Vol. 29, No. 2 News Summer 2006

Pops Back John Norbeck Joins the Gardens at the Gardens

eplacing a President and CEO By popular demand, the Summer after nine years of dedicated Sounds series has been silenced, and the R service is a challenge under any Picnic Pops concerts have returned. Back circumstances. But given the particular is the traditional Wednesday evening for- passion for the job always exhibited by mat, and seating on the North Lawn in Carol Large, our Search Committee front of Westbury House. had an especially tough act to follow. Returning also are two Pops favorites. Thankfully, following a nationwide Peter Duchin and his Orchestra need no search, the hard work of the committee further introduction. Vince Giordano and was rewarded when they found John the Nighthawks, who are always appreci- Norbeck, who was recently confirmed ated for their performances here at the by the Board of Trustees. Gardens under any circumstances, are also Talk to John for just a few minutes still riding a surge in popularity among the and his enthusiasm for any job he has general public following the release of the ever done, and his commitment toward DVD and the CD soundtrack for the the Gardens in particular, will become Carol Large and John Norbeck movie The Aviator. Encores from the more immediately obvious. In the meantime, recent past will be performances from The a brief outline of some of his many Daytrippers and the Central Park Stompers. accomplishments and experiences will A few of the awards that John has New to the Gardens this year, in a speak for themselves. earned during his illustrious career concert that will bring some real snap and John’s background as an executive include: the Governor’s Office of includes: Regional Director, N.Y. State Employee Relations Excellence in continued on page 11 Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Leadership Award, the Huttleson Preservation for the Region; Executive Award (the highest award General Park Manager of Arboreta, given to N.Y. State Parks employees), Environmental Preserves and Historic and the Sidney Shapiro Award for Sites; Executive Director, Planting Fields Outstanding Service. Arboretum State Historic Park; and A life-long Long Island resident, Director of Operations, Jones Beach John graduated from Hofstra University State Park. in 1973, and earned an MFA Degree John’s many professional member- from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn in ships include the Society for the 1976. John and his wife Connie make Preservation of Long Island Antiquities, their home in Cold Spring Harbor. the American Association of Botanical Everyone at Old Westbury Gardens Gardens and Arboreta, and the Long congratulates John on his appoint- Island Parks Historic Association. He ment, and wishes him the best in his is a board member of the Peconic new position as President and CEO. The Daytrippers performing at the Gardens Land Trust. last summer President’s Letter

I have had occasions recently to con- Friends News template what I would like to do as my On June 6, The Friends hosted a “dream” second career. Well, sometimes luncheon honoring longtime Gardens’ dreams come true; because for me, over- supporter Florence D’Urso, which fea- seeing Old Westbury Gardens, one of the tured a lecture by fashion designer Mary finest public gardens in the world, is that McFadden. The Friends and Old ideal new position. Westbury Gardens wish to thank Ms. I was transplanted into Long Island’s McFadden, as well as the underwriters new suburban landscape when my family of the luncheon: De Natale Jewelers, moved to East Meadow in the early Gerda Andersen, Inge Costa, Kay 1950’s. The trees were young and small Maris, Paul J. Mateyunas, Patricia then, just as I was. Weekend outings Montgomerie, Marie Napoli, Elaine included family drives just a few miles Schwartzreich, and Terry Thielen. Mary McFadden signing copies of her book, north to see the beautiful estates and lush Later this year, The Friends are High Priestess of High Fashion greenery of the North Shore, eventually planning a Fall Boutique and Luncheon, including, as you may have guessed, visits presently scheduled for Tuesday, For more information, to become a ven- to Old Westbury Gardens. October 17th, at 11:30 a.m. Vendors, dor at the event, or to donate prizes, I continued that practice on my own. who will be selling eclectic collections please contact Vanessa Mahnken at And now today, I still enjoy taking those of unique items, will donate part of their 516-333-0048 ext. 308, or e-mail rides with my wife, Connie. Finally revenues to the Gardens. The event will [email protected]. though, instead of just touring beautiful also feature a silent auction and raffle. Old Westbury Gardens as a visitor, I get to literally plant myself amidst all the beauty, and work here as President and CEO. Of the 38 great years I spent at State parks, my time at Planting Museums on Us the program include the Brooklyn Botanic Fields Arboretum was the most rewarding. Garden, the , and the During my tenure as Director, I developed Once again this year, Bank of New York Botanical Garden. an even greater appreciation for public America welcomed Old Westbury As part of an extensive advertising gardens, historic structures, and for the Gardens as a member of their “Museums campaign provided by Bank of America principles of preservation. It was exciting on Us” program. During the month of in April and May, Old Westbury Gardens to be part of the effort undertaken by the May, every Bank of America cardholder and the other participants were referenced Coe family, the staff, the volunteers, and and a guest was provided with free admis- in ads in the New York Times, on radio the surrounding community, as we all sion to the Gardens. Now in its ninth year, spots on a number of area stations, on an worked to improve the buildings and this program has provided the opportunity electronic sign in Times Square, and in a grounds of that great State park. for over a quarter of a million people to host of brochures and other literature My meetings over the past several experience world-class arts, culture, and displayed in banking centers throughout months with Peggie Boegner, Mary horticulture, right in their own neighbor- the Northeast. Phipps, Carol Large, the Board of hoods for free. Other local members of Trustees, the talented, professional staff, and with enthusiastic volunteers and sup- porters, have shown me that Old Westbury that all children, and many adults, who see enhance the experience of the property, Gardens has long-range plans for improving it probably fantasize about having their and preserve its unique beauty, while at the the house and grounds. More important own personal cottage to play in. Peggie same time adding elements to complement from my perspective is the indescribably told me she loved her little cottage too, but existing features, so that visitors can dis- invigorating atmosphere I felt while each that she also enjoyed playing with her cover, or rediscover, Old Westbury Gardens. of the various groups discussed those plans. brothers in their forts, and wandering with The overall aim is for them to enjoy, I consider myself fortunate to once again them all over the grounds. as we do, every architectural feature, be able to work in such an environment. Old Westbury Gardens is a magnifi- every garden, and every footpath. I look During my first visit with Peggie cent property, and we have ambitious plans forward to meeting all of you as we work Boegner, she asked me to name my for the future. Marcel Proust said, “The to achieve this goal. favorite site at Old Westbury Gardens. I real voyage of discovery consists not in answered that, though the Walled Garden seeking new landscapes, but in having new was a close second, my favorite site was eyes.” I would alter that statement. We are that little house unmatched for pure charm looking with a new eye at both our hard- and magic, her Thatched Cottage. I said scape and landscape. We are seeking to 2 Volunteer Docents At left, John Deignan, Rosemarie Siglag, and Gene Lanzaro Learn from Below, Lisa Romeo and Corinne Hannon Museum Expert

At Volunteer Continuing Education Week, Dr. Margaret Conover presented a lecture to Old Westbury Gardens volunteer docents on the topic, “What Can Visitors Learn from Your Museum Tour?” This Melbourne University in Australia, she interactive instruction sparked a great currently teaches at Stony Brook deal of discussion among the docents on University and the New York Botanical their role as facilitators of “free choice” Garden. She is a specialist in free-choice and organized seminars on the topic of learning, their influence on the visitors’ learning, and has conducted teacher-train- museum volunteerism and education at experiences, and how they can better ing courses at St. Joseph’s College and the the national meeting of the Association of understand the expectations and learning New York Center for Teacher Development. Science and Technology Centers. As a styles of the public. She has served as director of the Shoreham- museum consultant, she provides grant Dr. Margaret Conover, a Fulbright Wading River Science Museum and the writing, strategic planning, and program Fellow with a Ph.D., has over 20 years of Three Village Historical Society, and as an evaluation services to museums through- experience as a museum director and edu- officer of the Long Island Museum Associ- out Long Island. cator. Having previously taught at ation. Dr. Conover has presented lectures continued on page 11

Flowering Painters and Photographers

Old Westbury Gardens has always been very supportive of local artists and photog- raphers. In addition to providing an envi- ronment filled with 160 acres of artistic inspiration, the Gardens regularly sched- ules painting and photography classes and seminars, and provides a forum for the The “Spotlight” exhibit and sale of artists’ work. Exhibit Recently, “Spotlight Old Westbury Gardens,” a three-person art exhibit, was held in the Red Ballroom. The exhibit Ticket. A portion of all proceeds from the indicative of each artist’s talent, perspec- began with a well-attended member’s sale of the paintings benefited the Gardens. tive, and use of light, as can be summed reception on April 28, and continued until In viewing the works, it was fascinat- up in the artists’ own words: the end of May. Very well received by both ing to see the contrast in styles among the The light moves so very quickly that art lovers and casual visitors alike, the different painters. The familiar scenes, I must remember it from the soul, after exhibit was featured in an “Artist of the though easily recognizable as being painted the light has changed, in order to complete Week” segment of the Channel 21 program at Old Westbury Gardens, were also the painting…until I’ve ‘said my piece.’ ÐRuth Baderian My paintings are inspired by the play- ful sunlight dancing among the flowers Photography Exhibit and trees. ÐRosanne Kaloustian Light and shade are essential to a Later this summer, Old Westbury Gardens will be sponsoring a photography dramatic painting Ð the majestic shade exhibit. Submissions of still images taken outdoors at the Gardens, using hand trees in the garden make a cool back- held cameras (no tripods) will be accepted. Check our website www.oldwestbury- ground for the sunny brilliance of the gardens.org in a few weeks for the details. In the meantime, hold on to those nega- flowerbeds. ÐNancy Wernersbach tives (or these days, more likely, those digital files). Besides being a beautiful keepsake, that shot of the Walled Garden, Primrose Path, or the Thatched Cottage may just win you some notoriety.

3 Beech Music

Suzanne Mueller will be delighting audiences at the Gardens with the wonder- ful sounds from her cello for her fourth Beech Tree Concerts year this season. Her musical tastes Artist-in-Residence, include a wide range of styles and genres, Suzanne Mueller and she enjoys exploring ways in which the cello can enhance them. pairing of instruments in a varied program, Suzanne is a Long island native, orig- Suzanne is joined by the versatile clar- inally from Roslyn, now living in Great inetist/saxophonist, Mike Cohen, a found- Neck. “I wish I had spent more time in the ing member of the Kleztraphobics. Gardens when I was younger,” she regrets. McCarron and Mueller: Suzanne “This is one of my favorite performance performs with Canadian guitarist Mark venues, due to its peace and beauty, and McCarron for the fourth time together at the receptive audiences.” the Gardens with a signature mix of origi- Suzanne began her musical studies at nal works and innovative arrangements the tender age of five. She is a graduate of spanning classical, folk, jazz standards, both the pre-College and College Divisions show tunes, and several forms of fiddling. of The Juilliard School. She made her Terry Winchell: Guitarist Terry New York recital debut in 1996 as half of Winchell is a world-renowned singer/song- the Elysian Duo, a partnership with pianist writer from the East End. She teams with Ned Kaufman, under the auspices of Suzanne for a third Gardens’ appearance Artists International Presentations. She in a program filled with everything from continues to concretize actively, both as a rollicking bluegrass to haunting ballads. freelancer and, frequently, with pianist Iris formances that promise to provide a relax- Suzanne and Mark McCarron will be fea- Kaplan in the duo Elysian II, performing ing and enjoyable mid-Sunday afternoon tured on Terry’s upcoming album, Porchy. programs that combine well-loved audi- respite and be a perfect complement to ence favorites with lesser-known works other experiences at the Gardens. from all periods, including premieres by Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson: local composers. Later this summer, The husband and wife folk duo, returning Suzanne will be participating in a work- for a second year, artfully weave a blend shop on non-Classical cello playing of traditional and modern American folk Thank You, Former offered by Eugene Friesen, the cellist of styles, with Suzanne contributing bass the Paul Winter Consort. lines, descants, and down-home fiddling. Officers of the Board Now officially named Beech Tree Suzanne appeared on Rebecca’s 2002 We owe a wealth of gratitude to Concerts Artist-in-Residence, Suzanne has album, Sunday Afternoon. Laureen Knutsen. The financial health programmed a series of four, unique per- Cello n’ Reeds: In this interesting and security of the Gardens has benefited immeasurably from her tenure as Treasurer since 1997, and as Chairman of the Budget Review Committee since Pall Partnership 1995. Irene Gachot has been Secretary since 1997. Irene has done an outstanding Over the years, Old Westbury Gardens has valued its corporate partnerships job in confirming the actions of the as an important link to the community, as well as a vital source of support for pro- Board, and providing an accurate, histori- grams and projects that we would not be able to fund on our own. We have been cal record of their meetings. Thankfully, thrilled with our association with Pall Corporation, a key company in the region, each former board officer will continue to who continues to be a valuable catalyst for our efforts. contribute their time, expertise, and Eric Krasnoff is Chairman and CEO. Since joining the company in 1975, Eric energy to the Gardens through other has been a key figure in Pall Corporation’s development into one of the largest indus- forms of service. trial companies in the country. He is also an active community leader, as exemplified Chairman Mary Phipps, President by his spirit of generosity to the Gardens. This year is no exception, as Pall Corpo- John Norbeck, and all the Trustees at Old ration is playing a key role as an underwriter of our Pops Concerts and as a valued Westbury Gardens also wish to welcome member of the Gardens’ Patron Program. Old Westbury Gardens sincerely appre- our two newest board officers, Secretary ciates the confidence that Eric Krasnoff has placed in our organization. Eric truly Anne Byers, and Treasurer, John Deignan. represents the best of American corporate philanthropy and community leadership. The many contributions of former board officer J. Oliver Crom will be high- lighted in an article in our fall newsletter. 4 Cuttings At left, Operations installing part of the drainage system from the Garden in the Pinetum . . . At bottom left, the East Gate replica As always, a great deal has been created by Gardens’ carpen- going on behind the scenes on, and some- ter, John DeMaille . . . Below, times off, the Gardens’ grounds. The col- the beginning of a repaved laborative efforts of our Operations and road to the office area Horticulture personnel, who have been integrated into a single, unified department since last fall, have yielded some highly successful results. Not the least of these was our participation in the Hofstra Flower Show in April. The Old Westbury Gardens exhibit consisted of a beautiful, imaginatively designed rendition of the Walled Garden, complete with flowers, a working fountain, and a charming replica of the East Gate. The effort yielded second place in the competition, and a $1,000 cash prize. In news that may seem less than very The Rhododendron and Boxwood exciting to some visitors, but is of consid- collections suffered through a tough winter. erable relief to those of us who are here Warm temperatures, frozen ground, and all the time, including in rainy weather, breezy days combined to desiccate several new subsurface drainage has been plants. Plans are in the works to provide bricks in the path will be replaced. The installed in the Pinetum. In conjunction winter protection structures for the 175- Grey Garden is under renovation. The cen- with this action to significantly control the year-old Boxwood plants adjacent to the ter axis has been restored and steel edging longstanding water problem, the turf in Colonnade. We will continue to feed, irri- installed to better define the beds. New the area is under renovation as well. gate and prune these plants to restore them. plantings of Salvia and Lavender are being The 15,000 spring flowering bulbs Replacement plants have been pur- implemented. Mature plantings around the that were planted last fall resulted in a chased for the Lilac Path. Using digital garden will be pruned to scale. display that was second to none. The photography, we have documented the The bridge over the East Pond is warm early spring temperatures caused bloom colors and can now more easily being evaluated to see what repairs are an early profusion of colorful blooms. identify the cultivars. The weaker lilacs necessary to open it to visitors. The path will be replaced and we will phase out to the map stands has been widened to white cultivars. In the Rose Garden, new accommodate more people. Plantings to climbers have been planted, the arbors enhance this area are scheduled to be have been repaired, and the deteriorating installed in late June. Volunteer Docents cal greats as Tito Puente, Ray Santos, Pops Back Rene Hernandez, and countless others. Learn from at the Gardens ★★★ Museum Expert This delightful concert series is a key continued from page 1 continued from page 3 component in our summer events sched- ule. But Picnic Pops would not be possible crackle to the Pops, is the Harbor without the philanthropy of these generous We greatly appreciate Dr. Conover’s Conservatory Latin Big Band. Under the leaders in the community. We wish to thank invaluable work and her sharing of this direction of Louis Bauzo, the Conservatory lead sponsors Roslyn Savings Foundation information with our volunteers and pub- is dedicated to preserving the big band and Pall Corporation and corporate under- lic programs department. Old Westbury sound and style of Latin music, especially writers Astoria Federal Savings, Audiovox, Gardens’ volunteer docents are always as played in its golden era in New York Lambrides, Lamos Moulthrop LLP, Mill- thirsty for more knowledge to improve City, from its early evolution in the 1920’s Max Manufacturing and Milton Cooper your visitor experience. through the mambo explosion in the Foundation. For all those interested in volunteer- 1950’s. Drawing on the resources of their ing at Old Westbury Gardens, please con- RAICES (roots) collection, the group tact Lisa Romeo at 333-0048 ext 312, or plays original arrangements by such musi- e-mail [email protected]. 11 Our crew installing drainage pipe in the Garden of Appreciation Fran O’Rourke manning his mower on one of the many expertly maintained lawn areas Scenes and Behind the Scenes of Spring at Old Westbury Gardens

Old Westbury Gardens’ Chairman Mary Phipps greeting visitors at The Taste of Spring

Resident Greenhouse Assistant Cactus taking a break from rodent patrol

Wisteria in full bloom on the South Porch steps

During a fashion shoot, the beauty of the house and gardens over- A crew filming a television pilot for The Fox Network whelms a model

12 Volunteer Docent Vivien Gurfein captivating her young audience during a Director of Horticulture, Peter Grant, leading a Manners Please event tour of the grounds

Gift Shop volunteer Sandra Vigliotti’s dog Bailey enjoying Dog Days

Photographers with model Elaine Irwin-Mellencamp on the East Lake during a Ralph Lauren fashion shoot

The Lily Pond getting a spring cleaning Our Horticulture staff working on some of the many decorations for the Gardeners’ Fair

13 In Loving Memory of Marie Keyes Old Westbury Gardens News Marie Keyes, a volunteer at Old Vol. 29, No. 2 Westbury Gardens for Summer 2006 19 years, passed away is published by The Dianne Wittlinger in May. Marie put her Old Westbury Gardens Memorial Tree Fund heart, soul, and love Old Westbury, NY 11568 and The Volunteer Tree Fund into her volunteer and www.oldwestburygardens.org volunteer coordinator ❦ Donations to both funds have been positions. She was Mrs. Etienne Boegner received from March-May 2006 in responsible for train- Founder memory of the individuals as follows: ing many of our volun- Mary S. Phipps Jack Barth teer docents, creating Chairman the Volunteer Tree Shirley Barth John Norbeck Fund, and was a member of the Education Committee Sophie Bransfield President that worked with Westbury Schools to produce a Antonio Carullo Frank Castagna Dana Caruso fourth grade horticultural science program. Although she retired from her volunteer position in 2000, she Carol E. Large Marie Caruso Vice Chairman Carol Chernow remained in the volunteer program as a member of the History Committee, which presents educational lec- Anne B. Byers Julia Ciampaglione Secretary John Colon tures to the community. Her leadership in the presenta- Tina Courto tion of Nanny Night made that event the huge success John M. Deignan Treasurer Carol Cuoco that it is today. Last December, Marie came back to Carol O’Neil Elkins orchestrate Nanny Night once again. ❦ Tina Milbourne In 2000, Marie and her husband Bob were elected Judith Chapman William Muraski Honorary Life Members by the Gardens Trustees for Irene Gachot John Pinna their dedication and many contributions. Newsletter Committee Romolo Ruscic Marie will be truly missed by everyone who ever Vincent Kish Marion Schulz knew her, but especially by all of us here at Old Editor Westbury Gardens. Our deepest sympathies are Richard Spearman Paul Hunchak extended to Marie’s family and her other friends. Patrick Waller Calendar of Events

Old Westbury Gardens NON-PROFIT ORG. Post Office Box 430 U.S. POSTAGE Old Westbury, NY 11568 PAID PERMIT NO. 6810 WESTBURY NY

Summer 2006 OldWestburyGardens