If you pass by the Peter Jay Sharp Volunteer House in Riverside Park, you’re likely to see Lori Weisenberg working in her garden at the foot of the stairs at the 108th Street entrance. Lori has been volunteering actively starting during the pandemic, a couple of years after she retired from 34 years of service at the New York City School Construction Authority.
Volunteering comes naturally to Lori. She has been singing with The Yiddish Philharmonic Chorus for nine years, serving on the Board and as treasurer. She also works with JBI Library, an international non-profit organization created to assist visually impaired people with access to braille, large print and audio books. And she volunteers at the Koch Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering in the infusion unit.
Lori says the collective work done by volunteers in Riverside Park makes a huge difference and she is inspired by the dedication to weeding, planting, pruning and picking up trash. She finds it gratifying to leave the park “more beautiful and cleaner than when I arrived. I also find it rewarding to watch people and animals enjoy the space.”
As satisfying as it is to be a steward of Riverside Park, Lori has been surprised by the fact that people can be so thoughtless and litter the park: “When I die, I would like a park bench with a plaque that says, ‘In memory of Lori who loved this park. Please take your trash with you.’”
Lori finds meaning and value in volunteering and encourages others to help the community by joining the Conservancy. “It’s wonderful to be outside and engage with neighbors, children and dogs.” She adds, “The Conservancy volunteer program has become more integrated with the park at large, which makes programs available to the volunteers that are inclusive and interesting.”