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
Bronxville Beautification Council
Organized in 1982 and incorporated in 1993, the Bronxville Beautification Council (BBC) is a not for profit organization administered by a Board of Directors. Its mission is to enhance and maintain the natural and man-made beauty of Bronxville Village, with emphasis on the downtown business district of Bronxville. The BBC uses the dollars raised in its annual spring solicitation letter to residents to fund the mum, tulip and summer flower plantings downtown and at traffic intersections, as well as the summer hanging baskets. Every few years the group spearheads such major endeavors as the renovation of Leonard Morange Square on the west side of the railroad tracks and the beautification of the Lawrence Hospital traffic circle, which included the addition of plants and the building of the fountain that now makes a gracious western portal to our town. The BBC also works with other civic groups to monitor the aesthetics of retail signage, the consistency of sidewalk materials, and litter and graffiti. During Beautify Bronxville Week, the BBC sponsors a poetry reading and works with Scout groups on the annual village clean-up.
Bronxville Beautification Council
PO Box 127
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-779-6123
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.”
There are several Boy Scout Troops in Bronxville, including Troops 1, 2, 4, and 5.
Bronxvillle 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.”
Bronxville Historical Conservancy
The Bronxville Historical Conservancy was founded in 1998 to further the understanding and appreciation of the history and current life of the village. The Conservancy furthers its mission through the presentation of programs, publications, lectures and special events that foster an awareness of the village's architectural, artistic and cultural heritage, and lends its support for projects designed to strengthen and preserve those legacies. Anyone who is interested in the Bronxville and its history can become a member; varying levels of membership are available.
Bronxville Historical Conservancy
PO Box 989
Bronxville, New York 10708
http://bronxvillehistoricalconservancy.org/
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 Foundation raises money each year through donations from school families, community members, and alumni, among others.These contributions fund grants that provide cutting-edge technology, innovative programs and curriculum and other resources that are beyond the scope of public school funding.
177 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-395-0515
https://www.bronxvilleschoolfoundation.org/
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
www.bronxvillewomensclub.org
Bronxville Youth Council
The Bronxville Youth Council provides volunteer and leadership opportunities for high school students in the village of Bronxville.
177 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-395-0500 ext 1789
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
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
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.
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 mission of the Rotary Club of Bronxville is to “encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and to encourage and foster (1) the development of friendships within the community as an opportunity for service, (2) high ethical standards in business and professions, (3) the application of the ideal of service of each member to his personal and business and community life and (4) the advancement of international understanding, good will and peace through a world fellowship.”
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.”
Community Service Organizations Recent Articles
Quick Links
Newsletter
MyhometownBroxnville reserves the right to monitor and remove all comments. For more information on Posting Rules, please review our Rules and Terms of Use, both of which govern the use and access of this site. Thank you.
The information presented here is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to present accurate information, myhometownBronxville, LLC, does not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information herein. We urge all users to independently confirm any information provided herein and consult with an appropriate professional concerning any material issue of fact or law. The views and opinions expressed by the writers, event organizers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of myhometownBronxville, LLC, its officers, staff or contributors. The use of this website is governed by the Terms of Use . No portion of this publication may be reproduced or redistributed, either in whole or part, without the express written consent of the publisher.
Copyright © 2009 myhometownbronxville.com, All rights reserved.