Mr. Macaroni and Cheese wins a big cheese award
-
- April
- 22
A popular Westchester County employee who has mesmerized thousands of local school children while teaching them to recycle has won a national conservation award.
John J. Scaramuzzo of Scarsdale goes by “Mr. Macaroni and Cheese” to the little visitors at the Westchester County Materials Recovery Facility in Yonkers. He knows they have a little trouble remembering his name and wants them to concentrate on fun instead.
To watch Scaramuzzo in action, it’s easy to see why he has been awarded a Garden Club of America Conservation Commendation.
The kids are so busy answering his questions they forget they’re learning how to protect the environment and everyone leaves with a smile on their face, including Scaramuzzo himself.
In recommending Scaramuzzo, local GCA chapter president Karen Thomas said:
“From the moment John met us at the door, we were engaged, entertained and educated. He is charming and witty with a wealth of knowledge about recycling. John has a passion for his subject and he is making positive changes to improve our county’s recycling habits.”
The club has funded bus trips for over 150 third graders from Rye elementary schools over the last two years to visit the facility and take Scaramuzzo’s tour.
“Each group has been accompanied by Rye Garden Club members, so we know firsthand that John has never failed to connect with each group of children, helping them to absorb great quantities of knowledge about the importance of recycling and the correct ways to recycle,” said Thomas.
County employees were proud to plug one of their own.
“It is an honor for John and all of us here in the department that our efforts to educate residents on the importance of recycling is recognized and appreciated,” said Environmental Facilities Commissioner Thomas Lauro.
The GCA (Garden Club of America) is a national organization comprised of more than 17,000 members in 197 individual clubs, including Rye
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 at 5:11 pm by Greg Clary.
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Journal News staff writer Greg Clary writes Earth Watch, reporting on environmental issues in the lower Hudson region. Clary has been a reporter, editor and columnist at the Journal News since 1988 and has covered police and courts, transportation, municipal government, development and the environment in the Lower Hudson Valley, among other topics. 
Laura Incalcaterra covers the environment, open space and zoning and planning issues for The Journal News. A Boston College graduate, Laura grew up in Rockland, attended East Ramapo schools and has worked for The Journal News since 1993. Laura has written features and covered North Rockland, crime, government and a host of other issues.
Mike Risinit covers Patterson and Kent in Putnam County, as well as environmental topics touching on the Hudson River and the Great Swamp. Risinit has been a reporter at The Journal News since 1998.
