SOUTHAMPTON – The Friends of Southampton Open Space (FOSOS) is a newly founded independent, tax-exempt organization, whose mission is to support the preservation of Southampton's open space for the enjoyment of current and future generations, through stewardship, volunteerism, fundraising, and community engagement.

The group of eight are not affiliated with the town. They had their first meeting in December and became an official group in June. Alison Wondriska, vice president of the board, said that the pandemic has made things go a lot slower.

Prior to COVID-19, a fifth grade art class at Norris Elementary School was asked to create a logo for the group. "The idea was they would design a logo that would be an identifying mark," said Wondriska. They received about 20 submissions and chose six finalists. Before the pandemic, the finalists would have had their artwork on display in the public library where residents would have been able to vote on which one they like the best.

FOSOS had to find a new way to choose their logo and are now going to have an online voting system. Starting Aug. 1 through Aug. 15, residents can vote for their favorite drawing on their website, www.fosos.org.

"All of the finalists have gotten a gift certificate for a 6-inch subway sandwich and the winner gets the ability to have their artwork displayed in the community," said Wondriska.

Wondriska wants people to take advantage of what the outside has to offer while being cautious and respectful of COVID-19 and to take care of the space while they use it.

The group asks the public not to liter and respect the natural world.