Dear friends and neighbors,
I am running for the position of Schroeder Trust Steward with a clear and heartfelt goal: to honor Johanna’s legacy and ensure that her bequest to Arden is used exactly as she intended “for the preservation and care of the natural spaces within the Village of Arden.”
I first met Johanna almost 30 years ago, in 1997, when she reached out to me as a Realtor and asked for help in finding a home here in Arden. Over time, I came to know her not just as a neighbor, but as an artist and a true lover of our forest. It meant a great deal to me when she entrusted me to be executor of her will, which she wrote herself, and had my wife bear witness to it.
For many years, I have been deeply involved in our village, serving on the Budget Committee, the Civic Committee, the Assessors Committee, and the Avery Acquisition Committee. Additionally, I have served as a board member for the Arden Craft Shop Museum for over 25 years, working to safeguard its future – from our earliest discussions about purchasing the property, through renovation, maintenance, and ongoing management. This experience has given me a strong understanding of how our village operates and, more importantly, what makes it so special.
Caring for Johanna daily during her time in hospice gave me a deep appreciation of her Arden—her love of wood, the forest, and the sculptures she created from objects she found on her daily walks. The hooked rugs she made, now hanging in the Bratton Room of the Gild Hall, reflect another chapter of her artistic journey.
If chosen as Schroeder Trust Steward, I will work diligently to ensure that Johanna’s legacy is honored and that her bequest is used to protect the natural spaces she cherished while fostering the creative spirit that defines Arden. I appreciate your support in this election and welcome any questions you may have. Together, we can continue Johanna’s work and preserve the unique and vibrant community we all love.
3/10/2025
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