Partnerships Award Luncheon

March 18, 2004:

The Friends of Pelham Bay Park - Pelham Bay Park

The Friends of Pelham Bay Park officially formed in 1992, after cleaning up the park from the big Nor'easter.

This very active group meets every month to plan events, fundraising efforts and special projects. Their most notable event is Earth Fest, which includes planting and cleaning projects, environmental exhibitions, children's performances and arts and crafts workshops.

The group successfully raised funds to hire a full-time Youth Program Coordinator, Maria Karpfinger, to conduct extensive outreach to the schools near the park. They also contributed to the building of the "Bronx Victory Column", the refurbishment of the "American Boy Statue" and the creation of the handicapped accessible "Playground for All Children."

For their dedication and perseverance, we recognize the Friends of Pelham Bay Park.

The Friends of Pelham Bay Park is represented here today by Franz Helmke and Carmen Rivera.

Central Park Medical Unit - Central Park

In 1975, a group of everyday park-users were concerned that many New York City ambulance crews had insufficient knowledge of Central Park's geography. This resulted in long waits for emergency victims. They believed that Central Park needed its own EMS (Emergency Medical Service) with certified EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians). So they formed the "Central Park Medical Rescue Squad", a first response unit that consisted of approximately twenty volunteers, a few personal bicycles and a retrofitted Ford van.

In 1979, the rescue squad incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation and was renamed the "Central Park Medical Unit." They now has an approximately 100 member volunteer staff, two ambulances, six bicycles and the Wollman Rink first aid station. Every weekend they provide expert care to Central Park's many visitors, with one of the fastest response times in New York State.

For their innovation and commitment, we recognize the Central Park Medical Unit.

The Central Park Medical Unit is represented here today by Raphael Castellanos, Michael Jones, Peter Jacobson and Frank Schorn.

Cornucopia Society - Veteran's Square Park, Laurelton Playground, Twin Ponds, Brookeville Park and Idlewild Park.

In 1997, the Cornucopia Society, both a food pantry and park volunteer group, was created, in order to provide better and more consistent services and programs to the community of Rosedale, Queens.

The group's members, however, had already been volunteering for years. In fact, Fred Kress, the group's president, first volunteered in Veteran's Square as far back as 1973, when he was an Eagle Scout.

The group participates in citywide volunteer days, such as It's My Park! Day and the Daffodil Project, inviting local scout troops to join them. Everyday, you can find at least one member of the group volunteering in one of the parks. Because of their dedication, the group has received many grants for the Parks___________________________________________.

For their commitment to the parks of Rosedale, we recognize the Cornucopia Society.

The Cornucopia Society is represented here today by Fred Kress, Barbara Morris and Joe Locoteta. (Crazy head in Italian)
- Tom Panzone

The Friends of Blue Heron Park - Blue Heron Park

Approximately forty years ago, a group of concerned citizens (including Jack and Lois Baird) gathered together, to stop development on a 26 acre wetland. First dedicated in 1984, Blue Heron Park now boasts 222 acres and a new Nature Center.

The Board of Directors of the Friends of Blue Heron Park, meet on the first Tuesday each month, to strategize their fundraising and programming efforts. The group has secured a variety of grants and awards from many sources, including $10,000 from their state senator, $9000 from their council member, and $5000 from the Staten Island Savings Bank.

Thanks to their fund-raising, all programs are open to the public, and free, except for the cost of materials. The annual Scarecrow and Holiday Festivals and the Kids & Kritters and Natural Science Club are just a few of the events and educational programs that the group provides all year long.

For their devotion and persistence, we recognize the Friends of Blue Heron Park.

The Friends of Blue Heron Park is represented here today by Jack and Lois Baird.

LeRoy Temple, PRM - The City of New York/Parks and Recreation - Pelham Bay Park

Franz Helmke, Carmen Rivera and the Friends of Pelham Bay Park, have nominated LeRoy Temple to be honored at the Partnerships Award Luncheon and Commissioner Lewandowski seconded it the nomination saying "LeRoy is an Ace".

A little about LeRoy: LeRoy began his Parks career as a City Seasonal Aide in 1981 and in 1985, he was hired full-time at the Astoria Pool. After years of promotions and working in several districts in Queens.

In May of 2003, LeRoy was promoted to Parks & Recreation Manager. He is now the manager for districts 2, 10, 15 and 15a, which includes Pelham Bay Park and Orchard Beach.

The Friends of Pelham Bay Park said that LeRoy has done an incredible job. He is hard working, helpful and available. They appreciate that LeRoy is consistent about enforcing the park rules to maintain the parks' natural beauty. More over, he is very supportive of school groups. He always goes out of his way to thank the students, speaking with the students one on one, to let them know just how much Parks value the work they are doing.

For his outstanding support of the Friends of Pelham Bay Park we recognize LeRoy Temple.