(BAXTER ESTATES, N.Y.) - Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D - Glen Cove) joined the President of the Baxter’s Pond Foundation and her colleagues in local government on Thursday, March 25 for the presentation of a $50,000 donation by the Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation in support of ongoing beautification and infrastructure improvements at the park.
“During the last two decades, Baxter’s Pond has become a tranquil and beautiful destination for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts,” Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton said. “We are all thankful for the generous support of the Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation, which will equip the Baxter’s Pond Foundation to expand its collaborative efforts with Nassau County to preserve and enhance this cherished oasis in our community.”
The mission of the Baxter’s Pond Foundation is to beautify and maintain the environmental integrity of the landscape surrounding Baxter’s Pond, which is in the Village of Baxter Estates within Port Washington. Residents founded the Baxter’s Pond Foundation, which works in partnership with the County and the Village to care for the park, in 2003.
“The Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation is a long-time benefactor of Baxter’s Pond, helping us to do everything from shrub and lawn maintenance, to installation of native plants and large swaths of ferns and daffodils, to painting the estate fence,” said Nancy Comer, President of the Baxter’s Pond Foundation. “We’re looking forward to increasing our efforts with these funds.”
Since 2012, the Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation has been a generous donor to local and regional nonprofit organizations. Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton presented the Dejana Foundation with a citation for their commitment in supporting more than 117 community-based charities, who in turn provide programs and services to a broad range of residents in Nassau County.
“Our foundation’s mission includes supporting beautification efforts, such as Baxter’s Pond. This park is a jewel in our community and deserves our assistance,” Peter Dejana said. “I am pleased to join the dedicated officials from Nassau County, Town of North Hempstead, Village of Baxter Estates, and the Baxter’s Pond Foundation to initiate responsible improvements that will have long-term benefits for the park’s natural environment.”
PHOTO CAPTION - Pictured, from left at Baxter’s Pond Park on Thursday, March 25 are: Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton; North Hempstead Town Clerk Wayne Wink; Nancy Comer, President of the Baxter’s Pond Foundation; Peter Dejana, President, and Jean-Marie Posner, Grant Administrator of the Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation; and Nora Haagenson, Mayor of the Village of Baxter Estates.
PHOTO CAPTION - Photo by Peter M. Budraitis