VIOLA DAVIS, THE CROTON ARBORETUM GAZETTE LETTER

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THE FOLLOWING LETTER APPEARED IN THIS WEEK’S GAZETTE; IT IS RE-PRINTED HERE WITH PERMISSION; from Karen Jescavage Bernard, Jane E. Lytle Memorial Arboretum

11/24/12 To the editor:

We note with great sadness the passing of long-time friend and Arboretum supporter Viola Davis. While development of the Arboretum was still limited to a few hiking trails, Viola was among the first to see its potential for Croton’s schools. Because of her focus on science education, she worked tirelessly to interest and involve school administrators and teachers in developing programs that would incorporate the Arboretum’s abundant resources for real time science and environmental research.

Given her impressive teaching career – Viola was recognized as a National Teacher of the Year – we were honored when she accepted an invitation to join our Board of Directors. She was a dynamic and inspirational member until health reasons forced her resignation. We continue to miss her guidance and advocacy greatly.

Our directors and members want to extend our sympathy to Viola’s family, and particularly to her grandsons, of whom she was passionately fond. The family has asked that donations in her memory be sent to the Arboretum, where we plan to plant trees as a living memorial.

All contributions should be sent to: Croton Arboretum and Sanctuary Inc./P.O. Box 631/Croton-on-Hudson NY 10520.