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Supervisor Rob Greenstein, who read a town proclamation for Suhr, said at the Dec. 9 Town Board meeting, “She has pointed that board and the town to a greater awareness of wetlands, drainage and hydrology – not the kind of work that makes headlines, but obviously incredibly important.”
Suhr, who is 98 and has lived in New Castle for almost 60 years, said it has been a “wonderful time here in Chappaqua all these years.” Suhr added that she has tried to be as active as possible.
Robert Kirkwood, chairman of the town's Planning Board, recalled Suhr's involvement with various local boards.
Kirkwood said, “she has been a great guiding light to the Environmental Review Board, the Planning Board, the Conservation Board and the Town Board for many, many, many years.”
Kirkwood also read a proclamation from the Westchester County Board of Legislators.
Councilman Jason Chapin gave his thanks for what Suhr has done for the town over the years.
“We are truly grateful.”
Councilwoman Elise Kessler Mottel said to Suhr, “you’ve just shown such a tremendous commitment to our community and we can’t thank you enough.”
Laura Palmer, vice president of the Open Days program for the Garden Conservancy, recalled the partnership between it and Rocky Hills. At the gathering, Suhr confirmed that Rocky Hills will be open again next year.
Scot Medbury, who is president of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, was among the attendees from gardening organizations beyond New Castle. He touched upon her prominence among horticulturalists and called her a “national treasure.”
Suhr also met with a group of local Girl Scouts, who presented her with flowers.
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