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For the past 10 years, teacher Tori Gilbert has led expeditions on the East River as part of free weekly community rowing. She helped found the organization East River Crew, after she her students built a boat that's a replica of a 19th century New York City water taxi.

Gilbert and the East River Crew spend their Wednesday evenings rowing up and down the East River.

"As a science teacher, I love taking kids out into the water and showing them what it's all about, because it's in their backyard and some of them don't even realize it," says Gilbert.

The boat departs from East 96th street every Wednesday from May until October.

"The scenery of New York City is breathtaking, whether it be on the Newtown Creek or across from the United Nations," says crew member Mary Nell Hawk.

There is no age limit to participate in the rows. Gilbert says her passengers have ranged from ages two to 72.

Brandon Heard, 14, says he's picked up a history lesson or two while on the water.

"I learned stuff about Mill Rock, Hell Gate, Roosevelt Island," says Heard.

Right now, Gilbert has two boats and hopes to get more boats and community members rowing on the river.

"I want them to have fun," she says. "There's the idea that when you are in a boat pulling together in one direction it takes cooperation."

So, for pulling together a community and helping them test out the waters in their own backyard, Tori Gilbert is the latest New Yorker of the Week

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