Many members of the White Plains community recently came out to celebrate Arbor Day with a tree dedication in memory of former White Plains Beautification Foundation (WPBF) director Ruth Manecke, a longtime director and supporter of WPBF, and a noted zoologist who served as head zoologist and producer for the 1960s era children’s TV show Captain Kangaroo. She passed away earlier this year at age 94.
The ceremony was held at the Mamaroneck Avenue School in White Plains and included remarks by Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, Westchester County Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson and other officials. Children from the Mamaroneck Avenue School’s Nature Club gave poetry readings and musical performances.
A Native Eastern Redbud tree, was chosen by Mamaroneck Avenue School and planted by Bartlett Tree Experts. Jenkins and Roach presented proclamations to the White Plains Beautification Foundation, which sponsors the event each year in cooperation with White Plains Schools.
Manecke’s daughter’ spoke about their mother’s commitment to the community.
“Mom taught us from an early age about how important it is to volunteer and give back,’’ said her daughter Mary Beth Gruber. “She instilled in us those roots that have taken us through life and how appropriate that we plant a tree with roots that will grow and flourish forever.’’
Stefania Mignone, White Plains Department of Public Works commissioner, said that White Plains continues to be recognized by Tree City USA because of its commitment to planting trees, which provide many environmental benefits. The city spent $180,000 this year to plant trees, she said.
Arbor Day, started in 1872 in Nebraska, is celebrated in the U.S. on the last Friday in April.
