Baxter's Pond Foundation Honors Holly Byrne at ‘Progressive’ Dinner

The Baxter’s Pond Foundation (BPF) recently honored community leader Holly Byrne at its Progressive Dinner fundraiser on Saturday, April 5. Byrne was recognized for her years of dedication to Baxter’s Pond as its former executive administrator and her invaluable contributions to Port Washington through the school district Home School Associations, Port Rowing, the Port Washington BID and other organizations.

The event was attended by 86 people – the most ever at a BPF Progressive Dinner, in which successive courses are prepared and enjoyed at the residences of different hosts. Byrne was recognized for her work by Baxter Estates Mayor Nora Haagenson, North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte, Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, Deputy Commissioner of Nassau County Parks Dave Franklin, and Governor Hochul's Nassau County Representative, Joey Ramirez. She also received an original painting of the pond by Michelle Shain, the local artist who painted the Baxter's Pond Butterfly Mural.

“We are so pleased to honor Holly Byrne, who has contributed so much to the beautification and protection of Baxter’s Pond, including the visioning and creation of our butterfly mural and pollinator gardens. We wouldn’t be where we are as an organization if we hadn’t had the benefit of her diverse administrative talents, her deep commitment to our waterfront environment, her knowledge of local ecology, and her enthusiasm for digging in the dirt!” said Kim Keiserman, co-president of BPF along with her husband John, who added, “The event chairs Erica Aitken and Jessica Malloy did a fantastic job of organizing dinners across ten homes, and we thank all our gracious and generous hosts.”

“It was a wonderful event, and I’m humbled by this recognition,” said Byrne, currently the executive director of the Greater Port Washington Business Improvement District.

Baxter’s Pond Foundation is the nonprofit environmental steward of Baxter’s Pond and the surrounding Barbara Johnson Park & Preserve, which are owned by Nassau County. Funds raised at the event will help BPF to maintain the beauty of Baxter’s Pond and protect it as a crucial watershed and source of runoff into Manhasset Bay, as well as continue park restoration efforts. BPF holds regular events including clean-ups, plantings, birdwatching and flora/fauna tours, educational lectures, and even painting classes.

The next clean-up is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 10th and will be followed by a birdwatching tour at 10 a.m. Follow BPF on Facebook and Instagram for event news. Visit baxterspond.org for more information.