Our Gardens Grow Because of You
Merry & Bright
Holiday Home Tour Returns
Growing Up Wild
The Benefits of Nature Play
Volume 9 Issue 2 Fall 2017
A New Season Takes Flight
Volume 9 Issue 2 Fall 2017
David Price President
Randall Rupert Editor & Graphic Designer
Erica Smith Editor
Editorial Contributors Geert D’hollander Jaime Fogel Suzi Hershberger Marilyn Knowlton Greg Kramer Tricia Martin Cheryl Peterson David Price Melissa Robillard Kari Ruder Erica Smith Leslie Thomas Melissa Tyrone Rose Young
Photo Contributors Austyn Harben Emily Plank Randall Rupert Erica Smith
Mission
To inspire a better and more beautiful world by sharing Edward Bok’s legacy.
Vision
To reach out in beauty to the people, and fill their souls with the quiet, the repose, the influence of the beautiful.
Letter from the President As this newsletter was readied to go to press, hurricane Irma roared through Florida affecting the lives of many from one end of the State to the next. We were lucky to have only moderate damage. Here we lost five large trees but escaped with mostly a leafy mess to clean up. Our power was down for nine days so we could not open to the public. During that time, the entire Gardens staff came in to help clean up the grounds. Many did not have power at their homes but worked in the summer heat so that we could reopen. The effects of the storm will mainly be on the long term health of our live oak tree canopy. We are developing a long term strategy to improve the health of the canopy and to replace trees that had been declining since Hurricane Charley in 2004. Gardens are living systems that must evolve and grow. We as stewards must guide that growth to preserve the design intent. We have planted many seeds these past few years with the creation of new gardens and programs. It is amazing to watch how fast the plants grow in the new spaces. In just over a year, a sandy construction site has turned into a lush wildflower meadow, bountiful edible garden, and wildlife habitat. Just as the new gardens have attracted wildlife, they also are attracting new visitors. Our membership has grown by 34% and attendance is up 28% from last year. Hammock Hollow has grown our membership of families with children. Hammock Hollow Coordinator Kathy Huston shared that she met several children with autism who enjoy the new garden so much. According to Kathy, “This garden has a calming effect on children as they are absorbed in nature play.” The day after Kathy told me this, I met a mother in Hammock Hollow who said that her children receive so much enjoyment from the garden that she was becoming a member despite living an hour and a half away. Yes, the garden is bearing fruit we did not expect. Nursery Manager Kari Ruder and her dedicated team of volunteers are gearing up to expand the plant nursery with a new greenhouse and storage space. A growing garden and our increase in plant production means that she and her dedicated team of volunteers have simply run out of space. Greg Kramer, Director of Horticulture, has also expanded his own horizons by attaining his Doctorate in Plant Medicine from the University of Florida. From the humble seeds you all have helped us plant, the Garden is bearing an abundance of fruit. Thank you for the opportunity to be stewards of this fertile land.
cover photo by Austyn Harben
David Price, President September, 2017
Membership Matters Rootstock Plant & Garden Festival 2017 Thank you to our members for putting our “Member Meter” over the 7,000 mark! In recognition, we will host a members-only Rootstock Preview Night on Friday, October 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. On Saturday, enjoy a few moments at our members‑only hospitality lounge located in front of the Visitor Center.
Behind the Brass Door Save the date for the perennially popular Founder’s Room Tours. Tours are available by invitation only to all of our Sustainer Level members and higher. Tours will occur on November 11, December 9, February 16 and March 24. Have questions about your membership to Bok Tower Gardens? Contact Marilyn Knowlton at mknowlton@boktower.org or 863.734.1233
Maximize Your Membership with our Reciprocal Admission Program The Reciprocal Admission Program includes over 35 gardens and museums in Florida offering our members reduced or free admission. In addition, the American Horticultural Society Admission Program includes more than 300 gardens nationwide allowing our members free admission. For more information, please visit boktowergardens.org/perks.
Blue Palmetto Café Team Takes Home Top Honors Chef Matthew Fulwood and the Blue Palmetto Café team competed in the recent Achievement Academy Top Chef competition. Victorious, the team returned home with three awards including Best Appetizer, Best Décor and Most Philanthropic Chef. Chef Matt’s menu included his award winning smoked stuffed mushrooms, fresh corn bisque with wild mushrooms, shaved Brussels sprout salad, braised pork cheeks over polenta and fresh orange mousse. Our hats go off to the entire team for their hard work and dedication.
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There is a subtle beauty to plants that bloom in the fall. A handful of these fall-blooming plants appear as if they were awakened by the cooling temperatures, shortening day lengths and clearer skies to reveal their exquisite blooms. This is also the time of year when people desire to get back outside to enjoy activities such as hiking in natural areas that were uncomfortable during the summer season due to heat and insects. When considering that hike location, look no further than the Sandhill ecosystem to witness firsthand the beauty of the fall wildflower season. Taking a leisurely walk through a Sandhill by Dr. Greg Kramer, ecosystem in fall, one can witness the purple Director of Horticulture spikes of shortleaf blazing star, Liatris tenufolia. The plant’s tall purple spikes sway in the wind beckoning pollinating insects to visit their nectar rich blooms. In the background and adding to the symphony of color is grass-leaved golden-aster, Pityopsis gramifolia. These small yellow daisy-like flowers are produced in large numbers and are elegantly supported by stems that have a silver sheen. Let’s not forget some of the more diminutive flowers that may be encountered on the Sandhill such as jointweed Polygonella gracilis. Jointweed produces flower spikes with numerous small flowers that range from a white to an almost cream color. It’s as if nature added the jointweed as a referee to soften the attention-drawing colors of the grass-leaved golden-aster and the purple blazing stars. Individually, the plants described above are beautiful; however, when observed in great mass and over an extensive landscape the experience can be breathtaking. The fall blooming season in Central Florida usually begins in September, peaks in mid-October and will extend through to early December. A premier example of Sandhill wildflower habitat where one can hike and witness fall blooming wildflowers is the Pine Ridge Preserve. When you visit, hike the trails and enjoy this fall flower spectacular before the flowers fade and autumn slides into winter.
Wildly Breathtaking
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by Cheryl Peterson, Conservation Program Manager, Philip Gonsiska, Rare Plant Curator, and Whitney Costner, Conservation Biologist
Powered by Duke Energy:
A Model for the Stewardship of Local Rare Species and Their Habitats
Conserving imperiled species and habitats can be daunting, but it can also be very successful and rewarding when talented and enthusiastic people from diverse organizations join forces for some hard work in the field and achieve amazing things. Such a partnership between Bok Tower Gardens, Duke Energy, Mountain Lake, Kissimmee Valley Foresters, and The Nature Conservancy is restoring a nearby parcel of degraded Sandhill habitat. Over 98% of Florida’s Sandhill habitat has been destroyed over the past century, and the many species that are found in Sandhill and nowhere
Internationally Recognized Conservation
else in the world are also being lost. Our 20-acre restoration site is home to the threatened Gopher tortoise, Gopherus polyphemus, and many other species. The site was also home to one of the last remaining populations of the endangered Clasping Warea, Warea amplexifolia, which disappeared once the site became too overgrown. Historically, healthy Sandhill habitat was maintained by lightning-sparked fires sometimes as frequently as every two years. Many Sandhill fragments still in existence have not been burned in decades, which results in an overgrowth of oaks, other hardwoods,
and invasive plant species. As the ecosystem degrades, habitat for native plants, animals, and pollinators is destroyed; biodiversity is lost. This restoration project is working to improve habitat, increase biodiversity, and re‑establish the Clasping Warea. This project began in 2016 with a grant from the Duke Energy Foundation. Over the past year, we and our project partners removed trees and dense clumps of shrubs. A prescribed burn further reduced overgrowth, improved soils, and stimulated the growth of native species. Key Sandhill species such as wiregrass and longleaf
Bok Tower Gardens won a 2017 International Global Seed Conservation Challenge Award! Botanic Gardens Conservation International, through its ex situ seed banking initiatives across 200 gardens, awarded this prize to our Rare Plant Conservation Program at the 6th Global Botanic Garden Congress in Geneva for excellence in preserving imperiled species.
Unity is strength...when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.
- Mattie Stepanek, American poet
this project was made possible by
pines were also planted. Herbicide treatments were used to create gaps in the canopy and forest floor that are important in healthy Sandhill habitats. Duke Energy has been integral to this project, volunteering many hours of staff time. They helped set up and collect vegetation data from 20 experimental quadrants to measure plant diversity and restoration success. In May, Duke Energy hosted its 2017 Signature Event at the site, during which 45 Duke Energy staff members from all over Central Florida transplanted hundreds of seedlings of Clasping Warea and several
other native plant species. This was fundamental to the restoration process because these plants will flower, providing nectar for native pollinators, and then set seed to repopulate the area. With the improved habitat and an increase in native pollinators, we have high hopes that the newly planted Clasping Warea will rebuild the natural population. In addition to its conservation value, this project is beneficial to Duke Energy and the adjacent homeowners by helping to keep power line easement accessible. The project will also reduce wildfire hazard. On a
broader scale, healthy habitats increase carbon sequestration, recharge the aquifer, improve air quality, and support the pollinators we all rely on. The dedication of Duke Energy to supporting our communities and natural area projects like this one provides a strong model of corporate environmental stewardship and demonstrates the strength of diverse partnerships.
Director of Horticulture Greg Kramer, Conservation Program Manager Cheryl Peterson, Rare Plant Curator Philip Gonsiska, Volunteer Diane Bauman, and Conservation Biologist Whitney Costner pose with new BGCI award at National Collection Beds
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by Erica Smith, Director of Marketing
A Summer of Scholars Ida Vandamme Horticulture Intern University of Florida
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Ida Vandamme was born to be a gardener, and her enthusiasm for plants is a breath of fresh air. A student at the University of Florida, she is a Plant Science major with an interest in sustainable food production. During her summer internship, she worked in each area of the horticulture department,
Interns Making an Impact
but it was using the large equipment that remains her most favorite memory. “I really liked learning how to drive the tractor,” she added with a giggle. “I love being connected to nature and my greatest passion is growing plants.”
Surviving the Storm
Hurricane Irma delivered quite a wallop to the Gardens leaving behind a pile of debris, extensive tree damage and an extended loss of power. The strong winds also caused some damage to one of the large Founder’s Room windows located on the side of the Tower. Thankfully, the furniture was covered minimizing the potential damage to these irreplaceable antiques. After the storm, the entire team jumped in to join crews from the Horticulture and Facilities departments removing downed tree limbs and a mountain of small branches and plant debris. Volunteers came from throughout Central Florida to assist with the clean-up efforts and several individuals reported that this was their first visit to the Gardens. Professional tree crews were called in to assess the damage, remove the larger fallen trees and confirm that paths were safe for visitor traffic. The nine days of storm cleanup was an opportunity for the entire team to learn more about
As her name implies, Joy Haas delighted the Discovery Days campers with her enthusiasm, kindness and passion for nature. Majoring in Environmental Studies and Graphic Design, Joy is a student at Florida Southern College and plans to graduate in 2019. The kids described her as “fun, energetic, happy, brave and confident” as she spent four weeks planning activities, engaging with campers, and assisting with hikes, crafts, and more.
“The most rewarding part of the experience is serving the children and watching them come out of their shells while experiencing nature,” she said. “Bok Tower Gardens is a great place to intern; the beauty is amazing,” she continued. She led many shark tooth expeditions down the Pine Ridge Preserve paths and assisted 20 very excited junior chefs in a pizza-from-scratch adventure. “We made a huge mess,” she added with a laugh.
each other and the unique challenges each department faces—an unexpected collective team building exercise! While this storm did not cause the level of damage experienced by the hurricanes of 2004, Irma left a mark that will be felt by the wildlife that call our Gardens home. Like their human counterparts, pollinators and other small animals are in search of new sources of food and water. As the tree canopy has been diminished, some plants may be affected by the increased exposure to sunlight. The work to recover the Gardens to their former glory is not an overnight process and the staff will continue to remove debris and branches over the coming months. We send our most grateful appreciation to all who generously donated to our recovery efforts. Like a rainbow that often appears after a storm, your warm generosity made it possible to shine a renewed light on Edward Bok’s gift to the world.
Joy Haas Education Intern Florida Southern College
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When Hammock Hollow opened in September 2016, I was hired as a part-time “Children’s Garden Steward,” a job title that in itself was far beyond what I could have imagined. With a background in natural sciences and tons of experience in environmental education, I was anxious to get out into the garden and introduce Bok Tower Gardens’ youngest guests to the wonders of Mother Nature. What I learned was a “garden steward” was very different from an “environmental educator” and I quickly began to embrace new words like explore, create, pretend, rest, sense and wonder. In other words, PLAY! In a world full of overscheduled and overstimulated children, this place is a haven of unstructured play. Without specific instructions or agendas, children discover endless opportunities to occupy themselves. Whether individually or through careful negotiations with playmates, they create their own goals and rules for building block towers, traversing a tangle of logs, creating music and art, or cooking up the perfect mulch stew. One day, not long after Hammock Hollow opened, a couple with their great‑granddaughter came to visit. I chatted with them a little and overheard a comment from the great-grandfather. “I’m not sure if this is what Edward Bok had in mind,” he said in a rather puzzling tone. The next Tuesday, they were back and this pattern of visitation continued each week. “She wanted to come back here,” he would say, shrugging and smiling. With a picnic blanket as her royal cape, she was the Queen of Hammock Hollow. She knew exactly where the garden dragons lived and how to tame them; she could turn into a butterfly and flutter amongst the flowers; she could catch fish in the most unexpected puddles; and she could cook up the best sand gumbo you have ever tasted. It was through her eyes that Greatgrandfather came to understand Hammock Hollow is an extension of Edward Bok’s vision and introduces a new generation to the magic of the Gardens.
Field Notes from a Nature Play Guide
Childhood is fleeting. There are only so many days of stomping in puddles and building sand castles before the world requires us to take things seriously. Play is the best way to open children’s eyes to the wonders and possibilities all around them.
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important?
Why is Nature Play So According to NC State University’s Natural Learning Initiative and many other studies from around the world, children and adults benefit greatly from having access to nature. Not defined by simply playing outside, the idea of Nature Play encompasses child initiated and directed engagement with the natural world. Designed to engage children in the tenets of nature play, Hammock Hollow is the ideal destination for reaping nature’s physical and cognitive benefits. Here are just a few of the reported benefits from engaging in Nature Play: • Supports creativity and problem solving • Improved academic performance • Increased physical activity • Improved self-discipline • Reduced stress • Reduced Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) symptoms
by Suzi Hershberger, Children’s Garden Steward
Themed Weekends at Hammock Hollow Visit with your youngsters each Saturday as the Nature Play Guides provide additional learning opportunities from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Sep. Lessons in Nature Oct. Flying Friends & Spooky Sounds Nov. Seed to Harvest Dec. Celebrating Winter Florida-style Jan. Creative Expression in the Garden www.boktowergardens.org 10
constructing the framework of the Singing Tower
Mr. Bok Turns ov er the first spadefu l of sand for the constructi on of the Singing Tower (Jan 21, 1927)
In honor of the City of Lake Wales’ Centennial Anniversary, Bok Tower Gardens partnered with the Lake Wales Museum and Cultural Library, the Lake Wales Public Library, and Florida’s Natural Visitor Center to present exhibits about the different ways that people have worked in Lake Wales over the past 100 years. Bok Tower Gardens is honored to play such an important role in the history of Lake Wales and we’re excited to be able to share a new aspect of our story.
the bourdon (largest) bell being moved into the Singing Tower (September 1928)
Creating an Icon: The Way We Worked on the Singing Tower shares the story of the creation of the Singing Tower from Mr. Bok’s initial vision through its construction. In 2015, the family of Horace Burrell, who was the builder for the Tower, donated Burrell’s two handwritten building journals and several hundred photographs, which detail the day-to-day workings of the construction. The Burrell journals provided many wonderful details that were previously unknown. This exhibit is a great way to share a part of Bok Tower Gardens’ story that hasn’t been told before, and for people to learn about more ways that people worked in Lake Wales. Creating an Icon is on display in the Visitor Center now through the end of the year. Join us on Nov. 1, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. for Piquant Polk: Fascinating People from Polk County’s 1920’s & 1930’s, a presentation by former Gardens Librarian LuAnn Mims.
Creating an Icon is partially funded by grants from the Florida Humanities Council and Visit Central Florida. We are grateful for their support.
a
tting coquin
se stone mason
Schedule of Christmas Events NOV
24 NOV
24 NOV
24 NOV
26 NOV
30 DEC
02 DEC
02 DEC
09 DEC
10 DEC
12 DEC
13 DEC
13 DEC
16 DEC
17 DEC
22 DEC
25 DEC
30 JAN
01 JAN
06
23rd Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate is
Holiday Home Tour At Pinewood Estate Nov. 24-Jan. 7 • 10am-5pm
Holiday Walking Tours Nov. 24-Jan. 7 • Mon-Sat: 12pm & 2pm, Sun: 2pm
12 Days of Shopping Double Discounts for Members at the Gift Shop November 24 – December 5
Gingerbread Houses With Mrs. Claus Nov. 26 • 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm
Eating The Mediterranean Way Nov. 30 • 5:30pm-7:30pm
Sunset & Symphony Holiday Concert with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra: Dec. 2 • Concert begins at 6pm. Members receive a double discount on advance tickets!
Holiday Home Workshop: Living Holiday Tree Dec. 2 • 11:30am-1pm
Three Authors And A Fishmonger: The Best Of Florida Seafood Dec. 9 • 12pm – 2pm
The year is 1936 and Mr. Charles Buck is bringing his children and grandchildren to Pinewood Estate for the holidays. Experiencing the fever of the Jazz Age, the family is excited to share their fully decorated home for the season. Experience the sounds of Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and more as Pinewood Estate is “Merry & Bright” for the holidays!
A Holiday Hunt for the Whole Family The Pinewood Christmas Squirrels, Tucker and Tilley are back this year and children are encouraged to tour the historic estate with their own pint-sized guide complete with stickers.
Gingerbread Houses With Mrs. Claus Dec. 10 • 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm
Meditation With Tibetan & Crystal Singing Bowls Dec. 12 • 5:30pm-6:30pm
Lunch & Learn: Holiday Home Décor With Plants Dec. 13 • 12pm-1pm
Bok After Dark Celestial Greetings Evening Carillon Concert Dec. 13 • Concert begins at 7pm
The Resilience Advantage Dec. 16 • 1pm – 3pm
Carillon And Chorale Concert Dec. 17 • Concert begins at 4pm
Sweeten Your Holidays Dec. 22 • 1pm – 3pm
Christmas Day Carillon Concert Dec. 25 • 1pm & 3pm
Time For A Change Meditation Retreat Dec. 30 • 9am -12pm
New Year’s Day Carillon Concert Jan. 1 • 1pm & 3pm
New Year, New You Jan. 6 • 9am-1pm
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We thank this year’s sponsors of
Adding Sparkle to a Historic Landmark Inspired by the history and beauty of Pinewood Estate, members of The Amaryllis Club, a special group of members in service to the Gardens, are decorating the entire estate and the entry gates. A volunteer patron group, their mission is to promote and preserve the heritage and vintage style of this historic home, and to take on other special projects on behalf of the Gardens. Patti Bostick has been a longtime patron of the Gardens and is lead designer for The Amaryllis Club decorating team. She has been charged with maintaining the integrity of the house while emphasizing the home’s architecture, beauty, and style.
Gift Shop Debuts New Collection
“It’s an honor and a privilege for us to be decorating this oneof-a-kind home,” Bostick said. “Our entire team has worked on this project since spring, and we’re excited that visitors will be able to experience how Mr. Buck and his family would have enjoyed Christmas together during the 1930’s,” she said. “The house speaks to you; you can feel its history. It’s an amazing place, and we love it.” With as much work that goes into every detail of the décor, the Holiday Home Tour would not be possible without the dedicated help from dozens of volunteers.
Introducing the Pinewood Collection Inspired by the luxurious handpainted Tunisian tile found throughout Pinewood Estate, the all-new Pinewood Collection takes a page from history with the inspiration for this carefully curated collection of coasters, trivets, trays, cutting boards, ornaments and more. The Pinewood Collection will be available for purchase in late fall.
Take Home the Tree of Life Capturing the splendor and majesty of the Great Brass Door, this ornament will be the season’s must-have Christmas treasure. Crafted in brass and plated in dazzling 24k gold, the Tree of Life will sparkle on your tree. This iconic collectible is elegantly gift-boxed and will be available before the holidays.
Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens
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HOW YOUR GARDEN
15 Fall 2017
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E
Edward Bok planted the seed of what was to become Bok Tower Gardens in 1927. His gift would grow into a worldrenowned destination. The sanctuary he had in mind has been enjoyed by millions of people from all walks of life. Bok’s garden—Our Garden—grows with every membership, every visitor, and every gift. Gifts of every size—from pennies gathered by the children of Lake Wales to capital campaign investments that fundamentally transform the landscape—have made Bok Tower Gardens what it is today. Because of your gifts, Bok Tower Gardens plants the seeds of wonder and excitement in hundreds of children playing in Hammock Hollow every day. Thanks to you, visitors find sanctuary, joy and inspiration in formal gardens, edible gardens and natural areas that are more diverse and sustainable than ever before. Because of you, Bok Tower Gardens is realizing the vision that Mr. Bok had for his “Iron Mountain.” Together, we are all preserving the legacy and stewarding the future.
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STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES financial year ending September 30, 2016
1% other revenue 5% memberships
17% admissions, programs and rentals
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES Investment Return: Dividends and Interest Admissions and Programs Food and Retail Services
14% food & retails services
Revenue & Support
% of Total $1,077,193 994,381 1,406,922
Visitor Services
706,810
Membership
539,692
Contributions
1,151,423
Grants
4,296,077 106,001
Miscellaneous
TOTAL REVENUE $10,278,499
% of Total Horticulture and Grounds Maintenance
10% investments
53% contributions, grants
EXPENSES 32%
Retail, Marketing, Visitor Services
18%
Administration
Endangered Plant Program
291,408
Carillon Services
253,540
Pinewood Estate and Gardens
214,244
Visitor Services
636,014
Food and Retail Services
263,578
Development and Membership
278,303
Fundraising, Capital Campaign
88,650
Facilities and Operations
500,964
Marketing and Communications
378,072 1,271,308
Administrative
45%
Fundraising, Membership Programs
500,301 TOTAL EXPENSES
NET ASSET FLUCTUATION Increase in net assets Net realized and unrealized gains – investments
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 Bunting, Tripp & Ingley LLP, is available upon request to Bok Tower Gardens. Bok Tower Gardens’ 990 return is also available upon request, as provided by law.
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1,218,134
Educational Programs
Depreciation
5%
$1,109,256
Net assets – beginning of year
$7,004,272
% of Total $3,274,227 2,736,014 55,423,956
NET ASSETS – END OF YEAR $61,434,197
STATEMENT OF
FINANCIAL POSITION financial year ending September 30, 2016
ASSETS Cash
% of Total $1,059,650
Interest & dividends receivable
107,268
Grants receivable
565,063
Restaurant and gift shop inventories
285,069
Prepaid expenses and deposits
143,931
Property and equipment (net)
20,461,112
Investments
39,320,207
Other assets
11,682 TOTAL ASSETS $61,953,982
TOTAL LIABILITIES LIABILITIES
% of Total
Accounts payable and accrued expenses Unexpended grant advances TOTAL LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
$449,924 69,861 $519,785
% of Total $54,810,360
Unrestricted
590,522
Temporarily restricted
6,033,315
Permanently restricted TOTAL NET ASSETS
61,434,197
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $61,953,982
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T H E S O C I E T Y
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.
MEMBERS Curtis Bok & Sharon Bailey-Bok H. Abigail Bok Linda L. Browning JF Bryan IV Carol and Francis Drake Martha T. Edwards
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Kenneth & Mary Endline Carol First Clifford C. Freund P. Timothy Hartsfield & Jody Shellene Kurt H. Hoppe Ruth M. Hubbard
David C. Lingard Jack W. Little Charles Eric Matheny Marilyn S. Newell David M. Price Roger E. Robson
Enid Schoettle Jonathan A. Shaw Rick T. Short Joan A. Thomas Cindy J. Turner
Bok Tower Gardens quickly became a “must-do” every time family and friends visited. John King, their oldest son, remembers, “It almost seemed like my father had a relationship with the birds. We would be out walking around the gardens and he would look for them and talk to them. Ask them how their days were going and all.”
P
Perhaps it was growing up on a farm or living a stone’s throw from the woods and the local swimming holes, but something about nature captured Howard and Lois King’s imagination from an early age.
As a family, they traveled throughout their native Indiana and beyond, taking their three children along for camping, hiking and other outdoor activities. They were careful to nurture the kids’ love for nature by sharing their passion and knowledge.
As a young man, Howard King thought he was destined to become a forest ranger—until his mother shared her thoughts on the notion. Instead, he served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, working in HVAC and the automotive industry before becoming a teacher and counselor in a middle school before retirement. Lois, his beloved wife of 53 years, found her joy in learning and passing that knowledge along; first as a teacher and then as a school librarian.
Once they retired, Howard and Lois sought ways to both contribute to their new community of Fedhaven, Florida (now Lakeshore, FL) and discovered Bok Tower Gardens only a dozen miles west. As volunteers, they gardened, led tours and helped with maintenance projects. Bok Tower Gardens President David Price remembers them well, “Every time I saw them working, they had their hands in the dirt and were smiling. I think they loved every minute they spent here.”
When it became time to plan their estate, both John and his sister Helen King supported their parents’ decision to specify a percentage of their living trusts to Bok Tower Gardens as a memorial to their late brother, Robert “Bob” Allen King. Bob loved hiking and being outdoors like his parents and passed away at the age of 20. Howard and Lois sat their remaining children down and explained they wanted to give Bob’s share to charity. “Giving,” John shared, “was a part of who we are. It is a source of pride for me that they were so generous.” After Howard passed away in 2001, Lois continued volunteering until her own passing in 2014. “Though they are gone,” Price shares, “they are still sharing their love of nature with others. Their gift made the Wildflower Walk possible and it now bears their names so we never forget how much they loved it here.”
Share your love of the Gardens with others by becoming a member of the Edward W. Bok Society. Learn more by visiting www.boktowergardens.org or by calling Melissa Tyrone, Director of Development at (863) 734-1213.
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We express our deepest gratitude to these donors who supported Bok Tower Gardens through their generosity between October 1, 2015-September 30, 2016.
D ONOR S 2 016 Dr. and Mrs. Tomas J. Bok
$100,000+ State of Florida - Division of Cultural Affairs Mr. and Mrs. J.F. Bryan IV Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Collins Mr. and Mrs. Francois de Saint Phalle
Mark and Patti Bostick Mr. Richard S. Littleton Mr. George D. O'Neill Sr. Alexis and Jim Pugh Jeanette and Richard D. Wood Jr. Vaughn-Jordan Foundation
Dr. and Mrs. Frank D. Drake Duke Energy Foundation Estate of Mamoru Yoshida Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing Publix Super Markets Charities The Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation
$10,000-$24,999 Anonymous A. Friends' Foundation Mr. G. T. Aydelotte Kim and Steve(d) Bepler Mr. and Mrs. Gary W. Carnes Citizens Bank and Trust
$25,000-$99,999 Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. William M. Friedrich GiveWell Community Foundation
Alan F. Blanchard
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Ms. Laurie A. Conn
Green Horizon Land Trust
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Jeanne B. Grumme Donald and Patricia Jones Heather L. and Clark Jordan‑Holmes Mr. Clifford W. Mayhall Ellen and George Needham Edward and Joy Snyder Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Straughn Mr. and Mrs. Peter D. Weber Mr. and Mrs. John W. Wight
Mr. John Finneran and Ms. Catherine Cotter Mr. and Mrs. Richard V. Giordano Mr. Gordon D. Henderson Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Hunt II Mr. and Mrs. Roger Ingley Mr. William H. Murrell Jr. John Oster Family Foundation SEMCO Construction
Winter Haven Honda
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
$5,000-$9,999
$2,500-$4,999
Derek and Sissela Bok
Allen & Company
Mr. Greg Bradley Michael P. Burns Duke Energy Envisors, A Pennoni Company
Ms. Claudia G. Conn CSX Corporation Ms. Nancy J. Davis Florida's Natural Growers Foundation Ms. Virginia C. Goff
Ben Hill Griffin IV and Pia Griffin
Garrett and Jeannine Snipes
Mr. and Mrs. Winfield S. Herndon
John and Margaret Stoetzel
Bradley P. Herndon PA
Terrie Lobb Catering, Inc.
George Ireland
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel D. Updike
J.N. McArthur Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Victor
Lake Wales Arts Council
Water's Edge of Lake Wales
Lake Wales Medical Center
Dr. Dorothy A. Wedge
Mrs. Sandy W. Lowenstein Mr. and Mrs. Brian Peddie
Dorothy L. Welch Anne Wood
Petersen Industries Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Probert Ann and Douglas Tomkinson
$501-$999 Mr. and Mrs. Mercer B. Barrows
Andrea and Joshua Webb
O. Paul Decker Memorial Foundation
$1,000-$2,499
Iceberg AC & Heating
J.D. and Cindy Alexander Michael & Dena Aloian Anna and Barrett Bostick Catharine and Kevin Broderick Dr. and Mrs. Robert H. Cassell CenterState Bank Mr. Kirk D. Dodge
Mr. and Mrs. Dan Murphey Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Owen Mr. and Mrs. David M. Price Mr. Alfred C. Thullbery Jr. Village Kitchen Shop Marion Yongue and Evan Earle
Mr. and Mrs. W. Tom Dryden
UP TO $500
Mr. Albert H. Elfner III
Mr. and Mrs. James Abbitt
Michael and Catherine Gardyasz
Hon. John R. Atwood
Mr. and Mrs. James G. Guerdon
Mr. and Mrs. Edward L. Medley
Mr. Christopher M. Hance
Mr. and Mrs. Reginald T. Blauvelt III
Clinton and Marian Morrison
Six Ten LLC
Cynthia Henry
Lauren L. Bogue, MD
Mr. and Mrs. John R. Motis
Geert and Jennifer D'hollander
Mr. and Mrs. Sy Sternberg
Hill Ward Henderson
John M. Murrell
Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Trumbull
Huston Cadillac Buick GMC
Mr. and Mrs. L. Wes Dunson III
Dean and Paula Nelson
Mr. and Mrs. Robin L. Gibson
Michael and Carolyn Wilkins
Mr. and Mrs. Howard I. Kay
Dr. and Mrs. Seifollah Nikdel
Mr. and Mrs. Richard N. Young Jr.
Benedict and Joan Kerrigone Jr.
Mr. G. Arnold Haynes
Donna D. Lyle
Mr. and Mrs. Stewart W. Hurst
Manning & Napier Advisors
David and Tina Huston
Joseph S Minutolo
Mr. Timothy Huston and Mrs. Kim Huston
Mr. Fred Mulholland Mr. and Mrs. William H. Murrell, III Mrs. Marilyn S. Newell Jim & Lindsey Robbins Dr. and Mrs. John G. Salud Rev. Mitchell V. Sheets Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Sichler
Mrs. Lori Miller and Ms. Theresa P. Huston Christine Ingram Mr. and Mrs. John R. Kell Dr. Cynthia D. Klemmer and Mr. Michael Klemmer Lanier Upshaw, Inc. Lightsey Cattle Company
Oakley Transport
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Powell
This symbol celebrates members of the Amaryllis Club, a special group of Bok Tower Gardens members who make an impact on the Gardens through special projects such as decorating Pinewood Estate for the annual Holiday Home Tour. Most recently, they funded the restoration of the Frog Fountain at Pinewood Estate. We are grateful for their continued support. Every effort has been made to list all donors from FY 16 who made gifts of $250 or more. We apologize for any errors or inaccuracies. Kindly reach out to us if we have made an error so we can better acknowledge your gifts in the future. mtyrone@boktower.org (d) deceased
www.boktowergardens.org 22
The World is a Bit Better and More Beautiful Because He Lived In It Duane Myers Hull, 1920-2017 Bok Tower Gardens lost a guiding light in the passing of longtime volunteer Duane Hull; however, his selfless contributions, unconquerable spirit and legacy will live on just as his beloved flowers, trees and ground work. Through his camera lens, the beauty of the Gardens became more memorable as visitors from around the world used his flower and plant guides.
Just living is not enough...one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. - Hans Christian Andersen Longtime volunteers Sarah Lingwall and Duane Hull with Gardens President David Price at the annual volunteer banquet
Duane earned the record of Bok Tower Gardens’ longest-serving volunteer, logging nearly 15,000 volunteer hours since 1986. His loving wife Edwina worked almost as many. Recognized for their achievements, Duane and Edwina received the Outstanding Volunteer Museum Service Award from the Florida Association of Museums in 2014. Throughout his service, Duane contributed to the Gardens’ success by acting as a Garden Guide, assisting with the historic restoration of Pinewood Estate, creating one-of-a-kind furniture, tile setting, book publishing, photography, and more. It was his kind smile and knowledgeable attitude that set Duane apart and he touched thousands with his love for the Gardens. Duane was often overheard saying, “If the sun is shining, my top will be down,” and when his vintage convertible appeared in the parking lot, Duane was sure to be working on some project. A master craftsman and engineer by trade, Duane used his years of technical experience to restore portions of Pinewood Estate to its historic glory. Gardens President David Price remembers fondly one of these projects, “he removed the doors to the Pinewood garage and took them home in his convertible. He stripped the paint, replaced rotten wood, fabricated missing iron hardware, primed and repainted the doors, and rehung them,” Price remarked. He continued, “This was no easy task, as each door weighed over 100 pounds. Duane took on all projects like this with enthusiasm and gusto. He was an engineer who understood how things work and how to get things done. There was not a project that he would not take on.” Duane Myers Hull passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2017. He was born August 28, 1920, in Alliance, Ohio and was a resident of Lake Wales for 32 years. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy Construction Battalion (Seabees) and saw action at Iwo Jima. Duane was a retired chief engineer at the Alliance Machine Company and at Wilhoit Steel Erectors in Columbia, South Carolina and a member of the Grand Lodge of Free Masons of Ohio #271. He is survived by his daughter Dr. Vida Hull; his sister Doris McGillvray; two grandsons, a great granddaughter, and grandniece. His daughter Cynthia Hull preceded him in death, and his wife of over 75 years, Ruth Edwina Hull, passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2017.
23 Fall 2017
The Garden Path
Former Singing Tower Carillon Fellows Joey Brink and Margaret Pan with Geert D’hollander at the Emery Memorial Carillon in Mariemont, OH during the 75th GCNA Congress.
Collection of reel-to-reel carillon recordings on display on the Singing Tower’s sixth level.
National Spotlight on the Singing Tower
Bok Tower Gardens’ Carillonneurs Win Top Spots Each year, the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America (GCNA) honors the life of composer Johan Franco with a composition competition. To celebrate the GCNA’s 75th Annual Congress, the 2017 Franco competition was a particularly special one. In addition to the winning piece being published by the GCNA, it would become the required score in the 2017 North American Carillon School (NACS) Performance Competition. Bok Tower Gardens’ carillonneur, Geert D’hollander, was awarded first prize in the Franco Competition for his composition, Pulsations. Margaret Pan, former Bok Tower Gardens carillon fellow, was awarded first prize in the NACS Performance Competition. Margaret also performed Pulsations, at the 75th GCNA Congress later this past summer.
Beyoncé...Bruce Springsteen...Bok Tower Gardens? Count Bok Tower Gardens among the music greats who have been honored by The Recording Academy. The GRAMMY Museum® Grant Program awards $200,000 to 14 recipients to help facilitate a range of research and support a number of archival and preservation programs. As a recipient for preservation implementation, Bok Tower Gardens received a $20,000 grant through this prestigious program. With this grant, a portion of the 1600-plus reel-to-reel audio recordings of carillon
performances, spanning decades of carillon history, will be digitized. With only about 600 carillons around the world and fewer than 200 in North America, recordings are rare, and this grant will preserve that historic music for future generations. Generously funded by The Recording Academy, the Grant Program provides funding to support efforts that advance the archiving and preservation of our national recorded sound heritage.
www.boktowergardens.org 24
Board of Directors Cindy Alexander, Chair
Community Volunteer - Lake Wales, FL
Tomas J. Bok, Ph.D., Vice Chair
President - Cambridge Analytics LLC - Somerville, MA
Richard D. Wood, Jr., Secretary Retired - Wawa, Inc. - Wawa, PA
Board Members Michael Aloian
President - Charlotte State Bank Trust Department Tampa, FL
JF Bryan IV
Principal - The Bryan Group - Jacksonville, FL
Paul Collins
Retired - PJC Partners - London
Susan de Saint Phalle
President - Webb Corporation - Perrysburg, OH
Lawrence M. Dimmitt III
Retired - Dimmitt Chevrolet - Clearwater, FL
Frank Driscoll
President/CEO - Driscoll Group - Winston-Salem, NC
Robin Gibson
Senior Partner - Gibson Law Firm - Lake Wales, FL
Heather Jordan-Holmes
CEO/President - The Omnia Group, Inc. - Tampa, FL
Albert Menendez
Young Volunteers Making A Difference
CEO/President - M Group International - Miami, FL
Alexis Pugh
Community Volunteer - Winter Park, FL
Richard Straughn
President - Mountain Lake Corporation - Lake Wales, FL
Joshua C. Webb
Attorney - Hill Ward Henderson Law Firm, Tampa, FL
Emeritus Members
Summer break is usually a time for sleeping in and goofing off but not for this powerhouse team of youth volunteers who collectively earned over 1000 volunteer hours this summer. While working with the Education, CafÊ, and Conservation Departments, each gained a multitude of skills in their future career paths. For each of these talented students, gaining leaderships skills combined with the hours earned towards future scholarships made all the early mornings, hot afternoons and weekends worth the summer sacrifice.
J. Shepard Bryan Jr. Nancy J. Davis
President & CEO - McArthur Management Company Miami, FL
Senator Bob Graham
Senator - U. S. Senate - Miami, FL
M. Lewis Hall Jr.
Partner/Attorney - Hall & Hedrick - Coral Gables, FL
Joan Wellhouse Newton
Chairman Emeritus - Regency Centers Corporation Jacksonville, FL
Get Connected
Attorney - Holland & Knight LLP - Atlantic Beach, FL
Volunteering at Bok Tower Gardens is a great way to experience the natural world, gain people skills and learn valuable career insight. Positions are flexible and available in a variety of area for both the young and young-at-heart! If you are interested in volunteering at Bok Tower Gardens, please contact Roxanne Andrews at randrews@boktower.org or (863) 676-1408 ext. 2258.
Hannah & Abigail Eckstein Homeschool
Tommy Pham Lake Wales High School
Tommy Pham spent each Saturday and Sunday of his summer break volunteering in the Blue Palmetto Café interacting with visitors, providing excellent service and helping with food preparation. “It was a good experience for me as I want to become a chef specializing in Asian cuisine,” he said with determination. As a part of the Blue Palmetto team, Tommy gained great skills for his resume and he will be back for many culinary events in the Café, Outdoor Kitchen and beyond!
It was the creativity that kept these two budding artists delighted all summer long. “I really enjoyed working with Mr. Raymundo (a local book author and illustrator who also created the wonderful Hammock Hollow map) and was inspired by all the crafts,” said Hannah Eckstein. She continued, “This was a great way for us to meet new people.” Abigail Eckstein added, “Tree climbing was my favorite and I really enjoyed watching the kids grow all summer.”
Rowan Patel Sebring High School
Helen Lei Lake Wales High School
With a bright future ahead in pediatric medicine, Helen Lei enjoyed every minute learning about early childhood education. She was able to earn volunteer hours for a scholarship while learning more about nature. “I really enjoyed catching butterflies,” she said when asked about her favorite memory. She also added, “I am definitely coming back next summer.”
Add lab skills, troubleshooting and experimentation to the list of skills Rowan Patel can list on a college application. These skills were gleaned from his time working in the Rare Plant Conservation Program. His high school science project brought him to Bok Tower Gardens but it was the learning that kept him coming back for more. “You will never regret volunteering,” he added with an enthusiastic smile.
David Marentic George Jenkins High School
Counting 16,000 of tiny seeds may not sound like an exciting project to some teenagers; however, David Marentic discovered a passion for conservation by volunteering with the Rare Plant Program and assisting with germination trials. Clocking in over 300 hours this summer, he played an integral role in the conservation of Ziziphus celeata or Florida jujube. This endangered flowering plant was once thought to be extinct. While working towards his goal of attending Harvard University, David has found his time at Bok Tower Gardens hugely rewarding. “I have become more active and learned that using technology is not limited to games or social media,” he said when asked about why he continues to volunteer. “This experience has given me a new perspective on managing time and I have learned so many workplace skills. I have also started growing a lot more plants.” www.boktowergardens.org 26
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Contact Us
CTP/8.5K/0917
Lakeland, FL Permit No. 1
Main Desk boktowergardens.org 863.676.1408
FREE ADMISSION*
Tickets & Reservations boktowergardens.org/tickets 863.734.1222
SATURDAY, Oct 21
ALL DAY, 8AM - 5PM
Membership boktowergardens.org/membership 863.734.1233
member preview night Friday, Oct 20, 5PM - 8PM
Education boktowergardens.org/education 863.734.1221
40+ PLANT VENDORS WINE & CRAFT BEER GARDEN
Hours
AWESOME LIVE MUSIC Polkweed Muzique ( FolK ) B.Haven ( Classic rocK ) The Legendary JC’s ( SOuL ) AcousticDose ( Acoustic rocK )
Open 365 Days a Year! 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. with last admission at 5 p.m.
Member discount
COOKING DEMOS W/ WORLD FOOD CHAMPIONSHIPS CHEF AMY FREEZE
Members receive a 10% discount at the Tower & Garden Gift Shop, Blue Palmetto Café and on most programs and events.
ULTIMATE SANDWICHES CRAFT COCKTAILS & SNACKS
GARDEN TALKS CamelliaS Perennial Vegetables ORCHIDS
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.
* $10 parking, free to members ** demos additional charge