Views
from the Sunny Hill
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park
Spring/Summer 2018
Growth of the Gardens
Reflections from the Boardroom BY KRISTEN , CHAIRMAN
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ooking to the Future—What an exciting time to become the Sonnenberg Board of Trustees Chairperson! Our 2018 season is well underway and there is so much to celebrate. First, I want to extend a hearty Sonnenberg thank you to Lynn (Spike) Herzig for his service as Board Chair last year and for his years of service on the board; his insight about regional tourism, dedicated efforts in supporting so many projects, and calm, welcoming demeanor were truly gifts to the organization. Thanks also to returning board members and welcome to new trustees! This year will surely be a year of progress and all of the Board is looking to the future with great anticipation. On May 9th Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, NY State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey, Mayor Ellen Polimeni and a representative of Senator Schumer’s office joined us to announce the expansion project that will allow us to reclaim and restore the armory property and begin planning a beautiful new visitor’s center. A new entrance off of Gibson Street and a well-designed visitor center will bring incredible new opportunities for Sonnenberg and will solidify our
Proposals for the new Visitor Center and Armory property areas have been created with the idea of a welcoming, world class space that creates a visitor experience from the moment guests exit their vehicles—allowing them to transition from the modern world to a historic one.
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n May 9th we were joined by various local and New York state dignitaries in our announcement of acquiring the adjacent 3.5-acre Armory Reserve property and buildings as well as the nearly 2-acre parcel at the corners of Gibson and Charlotte Streets. This property and associated facilities will allow Sonnenberg Gardens to have some much needed expansion including: •
Year-round Visitor Center with modern amenities and expanded visitor experiences
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Expanded and paved parking
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Relocated front entrance—moved to NYS Route 21 from Charlotte Street
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New staff offices and climate controlled areas for collections
A huge heart-felt thank you to Senator Schumer and everyone else who have helped to make this dream a reality. Look for more on expansion plans in the following months. •
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SUMMER EVENTS Moonlight Strolls Every Friday in July plus August 3 See inside for more!
OPEN DAILY
May 1 - Oct. 31: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Memorial Day - Labor Day Extended Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Experience the beauty and romance that is Sonnenberg
onnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park
State of the Property
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By David Hutchings, Executive Director
taying The Course—in this State of the Property, I would like to recognize our wonderful staff and volunteers as we have worked together to accomplish for in less than four years of the 2014-2019 Strategic Plan here at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion. The Strategic Plan that our Board of Trustees had adopted in 2014 has four major goals: Preservation, Effective and Efficient Operations, Community Engagement, and Partnership and Financial Support. Preservation: we determined the prominent features of the Thompson Estate and we have protected them in their restoration according to the New York State Preservation Law. In the first three years we have stabilized the Roman Bath House with a repaired tile roof, repaired and repointed the Aviary historic structure, repaired and restored the dome on the Green House Conservatory and are currently repairing and restoring the Glorietta and the Historic Pansy Fountain. We have adopted a collection plan, emergency plan, and currently in year three of accomplishing the interpretation plan through a new signage program of the site, its arboretum and this year our educational Children’s Trail. We have been through the process of a statuary assessment and just completed a Federal Collection Assessment Program which is being administered by our revitalized collection committee and Cindy Culburt, our curator on a limited basis. Effective and Efficient Operations: the goal is to strengthen the Thompson estate by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, programs and services. First from a savings on utilities, the restored Green House Conservatory reduced our cost by 5% on the heating of this space last winter. We also in 2017 addressed a need assessment with staffing and increased the maintenance of property and gardens as we care for such a large estate which is now expanding. This changed some positions here at Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion. We also have been awarded three apprenticeship programs to continue to build on our maintenance and garden care in which we are developing more skilled labor with trained employees in stone masonry, landscape nursery manager and building mechanic skills.
MISSION STATEMENT: Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion is dedicated to the preservation of the living collection of nine historic gardens and interprets and promotes the life, times, and legacy of Canandaigua’s Thompson family estate. Board of Trustees
Kristen Fragnoli, Chair Person Robert Bennett, Vice Chair Jacqueline Biernat, Secretary Diana Johnson, Treasurer Stephen Flamini Kathleen Hendrix Kristy Merriman Katherine O’Brien Charles Perfetti Vincent Scalise John Tharp, State Regional Representative Ryan Wilmer Brian Young
Key Volunteers
Operations - Brian Case Floral Design - Dorothy Talone Merry Maids - Helen Myers Museum Docents - Ginny Konz & Beth Aldridge Gardens: Vegetable Garden - Pat Hutchings Orchid Collection - Fran Murphy Rose Gardens - Dolores Perkins
Staff
David Hutchings, Executive Director, Director of Horticulture Kimberly Burkard, Marketing & Membership Barbara Carson, Office Coordinator Kevin Coon, Maintenance David DeMallie, Head Gardener Kat Dillon, Development Mgr. & Special Events Deborah Kelly, Program Manager Vanessa Lombardi, Business Manager Jun Liu, Guest Services Sarah Pennington, Gift & Wine Shop William Wagner, Maintenance
Location & Mailing:
Sonnenberg Mansion & State Historic Park 151 Charlotte St. Canandaigua, NY 14424
Phone:
585-394-4922
Fax:
585-394-2192 Newsletter Editor: Kimberly Burkard Newsletter Design: Kimberly Burkard Web: Uncredited Articles: Kimberly Burkard www.sonnenberg.org Photos: K. Burkard, I. Buck, K. Walker, E-mail: K. Dillon, D. Hutchings info@sonnenberg.org Newsletter printing by Just Press Print, www.justpressprint.net
Follow us on: To get our FREE monthly e-newsletter, send a subscribe request to: marketing@sonnenberg.org in 2013-14. The next goal in this category was to increase membership which has now grown from 450 to a steady 620 individuals and organizations as of the end of May of 2018. Partnership and Financial Support: our final strategic goal was in building partnership and financial support
Community Engagement: in the first three years we had a transformation of demographics of our volunteer pool by introducing programs with churches, colleges and civic groups to assist Sonnenberg Gardens with its programming and garden support. We have expanded the use of internships with Empire State College, FLCC, Keuka College, Brockport and RIT plus we are an offsite work study site with Empire State College and FLCC. Next year, we are hoping to have a student intern from SUNY Cobleskill who will work in our Japanese Garden fulfilling the report from the University of Japan’s Dr. Fuji and Rutgers University’s Seiko Goto
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Views from the Sunny Hill
SPRING/SUMMER 2018 SPRING 2013
Our May 9th announcement saw many from our community join us for the news and exitement.
STATE OF THE PROPERTY, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
and sustain the continuous improvement of the estate. The revenue development data since adopting this strategic plan has seen real growth as we go from annual revenue of $926,881 at the end of 2014 to $1,130,512 in 2017, with each year increasing over the previous. This steady growth has now occurred for the last 8 years from 2009 when revenue was only $653, 603. These steady increases are seen for several reasons. First our bus tours have increased annually and last year had the largest revenue support of over $34,000 from that aspect of our operations. We have wonderful partnerships in our community with Key Bank, Lyon’s National Bank and Canandaigua National Bank. We have gifts in kind from website hosting from Cazbah in Victor, mulch from Birkett Mills in Penn Yan, seeds from Seedway and Harris and, food for our events from Wegman’s to name a few. Our grant and foundation support has flourished with support for our Program and Operations from Farash Foundation, FLACG and Central NY Community Foundation. Rochester Community Foundation and Environmental Protection Fund supported us in Historic Preservation with In Capacity building grants supporting our staffing in Fundraising and Collection Care from Parks and Trails NY, GHNN, and Zoo Botanical Gardens and Aquariums. Our contribution support continues to show us annually of how many individuals believe in our mission and our shared vision of our board, staff and volunteer stewardship of this New York State Park jewel in the Finger Lakes. Soon our long range planning committee will embrace the process again to embrace the changes that are a head of us. We will be encouraging our Sonnenberg 2018 community for their collective intelligence to help us move forward. Since opening the Park this late April we have so much to be grateful for at Sonnenberg. This year we have hosted an Orchid Show and Wildflower Walk, I love Your Parks Day, and a Saturday Mothers’ Tea. Volunteers from the region embraced and showed us their great love and appreciation as they helped us open the Thompson estate. We were also honored to have the Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, and Commissioner Rose Harvey share their appreciation for all of us and our care for Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion. It was also a great celebration to introduce our new property acquisition for our future Visitor Center. Let’s continue to have gratitude in our hearts this season as we enter into our forty fifth year of a non-profit organization serving our guests with the love story of Fredrick and Mary Clark Thompson at their summer estate. Please join us as a volunteer or a member of our community nonprofit which both are key components to our success. Please come and enjoy one of our special events or join us to celebrate someone’s life here at our beloved Sonnenberg. Happy Spring let’s enjoy having this beautiful Thompson property in our Canandaigua community. •
Beautiful gardens Victorian summer home Shared with the future (Haiku written by Kim Burkard about Sonnenberg’s mission and submitted to MissionBox’s June 2018 grant contest.)
Above: May 9th Announcement with Ex. Dir. D. Hutchings, Lt. Gov. K. Hochul & NYS Parks Commissioner R. Harvey Below: Staff, volunteers, & trustees at the May 9th announcement—R. Wilmer, K. Cook, P. Hutchings, K. Fragnoli, K. Walker, J. Biernat, K. Burkard, B. Carson, D. Kelly
Excellence Awards
This year marks the eigth year in a row that Sonnenberg has received the Certificate of Excellence Award from TripAdvisor. This award recognizes the top rated sites at TripAvisor—of which, Sonnenberg is one. As we have received this award for the last five years, we have also been inducted into the Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame. Congrats to all staff and volunteers who make Sonnenberg a success! WWW.SONNENBERG.ORG 3
Volunteer Corner
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his spring has seen many changes with our volunteer program at Sonnenberg but one thing that hasn’t changed is the love and commitment of our volunteers. Our volunteer corps is a 190 individuals strong with many new faces joining our faithful volunteers. We also have many additional groups coming in from educational, community, and corporate volunteering initiatives such as I Love My Parks Day and Day of Caring. Contact us for details on how your group could volunteer here.
Above: Tim Stryker’s Eagle Scout project in our Rock Garden. Below: Volunteers make our fundraising events memorable for our guests and a success for Sonnenberg. 2018 Roses & Rosés pictured.
How can you help maintain Sonnenberg Gardens for future generations? Give a gift of your time and love—join us as a volunteer. We are always looking for more people to join us and there are many ways to get involved as a volunteer at Sonnenberg. Please contact us at 585-394-4922 or volunteers@sonnenberg. org for more information. June 2018: We are actively looking for volunteers for the following areas:
• Rose Garden: Care for our Rose Garden filled with thousands of roses. Gardeners care for specific beds.
• Gardening: 50+ acres with 9 historic gardens and multiple
other ones throughout the estate. All need planting, weeding, and other maintenance work. Perfect for young and old— families are welcome. See our Giving in the Gardens Board in the “Head House” (central area of greenhouse) for garden jobs you can help with 7 days/week.
• Wine Center: Pour wine tastings, share info about the wines, and chat with our visitors.
• Tram Drives: Drive park guests around the park during our day hours plus at special events and weddings.
• Special Events: Volunteers needed for all areas for special fundraising events. •
I Love My Parks Day saw 75 volunteers including a contingent from the DAR help get the park ready for a new season. 4
Views from the Sunny Hill
SPRING SPRING/SUMMER 2013 2018
The Giving in the Gardens Board shares gardening jobs w/ volunteers 7 days/week. It is in the central area of the greenhouse.
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park 2018 Events Calendar April 20 - 22
Spring Wildflower & Orchid Show*
Celebrate the arrival of spring with flowers April 28
Park Opens for the Season May 12
Saturday Mother’s Tea
April 20 - 22, Spring Wildflower & Orchid Show, 10 am - 5 pm Celebrate the arrival of spring with Sonnenberg! Stroll through gardens ladened with early spring flowers as well as the orchid displays in the greenhouses. Guided tours, family activities, educational talks, and more. $10/person, $5/Ages 4 -16, Free for ages 3 and under.
Special High-Tea event for that Special Lady June 11
Roses & Rosés *
Wine & food tasting event in the gardens June 17
Father’s Day Car & Motorcycle Show * Celebrate Dad with classic cars & fun
Every Friday Night, July 6 - August 3
Moonlight Strolls Concert Series*
Summer concerts & our gardens lit for evening strolls July 29
Family Fun Day *
Hands-on fun and themed activities for all-ages Every Thursday Afternoon in August
August Teas
High Tea event on the Mansion veranda August 18 - 19
Arts at the Gardens *
A fine arts & crafts show and sale
June 11, Roses & Rosés, 6 - 9 pm Celebrate Rose Month at Sonnenberg with this food and wine pairing event featuring dozens of the area’s best wineries and restuarants. Sip wine and dine while strolling through the Rose Garden. Silent auction. Prepaid reservations only. $30/person, $25/members. June 17, Father’s Day Car & Motorcycle Show, 11:30 am - 4 pm Celebrate Dad with classic cars! Food, flowers & fun for the whole family. Sign up to show your wheels! $14/person, $12/60+/AAA member, $7/Student (Ages 13-17 & College)/Military w/ID, $2/Ages 4 -12, Free for ages 3 and under.
September 28
Harvestfest *
Festivities celebrating the harvest season October 13
Fall Gardening Symposium *
Day-long event featuring horticultural experts October 19 - 21 & 26 - 27
Mansion Mysteries *
Live mystery theater in the Mansion
Every Friday Night July 6 - Aug. 3, Moonlight Strolls Concert Series, 8 - 10 pm Music in the moonlit gardens of Sonnenberg. Great for the whole family! See website for list of musical guests. $10/person, $8/Sonnenberg Member, $5/youth (Ages 6-17), FREE for ages 5 and under.
October 28
Haunted Garden Stroll *
Family-friendly haunted Halloween stroll October 31
Park Closes for the Season December 1 - 2
A Dickens Christmas*
A Dickens-themed holiday event in the Sonnenberg mansion
August 18 & 19, Arts at the Gardens, 10 am - 5 pm Shop for fine art and craft items handmade by skilled artisans. Food and music plus festival admission includes admission to the Sonnenberg’s gardens and mansion. All proceeds benefits Sonnenberg! $7/person
December 8
Holiday Home Tour*
Historic Canandaigua homes decorated for the holidays * Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Be sure to watch for new Sonnenberg walks, talks, and other programs we will add throughout our 2018 schedule.
October 19 - 21 & 26 - 27, Mansion Mysteries, 7 pm except for Matinee on 10/21 Live whodunnit drama in the Sonnenberg Mansion. Prepaid reservations required. $30/person, $25/members & youth (ages 12-18) Sonnenberg Gardens is open daily to the public May 1 - October 31. See website or call for hours and admission rates.
Please call or see website for more information on these events, other events, and to make advance reservations and ticket purchases. Members receive discounts on select events and the event schedule is subject to change. For sponsorship inquiries, please call our office. Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park, 151 Charlotte Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424 w 585-394-4922 w www.sonnenberg.org WWW.SONNENBERG.ORG 5
Collections & History Renovation & Preservation
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he mansion’s Drawing Room was taken back to a look that Mrs. Thompson enjoyed, hand-painted blue herons on the walls. The work was completed just before Christmas. (Photo below.) Be sure to visit the mansion and see this work of art. We also have much needed preservation on some of our aging marble pieces, both the Glorietta and the Pansy Fountain ongoing. See the photos to the right of that work. •
New Curator
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indy Culbert has joined us as the new curator. She is working through a remediation of assessment findings in the mansion. Welcome to Sonnenberg Cindy! •
Happy Birthday, Fred!
Our Glorietta was dismantled for restoration work in late 2017. Look for a “better” Glorietta to return later this year.
The Drawing Room with its blue herons returns back to an original Mrs. Thompson look.
Our Pansy Fountain was also dismantled for much needed repair and preservation work. Look for it to also return later in 2018.
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n June 14th, Frederick Ferris Thomspon celebrated his 182nd birthday. Happy birthday, Frederick! •
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Views from the Sunny Hill
SPRING SPRING/SUMMER 2013 2018
Gardens & Greenhouses The Green Interpretation By Kimberly Burkard, Marketing & Membership
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here are many new studies and lines of thought about the plant world in how it is not at all like people have seen it for so long—inanimate and silent. Scientists and others are finding extensive communication happening in forests and other plant communities, “mother” trees that are the hubs of forests, and the rhythms of trees that can be viewed as a heartbeat. Look for the writings of Peter Wohleben and Robin Wall Kimmerer to introduce you to these ideas and possibly change how you see the world around you.
Tree Plaques Sonnenberg has a mature arboretum that spans across the entire estate. The trees range from common like our sugar maples to rarely seen ones like our female ginkgo and Tanyosho pines. As you view the trees, look closely to see if they have a plaque on its trunk like below and lower left. They have botanical and/or historical information on them and some like these are keyed to the book Grand Trees at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park. The book is for sale in the gift shop and has additional information in it. Of note, that some of our trees are also memorial plantings and the plaque they have the may be in memory of a loved one.
As our human guests do not have chlorophyll in their veins nor are they able to tap into the “wood wide web” via mycorrhizal networks* so we (Sonnenberg staff) must act as the intermediaries to tell the stories of our living collections. Over the last few years we have have partaken in a number of efforts to share this type of information and broaden the visitor experience here. This article will introduce some of those initiatives. So on your next visit, be sure to look for these interpretive helpers to learn more about our trees, gardens, and individual plants.
Arboretum Interpretive Sign On the pathway to the mansion, a new sign was installed last year for our Arboretum. It was done in the same style as the other graphite interpretive signs for our historic gardens which were installed the year before. The sign notes twenty key trees to look for as well as their location (w/ map), botanical name, a photo, and an interesting fact about the tree. A photograph of the sign follows. CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
WWW.SONNENBERG.ORG 7
The Benefits of Membership 1
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Free regular admission all
season long to Sonnenberg Gardens with membership card. Visit as many times as you like! Our guests love the peaceful and relaxing character of the estate. Gardeners and nongardeners alike enjoy strolling through the natural beauty of our nine historic gardens and scenic garden paths.
Get Discounts on select
events, programs, and workshops offered by Sonnenberg Gardens throughout the year.
Monthly Email Updates
sent to you highlighting events and programs, recent activities of the organization, articles, and other news of interest.
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Receive a 10% Discount
on all purchases from our Bay House gift shop and the Finger Lakes Wine Center. (Wine tastings not included.)
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Access All members receive
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Reciprocal Admissions
a 1-year subscription to Sonnenberg Garden’s print newsletter, Views from the Sunny Hill plus a 1-year subscription to Better Homes & Gardens or Martha Stewart’s Living (digital or print edition). Membership to Sonnenberg Gardens allows you free or discounted admission to almost 300 public gardens throughout the United States and Canada. See the American Horticultural Society’s website ahs.org/rap for details on participating gardens and organizations.
Look for the envelope in this issue for a special discount on annual personal membership dues. See www.sonnenberg.org for information on Patron+ level personal membership benefits plus our business and club levels.
Match the Shot? Above are a collection of views from around Sonnenberg. Can you find the location and take the same photo? Send them to marketing@ sonnenberg.org. Special bonus if you know what kind of tree is featured in #1. • 8
Views from the Sunny Hill
SPRING 2013 SPRING/SUMMER 2018
Staff Changes
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onnenberg Gardens is happy to introduce the following new year round employees to you: Katherine “Kat” Dillon Development Manager Katherine Dillon is the Development Manager for Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park. Katherine (Kat) is excited to be returning to her hometown to become a part of the Sonnenberg team. A native of Canandaigua, Sonnenberg has held a special place in Katherine’s heart since her childhood. She is eager to bring her background in fundraising, event planning and advocacy to an organization central to strengthening and fostering the Canandaigua and Finger Lakes communities. Katherine earned a B.A. in Political Science from S.U.N.Y. Brockport and a B.A. in English from York University. She proceeded to work in a variety of fast-paced environments including PPC Marketing, Event Management and Organizing. In 2017, she joined the Shelter, allowing her to combine her passions for women’s rights and victim advocacy with her expertise in public relations, fundraising and events management. Katherine is eager to bring this experience to growing the sustainability of Sonnenberg Gardens’ Development Program.
Vanessa is married with one daughter just finishing up 7th grade. Her and her family just purchased a new home in Canandaigua and are looking forward to moving in August. In her “spare” time she loves canvas painting with family and friends. David DeMallie Head Gardener & Landscape Manager David DeMallie is thrilled to be one of Sonnenberg’s newest staff members. As Head Gardener and Landscape Manager, David works dedicatedly to keep the park’s gardens, pathways and plantings healthy and looking their best. For ten years before joining the team at Sonnenberg, David ran his own landscape and gardening company in and around the Finger Lakes, building and restoring gardens for private homeowners after studying Ornamental Horticulture at FLCC in 20072009. Before moving to this area in 2007, David worked for the American Museum of Natural History in NYC as a filmmaker for the museum’s Exhibition Department, creating video content for traveling and permanent shows for science museums around the world. “The most rewarding thing about my work at Sonnenberg is being able to sharing my fascination for the natural world and life’s abundant forms with our volunteers, visitors and friends,” he says. •
In her spare time, Katherine bakes pies, enjoys boating on Canandaigua lake, and invents creative new ways to spoil her best friend’s children. Vanessa Lombardi Business Manager Vanessa Lombardi is excited to be the new Business Manager at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park. She moved to Canandaigua in 2012 to be closer to family and has worked for the Canandaigua City School District until a year ago. Vanessa was excited when this opportunity was presented to her knowing that she could make a difference right here in her own neighborhood! She worked in Guest Services at the park for two seasons and is happy to be the Business Manager as part of the year-round staff that helps keep this historic park alive. Vanessa earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Colorado. Before moving to New York she had over ten years’ experience in accounting positions in Denver, Colorado. Her hope is that her experience will strengthen the business aspect of Sonnenberg Gardens. In addition to being the Business Manager, she is also overseeing all aspects of the Wine Center—a new challenge that she is welcoming and having fun while doing it.
Imagine If You Will...
By Barbara Carson, Tour Coordinator & Alona Reddon, Volunteer
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magine if you will, you have been invited by the Thompsons to enjoy the beauty of the late spring flowers. Enjoy the ambiance of a relaxing aftetrnoon on this refreshing day during a simpler time in life. Relieve the stree of a technologically challenging life... •
An introduction given to our tour bus guests to Sonnenberg WWW.SONNENBERG.ORG 9
Sunny Hill Sights
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njoy these images? Be sure to follow us on Facebook as we regularly share beautiful imagery plus interesting facts such as this. And via the “Sign Up” button at the top of our Facebook page, you can sign up for our e-newsletter. Facebook: facebook.com/SonnenbergGardensAndMansion/
Many of our benches are memorial gifts and engraved with a plaque remembering a loved one. Our copper beech (Fagus sylvatica, Atropurpurea) in our South Lawn lost one of its main leaders during some heavy winter snowfall. (Side of tree opposite this picture.) Our Facebook community saw this damage—please follow us on Facebook to see all our news real time. But trees are great survivors as they can survive serious damage of this sort. Here are some beech facts: there are thirteen species of beech native to the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. This is a European beech native to the woodlands of central and southern Europe. Beech can live 150 to 400 years and reach 50 to 164 feet depending upon species. Their bark is smooth, grey, and extremely thin so they scar easily. Though bitter, their nuts are edible and food to various wild birds and mammals. Beech wood tablets were a common writing material in Germanic societies before paper. The German word for book is Buch with Buche meaning beech tree.
Buy a Rose!
Got $10 to buy a rose to add to the Rose Garden? We need many more to get the garden back to the level it should be at and your $10 will add another! www.sonnenberg.org/product/donate-a-rose/ Visit our website or call us at 585394-4922 to make your taxdectible donation for flowers, for our general needs, or for a specific restoration project. You keep us growing—thank you! 10
Views from the Sunny Hill
SPRING/SUMMER 2018
Any visitor to our Cactus House can’t help but to notice the commanding Century plants (Agave Americana) we have. Traditional uses for this Mexican plant are many and varied. Google up a Scientific American article titled “The Needle and Thread Plant” for an interesting article on its many uses. And yes, as the title indicates, it has been used for needle and thread as well. The thorn leaf tip can be removed with fibers suitable for sewing already attached.
Thank You to Our Members:
Member list as of June 22, 2018 of Business, Club, & Family & Above Personal Members
BUSINESS MEMBERS
Adams Actuarial LLC All Occasions Catering Annette Gaul, Attorney at Law Around the Corner Catering Avvino Catering Bed & Breakfast at Oliver Phelps Bella Rose Bed & Breakfast Brown Hound Downtown Cafe Sol of Bristol, NY LLC Canandaigua Ballroom Club Cazbah CIG Insurance Agency Club 86 Creative Caterers CSA Solutions Emily Angell Photography Estey-Struble Theatrical F. G. Rayburn Mason Contractors, Inc Fatmans Kitchen & Catering Finger Lakes Photography Guild Granger Homestead Society, Inc. Inn On The Main King’s Catering & Party House Lyons National Bank Max Of Eastman Place, Inc. Michael DeMaria Photography Rev. Kristine Miller New York Kitchen Niagara Scenic Tours Nolan’s on the Lake, LLC Partyman Catering & Rental Pat Rini Rohrer Gallery Peach’s Ice Cream Truck Potter HVAC & Metal Fab. Inc. Quality Care Pharmacies Rio Tomatlan Rockcastle Florist Root Catering Ryan’s Wine & Spirits Sutherland House Bed & Breakfast Tasteful Connections Thali of India The Geisel Gallery The Rabbit Room Tones Entertainment Group, LLC Velmex, Inc. Wegmans Food Markets Whirlin’ Disc Djs WROC TV Xpress Yourself Screen Printing
CLUB MEMBERS
7th District Judges Council Allyn’s Creek Garden Club Bloomfield Garden Club Victor Garden Club
FAMILY+ MEMBERS
Margaret Aldridge
Bill & Tina America Stephanie & Joel Anderberg Carol Anderson John & Janet Anderson Kelly Arena Bill & Sarah Bambah June Bartos Bob & Kathie Belly Robert Bennett Walt & Dawn Berkstresser Jacqueline & Edward Biernat Heidi Bjorling Jack & Jayne Bobsein William & Grace Boudway Nathaniel & Margaret Bowditch Brendan & Mary Brady Paul & Margaret Bringewatt Kimberly Burkard Mike & Linda Burr John & Michelle Callahan Canandaigua National Bank Barbara Carson Anastasia Castilone Alena Chadwick Rebecca Chima Trish & Dave Christoforo Scott Conking Kevin Coon P. Kelly Costello Dana Dakers David DeMallie Peter & Debra DeMarco Samuel & Judy DeSalvo Natalie & Michael Detraglia Debra Douthit Jill Ehrlinger Sherah Faber Eileen & Jim Fairbanks Mary Faulk Stephen& Judith Flamini Gail Flugel Brian & Heather Fowler Kristen & Stephen Fragnoli Ulana Fuller Edythe Gansz Deborah & Bruce Gardner Patricia Garrahan Craig & Shirley George Eileen Gerace Cynthia Gibson Bruce & Margo Gilman Barb & Marc Goldenberg Deborah Gormly David & Sharon Gosper Kerry Graff Erin Hacker Christian & Helen Haller Debra & Frank Hamlin Mary Clare & Hugh Hamlin June Harris Susan Hartwell
Richard & Linda Hawks Melissa & Matthew Hayes Shelby & Wendy Haynes Kathleen Hendrix Elizabeth & David Herendeen Lynn & Nancy Herzig Elizabeth & Bryan Hickman Julie Hoffman Nichol & Charles Hoffman George & Nancy Hollenbeck Jeanne Hollenbeck Barbara & Robert Howard Mary Ann Hrankowski David & Patricia Hutchings Richard & Kay James Diana Johnson Barbara Johnston Walter & Diane Jones, Jr. Richard & Anna Joseph John & Carole Joyce Thomas & Elisabeth Judson Peter & Peggy Kane Eugenia & Michael Karlson Deborah Kelly Julia Kelly Paul Kleinstuber Brian & Lauren Kolb Bruce & Susan Krobusek David Kuentz Michael & Donna Loiacono Vanessa Lombardy Debbie Louis Robert Lowenthal Mary Anne Magee Sarah Magorka
Joanne Malina Anthony Markulis Henry & Patricia Maus Ronald & Sally Maxson George & Sandy McCadden William & Sandra McGregor James Mead Brian & Kelly Meath Thomas & Mary Lou Mees John & Katherene Meisch Kristy Merriman Frank Meyer Robert & Joyce Miller Jennifer Monheim Steve & Lauren Moore Sally Mueller Kent & Jane Niederhofer Katherine O’Brien Julie & Peter O’Neill Richard & Susan Onze Harold & Mary Oskamp Lynn Paulson Meg & Richard Peters Cassandra & Holly Petsos Daniel & Inge Pierce Preston Pierce Augustine & Claire Pingitore Ellen Polimeni Nicholas & Kaitlin Pontzer Tamara Prull Claude & Esther Pullis John & Nancy Randall Kathleen Rayburn
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
Koi, or “nishikigoi” in Japanese, are an ornmental variety of carp kept in pools and ponds. Ours are a favorite of our young visitors. WWW.SONNENBERG.ORG 11
Member Thank You
Continued from page 11 James & Teresa Roth James Terwilliger Sandra Rueckwald Arthur Tuppen Gregory & Elizabeth Russell Cheryl & Doug Vadner Gary Schlemme Susan & David Vadney Peter & Marion Schwartz Mark & Bonnie Vahey Marc & Fran Siditsky Carrie Van Etten Beverly & Richard Smith Bill Wagner George Smith Lucy Waletzky Wanda Smith Marcia Webster Jill Snyder Kathryn Wegman Karen & David Sorce Barbara & Robert Weiler John Spare Katherine & Michael Wells Laura Sponseller Marie Whitbeck Mary Jane & Todd Stell Michael & Patricia Wilder Amber Stevens Ryan Wilmer JoAnn & Ralph Stevens Brian & Sue Young John & Patricia Stocker Martin Zofcin Nancy and Kevin Stone Roger & Donna Strelow We want to thank and recognize Steven & Cheryl Swartout all our other members not listed Michael & Laura Tantillo here. We appreciate the love and Stanley & Nancy Taylor support you give us as well. ♥ GREEN INTERPRETATION, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
was only an audio recording. After the upgrade, we had an interactive menu, images, and recordings that our guests could access from any mobile device. As it is a mobile website instead of a custom app, it requires no apps have to be loaded for use and it is available for iOS, Android, and any other web browser enabled device. To access it, one can dial 585-797-6304 or visit sonnenberg.toursphere.com. Garden Interpretive Signs Two years ago all of our nine historic gardens as well as some other key locations (like the Aviary) had these high quality graphite signs installed. We also had some location, positional, and map signs installed at the same time to help people navigate through the 50-acre park. Each of these garden signs features the history of the garden as well as modern and historic views of that garden. See upper right for two examples of these signs. A new interactive “Children’s Trail” is in the works with signs and associated handouts. Look for it late 2018 or in 2019. Interactive Smart Phone Tour Three years ago we revamped our cell phone tour to join the 21st Century and the popularity of smart phones and other interactive mobile devices. Our original cell phone tour 12
Views from the Sunny Hill
SPRING/SUMMER SPRING 2013 2018
As an unlimited number of stops and tours are possible, there is a desire to not only create additional stops in our existing tour but to expand the smart phone offering to include:
• Second Floor Mansion tours for guests that cannot access the second floor
• Additional tours such as botanical tours and a young person science & discovery tour
• The standard tour with the audo in additional languages As you can see, the Sonnenberg story is shared in many ways and is always expanding. If you have feedback on our interpretive offerings, please send your comments to marketing@sonnenberg.org. •
* Check out this video for a short introduction to the “wood wide web,” pbs.org/wgbh/nova/nature/wood-wide-web.html
New York Central #1102, built in 1901. NY Central Railroad oper ated in northeastern US, with over 26,000 miles of track in 1925. Cattleya Orchid and Three Hummingbirds by Martin Johnson Heade of the Hudson River School artists, 1871
Mrs. Thompson’s Orchids Excerpt from The Story of a Grateful Citizen, Volume I (Autobiography) by Clark Williams
E
arly in March 1907, my aunt, Mrs. Thompson, planned a sightseeing trip to Mexico, and in order that her party might travel with the greatest comfort she engaged for the journey the private car “Constitution” and a competent courier. My aunt, Miss Clark, A. Mansfield Patterson, Mrs. Williams, and I accompanied her. My sister Mary had spent the winter in Cuernavaca and Miss Eleanor Patterson had joined her there.
El Paso •
Guadalajara • • Mexico City Cuernavaca • • Cordoba
Map of Mexico with key stops noted on the map We crossed the border at El Paso, Texas, and visited many interesting places, including Cordoba, Orizaba, Peubla, Guadalajara, as well as certain out-of-the-way places in search of orchids for the greenhouses at Sonnenberg, Mrs. Thompson’s summer home in Canandaigua.
Several pairs of trousers were irreparably torn and hands deeply cut in climbing trees for the specimens we considered rare. But the plants we secured filled a large basket, and we took much pleasure in looking forward to the beauty these dry roots would afford in their new northern home. My sister joined us at Mexico City, and there she announced her engagement to Stanton David Kirkham, whom she had met in Cuernavaca. The altitudes of the places we had visited seemed to affect Mrs. Thompson and at one time she had been alarmingly ill. On this account we determined to return home at once. On our way from Buffalo to Canandaigua over the New York Central, a newly acquired porter undertook to tidy up his car, and supposing the dry roots in our basket to be of no value, he proceeded to dump our orchids out on the right-of-way. By this time my aunt had quite recovered, but from her indignation on hearing this sad story I had good reason to fear a relapse. •
Orchids Brighten Winter
T
his Winter can be long for gardeners. I get great joy and satisfaction from growing plants and digging in the dirt. I don’t want to invest time and money in operating my own greenhouse, but in January I wondered if I might be able to volunteer somewhere in this environment. I’ve always enjoyed visiting Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua, so I explored its website for winter opportunities. The website described a volunteer greenhouse program beginning the third Wednesday in January, and I showed up. As it turned out, there isn’t a greenhouse group this year, but I was warmly welcomed. The Executive Director David Hutchings is a horticulturist, and I also met with the Gardens’ full-time Horticulturist Dave DeMallie. I’ve been going there weekly since then, tending to their orchid collection. •
—Excerpted from Livingston Country News February 24, 2018 article by new volunteer Julie Brocklehurst-Woods WWW.SONNENBERG.ORG 13
BOARDROOM, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
place as a world-class cultural site that attracts people to the Finger Lakes region. The new center will serve many purposes that will strengthen the current functioning of the organization as well as open new opportunities for growth and development. The new center will house staff and administrative functions, will allow for an expanded gift shop and wine store, create a space for Sonnenberg’s collections, offer a superior visitor experience including a bistro, and will be available to be enjoyed by the community 12 months of the year! This enhanced space will give us a great boost in fulfilling our mission to preserve the nine historic gardens, the mansion and the legacy and love story of the Thompsons. Next steps will be many: grant writing, a capital campaign and many, many planning meetings! We will be sure to engage many voices during the process and keep the community well informed of progress as we move forward to our exciting future. There is much work ahead yet we embark on the journey with great optimism! The property and mansion are looking beautiful and being improved each season as detailed in the “State of the Property” section - thank you to all staff and volunteers; your hard work makes all the difference. Thanks also to the many visitors who enjoy our historic park, we are so glad to welcome you!
FREE Field Trip Money
School Frield Trip Grants Available! Via the Connect Kids to Parks Field Trip Grant Program money is available for each classroom that takes a field trip a NY State Park, Nature Center, or Historic Site/Park— and yes, that includes Sonnenberg! How Does It Work? New York State will refund up to $1,000 of the field trip costs. The 2018-19 school year application period opens on July 1, 2018. There has been few applications submitted from the Rochester/Finger Lakes region even though all the public schools here qualify! For more information, visit: parks.ny.gov/environment/connect-kids/grant-program.aspx
Show & Sale of Fine Art & Crafts
I hope to see you at one of the many Sonnenberg summertime activities. Cheers! •
Don’t Miss a Beat!
J
oin us on our Email list (monthly) and our Facebook page (daily) to not miss any news or excitment happening at the Sunnyhill. We will soon top 10,000 fans on our Facebook page—join a vibrant community of Sonnenberg lovers!
Save the Date! Sat. & Sun. August 18 & 19 on the grounds of
State Park Canadaigua
Facebook: facebook.com/SonnenbergGardensAndMansion/ E-Newsletter: sonnenberg.org/email-signup/ AATG_3.75 x 3.75_2018.indd 1
6/21/18 3:41 PM
EARTH SMART!
Our spring “Path Though History Weekend” event was our Father’s Day Car & Motorcycle Show featuring classic wheels. 14
Views from the Sunny Hill
SPRING/SUMMER SPRING 2013 2018
Ever wonder what happens to our garden waste? Literally tons of it each season? We compost! The rich organic material supplements our gardens like the Community Vegetable Garden.
May saw the opening of the Finger Lakes Visitor’s Center in Geneva. Sonnenberg has some wonderful visibility in the Center!
Plan Your Group Visit! 2018 Tour Packages (minimum of 10 people)
Garden Season Tour, June 1 - Sept. 15: See the beauty and ever changing tapestry of thousands of colorful blooms of our gardens during the summer season.
Land and Lake Package, May 1 - Oct. 31: Experience the
best and most unique the Finger Lakes has to offer by touring both Sonnenberg Gardens and Canandaigua Lake! The lake cruise is via an authentic paddle wheel boat with lunch cruise or excursion only options available.
Fall into Autumn in the Finger Lakes, Sept. 14 - Oct. 31: See the brilliant fall colors of 140 varieties of deciduous trees throughout the Thompsons’ estate and gardens.
Wine Tasting, May 1 - Oct. 31: A tasting of five regional
wines is available in Sonnenberg’s Finger Lakes Wine Center for all group tours.
Masterpieces in Garden-Making Tour & Autumn Arboretum Tour, Labor Day - Oct. 31 (Tues. - Thurs. Only): Special garden tours lead by Sonnenberg’s Executive Director and lead Horticulturalist, David Hutchings.
Call 585-394-4922 or email tours@sonnenerg.org for prices and to rsvp your group. Ask about 2019 prices & tour offerings. •
Ursus Media Photography
Celebrate Your Life at Sonnenberg Contact us to book your special day
Facilities available for: • • • •
Wedding Receptions Wedding Ceremonies Photo Shoots Private Events including baby showers, bachelorettes, & rehersal dinners
Facilities also available for corporate events, seminars, and team building events. Contact us at 585-919-0087 (May - October), 585-394-4922 (November -April) or by email, events@sonnenberg.org WWW.SONNENBERG.ORG 15
Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
151 Charlotte Street Canandaigua, New York 14424 www.sonnenberg.org 585-394-4922
Permit No. 24 Canandaigua, NY
Dear Friends:
May 2018
As we gear up for the upcoming season I would like to extend my deepest appreciation for your continued stewardship of and dedication to Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park. Sonnenberg’s majestic gardens and estate continue to highlight the site’s extraordinary historic and natural resources and has become a favorite destination among travelers near and far. Our state park system invites visitors from all over to explore our history and beauty; last year, state parks saw another increase in attendance, welcoming more than 71 million visitors. Earlier this season, I had the pleasure of touring the grounds of Sonnenberg as well as announcing alongside Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochl and Senator Schumer’s office the most recent land acquisitions by State Parks. The transfer of 3.5 acres from the U.S Army Reserve to New York State Parks, and the purchase of a 1.6 acre parcel along Charlotte and Gibson Streets will be transformative. With these additions you are ready to embark on exciting capital improvements including a new visitors center with enhanced programming, office space and a Gateway. It is through the continued support of organizations like yours, community members, and volunteers that Sonnenberg will continue to blossom as a world class tourist destination. Thank you again for all your efforts and best wishes for another great season! Sincerely,
Rose Harvey, Commissioner New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Architect rendering of the new Visitor Center
Also in this Issue: Reflections from the Boardroom 1 • Growth of the Gardens 1 • State of the Property 2 • Hall of Fame 3 • My Garden 3 • Volunteer Corner 4 • Event Calendar 5 • Collections & History 6 • Gardens & Greenhouses 7 • Benefits of Membership 8 • Staff Changes 9 • Sunny Hill Sights 10 • Member Thank You 11 • Mrs. Thompson’s Orchids 13 • Group Visits 15 • Commissioner Letter 16
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Views from the Sunny Hill
SPRING/SUMMER 2018
Imagine If You Will 9 •