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