On December 20, 2021, Mayor Julie Blake and the Township Committee honored volunteers on boards, committees, and commissions who have served 10 or more years. Each person received a certificate of appreciation and a commemorative 2021 quarter depicting “Washington Crossing the Delaware,” sealed in a case. Citizen volunteers play a critical role in service to the Hopewell Valley community. We have six Advisory Committees that provide input and counsel on Affordable Housing, Open Space priorities, Deer Management, Senior Services, Recreation, and Agricultural preservation. Additionally, volunteers serve on the Environmental and Historic Preservation Commissions, the Planning Board, and the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Hopewell Township has nearly 100 people serving the Township, and we are thankful that they have volunteered their time, talent, and service to our community.

The list of honorees who have served for 10 years or more:

Zoning Board of Adjustment

• William Cane – 2002 – 2021 – 19 years 

 Planning Board

• Karen Murphy – 2003 – 2021 – 19 years
• Paul Kiss – 2009 – 2021 – 13 years
• Russell Swanson – 2002 – 2021 – 18 years

 Environmental Commission

• George Kerr – 1997 – 2021 – 25 years
• Michael Aucott – 1999 – 2021 – 23 years
• Rex Parker – 2000 – 2021 – 22 years
• Nora Sirbaugh – 2007 – 2021 – 15 years
• James Gambino – 2008 – 2021 – 14 years

 Historic Preservation Commission

• Max Hayden – 2000 – 2021 – 22 years

 Board of Health Advisory Committee

• Michael Rothwell – 2007 – 2021 – 15 years

 Affordable Housing Committee

• Christine Herman – 2005 – 2021 – 17 years
• Timothy Keenan – 2011 – 2021 – 11 years
• Lauren Williams – 2009 – 2021 – 13 years

 Open Space Advisory Committee

• Kurt Vollherbst – 2009 – 2021 – 13 years
• Judy Clarke – 2011 – 2021 – 11 years
• Carol Kleis – 2002 – 2021 – 20 years
• Alan Hershey – 2001 – 2021 – 21 years

 Agricultural Advisory Committee

• Lucia Huebner – 2001 – 2021 – 21 years
• George Sciarrotta – 2012 – 2021 – 10 years

 Recreation Advisory Committee

• Kurt Vollherbst – 2009 – 2021 – 13 years
• Mike Chipowsky – 2008 – 2021 – 14 years

 Deer Management Advisory Committee

• William Cane – 2011 – 2021 – 11 years
• Michael Van Clef – 2011 – 2021 – 11 years
• John Piepzak – 2012 – 2021 – 10 years

Later, during the Township Committee meeting, a Joint Legislative Resolution from Senator Shirley Turner and Assembly Members Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Anthony Verelli was presented by the Committee to Mayor Blake, paying tribute to her for her record of service to Hopewell Township, her leadership, and commitment. 2021 was a difficult year, and as Mayor, she rose to the occasion by providing guidance through COVID, promoting responsible budgets, encouraging future leaders, and more, always with the goal of listening to all perspectives and uplifting those who are disadvantaged in the community. Each member of the committee, County Commissioner Nina Melker, and several members of the public paid tribute to Mayor Blake and Committee Member Kristin McLaughlin, who both will be moving on in 2022, Mayor Blake becoming a private citizen and Committee Member McLaughlin a County Commissioner.

If you would like to volunteer your time to serve on a Township Committee, Commission, or Board, please contact the Township Clerk, Laurie Gompf, lgompf@hopewelltwp.org.