Submitted Photo Pictured from left are Al Hollander, Mary Rees, Judy Einach, Steve Rees, Nicole Waite and Mayor Willie Rosas.

DUNKIRK – Revitalize Dunkirk, Inc., a non-profit whose mission in part is the beautification of the City“s neighborhoods and public spaces, received a $1500 grant from Keep Western New York Beautiful (KWNYB). KWNYB is a chapter of Keep America Beautiful, an initiative started by former First Lady “Lady Bird” Johnson. The funds were presented to Revitalize Dunkirk by KWNYB Board Member, Judy Einach, a Westfield resident.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Revitalize Dunkirk. In fact we hope this will be the first of many opportunities to support community-wide projects in Dunkirk. Small things like gardens around homes, businesses, and welcome to Dunkirk signs, creative reuse of vacant lots, the hanging baskets throughout the commercial district, and keeping the city free of litter go a long way toward sending a message that people care and believe in Dunkirk. We’re happy to play our small part in Dunkirk’s exciting future,” said Einach.

The check presentation ceremony was well-attended, signaling the community’s appreciation and enthusiasm for beautification work and of Revitalize Dunkirk’s efforts in particular. Mayor Wilfred Rosas took time from his busy day to attend as did Matt Bourke, Community Development Planner, and Andy Bohn, City Engineer. Steve Rees, Treasurer of Revitalize Dunkirk, accepted the check on behalf of the organization noting, “The funds will be put to good use and will allow us to invest now in projects that we thought would have to wait.” James Fisher is President of the Board of Revitalize Dunkirk and Mary Rees chairs the Beautification Committee.

Einach said she and KWNYB Board President Jim Pavel will continue to work with Revitalize Dunkirk and other Dunkirk community activists, visiting their project sites and assisting them as they go through the process of securing support from Keep Western New York Beautiful.

For more information about Revitalize Dunkirk and Adopt-A-Garden opportunities visit their website www.revitalizedunkirk.com or contact Mary Rees at msrees@verizon.net.