By Dan Murphy
One of Yonkers’ dedicated public servants is taking off one hat and is trying to continue his service in another way. Bob Walters, director of the Science Barge for Groundwork Hudson Valley, who we lovingly called “Captain Bob” for many years, announced his retirement last month.
Bridget Griswold, Exec. Director of Groundwork Hudson Valley, said it best in a thank-you email to Walters for his service when she wrote: “There would be no Science Barge without Bob Walters. Please join me in congratulating Bob Walters on his retirement from Groundwork Hudson Valley. For nearly 20 years, Bob has been instrumental in leading our organization’s many successes, and his legacy will continue for many more.
“Bob chaired the original steering committee which founded Groundwork Hudson Valley (then Groundwork Yonkers), was a driving force behind Groundwork’s very first project to daylight the Saw Mill River, and served as captain and community ambassador in his role as director of the Science Barge.”
A lifelong environmentalist, Walters is also a founding member of the City of Yonkers Green Advisory Committee.
“Anyone that knows Bob knows his passion for the Hudson River is contagious,” said Griswold. “Prior to his leadership at Groundwork, Bob helped build the Hudson River Sloop – ‘The Sojourner Truth,’ served as the Beczak Environmental Education Center’s first executive director, and worked as a tour guide on the Yonkers Water Taxi, among many other endeavors.”
At Beczak, Walters chaired the Steering Committee that created Groundwork Hudson Valley. “Bob’s commitment to making our community a greener, healthier place to live has not only been recognized by Groundwork Hudson Valley; he also received the Champion of Our Waterways Award from Riverkeeper, and the Patron Saint of Yonkers Award from the Friends of Philipse Manor Hall,” said Griswold.
“Without Bob, there would certainly be no Science Barge, and there would definitely be no Groundwork Hudson Valley. Our organization owes a great debt to Bob for his entrepreneurship, tenacity and dedication. While Bob will be sorely missed at Groundwork, we are thrilled that he has agreed to serve on our Advisory Council, and will continue to advise us on all things river- and barge -elated.”
Walters’ retirement announcement came before another announcement from Walters – that he will be running for City Council in the First District in the June 25th primary election for the Democratic designation.
“An activist in Yonkers since 1988 and a resident in District 1 for over 20 years on Warburton Avenue, Bob has worked to help make the District 1 community the equal of any other district in the city,” stated the release announcing his candidacy. “Whether cleaning up the lots on Buena Vista Avenue, handing out his ‘How Can I Help You’ cards to neighbors, playing Santa Claus for the Christmas tree lighting or engaging children and families alike in environmental issues on the Science Barge, he has worked with all segments and residents of District 1’s communities and neighborhoods to make lives better. It’s the quality-of-life issues in District 1 that are the central theme of his campaign.
“It’s the basic stuff that makes our district better, that my neighbors want,” said Walters. “How can I help you?”
Walters joins an already crowded field for City Council in the First District. Incumbent City Councilwoman Shanae Williams is running for re-election, but does not have the endorsement from the Yonkers Democratic Committee. Terrence Miller, a first-time candidate, got the endorsement from the Yonkers Dems; Walters makes three candidates so far on the democratic side.
Petitions are out and candidates must now collect the required number to get on the ballot.
