Alvin Mitchell, informal "Mayor" of Cobbs Hill Park
Most people know Alvin because he cooks and distributes free food to anyone who wants it next to the basketball courts during warm weather. Some will also refer to Alvin as "the commissioner" of basketball in Cobbs Hill Park, too. Alvin lives in Upper Monroe on Palisade Park. When he's not cooking or organizing basketball, you'll commonly see Alvin working out on the physical fitness equipment or jogging in Cobbs Hill Park.
Trish Corcoran, educator and co-chair of the Indigenous People's Day Committee
Trish (she/her) (Tonawanda Onondowaga, Bear Clan) is a mother of two and one generation removed from Indian Boarding School. She is a member of the Tonawanda Onondowaga and a teacher at The Harley School. Trish has done costume and prop design for theater. She has Montessori training and a BFA from RIT. In the past Trish has been a professional ice hockey coach and trainer (from beginners to Olympians and NHL). She is a naturalist and steward of the Harley Pollinator Garden. Trish is currently a member of the Indigenous People's Day Committee, Tonawanda Historical Society and Seventh Generation Land Defenders.
Peter Debes, newly elected president of the board of directors of Friends Of The Grove.
Peter, who grew up next to The Grove, is a retired high school science teacher in the Rochester City School District and a professional naturalist. For many years he led eco-tours with a company he co-founded in Rochester, Nature Discoveries, Inc. In addition to working along side many community volunteers in The Grove, he has served on the board for many, many years.
Tom Pastecki, vice president of the ABC Street Neighborhood Association.
Tom is currently VP of the ABC Streets Neighborhood Association. He has also served in a variety of roles on the ABC Street NA board including a stint as president. Among the many projects Tom led over the years he has a long history of supporting Cobbs Hill Park. The photo above shows Tom speaking before the Rochester Preservation Board in support of the application to expand Landmark site status to areas of Cobbs Hill Park that are currently unprotected.