Gary Reetz New President of Bronxville Beautification Council; Marie Jensen, Vice President
Written by Carol P. Bartold
Feb. 11, 2015: Gary Reetz has been chosen the new president of the Bronxville Beautification Council, replacing George McKinnis, who served on the board for nine years. Reetz will be assisted by Marie Jensen, the new vice president, who replaces Jim Sutton.
Reetz came to the organization by way of the Bronxville-Eastchester-Tuckahoe Nature Preserve, where he served as treasurer for over five years. Historically, Reetz said, the Bronxville Beautification Council began as an effort by local citizens and gardeners to improve the condition of public spaces within the village. Originally, it was their own efforts that brought about enhancements and maintained them.
"A friend approached me about taking the position," Reetz said. "I've lived here most of my life, so I've seen the village go through changes and cycles. We have to ask what we want this village to look like 50 years from now. What do we want to leave the next generations?"
From arranging for spring plantings at the railroad underpass to having trees pruned and refurbishing the landscaping at the Bronxville Post Office, the Bronxville Beautification Council keeps an eye on the village's appearance and looks for opportunities and projects to enhance it.
Reetz characterizes Bronxville as a "volunteer village," a place where residents step up and offer their time, talents, and treasures to give back to the community. "To my mind, it's democracy the way it should be," he said, "concerned citizens involved in their communities."
"I think as the council has matured," Reetz said, "there are fewer hands-on plantings by members. The organization is more aimed at planning and facilitating getting things done."
Reetz listed landscape enhancement at village hall and the Bronxville Public Library, as well as improvements at Leonard Morange Park and naturalization of open spaces to include plantings of seasonal flowers, ground cover, and grasses, as possible future projects. "Some of these projects are long term and need years to take root," he said.
The council relies on donations to bring its plans to fruition. Reetz pointed out that the council's budget is funded solely by donations rather than by tax dollars. Donations allow the Bronxville Beautification Council to function as a volunteer parks department. "The department of public works just doesn't have the time to do these beautification projects," Reetz said, "and donations give residents a way to take some ownership of the village's public spaces."
One reason the council approached Reetz to assume the presidency, he stated, is to ramp up fundraising efforts. He noted that the council's budget has typically included $15,000 to $20,000 per year in expenditures. The council spent close to $40,000 last year on the work at the Bronxville Post Office, which has left enough only to "cover the bare bones" this year.
According to Gary Reetz, the Bronxville Beautification Council is always looking for members who are interested in gardening, gardens, and landscaping, especially young families. "This is a way they can have a stake and get involved in the village," he said.
Pictured here: Members of the Bronxville Beautification Council (L to R): Jim Sutton (outgoing vice president), George McKinnis (outgoing president), Gary Reetz (new president), and Marie Jensen (new vice president).
Photo by N. Bower
Community Service Organizations Directory
HOME & GARDEN
Bronxville Beautification Council
Organized in 1982, the Bronxville Beautification Council (BBC) is a not-for-profit organization administered by a volunteer Board of Directors. The mission of the BBC is to enhance and maintain the natural and man-made beauty of the village of Bronxville, with an emphasis on the downtown business district.
Click here to learn more
Boulder Ledge Garden Club
Founded in 1966, the Boulder Ledge Garden Club is rooted in a mission to inspire a deeper appreciation and love for gardening and flower arranging. The club is dedicated to fostering and promoting interest and knowledge in gardening.
The Club maintains Bronxville’s Bicentennial Park and other civic gardens. In 2019–2020 the club raised $18,000 to replace trees in the village, reflecting its active role in community beautification. It also holds garden therapy projects and educational garden trips for members.
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Bronxville Giving Garden
The Bronxville Giving Garden is a community-centered garden that donates organic produce to Eastchester Community Action Partnership in Tuckahoe and Community Service Associates in Mount Vernon. The garden is also a gathering place where school children and volunteers can discover the joy of tending plants and growing food.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Bronxville Green Committee
The Bronxville Green Committee is a volunteer organization that is part of the Village of Bronxville. It proposes and implements environmentally sustainable programs in our community.
You can contact them HERE.
SCOUTING
Bronxville Boy Scouts
The village of Bronxville has a long tradition of scouting. “The troops and packs of Bronxville have maintained the finest scouting organizations and have taught the boys of the Bronxville area to be leaders and outstanding members of the local, national and global communities.”
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information
Bronxville Girls Scouts
The Girls Scouts is “the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world.” In Girl Scouts, “girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together. Through the many enriching experiences provided by Girl Scouts, they can grow courageous and strong.”
Here is more information about girl scouts.
HISTORY
Bronxville Historical Conservancy
Inspired by the highly successful Bronxville Centennial Celebration in 1998, the Bronxville Historical Conservancy was founded to record and preserve Bronxville's history and life in the village today.
BRONXVILLE SCHOOL
Bronxville School Foundation
The Bronxville School Foundation, founded in 1991, is a non-profit organization independent from the school with the sole purpose of supporting the school.
The mission of the Bronxville School Foundation is to enhance the quality of public education in our community by engaging the support and energies of educators, citizens, parents, students and alumni.
The Foundation awards grants for projects
CLICK HERE to learn more.
LECTURES, EXHIBITS, CONCERTS
Bronxville Women's Club
The Bronxville Women’s Club offers lectures, exhibits and concerts. It also has a beautiful clubhouse which is available for rental for events.
135 Midland Avenue
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3252
Concordia Conservatory
Concordia Conservatory, a preeminent center for music education in Westchester and Fairfield Counties, is a welcoming community where children and adults find lifelong inspiration and joy through learning, performing, listening to, and participating with others in music.
The Conservatory’s mission is to inspire, instruct, and enrich lives through music offering excellence in education and performance.
CLICK HERE for more information.
COUNSELING
Counseling Center
Founded in 1971, the mission of the Counseling Center “is to provide a wide range of psychotherapeutic and counseling services to individuals, couples and families by a staff of highly trained, experience and dedicated psychotherapists.
The Counseling Center
180 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-793-3388
www.counselingcenter.org
SERVICE & VOLUNTEERISM
Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester & Tuckahoe
The mission of the Community Fund is “to support broad social services in Bronxville 10708, Eastchester and Tuckahoe through grants and technical support to local agencies and community projects. All money raised here in our community stays here in our community.”
15 Park Place
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-8808
www.thecommunityfund.org
Junior League of Bronxville
The Junior League of Bronxville is “an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.”
Rotary Club of Bronxville
The Rotary Club of Bronxville is part of a national network of 1.25 million problem-solvers. They see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
READING & LEARNING
Friends of the Bronxville Library
The Friends of the Bronxville Library is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to focus attention on the “Library’s services, facilities and needs” as well as sponsor projects and provide materials that are beyond the reach of the Library's regular budget and perform other services.
SENIORS
Gramatan Village
Gramatan Village is a unique community model offering programs, services and social connections that help members continue to live independently in their homes as they age. In addition, GV offers one-on-one consultations and counseling with our experienced staff to guide members through life’s transitions.
Senior Citizens of Bronxville
Senior Citizens of Bronxville is a not-for-profit organization that provides services and programs to seniors within the 10708 zip code area. “Programs cover a wide range of activities from educational seminars and cultural enrichment to community services, bridge classes and exercise.”
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