Community Corner

New Leadership for Friends of Holmdel Open Space (FOHOS)

The presidency passes from Bill Cahill to Janet Jackel.

Friends of Holmdel Open Space is a Holmdel-based group that strives to acquire land for preservation, and act as stewards to the land.

At the April 25 meeting, their longtime leader Bill Cahill passed the presidency to Janet Jackel. Cahill will continue to serve, but as vice-president with Richard Scotto-Lavino, also vice-president. The secretary is Mary Frances Nakagama and treasurer is Tom Spang.

"I have been on the FOHOS board for about five years, and have been involved with Holmdel land use issues for a bit more than 10 years," said Jackel, adding that Cahill will still be in a leadership role as vice president.  "He’s been terrific, and I hope that I can keep up the good work," she said.

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Jackel's goal are to continue FOHOS's tradition of land acquisition and also to expand on its recent activities in stewardship. For example, FOHOS helped facilitate the acquisition of the Bachstadt property adjacent to Allocco Park, now named the Neil Waackaack preserve. "Transformation of this neglected and abused piece of land into an attractive neighborhood park is one example of the kind of service we can provide to Holmdel," she said.   

Other priorities will include increasing community involvement, and raising awareness of parks and open space -- including the 475-acre tract at 101 Crawfords Corner Road, currently under contract. "There may be some real opportunities for Holmdel as the Lucent property’s future uses are developed," said Jackel.  

Find out what's happening in Holmdel-Hazletwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Last year FOHOS gave a $5,000 gift towards the installation of a four season rain garden at Village Elementary. The group hopes to interest the next generation to think about clean water.

There are 15 people on the FOHOS board. They serve for three-year terms. Mike Evans and Ben Tonti are the board's newest members.

 


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