In January 2018 issue of Hopewell Valley Neighbors magazine, Anne Nixon-Ellery was named the first ever FoHVOS Force of Nature for her conservation contributions in 2017 and prior. Her commitment to Hopewell Valley has persisted and others have taken notice.
On September 28, 2019, at the annual FoHVOS Gala, Anne will receive a joint resolution issued by the NJ State Senate and Assembly recognizing her dedicated volunteer efforts. Her talent and generosity have supported local causes including social justice, animal welfare, and of course, conservation.
Anne is a graphic designer and owns the Glenmoore Farm in Hopewell with her husband Michael. She shared her graphics ability by not only designing the main FoHVOS logo, but also creating the logos for Force of Nature, BioBlitz, and HVRSD EcoWarrior programs. Anne and Mike have also donated the use of their barn for nonprofit fundraising.
Anne’s artistic abilities secured the “Community Partner Award” for FoHVOS from the Hopewell Valley Arts Council in both 2018 and 2019 for her pumpkin and scarecrow designs, respectively.
The Glenmoore farm is surrounded by the FoHVOS Thompson Preserve and gives the barn a really unique feel that you won’t find elsewhere. The Ellerys are appreciative but their connection goes much deeper.
When asked why she gives so much back, Anne shared, “Yes I am paying it forward but not just for the preserve by our barn. Granted I love the feel living here, but I am appreciative of far more than that. FoHVOS is all about community and that is what connects me so deeply. FoHVOS protects Hopewell Valley’s character through open space preservation and they have land in all parts of the Valley. Further, I love the community-oriented aspects like guided hikes, clean-ups, and walks. The impact is larger and includes everyone since your staff goes to people’s private homes and recommends the best ecological use of their land. It’s great for the environment and community on so many levels. Getting people out on the land keeps the community, people, and land healthy and connected. I love being part of that.”
In addition to presenting individual recognition at the gala, FoHVOS corporate recognition will go to Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson for their generosity and impact shown to our community, schools, and environment. Peg Forrestel, Director, Contributions & Community Affairs, will receive the well-deserved honor.
Janssen was the largest grantor for the celebrated Bear Tavern Elementary School Outdoor Learning Area. Representatives were pleased to see the Nectars Landscape plan that added a pond, a stage, a mindfulness area and an organic vegetable garden to the outdoor learning area, as more volunteers and funders stepped up.
“Janssen funded the meadows and interpretive signage that the school designed their biodiversity and ecosystem curriculum around,” shared Peg Forrestel. “We liked this project because it enhanced the environment and provided interactive STEM education for the students. We also valued the Community Conservation concept, which leveraged our investment to enable others to add beauty and expanded uses for the area.”
That project was so successful that Janssen provided a 2019 grant for a rain garden to further STEM education and beautify the entrance at Timberlane Middle School.
Finally, Vanessa Sandom will receive the Gleeson Award for her lifetime contribution to Hopewell Valley conservation. As Hopewell Township Mayor, Ms. Sandom played a key role in advancing the policy and zoning necessary for our Valley’s Open Space. She was also instrumental in establishing the deer management committee and in preserving Mount Rose Preserve.
Vanessa Sandom has been a key FoHVOS supporter while on the council and since her retirement. In 2018, Vanessa Sandom and her husband Carl Seiden provided a grant to fund the 10,000 square foot meadow at Brandon Farms which serves as an outdoor classroom for Stony Brook Elementary School. In addition, she serves on the Board of D&R Greenway Land Trust.
Congratulations to the three honorees being recognized on September 28th at the FoHVOS Community Conservation Gala. For more information visit fohvos.org or email lwolff@fohvos.org.
An excerpt of this article appears in September’s Hopewell Valley Neighbors magazine.
