May 16, 2025<\/p>\n
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/strong><\/p>\n Bronx, NY \u2014 On Friday, May 16, Council Member Eric Dinowitz proudly presented City Council Proclamations to Herb Barret, a Korean War Veteran, and Commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans\u2019 Services James Hendon, in recognition of their leadership and unwavering dedication to Bronx residents and Van Cortlandt Park. <\/p>\n The event also featured a check presentation of $102,000 to the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, supporting the organization\u2019s critical work in environmental stewardship, educational programming, and internship opportunities that serve Bronx youth and community members. This investment will help further VCPA\u2019s mission to protect and enhance Van Cortlandt Park – New York City\u2019s third-largest park and largest green space in the Bronx – as a thriving hub for learning, nature, and community.<\/p>\n These presentations took place within the park itself as part of VCPA\u2019s annual gala and fundraiser, the Springtime Shindig<\/em>. All proceeds from the Shindig<\/em> support VCPA\u2019s restoration, research, educational, and cultural programming. The event also celebrated Memorial Grove, a dedicated section of Van Cortlandt Park that honors Bronx service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, which Mr. Barret is a long time steward of.<\/p>\n \u201cHerb Barret\u2019s tireless advocacy to preserve Memorial Grove ensures the sacrifices of Bronx veterans are never forgotten, while Commissioner Hendon continues to serve this city with vision and compassion,\u201d said Council Member Eric Dinowitz<\/strong>. \u201cOur parks are sacred spaces for history, reflection, and learning – and this investment will help protect that legacy for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was honored to join my colleagues, Council member Eric Dinowitz and Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, in honoring Herb Barret and NYC Veterans\u2019 Services Commissioner James Hendon, by presenting them with proclamations for their continued support of Memorial Grove,” said Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz<\/strong>. \u201cI remember helping Herb Barret at the beginning of his project, being one of the first elected officials in support of this renovation. This space has now become a historically significant location in Van Cortlandt Park, honoring the memories of our fallen soldiers. The remarkable passion and persistence these men have displayed have benefited our community greatly, ensuring that the sacrifices of our veterans will be recognized for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis generous investment by Council Member Dinowitz is essential to our work,\u201d said Stephanie Ehrlich, Executive Director of Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Organizer of the <\/strong>Springtime Shindig<\/em><\/strong>. \u201cIt allows us to present programs that connect Bronx youth to nature, create environmental jobs, and care for the natural resources that make Van Cortlandt Park so special. We were honored to celebrate Herb Barret and Commissioner Hendon at our annual gala, and I thank our elected leaders for their steadfast commitment to uplifting our community and for championing our work.\u201d<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" May 16, 2025<\/p>\n FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/strong><\/p>\n Bronx, NY \u2014 On Friday, May 16, Council Member Eric Dinowitz proudly presented City Council Proclamations to Herb Barret, a Korean War Veteran, and Commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans\u2019 Services James Hendon, in recognition of their leadership and unwavering dedication to Bronx residents and Van Cortlandt Park. <\/p>\n …<\/p>\n