Our Board of Trustees

Robert Von Zumbusch, President

Robert is an architect long involved in historic and open space preservation and planning, especially of cultural landscape corridors. Among his continuing interests are the D&R Canal State Park and the former Princeton Nurseries site in Kingston, NJ. He is president of the Kingston Historical Society, and an officer of Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands, Kingston Greenways and Friends of Princeton Open Space. He is vice chairman of the Joint Township Advisory Committee for the Village of Kingston, and a member of the D&R Canal Commission Master Plan Advisory Committee.

Laura Strong, Treasurer

A dedicated volunteer at Princeton Public Schools with a background in education and passion for old house renovation, Laura “discovered” the beauty of the Millstone Valley when she moved into one of Griggstown’s historic homes. Laura is thrilled that Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition combines two of her interests, historical preservation and natural conservation. She has played a key role in modernizing the organization’s financial management.

Michael Bell, Vice President, Secretary

Michael Bell has lived in Griggstown in the Millstone Valley for 35 years. Originally from Australia, he was a research physicist with the Plasma Physics Laboratory of Princeton University where he worked on several experimental projects. Now retired, he and his wife Jane have enjoyed traveling, gardening, and caring for their old house. Michael plays fiddle and Jane penny whistle in bands, and both participate in folk and country dancing. They enjoy the natural beauty of the valley and learning its history.

Barbara Beckley

Barbara is an NY transplant who couldn’t wait for the corporate transfer back to her beloved Hudson Valley. Then one day she discovered the D&R Canal and the rich history of the Millstone Valley and never looked back. Passionate to open the eyes of others to the rich heritage and beauty of the area, she serves as a docent at parks and museums in the area and has coordinated demonstrations on life on the canal for Somerset County’s Journey to the Past.

Sandipan Gangopadhyay

Sandipan's experience spans 30 years in information technology and pharmaceutical manufacturing in Asia, Europe, and the US. He has served on the Board of the Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition since 2015. Sandipan leverages his experience in technology, social networking, and photography to further the goals of the Coalition and other institutions in the area focused on the preservation and revitalization of historically and culturally significant treasures in the Millstone Valley. He is a member of the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers and is certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT.

Pat Morris

When Pat and her husband Ron moved to the Borough of Millstone in 1969, they soon became acquainted with many of the Millstone Valley residents who were working to preserve the natural and historic quality of the valley. Joining with other residents in the effort to achieve these goals, and continuing participation in subsequent preservation efforts, became an important part of Pat’s life. She was a member of the Millstone Borough Planning Board for many years and is now a member of the Borough’s Historic District Commission.

Suzanne Ochse

An original member of the MVPC, Suzanne remains committed to its goals and mission. She is dedicated to open space preservation, having served on the Somerset County Open Space Advisory Committee for many years. Partnerships are an important component of preserving and enhancing the beauty of the Millstone Valley as exemplified by the Blackwells Mills Causeway Project. Suzanne is instrumental in coordinating the project with the D&R Canal State Park, PSE&G, Rutgers University, NJDOT, Somerset County, and the townships of Franklin and Hillsborough.

Portia Orton

Barbara ten Broeke

In 2001, Barbara ten Broeke, her husband Jan, and a few dynamic friends gathered in the keeping room of her 1763 home to form the Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition (MVPC) to protect the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. By 2009, MVPC had secured the federal designation of a 27-mile loop of historic road along the Delaware and Raritan Canal as the Millstone Valley National Scenic Byway. It was the first of MVPC’s many campaigns—including several more victories—in the battle for historic preservation and wider recognition of the importance of Central NJ to the American narrative.

Lori Savron

Lori is an 18 year resident of Griggstown where she and her family are active hike, bike and paddlers of the D&R Canal State Park. As a professional planner for Montgomery Township, she was involved in the early planning efforts of the Millstone Valley Scenic Byway. Historic preservation remains a key part of her work. However, it was her role as mom and dedicated local Girl Scout leader that led her and her daughter to volunteer as docents at the Visitor’s Center.

Donato Nieman

Don grew up on Suydam Road near the Canal fishing canoeing and swimming in the canal and the Millstone River. He has been a municipal manager for 40 years retiring last June. His last municipality was Montgomery.

Daniel Plonski

Daniel Plonski, a skilled professional in 3D design and fine art sculpture production, recently relocated to Millstone Borough with his wife from the New York’s Hudson Valley. Currently employed at the Seward Johnson Atelier, he brings a unique blend of artistic expertise to the Coalition.

Daniel's passion for nature and commitment to preserving its beauty align with his interest in the rich history of the area. Inspired by the historical context, he seeks to deepen our connection with nature in the modern era.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES