Riverdale Senior Services gets big grant for garden

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Riverdale Senior Services (RSS) has received $175,000 in state funds for a new garden and terrace, awning and handicap-accessible lift.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz secured the funds in this year’s state budget and announced the new amenities alongside other elected officials at RSS, located at 2600 Netherland Ave., at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday.

Students from Horace Mann School had planted raised garden beds at the site, named for RSS founding member Julia Blumenthal.

“The older adults in our community are so thrilled to have a space where they can walk on a safe, flat surface, dig in the dirt or just enjoy some fresh air with friends,” RSS’ Executive Director Julia Schwartz-Leeper said in a statement. “We are so appreciative of Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz for supporting this dream and helping us create this beautiful space.”

“I am proud to secure funding for these improvements to Riverdale Senior Services, an organization that contributes positively to the community in innumerable ways,” Mr. Dinowitz said in a statement.”

Local elected officials have smiled on RSS — a popular site for politically active seniors — recently. State Sen. Co-majority Leader allocated $200,000 in state funds for a women’s wellness project at RSS over the past two years, with the latest installment announced in July.

Riverdale Senior Services, Jeffrey Dinowitz

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