By Susan Johnson

May 10, 2023: Rotary Clubs in Bronxville, Eastchester and Scarsdale will “Get Behind the Wheel” and collaborate for the first time on Saturday, May 20^th from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (rain date May 21^st) volunteering for the Bronx River Parkway Conservancy (BRPRC) on an environmental Day of Service to clean up and beautify a section of the Bronx River Reservation. 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!

Under the auspices of BRPRC president Robert DelTorto who will train and supervise the volunteers, the Day of Service will also include planting native species trees – white spruce, black walnut, and silky dogwood -- on the reservation to help restore its ecology, preserve, and protect a beautiful section of the local landscape. The cleanup area will be  located near the Tuckahoe duck pond at the cross section of Garrett Avenue and the end of Tuckahoe Road. 

“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 will become an ongoing collaboration in support of the Bronx River Parkway Reservation Conservancy,” said Board member Dr. Eduardo Saponara who along with former member of the Westchester County Legislature Ruth Walter are the event co-chairs. Joel Benoliel is Vice Chair.

The idea for the collaboration with BRPRC on this 2023 Day of Service came about after Ruth, a Board member of the Bronxville Rotary and the Bronx River Parkway Reservation Conservancy (https://www.bronx-river.com/), got to know BRPRC president Robert DelTorto at the Bicycle Sundays vine cuttings (held regularly during the summers). 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.

“We want to attract young people focused on doing community service, who are also committed to protecting the environment,” said Rotary president James Smith, Downstate Regional Officer of Trustco Bank. “There are so many things that compete for everyone’s time and energy. We are looking to the younger generation for some new ideas on how we can help attract them to service through Rotary,” he said.

The Bronxville Rotary Club is part of an international network of 1.4 million problem-solvers in 46,000 clubs. Rotary International is the world’s largest non-profit and humanitarian service organization that provide service to others, build international relationships, promote peace, and create a better world. “We see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. We in Bronxville are doing our part and wish to promote these ideals,” said Dr. Eduardo Saponara.

Said incoming Rotary president attorney Louis J. 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.”

Learn more about local Rotary Clubs: Bronxville Rotary (https://bronxvillerotary.com/); Eastchester Rotary (https://eastchester-rotary.org/); Scarsdale Rotary (https://scarsdalerotary.org/).

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