Views
from the Sunny Hill
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park
Fall/Winter 2018
Sonnenberg Volunteer Commitment November 4, 2018 Volunteer Recogition Lucheon Speech
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By John Tharp, Park Manager, Seneca Lake State Park week ago my family and I came to Sonnenberg for the Haunted Stroll. I have now been to five of these and I think this year’s walk was the best yet. From the hilarious garden gnomes leading up to the mansion to the ghostly tea party on the porch. From the gargoyle and the witches brewing each other in the Italian Garden to the Swamp monster in the Japanese Garden. From the skeletal petting zoo in the Pinetum to the moment Frankenstein’s Monster burst from the Aviary. It felt like there was a ghost or ghoul behind every tree and around every corner. My two boys could not stop talking about it all the way home. And this is just one event! Mansion Mysteries, The Orchid Show, Arts in the Gardens, at least a couple of car shows, Roses and Rosés, I don’t know how many weddings! I am purposely leaving some out because I know I could never fit in everything. This type of event would not be possible without the dedicated group of volunteers we honor today. But as workers in NY State Parks we know the events are just a brief sparkle of activity here and there on the calendar. Does this or any
Kristen Fragnoli & Sonnenberg Staff sharing their gratitude with Volunteers
park go into hibernation between? No, it does not. This is where we really see Sonnenberg’s volunteers at their best. Every time I or one of my fellow State Parks workers walk through Sonnenberg we see where a gardener’s hand has been trimming shrubs or training a vine rather than cutting it. We see that the interior of the mansion is clean—not an easy job I might add! We see tram drivers, mowers, tour guides, and gardeners doing what is needed and at the same time, doing what you love! This Historic Park was built with love and love is still here in abundance. NY State Parks is proud to partner with the Friends of Sonnenberg Gardens and we are honored to work with you. We also see the patrons who come to Sonnenberg and their reactions to being here. We see the ease and the calm of the couple walking in the manicured old fashion garden or simply having a sit on the welltended lawn. We also see the children exploring the intricate paths and stepping stones in the Japanese Garden or staring wide-eyed at the music box in the mansion as it fills the rooms with song. We see these things and we know Sonnenberg is in good hands. NY State Parks and Sonnenberg are also partnering to preserve native plant species. Previously unused sections of the greenhouses are
Volunteers attending the year-end recognition luncheon
Make a Gift, Make a Difference Your tax-deductible donation will keep the gardens growing and the mansion open now andCONTINUED for the future. ON PAGE 3
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
OPEN DAILY
May 1 - October 31 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Memorial Day - Labor Day 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
onnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park