Employees of Oyster Bay-based Walden Associates, an environmental engineering firm, recently took part in their annual day of community service (a.k.a. Walden Day), and were also celebrating the firm’s 20th anniversary.
“We had great timing for ‘Walden Day’ this year,” said Joe Heaney, principal and founder of Walden Associates.
The day started with bagels and coffee at the Waterfront Center in Oyster Bay, where Walden staff were busy with volunteer tasks. The weather could not have been more beautiful—sunny, but with a bay breeze that tempered the day’s warmth. After breakfast, Walden employees chose their “assignments” for the day with the help of the center’s executive director Dave Waldo and sailing director Alicia Martorella.
There was a full range of projects, from sanding and refinishing benches to repairing and prepping boats and sails for the center’s educational and sailing programs. Other tasks included planting annuals to beautify the grounds and cutting out dozens of sea stars for use in “Bay Day” children’s activities.
“I’m having such a great time today. It feels good to help and do something useful for such a worthwhile organization,” said Muna Siddiqua, planting a begonia near the center’s main entrance. “There’s so much activity going on. It’s fun to see all the children on their field trips learning about the environment.”
At lunchtime, the volunteers took a break and were treated to a barbecue. Relaxing in the shade—and with a magnificent view of the bay—they enjoyed burgers, hot dogs and salads, graciously provided and served by Waterfront Center staff members.
“We always like to do something different and meaningful on Walden Day. Over the years, I have seen that it’s a positive experience for both those we help and for Walden employees,” said Heaney.
In the past, Walden has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, the North Shore Land Alliance and Long Island Cares and also in Breezy Point in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
“I also like the teambuilding aspect of our service,” Heaney continued. “Whether we’re in the office grappling with regulatory issues or we’re out here mending sails, we are working together.”
The Waterfront Center’s Waldo added: “Today’s great weather was matched by the enthusiastic group of Walden volunteers. They brought much more than elbow grease. They also came with positive energy and a fun outlook to make the mundane exciting. This even included a pool noodle fight that broke out in the yard while installing bumpers on our small sailboats. From painting benches to taping boats and repairing sails, the projects they completed will help us provide public access to the marine environment to thousands of people—including many children—from Oyster Bay and beyond. I want to thank them, as the impact of their work will be felt far beyond the projects they completed today.”
After the eventful and productive day, Walden staff headed over to the Sagamore Yacht Club for a 20th anniversary dinner. They were joined there by many past employees, and all enjoyed reconnecting for the special occasion.
“I wanted to acknowledge the contributions of all who have helped Walden become the successful company that it is today. Once a Walden employee, always a friend,” said Heaney. “Here’s to our next 20 years!”
