2025 BPC Board of Trustees Candidate Statements
Jacoba Coes, Candidate for Vice-Chair
Brookdale Park has woven itself into the very fabric of my life since the day I arrived in Montclair. You might recognize me from my daily walks with my furry companion or from my time spent volunteering. Finding solace in the outdoors has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember.
With a background in Botany from the University of Michigan, I initially ventured into a career in retail operations. Now retired, I've embraced my passion as a Master Gardener and am delving into the world of horticultural therapy. My commitment to the community led me to join the Conservancy, aiming to contribute to the preservation of Brookdale Park as a serene natural haven and a vital hub for community engagement and support.
As a trustee, I've actively participated in the planting team, working towards enhancing the park's natural beauty. I also proudly serve as a founding member of the Education and Outreach Team. This dedicated team creates monthly spotlight newsletters about the delights of our park and organizes at least 5 family friendly events each year.
My dedication to Brookdale Park is not just a personal connection but a commitment to fostering a thriving community space that we can all cherish. My goal as Vice Chairman would be to foster frequent engagement with our volunteers and to expand our project leadership talent pool. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue contributing, helping to ensure the sustained beauty and vitality of our beloved park.
Rui DosSantos, Candidate for Vice-Chair
I am filled with a deep sense of responsibility and passion for the work BPC does. Becoming the Vice-Chair of this incredible organization will be a privilege and an opportunity to contribute more meaningfully to the impactful projects that shape the beauty of Brookdale Park.
Throughout my time on the BPC Board, I have seen firsthand how collaboration, vision, and innovation can transform ideas into real-world beauty for all to enjoy. I believe that in the role of Vice-Chair, I can bring a new level of leadership that will inspire others to engage, collaborate, and create lasting change.
I am particularly excited about the opportunity to lead initiatives that focus on bringing more gardens of color, as I believe these are areas where we can make the most significant impact.
In this role, I am committed to lead projects that positively impact everyone, foster an environment of creativity and celebrate achieving meaningful results.
Cindy Tirrell, Candidate for Trustee-At-Large
Much like other trustees on the board, I have strong connections to Brookdale Park. My family settled in Bloomfield in the 1930s and we’ve been visiting the park ever since. As a child, I visited my grandparents and we went to the park for concerts, to play, and just to cool off in the hot summer months. As an adult, I visit the park in all seasons. I am convinced my dog Clarence thought the archery field was his private playground on snowy winter afternoons when we were the only ones running around in the cold!
I first volunteered for the Conservancy on a March clean-up day when we dragged branches and shrubs from the pondside. The work wasn’t glamorous, but I had a fantastic time and left feeling like I’d made a difference. I quickly looked up the next volunteer date…I was hooked! Planting trees, lugging mulch, pulling weeds, and planting perennials led to leading volunteer groups on “Maintenance Mondays”. Attending Conservancy meetings has been a great learning experience and I have been inspired by the current board members.
After retiring from a 30-plus year career as a public school teacher, I was ready for something new. I am now a certified Master Gardener and a member of the New Jersey Native Plant Society. I also serve on the Board of Trustees of Holiday Hope and volunteer at Nutley Family Service Bureau. I hope to use my skills to help the Conservancy grow and to help preserve the precious park that feels like home.
Ellen Crowley, Candidate for Trustee-At-Large
Ellen has been very active these past several months, attending in-park events and nearly all meetings the past 2 years. She has contributed positive ideas in both venues and has helped me on the "chess in the park" proposal. Ellen's professional background (clinical psychology) makes her an ideal candidate for navigating the many interpersonal relationships encountered by the BPC.