New Heritage Committee Will Focus On Holmdel Diversity

HOLMDEL, NJ — Engaging Holmdel's diverse communities is a goal of the new Holmdel Heritage Committee, recently formed by the Township Committee.

And the town is seeking applications from residents who want to join.

At the Sept. 27 Township Committee meeting, Holmdel resident Chiung-Yin Cheng Liu was appointed as the chairperson of the Heritage Committee.

Committeeman Rocco Impreveduto explained the impetus for the committee:

He said the idea was conceived initially in response "to the plague of Asian hate crimes," an issue that was raised to him as he ran for office on the Township Committee in 2021.

"The original intent was to have a liaison to the Asian community so we could have a clearer understanding of the situation and ensure a clean line of direct communication to the Township Committee.

"As I spoke to more and more residents, that concept expanded to a Heritage Committee - which would not only represent the Asian community, but the various diverse communities within our town," Impreveduto said.

The Heritage Committee is not technically active as yet, he added, since it was formed so recently.

He said he is supportive of the leadership of the new committee:

"Chiung-Yin Cheng Liu is a friend who was was a driving force behind the idea to expand my concept into a Heritage Committee. She's been active in the community for a long time, including nine years as a Board of Education member, which is why I'm supportive of her being the leader of the committee," Impreveduto said.

According to the township, the purpose of the committee is "to get a better understanding of the things currently impacting members of the various diverse communities within Holmdel and to come up with creative ways to address issues," creating more community engagement.

Applications are being accepted for seats on the committee. To apply, visit the Committee’s webpage.

The goals of the new committee are also listed there, and include plans to:

• Review and discuss issues facing their respective communities in our township.
• Identify opportunities (holidays, celebrations) for deeper Holmdel community engagement.
• Ideate ways in which Holmdel can address and engage in the aforementioned areas.
• Communicate feedback and ideas directly to the Holmdel Township Committee.

For volunteer to serve on the heritage Committee, see the application form.