The Gardens Path Fall 2021

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

David Price PRESIDENT

Erica Smith, DBA EDITOR

James Albo

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Lori Hudson

Tricia Martin

Cheryl L. Peterson

David Price

Melissa Robillard

Melissa Tyrone

PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS

James Albo

Cassidy Jones

Cheryl Peterson

MISSION

To share Edward Bok’s gift so that all who visit will be inspired to Make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.

VISION

Bok Tower Gardens is widely recognized as a premier public garden, providing extraordinary visitor experiences, horticultural artistry, musical excellence, leadership in conservation, and innovative programs. It is a refuge for the electrically-driven people of America.

Dear Members,

Last year we completed the 2016-2020 Strategic Plan, accomplishing much that we had set out to do. At the beginning of 2020, we were nearly at the end of creating a new strategic plan when the pandemic began forcing the organization to pause while weathering this global storm.

The pandemic gave us a chance to revisit our vision for the Gardens’ future and see what was most important to fulfill our mission while ensuring the longer-term survival of the organization. We have experienced that our original mission to be a sanctuary for humans and nature is as essential as ever.

This year we have provided a haven, and so many visitors have discovered the Gardens and became members. Our attendance was the highest in 50 years, and membership is at an all-time high.

Looking at a strategy for the next five years, we took inventory of what was most important to preserve, enhance, and promote our mission as a place of inspiration and sanctuary.

Our goals for the next five years are to ensure we promote and enhance those assets that give the highest quality of visitor experience and be inclusive and accessible to all. Bok Tower Gardens will focus on taking care of the assets that make the Gardens a unique and cherished place. We will address the preservation of our historic structures and collections for future generations to enjoy.

Land preservation around the Gardens and along our entrance road will be a priority, building on our past successes in acquiring land or conservation easements to preserve the peace and tranquility of the place.

Our staff and volunteers will receive improved support and training to serve our visitors better. In short, we will focus on stewarding our resources to make them more robust. These actions are the core of sustainability and preservation.

Our mission is clear, and we invite you to join our journey.

David Price, President

In the midst of global upheaval in the early 1920s, Edward Bok created what was to become Bok Tower Gardens as a sanctuary for the people of America. He knew the healing power of nature and the importance of green spaces for rest and renewal.

Our mission is as relevant today as it was 100 years ago. The coronavirus pandemic inspired thousands of new visitors to experience Bok Tower Gardens. We are delighted to welcome them as members.

For the first time in our history, the Gardens enjoy the support of more than 10,000 member households. The impact membership makes for our Gardens is incalculable. Thank you for being one in 10,000 and for your continued support of the Gardens.

NEW MEMBER BENEFIT

Your membership just became even more valuable! Bok Tower Gardens recently joined the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM), giving members at the Donor level and above access to more than 1,000 museums across the nation.

All members of the Gardens enjoy access to 300+ gardens through the American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admissions Program (RAP).

Find out where your Bok Tower Gardens membership is accepted at BokTowerGardens.org/Membership and remember to call ahead to confirm availability before planning your trip.

FOUNDER’S ROOM TOURS

Returning to our calendar of membership benefits, Founder’s Room Tours offer members at the Donor level and above an experience like no other. Members and their guests enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the first floor of the Tower and the opportunity to enjoy the work of the world-renowned artists who created this National Historic Landmark. Reservations are required and tour dates will be announced soon. Members eligible for this experience in 2020 and 2021 will receive an invitation to reserve tickets soon.

KEEP IN TOUCH

Check your inbox for the most up-to-date information about your favorite Gardens. Program announcements, stories from our Gardens and archives, event presales, and other members-only news is delivered to your inbox every Monday. Don’t receive our emails? Simply log on to BokTowerGardens.org and sign up on our pop up e-newsletter invitation to give us permission to email you.

special THANKS

Special thanks to the following native plant partners and property owners who allowed the Rare Plant Conservation Program entry to survey and collect native plants from January through October 2021.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Florida Forest Service

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida A&M University

St. Lucie County

Dorothy Child, Key West, FL

Kevin and Nancy Dey, Naples, FL

Hillsborough County

Stantec, Inc.

Walton County

Leslie Rector, Fruitland Park, FL

Lisa and Richard Hornsby, Clewiston, FL

CONSERVATION

Written By CHERYL PETERSON

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain“

-VIVIAN GREENE Creative

Data has be to collected on schedule, plant propagation and care must continue, seeds have to be collected when ripe, prescribed burns have to be implemented in the proper season, and grant projects have to be completed under a strict timeline. So, how to successfully study and conserve rare plants during a pandemic?

The Rare Plant Conservation Program is no stranger to the need to adapt to unusual circumstances. Rare plant conservation, even

Adaptability and resilience are the hallmark of any program on the frontiers of its field, perhaps even more so for auxiliary, grant-dependent programs that as a matter of course must come up with inexpensive, reusable, and creative ways to get the job done. We use organza wedding bags for seed collection instead of the expensive products marketed for this purpose; we use plastic candy sticks, available in bulk and reusable, to seasonally mark seedlings in the field; we use Polident™ denture cleaning tablets to clean the pipes of the autoclave rather than a much more expensive autoclave cleaning solution; to measure water flow we use timers, fishing line, and plastic bobbers that produce the same measurements as elaborate instrumentation.

in the best of times, requires adaptability to unpredictable events. Droughts, hurricanes, or disease may destroy study sites. A sudden invasion of invasive or competitor species may reprioritize habitat restoration efforts. Research studies can cause a sudden change in direction and a complete rework of methods, because so little is known about rare plants and new data can lead to surprising findings.

During the pandemic, understanding and preserving endangered species has remained our priority. Although some field work was unavoidably postponed, with some creativity and adaptability, our conservation work productively went on. Staff worked from home on writing, data entry, and administrative work at the start of the pandemic. Seed cleaning and counting and plant propagation, normally performed at the conservation facilities at the Gardens, were also performed at staff homes. Meetings and workshops were attended remotely, and the annual state-wide Rare Plant Task Force meeting was held virtually instead of in-person. As the months went on, with strict adherence to CDC guidelines, field work was adjusted to involve minimal personnel, and a staggered schedule for on-site work at the Gardens was implemented, until staff again worked fully back at the Gardens in 2021.

It is not an option to cease conservation work during a pandemic because species could go extinct without continued conservation efforts. And, now more than ever, it is important to care for nature. The well-being and resiliency of all of us depends on the well-being of nature, and the Rare Plant Conservation Program will continue to be dedicated to its critically important mission of preserving Florida’s natural legacy, with creativity and adaptability, through all challenging times.

ADVENTHEALTH HEART OF FLORIDA RECEIVES NATIONAL BREAST CANCER ACCREDITATION

This October, we commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness month with our annual Pink Out campaign, including an explosion of pink in Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden.

During the Pink Out campaign, we make it easier for women to get screenings and convenient care, close to home. Our expert breast health providers are here to serve patients from prevention to treatment, walking alongside you every step of the way. And, our breast program’s expertise has not gone unrecognized.

AdventHealth Heart of Florida is honored to have been recognized by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Cancers (NAPBC) for the level of care and services we’re providing to our patients.

As an NAPBC-accredited center, AdventHealth Heart of Florida is committed to maintaining levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive, patient-centered, multidisciplinary care, resulting in high-quality support for patients with breast cancer.

NAPBC STANDARDS

This accreditation can be reassuring for patients undergoing a difficult health journey. You can be confident that your breast care team includes health care professionals from a variety of disciplines who are committed to working together to provide the best care available through your entire course of treatment.

Patients receiving care at our NAPBCaccredited hospital also have access to information on clinical trials and new treatment options, genetic counseling and patient-centered services including psychosocial support, rehabilitation services and survivorship care.

Paul Williams, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon and a fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologist at AdventHealth Heart of Florida, and he explains that “this accreditation means a lot to our team, as we’re always trying to provide the highest level of care to our patients.”

In order for us to receive the NAPBC recognition, we needed to show that we’re committed to providing the best possible care to patients with breast cancer. Patients receiving care at our NAPBC-accredited center have access to:

• A multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best treatment options

• Comprehensive care, including a full range of state-of-the-art services

• Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options

CANCER CARE AT ADVENTHEALTH HEART OF FLORIDA

“We stick with our patients every step of the way from diagnosis to recovery,” says Dr. Williams. “We recognize each cancer diagnosis is unique and each patient is, too.” That’s why we work closely with you and your family so you’re prepared in body, mind and spirit for the road ahead.

As the official healthcare partner of Bok Tower Gardens, AdventHealth is proud to serve you with Accredited care close to home.

To learn more, visit AHHeartofFlorida.com.

LEGACY BUILDERS

THE WOMEN OF BOK TOWER GARDENS

Catherine Van Dyke Nornabell

Written By LORI HUDSON

Catherine Van Dyke Nornabell was a woman born before her time. She enjoyed writing, travel adventures, and being a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) organization.

Catherine was born on February 18, 1888, in Detroit, Michigan. She was educated at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. After writing articles for the Detroit Free Press, Catherine moved to New York in her early twenties to pursue her dream of being a writer. She was quoted as having "15 dollars and a yellow satin ball dress" when she arrived in New York.

After writing a series of personal experience articles in New York (an early version of today's blogs), Catherine earned an editorial position for The Designer, a publication of The Standard Fashion Company. After two years in this position, Catherine had an urge to go to new places and booked passage on a ship to Europe to start her career as a freelance writer, this time with $200 in her pocket. The Ladies Home Journal published several of her articles and short stories in 1914, including "What this Christmas Means to the Women of Europe," a touching account of how The Great War affected women and families across Europe, including the impact on Christmas celebrations. Through her work as a freelance journalist, she would meet Edward Bok, the editor of The Ladies Home Journal, who would prove to have an enormous influence on her life.

Catherine continued to cross the Atlantic by ship throughout World War I to pursue a variety of stories. In 1915, The Ladies Home Journal published several of Catherine's articles, including a travel journal and holiday story set in Ireland, entitled "In the Land of Michael O'Leary." Catherine then traveled across the U.S. and wrote stories published in a 1917 series of American Travel Sketches, including "Two Girls in the South."

Catherine's life changed at age 28 in June 1917, two months after America entered World War I, when she sailed from New York to Liverpool. She met and married retired British Major Henry "Harry" Marshall Nornabell, on December 29, 1917, in Wareham, Dorset, England.

Major Nornabell was then 40, born October 16, 1877, in Bridlington, England. He was passionate about being a great soldier and about gardening. Their daughter Ursula Nornabell was born May 15, 1920, in London, England.

Through his wife's connections, Major Nornabell met Edward Bok, who hired the Major to escort a flock of nightingales to the Mountain Lake Sanctuary & Singing Tower in 1926 (known today as Bok Tower Gardens.) Major Nornabell became the first director of Bok Tower Gardens and served from 1926 to 1956.

Major Nornabell, along with his wife Catherine and daughter Ursula, thrived in Florida. He focused on implementing Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr's landscaping vision, which included revolutionary methods for gardening in Florida. Major Nornabell also built relationships with the Seminole Indians of the area, and he was involved with the annual Seminole Indian Festival hosted at Bok Tower Gardens from 1935-1942.

Major Nornabell and his wife were very engaged in entertaining various guests at Bok Tower Gardens, including President Calvin Coolidge, who visited during the dedication in 1929.

In honor of Mr. Bok, Catherine sponsored the 1944 christening of the S.S. Bok, a Liberty Ship commissioned during World War II.

Over the years, Catherine and her daughter Ursula divided their time between Lake Wales, FL, and Asheville, North Carolina, to escape the hottest months in Florida. Catherine and Ursula became Daughters with the Edward Buncombe Chapter of the DAR together in Ashville, North Carolina, on December 15, 1943.

Catherine Van Dyke Nornabell passed away on August 11, 1953, at the age of 65. She lived an exciting life of international travel, historical events and helped build the legacy at Bok Tower Gardens. Imagine the courage it took to sail alone to Europe multiple times before women had a right to vote and during the Great War. She was not afraid to travel throughout foreign countries, staying at small inns and private homes while experiencing the local culture. Catherine was indeed a woman born before her time.

Edward Bok poses with President Calvin Coolidge and Ursula Nornabell at the dedication in 1929.

Improving Accessibility with

ADVENCHAIR

Geoff Babb’s life changed instantly when he suffered a nearly fatal brain stem stroke almost 16 years ago. Babb, a former wildland firefighter from Lake Wales, worked for The Nature Conservancy as a burn ecologist, developing the prescribed fire management plan for Tiger Creek Preserve and our Pine Ridge Preserve.

After recovering from his stroke, personal mobility became extremely important, and rather than lobbying for wheelchair-accessible trails, Babb set out to develop

a wheelchair capable of adapting to trails. Not willing to accept no, Babb persisted in his mission to make wild places accessible to those of all abilities. Despite a second stroke in 2017 and a global pandemic in 2020, he worked with his family and friends to create a chair that can travel over the rugged terrain near his home in the mountain town of Bend, Oregon.

Babb also reached out to organizations to help “crowdsource” his idea, and Bok Tower Gardens was a

proud participant. Crafted from mountain bike parts that are more robust and readily available than standard wheelchair options, the Advenchair can accommodate both children and adults.

Until the arrival of the Advenchair, visitors with traditional wheelchairs could not access the beautiful vistas of the Pine Ridge Preserve Trail. Now, all can enjoy these stunning views.

The Advenchair is one of the ways Bok Tower Gardens is working to creating accessibility. In 2021, we added more mobility carts to our fleet. The Advenchair and wheelchairs are available free of charge and can be reserved upon arrival at The Shop at Bok.

To learn more about the Advenchair and Geoff Babb's story visit www.advenchair.com.

PRESERVATION in Action

The Great Brass Door was an artistic achievement for Samuel Yellin. Like Edward Bok, Yellin was an immigrant. He moved from the Ukraine to Philadelphia in 1905 and became the premier American blacksmith and metal designer.

Throughout his career, Yellin designed some of our nation’s most impressive metal installations and received awards from the Art Institute of Chicago (1919), the American Institute of Architects (1920), the Architectural League of New York (1922), and the Bok Civic Award from the City of Philadelphia (1925).

Yellin created the design for The Great Brass door using the repousse technique whereby an image is first carved into a piece of wood, and a brass sheet is placed over the carving and hammered until the reverse image appears in low relief. A centuries-old process that creates beautiful results, repousse can be found on Egyptian death masks, Bronze Age body armor, Native American copper ornaments, and even the Statue of Liberty.

Yellin’s design is reminiscent of the famous Baptistery doors of Florence’s Duomo created by Lorenzo Ghiberti. The Great Brass Door is comprised of 30 brass panels depicting the biblical story of creation. In January 1929, Edward Bok reached out to Yellin for assistance in caring for the door. He responded with a detailed letter explaining that the door should be allowed to darken naturally in the low recesses and be lightly polished in the high points for the contrast to show the design.

Over many decades, The Great Brass door was polished to a gleaming finish and has begun to show wear from this cleaning process. The rigorous polishing schedule is wearing holes through the brass panels and creating irreparable damage. In researching methods to maintain the door without the need for a high polish, we went to our archives to understand the intent of the artist Samuel Yellin. From archival photos and Yellin’s notes, a new maintenance schedule is underway to preserve the artistic and historical integrity of the door.

It is interesting to note Florence’s Baptistery Doors have undergone an extensive restoration process that took 26 years to complete and is now displayed in the city’s Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. The restoration process used a laser to clean the doors and return the artistic contrast Yellin describes in his letter.

Pictured Background: Samuel Yellin seated by Brass Door in 1929.

Created by Samuel Yellin, The Great Brass Door is one of the most photographed elements at Bok Tower Gardens. is clean

2019 & 2020 ANNUAL REPORTS

The Statement of Financial Position and the Statement of Activities which are a part of this annual report were summarized from the audited financial statements. A copy of the audited financial statements with accompanying notes, which were audited by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, is available upon request to Bok Tower Gardens. Bok Tower Gardens’ 990 return is also available upon request, as provided by law.

2019 & 2020 ANNUAL REPORTS

82 EMPLOYEES (FTE)

BOK BY THE NUMBERS

300+ VOLUNTEERS

10,500 MEMBERS

BOK BY THE NUMBERS

FOLLOWERS: 89,508

AVG WEEKLY REACH: 220,000

TOTAL PAGE LIKES:83,711

79% of fans are women with 51% between the ages of 25-54

TOP MARKETS

ORLANDO (16,746 FANS)

LAKELAND (13,778 FANS)

TAMPA (4,812 FANS)

WINTER HAVEN (2,961 FANS)

LAKE WALES (2,265 FANS)

22,800 FOLLOWERS

WEBSITE

Reporting for FY 2021 (Sept 9, 2020-June 16, 2021)

PAGE VIEWS: 1,758,716

USERS: 458,214

NEW USERS: 481,239

EMAIL PROGRAM

UNIQUE PAGE VIEWS: 1,371,733

AVG TIME ON PAGE: 1:21

AVG PAGE PER SESSION: 2.65

TOTAL SUBSCRIBERS: 63,036

AVG OPEN RATE FOR MEMBER E-BLAST: 28%

AVG OPEN RATE FOR WEEKLY E-BLAST: 20%

VISITATION

IN 2018-2019, BOK TOWER GARDENS

HAD 242,022 VISITORS.

IN 2019-2020, BOK TOWER GARDENS

HAD 187,498 VISITORS.

IN 2020-2021, BOK TOWER GARDENS

HAD 268,195 VISITORS.

2020-2021

2019 2019

BOK TOWER GARDENS SUPPORTERS

We express our deepest gratitude to the following donors who supported Bok Tower Gardens through their generosity October 1, 2018-September 30, 2019

$100,000+

Margaret & William G. Burns (d)

Mary Driscoll & Frank E. Driscoll (d)

Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing

Joanne Spurlino & Cyrus W. Spurlino

United States Department of Agriculture

$50,000-$99,999

Anonymous

Florentien S. de Ruiter & Tomas J. Bok

Carol Collins & Paul J. Collins

Duke Energy Foundation

Julien L. McCall (d)

Jeanette Wood & Richard D. Wood

$25,000-$49,999

Anonymous

J.F. Bryan & Peggy Bryan

Frank D. Drake

State of Florida - Dept. of Consumer & Agricultural Services

$15,000-$24,999

Wilma J. Frueh & Donald C. Frueh (d)

State of Florida - Division of Cultural Affairs

$10,000-$14,999

Center for Plant Conservation

Julia K. Adams & Thomas F. Adams

Gordon D. Henderson

Heather Jordan-Holmes & Clark Jordan-Holmes

Alexis Pugh & James H. Pugh

U.S. Fish & Wildlife

$5,000-$9,999

B. A. Sunderlin Bellfoundry

Sissela & Derek Bok

Margo Boyle & Terence P. Boyle

JoAnne Branigan

Duke Energy

George & Annie Eichleay

George W. Jenkins Fund within The GiveWell Community Foundation

Harmony on Lake Eloise, LLC

Linda Hubbard & L. Evans Hubbard

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Salesforce.org

WAWA, Inc.

$2,500 - $4,999

AdventHealth

Butz Family Fund

Deborah M. Doyle & James F. Doyle

Jean H. Gibson & Robin L. Gibson

The Harmony Foundation

Lake Wales Medical Center

Laura Powell & Richardson Powell

Catherine Price & David M. Price

Selma Ankist Family Trust

SEMCO Construction

Martin L. Siemsen

Dorothy A. Wedge

$1,500-$2,499

Patti C. Bostick & R. Mark Bostick

Carlie W. Cosce & Leo J. Cosce

Jim DeGennaro

Kathleen M. Foley & Charles T. Foley

Gessler Clinic, P.A.

J.N. McArthur Foundation

Barri Looke & Thomas D. Looke

Harry V. Moore & Lisa Moore

Princeton University

Ann Probert & Edward W. Probert

Marilyn P. Rinker

Jeanie Redmon & Scott Redmon

The Verdin Company

$1,000-$1,499

Kim Bepler

Susan De Saint Phalle

Genevieve Dimmitt & Lawrence H. Dimmitt

Forni Dental

W. David Hobbs & Gail E. Lybrook

Mark C. Hollis (d)

Gregory Jackson

John Taylor & Company

Robin Jolley & Stephen B. Jolley

Lake Wales Fitness, LLC

Meeks, Watson & Co.

Ann Sellman-Murphey & Dan Murphey

Sandra Stewart & Randall Stewart

Alex Williams

Marjorie S. Zimmerman & Carl S. Zimmerman

$500 - $999

Birch Family Charitable Fund

Cassidy-Titer Giving Fund

Chime Master Commercial Music Service

Robin J. Davis & William K. Davis

Les Dunson & Virginia A. Dunson

Ellen and George Needham Fund

Florida West Coast Bromeliad Society

Amanda Frizzell

The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America

Hill Ward Henderson

Barbara Mulholland & Fred Mulholland (d)

O. Paul Decker Memorial Fund

Cookie Smith & B. M. Smith

Smith's Bell and Clock Service

Kate Sunderlin & Ben Sunderlin

Melissa C. Tyrone & V. Morgan Tyrone

Patricia Maher-Victor & Richard S. Victor

John G. Wood (d)

$250 - $499

Anonymous

Margaret Atwood & John R. Atwood

James E. Brinkworth

Joy Barrows & Mercer B. Barrows

Karen V. Budney & Albery J. Budney

Gwen Burzycki

Jeremy Chesman

Disney World Services, Inc.

Dale "Dek" E. Driscoll

Cynthia L. Egbert & Karl B. Egbert

Laura R. Ellis

Henrietta Gates

Sebrina K. Griffin & Chris C. Griffin

Nancy H. Hoyt & Murray J. Miller

Rose Marie Kling Family Fund

Nancy K. Sichler & Joseph E. Sichler

Elizabeth Wilkins

Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of this list. Kindly let us know if we have made an error or if you prefer to be listed differently in the future. To update your record, reach out to Melissa Tyrone, Director of Philanthropy & Membership mtyrone@boktower.org (863)734-1213. Thank you.

OLMSTED’S VISION COUNCIL

Special thanks to the following members of the Olmsted’s Vision Council for their membership support.

GIFTS IN TRIBUTE

We celebrate the following individuals who were honored through special gifts to the Gardens

In Honor of Brittany Gay's College Graduation

Cindy & J.D. Alexander

Diana L. & Preston M. Baker

Ann & Alan F. Blanchard

Barbara S. & Reginald T. Blauvelt

Elizabeth W. Brine

Millie & Jeffrey Neben

Peggy & J.F. Bryan, IV

Danielle M. Christiano & Jason M. Cooper

Carol & Paul J. Collins

Nancy J. Davis

Frank D. Drake

John G. Finneran

Jean & Robin L. Gibson

Winifred M. & James G. Guerdon

Stephanie & Greg Jackson

Dorothy & Charles Jenkins

Patricia & Donald Jones

Diana & Leonard P. Kline

Joan Kunzelmann

Joanne & James Mitchell

Ann Sellman-Murphey & Dan Murphey

Paula & Dean Nelson

Erica & George D. O'Neill

Jeanie & Scott Redmon

Sandra & Randall Stewart

Rene & Cory Ward

Melissa Guinn

In Honor of Mary Cain Driscoll and Frank Driscoll

Dale "Dek" E. Driscoll

In Honor of Susan de Saint Phalle's Birthday

Robin J. Davis & William K. Davis

In Memory of Bill Fraiser

Kathryn J. Black

In Memory of Carol Drake

Rose & Philip J. Sottile

Lea Wheeler

In Memory of Celia Siemsen

Adam and Eve Anglers

Robert Gutierrez

Marla J. Mooney & William E. Mooney

Martin L. Siemsen

Cathy Thornhill & J.B. Thornhill

Elizabeth Wilkins

In Memory of Clint Morrison

Thomas Goetz

Ladies of Grace UCC

Don Myers

In Memory of Donna Kay Robbins

Carlie W. Cosce & Leo J. Cosce

In Memory of Edward Evans

Jean R. Adams & Billy B. Adams

In Memory of Elijah Vincent Moore

Harry V. Moore & Lisa Moore

In Memory of Emmett Kelly Bitick and Barbara Daniels Bittick

Barri Looke & Thomas D. Looke

In Memory of James Benton Stewart

Cookie Smith & B. M. Smith

In Memory of Jeanne Morris

Mary Jane Stewart

In Memory of Joe

JoAnne Branigan

In Memory of Kristen Tenpenny

Sandi Badash

Nita Baker

Jeannine Bell

Allison Bowyer

Crystal Coburn

Cynthia L. Egbert & Karl B. Egbert

Alice Fondelheit

Amanda Frizzell

Kelley Genest

Patricia Henry

Lindsey Herrington

David J. Herzberg

Kristin Horrigan

Crystal Lewter

Kara Mantz

Lauren Masson

Dianne Schmoyer & Gary E. Parker

Susanne C. Pugh

Laura Tenpenny

Kathy Turza

Susan J. Wolf & Michael H. Wolf

In Memory of L. Patton Kline

Helen Trumbull & Walter H. Trumbull

In Memory of Lawrence Dimmitt, IV

J.F. Bryan & Peggy Bryan

Susan De Saint Phalle

In Memory of Leona Beekler

Diane K. King

In Memory of Margaret and Rawson Atwood

Margaret Atwood & John R. Atwood

In Memory of Margaret Burns

Bende, Durkin, Appell, Bello, Shapiro, Graham, and Bernstein Families

Karen V. Budney & Albery J. Budney

Eva Fronk

In Memory of Michael Beaulieu

Susan L. Beaulieu & Robert R. Beaulieu

In Memory of Muriel Wallace

Nancy K. Sichler & Joseph E. Sichler

In Memory of Paul Flynn

Everett Blake

Anita Tekle & Hagos Tekle

In Tribute to Miford Myhre

Amy Johansen & Robert Ampt

Doris Aman

Joseph Brink

Gwen Burzycki

Jeremy Chesman

Wylie Crawford

Susan P. Curry & Dennis N. Curry

Jennifer D'hollander & Geert D'hollander

Laura R. Ellis

Austin Ferguson

Margo Halsted

Ariel Hubbard

John Taylor & Company

Alex Johnson

Sharon Jones

Roy Kroezen

Paula A. Kubik

Carol Kickling Lens

Lisa Lonie

William Lyon-Vaiden

Pat Macoska

Andrea McCrady

Karen Ortega

Linda Pointer

Laura Powell & Richardson Powell

Princeton University

Carla Staffaroni

Mitchell Stecker

Kate Sunderlin & Ben Sunderlin

Carol Anne Taylor

UF Carillion Studio

Tim Verdin

Elizabeth Vitu

Annette R. Wright

Marjorie S. Zimmerman & Carl S. Zimmerman

Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of this list. Kindly let us know if we have made an error or if you prefer to be listed differently in the future. To update your record, reach out to Melissa Tyrone, Director of Philanthropy & Membership mtyrone@boktower.org (863)734-1213. Thank you.

$5,000 - $9,999

Derek & Sissela Bok

Mr. & Mrs. Terence P. Boyle

Captrust Financial Advisors

The Chanticleer Foundation

Citizens Bank & Trust

Robert DiPaola

Duke Energy

Ruth Hubbard (d) & Frank Hubbard (d)

Marilyn B. Jahna & Emil R. Jahna

George W. Jenkins Fund within The Givewell Community Foundation

Ronald Johnson

James & Joanne Mitchell

Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust

Robert P. & Nancy J. Sullivan

Jean & Dick Wood Jr.

$2,500 - $4,999

G. T. Aydelotte

Selma Ankist Family Trust, Andrea Nobil, Trustee

Kevin & Peg Bousquette

Mr. & Mrs. Kevin P. Broderick

Catherine A. Cotter

James G. Guerdon & Winifred M. Guerdon

Brandie Humphrey

Kohl’s Department Stores, Inc.

James & Susan Jahna

Phillip Layton

Julien L. McCall

Dale McGrath

James McGrath

David & Catherine Price

Andrea & Josh Webb

Mr. & Mrs. John W. Wight

$1,500 - $2,499

Michael S. Aloian

Robin & William K. Davis

Florida Wildflower Foundation

J.N. McArthur Foundation

Don & Pat Jones

Carol A. Livezey

Dan Murphey & Ann Sellman-Murphey

Royal Eijsbouts Bell Foundry

$1,000 - $1,499

Anonymous

Preston & Diana Baker

Ashley & Wesley Barnett

Mr. & Mrs. Reginald T. Blauvelt III

Mrs. Florentien S. de Ruiter & Dr. Tomas

J. Bok

Barbara & Hans Bolsterli

J. Shepard & Mary Ann Bryan

Diane & Bill Burr

Gloria & Al Cassidy

Danielle Christiano & Jason Cooper

Dave Connor & Barbara Jaeggi Connor

Michael & Roberta Cove

Dayle A. Dierks

Mr. Robin L. Gibson & Mrs. Jean H. Gibson

The Grove Creek Fund

Stephanie M. Jackson & Greg M. Jackson

Rebekah Jahna

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen B. Jolley

Joan Kunzelmann

Lake Wales Fitness, LLC

Polly & John Metteson

Cynthia & Byron Matteson

Mr. & Mrs. Fred Mullholland

Mark Naugle & Jen Bravo

Ellen & George Needham

John Oster Family Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas P. Owen

Frances L. Pope

Ann & Edward W. Probert

Garrett & Jeannine Snipes

Randall & Sandra Stewart

Glenn & Katherine Strehle

Haley & Jenifer Thornhill

Melissa & Morgan Tyrone

Mr. & Mrs. Samuel D. Updike

Rene & Cory Ward

$500 - $999

Beverly & James Abbitt

Gregory & Candace Anderson

Anonymous

H. Abigail Bok

Gary Brockett

Millie N. Brown & Jeffrey Neben

Frances & Bernard B. Burkland

Dr. & Mrs. Robert H. Cassell

Scott Cassidy & Trish Titer

Larry Daugherty

Leigh Dietz & Eric Dietz

Candice Dillon

Mr. & Mrs. Les Dunson III

Forni Dental

Tamara & Eric Gabel

Stephanie & Jerry Gould

Ben Hill Griffin IV & Pia Griffin

Dianne M. Halliday & Missy L. Harding

Katie & Steve Hart

Hill Ward Henderson

Donna Hodurski & Tanya Lawson

Jack & Marylee Hollis Fund

Laura P. Howard

Margaret & Frank M. Hunt II

Stewart & Michelle Hurst

4imprint

Steven Johnson

Leonard & Diana Kline

Peter G. Kline

Marie & James Krenisky

Jean & Ross Krueger

W. David Hobbs & Gail Lybrook

Henry & Allison McCance

Katherine McLeod

Sondra McLouth

J. Marion & Carole Moorman

Anthony G. Morrow

John & Laura Motis

David & Lois Neal

Catherine & William Nelson

Clement & Betz Newbold

CNP Clark/Nikdel/Powell

Scott Novell

Beverly & Alan Oyler

Brenda & Ronald Petrey

Teri Phillips

Ronald & Georgia Pizzarelli

Jeannie & Scott Redmon

Marilyn P. Rinker

Jim & Lindsey Robbins

Sylvia & Jim Rothman

Sage Household

Tracy & John Scheck

David & Susan Sinclair

Kathy E. Smith

Jennifer Souba

Carly & Matthew Stephens

Patricia Stokes

Robert G. Sullivan

Stephen & Margaret Taylor

Alfred C. Thullbery Jr. (d)

Lee W. Turnquist

Victor Ugolyn

Richard & Mary Wagoner

Hamp Walker

Marcia & Daniel Welch

Daniel & Leslie Whitman

Robert H. Whorf

Diane & Kevin Wilshere

$250 - $499

Anonymous

Margaret Atwood & John R. Atwood

Linda & Kevin Barlow

Paige C. Catani & Angelo A. Catani

Pam Daniels

O. Paul Decker Memorial Fund

Chris & Sebrina Griffin

Shirley R. Hopp

Betty & Jack James

Rose Marie Kling Family Fund

McGraw Brockway Giving Fund

Murray Miller & Nancy Hoyt

Maryann Nelson & Keith Petitt

Marilyn S. Newell

Mary Roth & Meaghan Sharp

OLMSTED’S VISION COUNCIL

Special thanks to the following members of the Olmsted’s Vision Council for their membership support.

GIFTS IN TRIBUTE

We celebrate the following individuals who were honored through special gifts to the Gardens

J.D. and Cindy Alexander

Preston and Diana Baker

Ashley & Wesley Barnett

Alan and Ann Blanchard

Mr. and Mrs. Reginald T. Blauvelt III

Mrs. Florentien S. de Ruiter and Dr. Tomas J. Bok

Kevin and Peg Bousquette

J. Shepard and Mary Ann Bryan

Mr. and Mrs. J.F. Bryan IV

Danielle Christiano and Jason Cooper

Paul J. and Carol Collins

Dave Connor and Barbara Jaeggi Connor

Catherine A. Cotter and John Finneran

Michael and Roberta Cove

Dayle A. Dierks

Frank Drake

Mary and Frank E. Driscoll

Mr. John G. Finneran Jr.

Barbara Flaglor

Jean H. & Robin L. Gibson

James G. Guerdon & Winifred M. Guerdon

Linda & L. Evans Hubbard

Stephanie and Greg Jackson

Marilyn & Emil R. Jahna

James and Susan Jahna

Dorothy & Charles Jenkins

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen B. Jolley

Joan Kunzelmann

Cathy Liska

Jan Maddock & Daniel Maddock

Cynthia & Byron Matteson

Sally and Richard May

Julien L. McCall

Katherine McLeod & Michael McGowan

Jack Meeks and Joann Tredennick

James and Joanne Mitchell

Barbara & Fred Mulholland

Dan Murphey and Ann Sellman-Murphey

Ellen & George Needham

Joan & Russell Newton

Ray and Kathy Roberts

Jeannine & Garrett Snipes

Carly and Matthew Stephens

Randall and Sandra Stewart

Rene & Cory Ward

Mr. and Mrs. John W. Wight

Jean and Dick Wood Jr.

In Honor of Cindy Alexander

Robin & William K. Davis

In Memory of Margaret & Rawson Atwood

Margaret Atwood & John R. Atwood

In Memory of Mr. Michael Beaulieu

Susan L. Beaulieu & Robert R. Beaulieu

In Memory of Beverly Bondy

Pat Cain Wealth Solutions - Raymond James

In Honor of J. F. Bryan

Jean C. Krueger & Ross T. Krueger

In Memory of Bill & Margaret Burns Marusi Family Foundation

In Memory of Amanda Drasdo Butler

Kathy Burkett

Kathryn Coker & Bob Coker

Vanessa Colburn

Pam Daniels

Krystal Hallack & Giles (Guy) Hallack

Sally Howard & Barney Howard

Cindy Jeffrey

Jan Kaiser & Tim Kaiser

Kyle Kirkner

Lake Wales Class of 1996

John S. Matteson

Myrna G. Powell & Lisa K. Garrett

Carolyn Sandhagen & Paul Sandhagen

David Smith

Robert Martin

In Memory of Thyrza Upson Christel

Eliza Bragg

In Memory of Priscilla Collier-Taylor

Susan McPhail-Taylor & William F. Taylor

In Memory of MaryLou Datte

Diane K. King

In Memory of DeAnn M. Daugherty

Larry Daugherty

In Honor of Susan de Saint Phalle

Robin & William K. Davis

In Memory of Susie DeShano

Diane K. King

In Honor of Mary Cain Driscoll & Frank Driscoll

Robin & William K. Davis

In Memory of Lorraine Goldsmith

Susan Mardjetko

In Memory of Brandon K. “d’Artagnan” Graham

Chauncey Graham

In Memory of Jeanne A. Jahna

Marilyn B. Jahna & Emil R. Jahna

In Memory of Dr. Ghodrat Javaheri

Donna Biesiada & Carol Biesiada

In Memory of Ron, Betty & Rhonda Johnson

Ronald Johnson

In Memory of L. Patton Kline

Helen Trumbull & Walter H. Trumbull

In Memory of Ralph & Georgette Perrier Layton

Rosalyn C. Layton

In Honor of Joanna Lombard Kammeyer-Kuehn Foundation

In Memory of Lucile Tate Moore & Betty J. Martin

Susannah Rawlings & Elaine M. Rawlings

In Memory of Vivian Patricia Mayhew Brandie M. Humphrey

In Memory of Ginny McGrath

Helga H. Brehmer

Penny Gortemiller

Nanci Keinath & David Keinath

Janelle McGrath

James McGrath

Dale McGrath

Elizabeth M. Webber & G. Robert Webber

In Honor of Marian Morrison

Ladies of Grace UCC

Peggy Myers & Don Myers

In Memory of Joyce O’Conner

Ann Deatherage

Robert DiPaola

In Memory of Beatrice Otstott

Erin Etzel

In Memory of Diane Reece

Janice C. Daniels & Ralph F. Daniels

Hohner Funeral Home

Mark Perkins

Debbie Wyatt & John Wyatt

In Honor of Lisanne Renner

Adam S. Grace

In Honor of Kathi Sanders

Betty Kinsella & Bob Kinsella

In Honor of Arnold & Linda Souba

Jennifer Souba

In Honor of Tina Stabler

Lesa Gunderson & Mic Gunderson

In Memory of Robert G. Stokes

Cotton Bebb LLC

In Memory of Dr. John Storer

Morgan Salmon

In Memory of Richard & Margery Trask

David Trask

In Honor of Lenki Trumbell

Robin & William K. Davis

Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of this list. Kindly let us know if we have made an error or if you prefer to be listed differently in the future. To update your record, reach out to Melissa Tyrone, Director of Philanthropy & Membership

mtyrone@boktower.org (863)734-1213. Thank you.

The Edward W. Bok Society honors friends and members who, like our founder Edward Bok, support the Gardens through their estates and other planned gifts. These donors leave their own legacy in the Gardens so that generations to come can experience a “haven for ‘birds and people,’ a garden of unparalleled beauty and serenity, and a world-recognized carillon,” as Mr. Bok envisioned.

EDWARD BOK SOCIETY MEMBERS

Anonymous

Phyllis J. Bailey in Memory of Mary K. Beyrer

Bonnie Faye Bergeron

H. Abigail Bok

Curtis Bok & Sharon Bailey-Bok

Linda L. Browning in Honor of Terry

Browning Ford

J.F. Bryan IV

Mr. & Mrs. Lynn Burdeshaw

Dr. & Mrs. George Butz

Carol Chandler

Little Richard Crowell

Susan M. Diebel

Frank Drake

Marion T. Yongue & Evan C. Earle, Jr.

Ken Taylor Endline

Howard E. Ferris

Carol First

Clifford C. Freund

Jeanne Gayhart

John R. Goodwin

Jane in memory of Demaris P. Goodwin

P. Timothy Hartsfield & Jody C. Shellene

Kurt and Edith Hoppe

Jack & Landy Little

Charles Eric Matheny

David M. Price

Roger E. Robson

Jim Rothman

Enid Curtis Bok Schoettle

Jonathan A. Shaw

Rick T. Short

Joan A. & John R. Thomas

Cynthia J. Turner

Melissa C. Tyrone

IN MEMORIUM

C. Harvey Bradley

William G. & Margaret Burns

Ruth F. Conn

Carol Drake

Mr. Donald C. Frueh

Douglas Gayhart

John F. Germany

John B. Goodwin

Olga E. Hernandez

Ruth M. Hubbard

Frank M. Hubbard

Charles King

Howard & Lois King

Ruth V. Marchione

Fred Mulholland

Bruce Newell

Marilyn S. Newell

Gwen C. Seliga

Dorothy Suchner

Mamoru Yoshida

Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of this list. Kindly let us know if we have made an error or if you prefer to be listed differently in the future. To update your record, reach out to Melissa Tyrone, Director of Philanthropy & Membership mtyrone@boktower.org (863)734-1213. Thank you.

WORLD CLASS

Geert D'hollander Wins a Trio of Top International Honors

ongratulations are in order for Carillonneur Geert D'hollander who received top honors in three composition contests in 2020 and 2021. Long recognized as one of the globe's top carillon composers, D'hollander is no stranger to international accolades for his music and compositions.

INTERNATIONAL CARILLON COMPOSITION CONTEST HONORING MATTIAS VANDEN GHEYN (1721-1785)

Organized by "Campanae Lovanienses," the Belgian city of Leuven's carillon association, this contest celebrates the 300th anniversary of the birth of the Leuven organist, carillonneur, and composer Matthias Vanden Gheyn, and the upcoming "Knal! Leuven Big Bang Festival" that begins October 2021 and runs through January 2022.

The festival also honors the Leuven priest and professor Georges Lemaître (1894-1966), who was the first to formulate the theories of the expansion of the universe and the Big Bang Theory.

Long regarded as the greatest musician of the Southern Netherlands in the 18th century, Matthias Vanden Gheyn was a Flemish composer from the Baroque-Classical period. During his life, Vanden Gheyn was a virtuoso of the carillon and organ.

Contestants submitted original compositions inspired by astronomy, astrology, or cosmology, and D'hollander's composition "Halos" received first prize, topping the list from 62 submissions representing 12 countries.

When asked why D'hollander's composition earned top honors, the judges provided, "the composition has all that it promises – a lot of color and changes, sparkling ornamentations and peacefulness."

2021 JOHAN FRANCO COMPOSITION CONTEST

A biennial contest hosted by the prestigious Guild of Carillonneurs of North America (GCNA), D’hollander’s “Moto Perpetuo” earned first prize from more than 58 submitted compositions representing musicians from 10 countries – a record year for submissions. Evaluated by a jury of renowned carillonneurs, each composition earned points for usefulness to the carillon community, effectiveness on the carillon, playability, originality, and general musical interest.

“Moto Perpetuo” is dedicated to his youngest daughter, Rosalie, and he describes the composition as an energetic study for the carillon.

THE KING SINGER'S NEW MUSIC PRIZE

Formed in 1968 at King's College in Cambridge, England, The King's Singers is the gold standard of a-cappella singing and has performed on the world's greatest stages for more than 50 years.

In 2018, The King's Singers launched the New Music Prize to recognize, develop, and encourage creativity. Judging concluded in December 2020 with 345 entries. Four winners were selected for each of the contest's categories.

The world premiere performance of winning selections occurred at the Washington National Cathedral and webcast globally on Sunday, February 28, 2021.

WHEN ALL FALLS SILENT – A COMPOSITION FOR THE KING'S SINGERS

The King's Singers selected historian, poet, and leading choral lyricist Charles Anthony Silvestri to identify five texts for use in the New Music Prize. D'hollander selected Silvestri's poem When All Falls Silent for his choral composition and set the beautiful words to music.

"It's a great pleasure to name Geert D'hollander the winner in this category. The jury all agreed that the closeness and lushness of the chording would suit The King's Singers very well, and the rhythmic and metrical variations within the music and text-setting gave it a freshness not often seen in this kind of modern writing," said the jury who selected D'hollander as the category winner.

D'hollander had this to add to his award announcement, "The King's Singers have inspired me since I was a child. I have followed them and listened to their music for decades. Winning this competition is an incredible honor as a musician. To me, it is like standing in front of Picasso with hundreds of other people holding a little painting, and he picks yours. How awesome is that!"

You can enjoy the King's Singers performance online at Blog Tower Gardens –boktowergardens.org. D'hollander will be performing his award-winning composition "Halos" and “Moto Perpetuo” at a live performance in 2022.

s visitors pass through our entrance gate, the garden experience begins. The pinelands mixed with citrus agriculture reveal distant vistas to the horizon and back to Iron Mountain and the Tower.

The drive is a decompression as one approaches the Sanctuary, and this road design was not arbitrary. In 1915, Fredrick Law Olmsted, Jr. was hired to design the planned community of Mountain Lake as a winter retreat country club. He laid out this long winding drive to make the most of the natural elevations, affording distant views and a grand approach to one of the highest points in Florida. The road was to be the south approach to the planned community.

In 1920, Mountain Lake had placed a restrictive covenant on nearly 2,000 acres to the east and south of what would eventually become Bok’s garden sanctuary to prevent future development and limit the area to agricultural use. For more than 100 years, these covenants protected the open lands around the sanctuary from commercial and residential development that would mar the quietude. During that time, land ownership started to change so that there was a diversity of landowners.

Edward Bok conceived the idea to build a garden sanctuary on the hill

and started his vision in 1922. He began to purchase what were to be home sites on the hill to build his garden vision. Olmsted came aboard to design the sanctuary and chose to use this south road to approach the sanctuary. As the garden sanctuary developed, Bok had concerns over future development that might bring noise close to gardens. Olmsted incorporated the distant vistas into his design, and protecting these areas from development became crucial to the effect of his design.

There was a move to rezone the entire 1,900 acres of Mountain Lake Agricultural lands to commercial and residential development in the early 1990s. The Polk County Commission declined the application for this zoning change. This potential threat signaled an alarm that no land is protected if not owned and dedicated to preservation. Heightening the threat was the new diseases found in citrus groves that could threaten the industry.

The Gardens started pursuing strategies to purchase and protect the land. The cost was prohibitive to purchase large tracks beyond what was along our entrance road. In 2005, the Gardens partnered with the Green Horizon Land Trust to apply for a grant with the Florida Communities Trust. Green Horizon secured a grant that allowed the preservation of 268 acres by purchase or conservation

easements. These conservation easements are permanent deed restrictions that prohibit building development.

In 2017, the Gardens hired the land planning firm of Dix Hite to prepare a Land Preservation Strategy that assessed key vistas, prioritized parcels of land to purchase, research zoning, and land ownership of all lands in the Mountain Lake Agricultural area. This plan won an award from the Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Since our preservation efforts began, approximately 562 acres are now protected through partnership, ownership, or conservation easements. We have planted 375 acres of longleaf pines and built two miles of trails, with plans for more. The hope is to protect as much of the 1,900 acres as agriculture or restored pinelands. There are many crucial steps to take in this process and we continue our efforts to reach this important goal.

Bok Tower Gardens has not accomplished this work alone. Since 2005, numerous grants and gifts have funded our land preservation and restoration work. We express our gratitude to the Willow Branch Foundation, the Spurlino Foundation, the Kline Family Foundation, and many others who share our passion for preserving this historic landscape.

You can join in supporting these efforts. Gifts to our Land Preservation & Restoration Fund support our land acquisition goals, help to manage our natural areas, and fund restoration projects. Learn how by contacting Melissa Tyrone, Director of Philanthropy & Membership (863) 734-1213 or mtyrone@boktower.org

NEARLY A century OF LAND PRESERVATION IN ACTION

Written By DAVID PRICE

CONTACT US

MAIN DESK

boktowergardens.org

863.676.1408

TICKETS & RESERVATIONS

boktowergardens.org/tickets

863.734.1222

MEMBERSHIP

boktowergardens.org/membership

863.734.1233

PHILANTHROPY

boktowergardens.org/donate

863.734.1213

EDUCATION

boktowergardens.org/education

863.734.1221

HOURS

OPEN 365 DAYS A YEAR!

8 a.m. - 6 p.m. with last admission at 5 p.m.

MEMBER DISCOUNT

Members receive a 10% discount at The Shop at Bok, the Blue Palmetto Café, and on most programs and events.

Bok Tower Gardens, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is supported by tax-exempt gifts and contributions and is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

NOVEMBER 26 - JANUARY 2

JOIN US THIS HOLIDAY SEASON FOR A JOYFUL CELEBRATION OF MUSIC AND ACTIVITIES FOR EVERYONE.

RING IN YOUR HOLIDAYS CONCERT SERIES

HOLLY CORDERO & THE SILVER BELLS BIG BAND – DECEMBER 10

PAUL GAVIN & MOSAIC WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

VALERIE GILLESPIE & BRYAN HUGHES – DECEMBER 17

BOKTOWERGARDENS.ORG