The science research pond at the Nanuet Outdoor Education Center was officially dedicated last Tuesday in memory of Dr. Harold H. Fogelman and named the “Harold H. Fogelman M.D. Memorial Science Research Pond.”
Members of Dr. Fogelman’s family, Nanuet School District officials and Boy Scout Troop 33 Eagle Scout candidates and leaders attended the ceremony. Eagle Scout candidate Chris Barry had installed a path and patio around the pond and constructed a sign naming the pond as part of his Eagle Scout project, which was unveiled by Dr. Fogelman’s grandchildren.
Dr. Fogelman, a child psychiatrist, was a member of the Nanuet School Board for more than 22 years and was board president when he died at age 67 on October 31, 2010. Ground breaking for the pond took place in July 2011. It was designed so students could study the pond and the life cycles of the fish, reptiles and plants that lived in it.
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“Dr. Fogelman was always working to help children and was involved in our district for over 25 years,” said Barry, a high school senior. “He had a vision for this pond to be used as an outdoor classroom for the students of the Nanuet School District.”
Barry’s Eagle Scout project involved layout and installation of the 97 foot long walking path and 25 foot long by 19-foot wide patio. About three tons of bluestone was used to construct the path and patio. The engraved sign, which is made out of maple and on a post almost 13 feet tall, stands at the entrance to the pond.
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The extended Fogelman family, school board members, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Steven Schlanger, Director of Facilities Rudy Villanyi and Superintendent Dr. Mark McNeill joined Troop 33 leaders Joe Somma, Graham Seidel Doug Caulk, Eagle Scout candidate Scout Brian Lynn.
School Board President Ron Hansen spoke on behalf of the board and said Fogelman was an advocate for the outdoor education center.
He described Fogelman as a “reassuring voice on the board,” who “tried to see the common sense of the issue before the board.”
Barry said the pond and improved accessibility will allow student to experience nature up close.
“I am proud to have played a small role in helping to prepare this area so it can be used by students and teachers,” he said.
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