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| Roaring Rock Park - Autumn 2021 |
I spent most of my volunteer time in 2021 with an environmental conservation initiative called "Save Roaring Rock Park" (SRRP). In January, an acquaintance I met with the local Democratic party asked me if I would be interested in joining a group, which was forming, in pushing back on municipal led commercial logging in the 400 acre public park. At that moment in time, I was looking to accomplish something different, given my role with the local Democrats for the past few years was getting fairly routine.
I quickly realized that the people who were joining SRRP had significant subject knowledge and expertise with New Jersey environmental law and conservation efforts. I was delighted that one of the team members, John Trontis, was a former assistant director of New Jersey Parks and Recreation for the state's Department of Environmental Resources! I quickly realized this group had credibility and talent. Of course, I had to join in.
So for the next few months, I contributed by creating the website and social media feeds, publishing the newsletter, and taking the lead on social media promotions. I also organized several volunteer efforts in Washington Borough, setting up the New Jersey Highlands Coalition (our fiscal sponsor) tent during several Washington Business Improvement District events. Borrowing from my local Democrat experiences, I also canvassed Washington Township to raise awareness among the residents on their elected officials' actions within the Park. To my surprise, many were unaware of the presence of Roaring Rock Park, let alone of the issue itself.
The local Democratic committee became concerned around May 2021, sensing I was
spending, in their opinion, "too much time" with SRRP, and it was impacting my
availability to perform the municipal chairman role which I held. The
situation culminated in a July meeting with Warren County Democratic Committee
members who raised their concerns directly with me. Listening to them
and considering how much satisfaction I was deriving from working with SRRP, I
chose to resign from the Washington Borough Democratic Municipal Chair
position and focus my time on the SRRP effort.
Looking back on that decision, it was one of my best.
In October 2021, my volunteer efforts were recognized by NJHC, who awarded me as part of a team, the Wilma Frey Volunteer Award. I was surprised and delighted to receive an award. The simple act of thanking someone for their efforts has such a morale boost.
I quickly felt guilty, too, since I knew many people who contributed so much and whose names were not on the award. I made an effort to thank them publicly and privately.
Our team was surprised by Washington Township Committee's decision to
TERMINATE
the logging activity by a unanimous vote on November 16th, 2021. We were
surprised by the decision and delighted too.
Going forward, I will continue contributing to improving parkland around Warren County. I enjoy doing this, and I do like working with the team!
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| Team SRRP | National Night Out, Washington Township NJ | August 2021 |