Van Vliet Hemlocks - Board of Directors

Current Board Members

Tom Olson, President

Phil Sobocinski, Vice President

Al Drum, Secretary

Eric Benn, Treasurer

Ed Brodsky, Member

Bob Berdan Member

Allen Eschenbauch, Member

Bob Horswill, Member

Licia Johnson, Member

Sarah Johnson, Member

Richard Phillips, Member

Jenna Richardson, Member

Zach Wilson, Member

John Heusinkveld, Rep. for NLDC

Ronie Jacobsen, Rep. for VVLA

Original Board Members

Original board members celebrate the ribbon cutting. From left to right: Ed Brodsky, Sarah Johnson, Al Eschenbauch, Tom Olson, Paul Specht, Jill Wilm, Ronie Jacobson, and John Schwarsmann (representing the BCPL)
Original board members celebrate the ribbon cutting. From left to right: Ed Brodsky, Sarah Johnson, Al Eschenbauch, Tom Olson, Paul Specht, Jill Wilm, Ronie Jacobson, and John Schwarsmann (representing the BCPL)

Board Meeting Highlights

May 4, 2022 - Regular Meeting

  • The Treasury is solid, and represents sixty members
  • Hemp nettle infestation requires that Sugar Bush trail remain closed to public use for the indefinite future
  • President Tom Olson has contacted DNR Secretary Preston Cole requesting that Secretary Cole prepare Articles of Dedication on behalf of Hemlocks for further security of the property
  • The new NLDC building renovation is in operation; further construction is to follow this year, doubling the footprint of the existing structure; Hemlocks and the NLDC have a lasting and productive relationship.
  • Educational programs in Hemlocks continue strongly and enthusiastically
  • A comprehensive sign replacement for Hemlocks trail systems has been completed
  • The Hemlocks website is under consideration for redesign
  • The Hemlocks Annual Meeting is scheduled for August 7, 2022, 4:00 P.M.--Location to be announced
  • The Hemlocks Board of Directors will be expanded to thirteen regular Board members, increasing by three from ten to thirteen regular members; the two charter members bring the total Board membership to fifteen.

Aug 10, 2022 - Regular Meeting

  • Hemp Nettle eradication efforts carried out this year in areas other than the Sugarbush Trail look fruitful; more will follow next year
  • Six Directors with expiring terms were re-elected for new terms: Phil Sobocinski, Vice President; Bob Berdan, Director; Bob Horswill, Director; Al Eschenbauch, Director; Licia Kuckkahn Johnson, Director; Sarah Johnson, Director.
  • Three new Directors were added to the Board, bringing the Board total to thirteen members: Richard Phillips; Zach Wilson; Jenna Richardson
  • The Hemlocks website is undergoing a face lifting initiative, led by Samantha Wolter of the NLDC staff, and aided by Ronie Jacobsen and Sarah Johnson.
  • The Hemlocks is financially healthy with a strong membership base