January 21, 2022| Advocacy, Arts & Culture, Community, Education, Environment, Events, Fundraising, LHF Environmental & Cultural Center, People, Recreation, Safety
By: Kyle Richter
It is hard to believe that we are nearly a month into 2022 and in short order, I will pass the one-year mark at the helm of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation – and perhaps finally stop introducing myself as its “new director.” My first year here has been nothing short of a wonderful experience. I have truly enjoyed getting to know everyone and learning about all the issues that are important to our lake and community. However, my one-year anniversary isn’t the only milestone I look forward to celebrating in 2022.
This year marks a decade since the Lake Hopatcong Foundation was first formed. What started as a vision on the part of Board Member Emeritus Bela Szigethy and Founding President and Executive Director Jessica K. Murphy, formed into a movement that galvanized an entire community to take action to protect and improve Lake Hopatcong at a time when its future was uncertain. It’s my true honor to continue the work that Bela, Jess, our founding board of trustees, dedicated staff, and unwavering volunteers and supporters started in 2012.
Because of your support and the dedication of the people above and many more, a lot has been accomplished over the last decade. We ensured Lake Hopatcong had a strong voice in Trenton and beyond to bring urgently needed resources to address the lake’s challenges; helped tackle harmful algal blooms and other water quality issues impacting the lake; acquired our Floating Classroom and educated 4,000+ students in water ecology and the importance of protecting our water resources; created opportunities, like our annual Block Party, for people to connect around New Jersey’s largest lake; made the lake just a little bit safer with each B-SAFE dock number purchased, and happily moved into our own building and created a community space through the restoration of the historic Lake Hopatcong Station.
I am excited to lead the Foundation into this 10th anniversary year, and I am inspired by what the next 10 years might look like. We have great things in store for 2022, like working hand-in-hand with the Commission to implement water quality improvement projects, ensuring that funding continues to address the lake’s important issues, welcoming students back to the state park for our education program for the first time in two years, celebrating at our big 10th anniversary gala in July, and other special events that are all about Lake Hopatcong. So, keep an eye on our website, e-newsletter, social media, and your mailbox, as we begin to share all of the different ways, we will celebrate our past successes and look towards the future. We hope you will join us in celebrating this momentous occasion and can’t wait to see you at the lake!
