As a long-time member, and for the past 12 years as co-president, and currently co-vice president of the Great Neck Garden Club, I personally am hoping that Ruth Tamarin will be re-elected as park commissioner.
I also have lived in Great Neck for the past 48 years, and have seen how our parks have blossomed during Ruth Tamarin’s 15 years as park commissioner.
Although the Great Neck Garden Club is not officially connected with the park district, we do have a close working relationship, because of our common interests.
She has been supportive of many of our activities, and has from time to time consulted with us about horticultural issues, which would be useful in plantings in the various parks.
For example, we share responsibility for the maintenance of the historic Rose Garden, which is located behind Great Neck House. This historic garden was designed and created as a perennial garden by the famous landscape designer Beatrice Ferrand in the early 1900s.
Years ago Ruth approached us and asked if we would help in the maintenance of this important garden. At that time, she diligently researched the history of this garden for us. This is one example of how she reaches out to other organizations with the aim of benefitting the community. She has always shown interest in our club, its aims and programs.
There is a long list of accomplishments in the park district for which she deserves a great deal of credit. In my opinion, it is her record that uniquely qualifies her for re-election.
She was instrumental in upgrading the infrastructure of the various parks. She was involved in the renovation of ball fields and tennis courts, and the expansion of recreation and family programs. The renovation and restoration of Great Neck House, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary was a fortunate development for our Club as we held one of our national prizewinning flower shows in Great Neck House at that time, which was open to the public.
In fact, since our club meets at Great Neck House, our programs are open to the public.
Of course, Great Neck House benefits all of our park residents with its many programs for young and old. The newly renovated Parkwood complex was also achieved during her tenure.
Most recently, the Village Green restoration, which includes a “special needs playground”, is another accomplishment, which she was intrinsically involved with.
My most favorite park is Steppingstone, which was almost doubled in size due to her vision in purchasing the George M. Cohan property and her perseverance in getting that accomplished.
There are numerous ways in which Ruth Tamarin has benefitted all of us in the community.
Along with the superintendent, and her co-commissioners, these improvements and innovations were not only done in a transparent way for the public to understand, but always keeping in mind the importance of keeping within fiscal boundaries.
Therefore, I strongly urge people to vote for the re-election of Ruth Tamarin on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Eva Rifkin
Great Neck
