Carole J. Dick Balmer, Open Space Advocate, Remembered In Holmdel

HOLMDEL, NJ — The death of longtime Holmdel environmental advocate and elected official Carole J. Dick Balmer has saddened members of the local community and tributes from area groups are praising her dedication to preserving open space.

During her 45 years in Holmdel, she served the township as deputy mayor and committeewoman, Planning Board member, Environmental Commission chair, Zoning Board vice-chair, and Bayshore Regional Sewerage Authority commissioner. She also participated in community groups such as the Sierra Club and Citizens for Informed Land Use, her friends in the environmental community said.

Members of Citizens for Informed Land Use commented on her passing:

"Many Holmdel residents knew Carole from her presence at Holmdel Township Committee meetings. As one resident said, she would 'come prepared with points and questions listed on a yellow legal pad. Feisty is the best word to encapsulate her public speaking.' ”

"As Carole herself said, 'When I get mad, I get going.'"

Carole faced life "with spirit and spunk," CILU said in comments by member Karen Strickland.

The Save Holmdel Village members also reflected on Balmer's influence in the township, saying she was "one of its most consequential citizens in its history."

Balmer was "an incredible champion for truth and justice within this town for decades, with a keen focus on preserving Holmdel's rural nature and its natural beauty and habitat," the group said.

"While nearly everyone who knew Carole well has had spirited debates with her at times - which was one of her many talents and beauties, she will be sorely missed by all," the organization said.

Balmer was also known to hundreds who received her "Alert" emails, highlighting township issues - and Save Holmdel Village said the prospect of no longer receiving those emails was sobering.

The group said it will honor her "by being unwavering, continuing this great legacy in her great name," the group said.

Balmer was born in 1948 in Elizabeth. Her mother died when Carole was age four, so she and her sister were raised by their father, the CILU information said.

She had worked as a model and job recruiter, and a vet tech - her favorite position.

"Throughout her life, she was always nurturing or saving an animal. All animals were welcome in her home. Her advice to everyone was always 'You’ve got to get a dog,' " CILU said.

CILU said Balmer's greatest passion was preserving open space around Holmdel and protecting the watershed for the Swimming River Reservoir.

"She spent decades educating the community about the importance of the watershed, advocating for clean water and air quality, fighting against chemicals in our water supply, and teaching about storm water runoff and soil retention.

"Carole’s advocacy for the environment is what gave her life purpose and meaning. Advocating is when she felt the most productive. Her focus on protecting the Swimming River Reservoir contributed to preserving more than 1,200 acres of land in Monmouth County including part of Thompson Park in Middletown and the Chase Tract in Holmdel," CILU said.

Balmer died Jan. 26, following a long illness, CILU said. She is survived by her sister, her sons, and her large Holmdel “family,” CILU said.

Mayor Rocco Impreveduto said Wednesday the Township Committee "offers condolences on her passing to all her family and friends."

A memorial service is being planned, and details will be posted.