January 7, 2026
Dear Friends of Untermyer Gardens,
As we ring in the New Year, I’m especially pleased to welcome Michele Rossetti to join us as Executive Director. While I will remain as President, working part time, Michele will manage our operations and our partnership with the City of Yonkers. (You can read more about Michele here.)
A few weeks ago, we inaugurated a new tradition: the first alumni reunion of our high school interns. Since launching our Youth Horticultural Initiative in 2019, we have provided paid internships to a total of 80 Yonkers public high school students who worked in teams alongside our gardeners, supervised by Liz Dreeben and John Jacono. It was a life-changing experience for them, and many have maintained close bonds. Look at this group of smiling gardeners-in-training!
Dear Friends of Untermyer Gardens,
As we ring in the New Year, I’m especially pleased to welcome Michele Rossetti to join us as Executive Director. While I will remain as President, working part time, Michele will manage our operations and our partnership with the City of Yonkers. (You can read more about Michele here.)
A few weeks ago, we inaugurated a new tradition: the first alumni reunion of our high school interns. Since launching our Youth Horticultural Initiative in 2019, we have provided paid internships to a total of 80 Yonkers public high school students who worked in teams alongside our gardeners, supervised by Liz Dreeben and John Jacono. It was a life-changing experience for them, and many have maintained close bonds. Look at this group of smiling gardeners-in-training!
This year’s Illumination was our most spectacular ever, but the weather was very cold, which made the hot chocolate even more appreciated. The snow on the ground was a classic wintry touch, but it forced the gardeners to do massive shoveling and plowing not once but three times! The new Grand March delighted all, young and old, and helped to keep our blood flowing during the arctic temperatures.
We are so grateful to our Illumination sponsors: Yonkers Economic Development Corporation, ArtsWestchester, AVR Realty Company, ENT & Allergy Associates, Macquesten Development, Montefiore Einstein, Schildwachter Oil, Sound Associates, St. John’s Riverside Hospital, and Orange Bank & Trust Company.
In addition, our hearty thanks go to all the community groups who generously volunteered to greet visitors and serve the hot chocolate at the Illumination, which ran for thirty nights this year, a record. They were expertly coordinated by Maura May, our devoted Education and Volunteer Coordinator.
We are so grateful to our Illumination sponsors: Yonkers Economic Development Corporation, ArtsWestchester, AVR Realty Company, ENT & Allergy Associates, Macquesten Development, Montefiore Einstein, Schildwachter Oil, Sound Associates, St. John’s Riverside Hospital, and Orange Bank & Trust Company.
In addition, our hearty thanks go to all the community groups who generously volunteered to greet visitors and serve the hot chocolate at the Illumination, which ran for thirty nights this year, a record. They were expertly coordinated by Maura May, our devoted Education and Volunteer Coordinator.
The snow in the garden is one of winter’s most magical treats. Its juxtaposition with our strong architecture is an added highlight, which you can savor when walking around. And the barren trees have opened up views of the river and the Palisades. Bundle up and come for a visit, but please check our website first to be sure the garden is open. At times, we may need to close temporarily to allow the gardeners to remove ice and snow.
Our annual Winter Lecture is approaching, and this year our assistant head gardener, Drew Schuyler, will speak about Japanese gardens. Drew received a prestigious Chanticleer Scholarship, which allowed him to immerse himself in the gardens of Japan over five weeks last fall. He will share his observations and his design insights with us. The lecture will take place on Tuesday, February 10, at 6:00 p.m. at the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, followed by a wine and cheese reception. Tickets are available here.
Kind Regards,
Stephen F. Byrns, President
Stephen F. Byrns, President
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