A grateful return

July 10, 2020| People

By: Jess Murphy

Happy Summer! I am so excited to be back at the Lake Hopatcong Foundation after taking a couple of months off to get to know our newest family member, Max. He was born on May 4, weighing in at 10 pounds 3 ounces (really living up to his name) and has been totally adored by his older siblings. (And by us, of course!)

I’m incredibly grateful for the LHF staff, who have been working around the clock through these challenging times, and moving along seamlessly with the transitions and changes thrown their way. Donna, Holly, Roberta, Caitlin, and Melanie are absolute rockstars; and although everyone has been scattered during this pandemic, you can still feel the camaraderie and unity among the group. We are SO lucky to have this team. From the virtual programming to the HAB projects that are under way throughout the lake, things are still moving along at a rapid clip, and our Zoom staff meetings are full of smiles and good vibes.

And of course Lauren Rossi, who filled in as acting executive director while I was on leave, cannot be thanked enough. Many of you knew Lauren from her days on staff; she joined the effort when the LHF started in 2012 and stepped away when her daughter was born in 2015. We have been so thrilled to have her back in the mix, and I am thankful for all the positive energy, hard work, and passion she brings with her. When she agreed to step in, none of us knew it would involve managing through virtual meetings and while also homeschooling kids. Thank you, Lauren, for rolling with the chaos and still giving so much to the lake and the LHF.

Our board, volunteers, and donors continue to overwhelm me with their kindness and generosity. Thank you for all the kind words and the warm welcome you’ve given to Max. I can’t wait to watch him grow up on a lake that is so special to me, and to all of us.

Again, I’m so thrilled to be back, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with questions or concerns going forward. Thanks!!