This morning, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. dedicated a redbud tree at the Essex County Environmental Center in Roseland in honor of Anny Landsberger, the late wife of Kurt Landsberger from Verona. A foundation created by the Landsbergers has donated more than $100,000 to the Environmental Center since 2005 to provide free educational field trips for 15,000 students in urban public schools in the county.
“Anny and Kurt immediately recognized the educational value of our Environmental Center after it opened in 2005 and have partnered with us from the beginning to bring students from economically challenged areas to the facility. The Landsbergers are long-time advocates for enhancing awareness and understanding about the environment and their generous donations are helping us with our mission to introduce new generations of students to the wonders of nature,” DiVincenzo said. “The tree planted for Anny Landsberger is a simple reminder of her love of nature and will hopefully inspire new generations of students to do become environmental stewards,” he added.
The Landsbergers were also instrumentation in the preservation of Verona’s Hilltop Reservation, now a county park. “My wife and I always advocated for the environment,” said Landsberger, who was accompanied by his son David. “We started our business together, it was successful and we decided to use some of our profits to do what we could to educate children about the environment. “I am delighted with what the County has done here. It’s a beautiful tribute to my wife,” he said. The redbud tree is planted near Garibaldi Hall, the older of the two main buildings at the center. The memorial plaque bears a dedication to Anny Landsberger from her husband that reads: “Together we’ve shared a lifelong dedication to environmental stewardship and education.”
After serving in the U.S. Army, Landsberger began selling aprons, tablecloths and other accessories produced by his wife. The plastic coating on the fabrics turned out to have other uses, so the Landsbergers transformed their business, Bel-Art Products, into a maker of scientific lab equipment. The Landsbergers also founded a second company, Maddak Inc., which has grown to become the largest maker of aids for injured or permanently disabled individuals in the United States. Anny Landsberger died on March 2, 2010.
Fabulous! Mr. Landsberger funded 2 trips this past Spring for 110 of my grateful grade 8 urban students. This enlightening experience would not have been possible without his generous foundation. Thanks again!