March 15, 2024| Community, Education, Environment, People
By: Holly Odgers
We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our own grants and program director, Donna Macalle-Holly, whose outstanding dedication to environmental stewardship has earned her the esteemed 2024 NJ Clean Communities Clean Waterways Award!
The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority (MCMUA) nominated Donna for this prestigious award, recognizing her exceptional leadership in coordinating our November 4, 2023, Lake-Wide Community Cleanup on Lake Hopatcong. The success of this cleanup effort, which involved nearly 600 volunteers and the removal of 28,000 pounds of trash, including more than 900 tires, is a testament to Donna's dedication and hard work.
While the Lake-Wide Community Cleanup is truly a community effort, it was conceived by Donna in 2013. She recognized the 5-foot drawdown held every five years on Lake Hopatcong as a unique opportunity to clear litter from the shores and exposed lakebed. Last year marked the third iteration of this impactful initiative, led each time by Donna, a testament to her ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.
Congratulations, Donna, on this well-deserved honor! Your commitment to reducing litter and promoting environmental education has made a profound impact on Lake Hopatcong and throughout our community!
Photo: (left to right) New Jersey Clean Communities (NJCC) Vice Chairman John Wohlrab, LHF Grants and Program Director Donna Macalle-Holly, NJCC Chair Linda Doherty, and NJCC Executive Director JoAnn Gemenden
