Mamaroneck High School senior Daniel Wetmore was honored with Larchmont Rotary’s Blum Award on November 14 for managing the revitalization of the Hommocks Middle School garden.  A celebratory luncheon was held at the Larchmont Yacht Club.  The Blum Award recognizes local high school students for their initiative, leadership and creative pursuit to make a difference in their local community and beyond.

Club President Lester Nathan gave the opening remarks and Treasurer Marion Anderson welcomed club members and special guests.  Marian White, Club Rotary Foundation Chair, followed with the story behind the Blum Award and then introduced Daniel Wetmore.

“Need met opportunity” when Daniel, needing a service project to become an Eagle Scout, was matched with the Hommocks Middle School, whose garden had become overgrown and outdated.  With the help of fellow Boy Scouts, his friends, his brother and Hommocks teachers Betty Comerford and Sara Hanna, about 200 hours were spent transforming the garden into a multi-purpose outdoor space. Daniel described to the audience the many steps needed to rebuild and refresh the garden beds which can now be used to teach students, to grow vegetables and to encourage pull ups.  The project saved the district more than $60,000 (the estimated cost of professional installation) and was helped by the receipt of grant money from the PTA.  In the future, some of the garden’s produce will be donated to the Larchmont Hunger Task Force.

In recognition of his service, Daniel received certificates of merit from Larchmont Village Trustee Peter Fanelli, New York State Assemblyman Steve Otis, New York State Senator Shelly Mayer and Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins.

Guests are welcome at the club’s bi-monthly meetings.  Interested individuals can contact the club by going to its website  at https://larchmontrotary.org.