Steve had a need, he had a specific plan to address the need, and unbeknownst to him, he had a benefactor eager to make a difference in Casey Collins. “I thought this was perfect!” she said. “This is something our friendship was meant to address. To protect people, to welcome them and provide comfort in their time of need.” She felt the proposed structure, in a cold industrial park, would be such a blessing to the community and moved forward to fund its construction in her dear friend Jim’s name.

Casey feels grateful for the opportunity to have worked with the Food Bank Network, and following the canopy’s dedication, agreed to become a BTDC committeeperson, representing District 14. She is very much aligned with the BTDC’s mission and hopes to help create a greater sense of community among Democrats and independents in town. She is eager to get to know more people in her neighborhood as well, and to combat the lack of connection that many people feel.

While Casey and her family have lived in Bernards since the early 2000s, she feels there are many likeminded people she has yet to connect with and hopes to do so by becoming more active with the BTDC. When you see her at the next meeting or gathering, be sure to say hello. She’s admittedly shy and quiet, but very open to spreading a commitment to democratic values in memory of her friend, Jim Woltmann.

– Jen Aaron