The Garden Gate
Dearest Goodell Community,
It has been an absolute honor to be part of The Goodell Project for the last 14 years.
From my early days in membership management and public relations to the past several years serving in leadership as Executive Director, I have loved spending time with you: planning events and programs for you to attend, planning and working alongside you on physical improvements on the site, and sharing the story of Goodell Gardens, the Goodell family, and those incredible sisters who left us this property: Carrie and Margaret.
The first time I learned about this organization, I was a student at Edinboro University. Waiting for my next class to start, I noticed something intriguing. In one of the cases in the hallway was a display of information about the Goodell Project with artifacts and photos from the early days of this organization. I found myself so enthralled in the story, but quickly got sidetracked by the many things that occupy the time of college students.
After college, I was working at the Edinboro community newspaper and re-discovered Goodell. Seeking stories to cover during summer break, I found myself writing about the programs at Goodell Gardens, and the first time I recall setting foot on the grounds was during the Downtown Edinboro Art & Music Festival.
Over those next few years, I fell in love with the story of the sisters who left their property to the community. Photos of the reclusive Carrie and Margaret Goodell reminded me of my own foremothers. I was charmed by this lovely organization. And so, when we were looking for venues for our wedding ceremony in 2010, Goodell was the obvious choice. My husband Matt and I said our vows in front of the big doors of the Events Barn on a dreary October afternoon surrounded by 20 of our closest friends and family members.
That winter I was Christmas shopping when my phone rang. (My predecessor) Dana was on the line asking me if I was interested in a job that would include some public relations and marketing. Suddenly the door to a new world opened in front of me, and I left the newsroom behind me.
March 1, 2011 was my first day as a staff member. I grew with the organization, planning events, assisting with programs, greeting visitors, writing appeal letters, and spreading the word about the wonderful work we do here.
While I still remain fully-rooted in the mission of Goodell Gardens & Homestead, it’s time for me to pass the torch to someone else. After spending nearly 7 years living, eating, breathing, and sleeping all things Goodell during my tenure as Executive Director, I’m taking a step back to focus on other things. It’s time to spend time with my family, focus on my well-being, and get reacquainted with someone I’ve lost touch with: myself. My next role won’t take me far away, but will allow me to spend some time with Amber. Not Amber from Goodell, just Amber. I’m excited to get to know her again.
As we work through this transition, please know that I couldn’t be prouder of the team I’m leaving behind.
Planting Evelyn’s Oak Grove
Botanical Beverages 2019
The work we’ve done together has been incredible and I think the absolute world of these amazing folks. Our staff, board, and volunteers are some of the most talented, passionate, and dedicated people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. They will be great stewards of the next chapter at Goodell Gardens & Homestead.
Please know just how grateful I am for the support each of you have given during my time here. It is always present in my mind that if it weren’t for you - our members, donors, and funding agencies - we would not be able to carry out this work. There is so much gratitude in my heart for each and every one of you.
I am so grateful for the community we’ve built together: the conversations and experiences we’ve shared, the laughter and support. I so grateful to my team of staff and volunteers who pull off events and programs that sometimes feel insurmountable. And I’m so grateful for the support of our Board of Directors and the relationships we’ve built. I am especially grateful to our Board President Dr. Marian S. Beckman for walking in tandem through this journey of shared leadership since 2021. Together we have laughed and dreamed big dreams. We have also cried more than you might expect, supported one another, and we’ve learned a great deal together.
Now two last requests: first, please be patient with our staff, board, and volunteers (and me!) during this transition. We are all doing our best to work through the transition while still preparing for the 2025 season.
And most important: please continue to support Goodell Gardens & Homestead. I truly mean it when I say this is my favorite place on earth. Nothing would mean more to me than knowing all of you, our amazing community, will continue to support the work we’ve been doing together. Just like families sitting around the dinner table, nonprofits throughout this nation are facing uncertainty, Goodell included. I have faith that with your support and the incredible people already on our team, Goodell Gardens will come out of this transition stronger than ever. I believe the next Executive Director of Goodell Gardens will lead this organization to even bigger and better things than I could ever imagine.
Always remember: Goodell exists because of the generosity of the Goodell family, but it grows because of each and every one of YOU.
Goodell Gardens & Homestead
Loucks Legacy Dedication
Monarch Memorial 2021
Patchouli Concert w/ Jenn & Renee Labyrinth Dedication 2024
Program of Events (pages 3-5)
For additional details, including class fees, and to register, please follow the links listed after each event, or use the menu at goodellgardens.org - Thank you! ** note: we are still planning events & programs... Please check our website for the most recent program of events: goodellgardens.org/calendar **
2025 Program of Events (pages 4-5)
MAY
2025: Gardens, Grounds, Trails , etc. open Weds. - Sun. 11 am - 5 pm
Thursday, May 1, 11 am - 5 pm: Opening Day!
Saturday, May 3, 9 am - 3 pm: Tree Hugger Trail Run (goodellgardens.org/trailrun)
Thursday, May 8, 4-7 pm: Gnome Garden w/ Steph’s Sprouts (bit.ly/gghthursdays)
Saturday, May 10, 11 am - 4 pm: Mom’s Market (goodellgardens.org/moms-market)
Friday, May 16 - Sunday May 18: Edinboro Art & Music Festival (edinboroartandmusic.com)
JUNE 2025:
Gardens, Grounds, Trails, etc. open Weds. - Sun. 11 am - 5 pm
Sundays, weekly, 11 am: YMCA Yogilates w/ Michelee (bit.ly/gghrefresh)
Fridays, weekly (starting 6/13) 10 am: YMCA Walking w/ Mary (bit.ly/gghrefresh)
Fridays, weekly (starting 6/13) 11 am: YMCA Balance w/ Mary (bit.ly/gghrefresh)
Thursday, June 5, 8 pm: Golden Hour Photo Club (goodellgardens.org/photoclub)
Friday, June 6, 7 pm: Music Series: Seann Clark & Friends (goodellgardens.org/music)
Thursday, June 19, 6 pm: Mindful Garden Walk w/ Resting Tree (bit.ly/gghthursdays)
Sunday, June 22, 3 pm: Lucky Crane Studios: Sunflower Bee Paint Workshop
Thursday, June 19, 8 pm: Golden Hour Photo Club (goodellgardens.org/photoclub)
Friday, June 20, 7 - 10 pm: Songwriter Solstice: Jess Royer, Mackenzie Sprague, Claire Stuczynski (goodellgardens.org/music)
JULY 2025:
Gardens & Grounds open Weds. - Sun. 11 am - 5 pm
Sundays, weekly, 11 am: YMCA Yogilates w/ Michelee (bit.ly/gghrefresh)
Fridays, weekly, 10 am: YMCA Walking w/ Mary (bit.ly/gghrefresh) 11 am: YMCA Balance w/ Mary (bit.ly/gghrefresh)
Sunday, July 13, 11 am - 3 pm: Sensory Fest
Wednesday, July 16, 3-6 pm: Bean & Bear Fundraiser (at Bean & Bear Café)
Thursday, July 17, 6-7 pm: Radiant Reset: Movement, Breathwork, and Sound Meditation (bit.ly/gghthursdays)
Thursday, July 17, 8 pm: Golden Hour Photo Club (goodellgardens.org/photoclub)
Friday, July 25, 7 pm: Music Series: Slim & Red (goodellgardens.org/music)
Thursday, July 31, 6 pm: Midsummer Nights Flower Crown (bit.ly/gghthursdays)
2025 Program of Events (pages 4-5)
AUGUST 2025:
Gardens, Grounds, Trails, etc. open Weds. - Sun. 11 am - 5 pm
Sundays, weekly, 11 am: YMCA Yogilates w/ Michelee (bit.ly/gghrefresh)
Fridays, weekly, 10 am: YMCA Walking w/ Mary (bit.ly/gghrefresh)
Fridays, weekly, 11 am: YMCA Balance w/ Mary (bit.ly/gghrefresh)
Saturday, Aug. 2, 7 pm: Landscape of Guitar (goodellgardens.org/patchouli)
Friday Aug. 8 - Sunday Aug. 10: Much Ado about Nothing (goodellgardens.org/theatre)
Thursday, Aug. 14, 8 pm: Golden Hour Photo Club (goodellgardens.org/photoclub)
Friday, Aug. 15: Music Series: Salmon Frank (goodellgardens.org/music)
SEPTEMBER 2025:
Gardens & Grounds open Weds. - Sun. 11 am - 5 pm
Sunday, Sept. 21, 11 am - 6 pm: Homegrown Harvest Festival
Thursday, Sept. 25, 5 pm: Dried Flower Wreath (bit.ly/gghthursdays)
OCTOBER 2025:
Gardens & Grounds open Weds. - Sun. 11 am - 5 pm
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 3-6 pm: Bean & Bear Fundraiser (at Bean & Bear Café)
Sunday, Oct. 12, 3-6 pm: Wedding & Events Expo (goodellgardens.org/expo)
Thursday, Oct. 23, 5:30 pm: Golden Hour Photo Club (goodellgardens.org/photoclub)
Sunday, Oct. 26, 1 - 5 pm: Trees & Treats (goodellgardens.org/treats)
For additional details, including class fees, and to register, please follow the links listed after each event, or use the menu at goodellgardens.org - Thank you! ** note: we are still planning events & programs... Please check our website for the most recent program of events: goodellgardens.org/calendar **
Goodell Gardens Program of Events is made possible by a Special Events Grant from Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority.
The Summer Music Series is made possible by a Grant from the Clarence E. Beyers Musical Performance Fund of Erie Arts & Culture.
Support is also received from the Carrie H. & Margaret E. Goodell Fund of the Erie Community Foundation.
