Meet the Members
Denise Hollingsworth
Denise Hollingsworth, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, is a licensed NJ attorney. Currently, she collaborates on statewide initiatives aimed at improving New Jersey communities.
She also currently works as an adjunct professor and volunteers for a number of worthy organizations. Most notably, however, she serves as the Board Vice President of the Crossroads Programs, an entity that provides a continuum of care for homeless youth. And she proudly serves as President of the Historic Yorkshire Alliance where she champions her community at every opportunity.
Inclusive in her many activities, Denise is a published author of a faith-based series reflecting true stories of her youth. She served as a mentor for Big Brothers/Big Sisters and, until recently, was a foster parent. To date, approximately 21 children in placement, primarily teen girls, have passed through her life.
Denise is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University School of Law. She is the proud mother of three adult daughters and the doting grandmother of one happy grandson.
President, HYA
Tina Beach
Tina Beach has been a resident of Burlington City since 2009. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Riverton, she enjoys the historic charm of this beautiful city by the river. She currently owns an off-premise catering business, Perfect Blend Catering and enjoys showcasing her culinary talents through this venue.
She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing and Management from Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science. Her past career endeavors includes design, manufacture and distribution of women’s golf apparel to private clubs in the United States and abroad as owner of To A Tee, LLC.
Tina enjoys boating, biking, hiking and camping but most of all spending time with her two daughters and her son-in-law!
Cynthia Davis
Cynthia moved to the City of Burlington in June of 2011 after living in Central Jersey her entire life. Cynthia joined the HYA Board in 2013 and was a member of 2014 Home & Garden Tour committee. Cynthia lives in the Historic Yorkshire Neighborhood with her husband, Bruce, and enjoys travel, reading and spending time with family and friends. Cynthia is always there to support HYA fundraising efforts.
Michelle Difalco
Michele was born in Philadelphia, Pa but spent her youthful years in Moorestown, NJ. She received her Bachelor's of Arts from Holy Family University and her Masters in Clinical Psychology from the University of Detroit. She worked in Toronto, Canada for 7 years where she was blessed with a son and a daughter. She lived in sunny California before expanding her quality of life in Burlington!
More recently, she obtained a Bachelors in Nursing from Rutgers University. Her career involved long-term care as well as hospice care.
She cherishes her 2 grandsons in Silver Spring, Md but loves her Burlington family. Her interests include reading, gardening, civic events, and, mostly, playing Grandma.
Harry Heck
Harry is a handsome 67 year old Burlington resident who has committed himself to making the City of Burlington a delightful place to live. Harry has run the ” East Union Street Yard Sale “ since 1987. This event has become one of our annual HYA fundraisers which serves not only as a fundraiser but also as a great social event. Harry has been an HYA Board Membe rsince 1994.
He also ran the City Historic Society “Holiday House Tour” from 1990-98 and the Historic Yorkshire Alliance “Home & Garden Tour” from 2000-2012. He was a Mainstreet Volunteer for 4 years. In 2003 he led in the planning of the First Masquerade Ball in Burlington which raised over $8000 for local causes. Subsequent similar events generated similar sums for important local causes. Harry graduated from Duquesne University ( BA Sociology) and was employed for 32.5 years in the mental health field. Harry retired in July 2002. Now HYA gets the benefit of his retirement!
Barton Mix
Bart moved to Burlington only a year ago and has jumped right into civic duty. He serves as a teacher of Mathematics at Monroe Township Middle School, Middlesex County, NJ. Barton earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Trenton State College and later earned a Masters Degree at Georgian Court University.
Barton proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1980 to 1984 and is an avid Philadelphia sports fan!
We are excited about Bart being a part of the HYA mission.
Don Vazquez
Don is a fifteen year resident of Burlington and boasts of owning one of the finest historic homes in the City. He joyfully lives with wife Pat, daughter Amy and granddaughter Marcy.
He earned his Masters in Business Administration at University of Bridgeport. As an employee of IBM, aka “I’ve Been Moved”, has traveled to all 50 states and worked in California, Alaska, Mississippi, Connecticut Texas and NJ. He loves his current career as a Realtor with Century 21 in Burlington.
Past Chairs
Betty Wilson
Our smart and talented Betty is a former high school history teacher. Wanting to affect social change, Betty was elected to Berkeley Heights, NJ Township Committee and later to NJ General Assembly. She served as Majority Whip in the Assembly where she was highly regarded. Later, she was appointed DEP Assistant Commissioner then First Deputy Commissioner in the Byrne administration.
She was the founding president of the Center for Non-Profit Corporations which remains active to date.
In the Florio administration Betty worked as the Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs in NJ Department of Human Services. After retirement served in various volunteer positions including Pinelands Commission as a member and a term as chairperson which is a gubernatorial appointment.
Other volunteer appointments: Burlington City Historic Preservation Commission and City of Burlington Redevelopment Agency. Non-Profit boards - Family Service of Burlington, Pinelands Preservation Alliance, Whitesbog Preservation Trust.
Last, but cetainly not least, Betty was a founding member of HYA and served as president and board member for many years. Denise still depends on her heavily.