LONGTIME CONSERVATION COMMISSION member Janice Solomon proudly displays a framed photo of Pine Hill Lot while ConCom member Maria Fernandez-Donovan (left) and Planning and Conservation Director Emilie Cademartori look on during a recent meeting. Solomon stepped down after 18 years of service.
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — Longtime Conservation Commission member Janice Solomon was recently honored for her 18 years of service during her final meeting.
Conservation Commission Vice Chair Kirk Mansfield said he was in “denial” about Solomon stepping down. She first joined the ConCom in 2006.
“I want to say thank you to Jan for 18 years of amazing service,” said Mansfield. “A lot of trees have been saved because of you. You will be very, very missed. We appreciate everything you have done.”
Solomon recalled that she served with retired Conservation Commission Administrator Betty Adelson and current Planning and Conservation Director Emilie Cademartori along with four different Conservation Commission chairs over the past 18 years.
“You guys are great,” said Solomon. “Keep up the great work. You will find someone who has the passion. I have done a lot of service for the Conservation Commission, and I really have enjoyed it. Definitely keep up the great work with everything. It’s definitely worth it. I was born and raised in this town and of course change happens, but keeping up with conservation is very important.”
Conservation Commission member Erin Hohmann thanked Solomon for being an “excellent steward.”
In response to a question from Hohmann, Cademartori said Solomon first started attending ConCom’s meetings as a resident in 2005.
Solomon recalled that she first started attending the Conservation Commission’s meetings when the town was debating selling Pine Hill Lot in order to raise funds to help offset the cost of the Reedy Meadow Golf Course purchase. She lives behind the conservation area.
“The town administrator wanted to give up the first property that started Lynnfield conservation,” said Solomon. “I really did my homework.”
Solomon recalled that she told former Conservation Commission Chair Denise Young and Town Counsel Tom Mullen that the town needed the State Legislature’s approval in order to sell Pine Hill Lot.
“Tom turned around and said, ‘whoa,’” Solomon recalled. “(Former Town Administrator) Bill Gustus was not happy with me to say the least, but come on. They would have had to say they had no use for conservation land.”
Solomon said Young later asked her if she would be interested in joining the Conservation Commission because she frequently attended the ConCom’s meetings.
“I have enjoyed the meetings,” said Solomon. “They have been great.”
Conservation Commission Chair Don Gentile presented Solomon with a framed photo of a path in Pine Hill Lot that leads to her house.
“You will be missed,” said Gentile.
Solomon thanked her colleagues for the generous gift.
“Thank you,” said Solomon. “I will hang it up.”
Gentile thanked Solomon for her service on the Conservation Commission in an email sent to the Villager.
“Janice has been an invaluable member of the Conservation Commission for over 18 years,” stated Gentile. “I have had the pleasure of serving with Janice, and learning from her, for my entire tenure on the commission. Her ability to recall details about properties and their past uses has provided crucial context for our deliberations. Janice’s contributions are always informed and well-reasoned. I am thankful for her willingness to voice dissenting views. Her insights have educated me and changed my mind on several occasions. The commission has been incredibly fortunate to benefit from Janice’s expertise and dedication — her shoes will be difficult to fill. We sincerely thank her and wish her the best!”
Cademartori agreed.
“Jan Solomon is a true conservationist, having joined the commission after speaking up to save the Pine Hill property from being sold in 2005,” stated Cademartori in an email sent to the Villager. “Jan does not hesitate to call when she sees something around town that just doesn’t look right. She truly cares about the town’s environment and natural resources. She served the commission with a true passion that will be sorely missed.”