By Susan Johnson
May 8, 2024: Rotary Clubs in Bronxville, Eastchester and Scarsdale will once again “Get Behind the Wheel” and collaborate on a second annual environmental day of service on Saturday, May 18th from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (rain date May 19th), to clean up and beautify a section of the Bronx River Reservation, located near the Tuckahoe duck pond at the cross section of Garrett Avenue and the end of Tuckahoe Road.
If you would like to join in this day of service, please meet us at the Bronx River Duck Pond at 9am on May 18th.
The objective is to remove the invasive vines and scrub brush that have thrived and developed a stranglehold on trees over the years that will ultimately kill them–and have some fun while doing it!
Robert DelTorto, President of the Bronx River Parkway Reservation Conservancy, will train and supervise the volunteers, who will also plant native trees and shrubs along the banks of the river to help restore its ecology, preserve, and protect a beautiful section of the local landscape.
“Please join us for an inspiring day of humanity and fellowship for a fun day, focused on interacting with each other while delivering an important community service. Our hope is this event will become an ongoing collaboration in support of the Bronx River Parkway Reservation Conservancy,” said former member of the Westchester County Legislature Ruth Walter. She will chair the event, along with Rotary Board member Dr. Eduardo Saponara.
The idea for the collaboration with BRPRC on last year’s Day of Service came about after Ruth, a Board member of the Bronxville Rotary and the Bronx River Parkway Reservation Conservancy, met and volunteered with BRPRC president Robert DelTorto at the Bicycle Sundays vine cuttings (held regularly during the summer). She was drawn to Bob’s unwavering dedication to Westchester County Parks.
A longtime employee of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservancy, Bob was named 2015 Best Volunteer by Friends of Westchester County Parks. He had already organized many volunteer cleanups in sections of the Bronx River Reservation. “Participating in vine cutting with Bob was so much fun and really connected me to the park. I knew that Rotary members from clubs along the Bronx River would enjoy this work. Coming together with other Rotary clubs to beautify our shared park is another lasting benefit,” said Ruth.
According to Bronxville Rotary President Lou Maggiotto, “For more than 115 years, Rotary's self-described people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to execute sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end. We see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. In Bronxville we are doing our part to promote these ideals,” he said.
The Bronxville Rotary Club is part of Rotary International’s network of 1.4 million problem-solvers in 46,000 clubs, the world’s largest non-profit and humanitarian service organization that provides service to others, builds international relationships, and promotes peace, to create a better world.
Learn more about local Rotary Clubs: Bronxville Rotary; Eastchester Rotary; Scarsdale Rotary.
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Contact: Ruth Walter (914) 771-0654 or rpwalter08@gmail.com