Former mayor is first recipienet of preservation award

SPARTA — Former Sparta Township Mayor Jim Henderson will be honored as the first recipient of the Fran Smith Lake Preservation Award on November 18 at the Lake Mohawk Country Club. Jim is being recognized for his long and remarkable record of leading efforts to improve the water quality of Lake Mohawk, the headwaters of the Wallkill River. This annual award was created last year by the Lake Mohawk Preservation Foundation to honor the memory of Fran Smith, the former General Manager of Lake Mohawk Country Club who was a state and national leader in lake preservation.
A longtime resident of Sparta, Jim was a Lake Mohawk Beach President when he was asked to serve on the Club’s Lake Committee. The lake was suffering from a terrible algae problem during the 70s; and weeds and siltation were pressing issues. Lake scientists and engineering professionals were consulted and Dr. Steve Souza was contracted to study the lake and its’ ecology. This study became the guiding plan for the lake’s successful multiyear restoration. During the period of Jim’s leadership at the Country Club, he worked closely with club management, the board, the Lake Committee, and a team of scientists and professionals to implement important parts of the plan.
In 1998 Jim was elected to the Sparta Township Council. He served twice as Mayor. During his time on town council, with the support of the Country Club and Fran Smith, a town-wide phosphate-free fertilizer ordinance was passed to help keep nutrients from contaminating the waters of the many lakes within Sparta and the Wallkill River watershed. This has led to a statewide ban on phosphorous containing fertilizers in the State of New Jersey, enacted by our governor in 2011. Jim later helped lead efforts to establish an ordinance requiring septic systems within the Lake Mohawk Reservation to be pumped out every three years. This reduced another major source of watershed pollution. Jim continues supporting the lake and watershed through his many civic involvements.
The Recognition Celebration is open to everyone who knows Jim or has an interest in our watershed. The Foundation is an independent, all volunteer organization committed to protecting and sustaining our region’s aquifers. Our organization is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization and your donations, underwriting support and legacy giving are in general tax deductible.
The event will take place in the Lake Mohawk Country Club Ballroom 6-8pm on Friday, November 18. A selection of appetizers, sodas, coffee and tea will be served. A cash bar will be available. Join your friends and neighbors and help us recognize Jim Henderson. Do you need more information? View our website lakemohawkcc.com/html/preservation.cfm , our Facebook site/ Lake Mohawk Preservation Foundation or call 973-729-6156.
Tickets for the celebration cost $30. Checks for tickets should be made to Lake Mohawk Preservation Foundation, and mailed to 21 The Boardwalk, Sparta, NJ 07871. Space is limited.