Wildcliff Mansion
“Jen’s Community at Wildcliff is an education center whose mission is to strengthen the connections we have to each other and the natural world. Through a nature-based preschool, community programs, and sustainability education, we reach all ages from toddlers through adults.
Wildcliff is a building on the National Registry of Historic Places. It was designed by architect Alexander Jackson Davis, used as a private home, then gifted to the city of New Rochelle. It became a children’s science museum, then a theater, and now stands empty.
Jen’s Community plans to change that.”
volunteers have lunch on the stage at Clean-Up day. Long Island Sound in the background
JCW Mission
This quote is the “about us” section from the website for Jen’s Community at Wildcliff…a mission of two incredibly dedicated women backed by a core group of individuals who share their vision to unite a community on the Sound Shore in New Rochelle. JCW as it is more affectionately known, will be a LEEDS certified refurbishment of an historic mansion located directly adjacent to Hudson Park. The mansion backs onto the glorious shores of the Long Island Sound, with sweeping views.
The plan for Wildcliff is to create a nature-based pre-school and community center, where all can converge to learn sustainable practices through play, education and work-study. In the process, the mansion known as Wildcliff will experience a re-birth. The building, which was donated to the city of New Rochelle by the Prince Family, has stood unused and in disrepair for a long period of time. JCW will not only breathe new life into this architecturally beautiful structure, but will bring together people within the community from all walks of life.
Fundraising has begun for this worthwhile cause, and to celebrate Fall and raise some money, JCW will be holding a HARVEST FESTIVAL on Saturday, October 15, from noon to 4pm. There will be activities and interests for all ages…including vendors, crafts and games for the children and entertainment by Annie and the Natural Wonder Band. Come shop early for holiday gifts, or get a Henna Tattoo from the incomparable Henna Artist, Margie Nugent. Denise Massaro-Woodin of Dazzle Dee will be on hand to paint magical faces on the little ones, and there will be handmade jewelry, cards, and great food, courtesy of AJ’s Burgers in New Rochelle, and fellow JCW supporters Starbucks and Clif Bar. Walk the beautiful and now-manicured grounds and take in the incredible views of the Sound, and the distant shore of Long Island (volunteers recently did a major fall-clean up of brush, and some plantings!) Of course, it would not be a fall celebration without an apple press to round it all out and make your own cider. There will even be time to visit with the friendly animals of Pied Piper Pony Rides and Petting Zoo…a great experience for the kids!
the JCW Banner, Wildcliff Mansion in the background
Stop by the information table, and consider making a donation to JCW. Come chat with co-founders, Marie Inzinna and Kerrilee Hunter, who will explain every aspect of JCW, and whose enthusiasm for this wonderful community project is infectious! With the help of friends in the community and the public, The Harvest Festival at JCW will prove to be an annual event loved by people of all ages, for decades to come!
The festival rain date is October 22, 2011. Wildcliff is located at 44 Wildcliff Road, New Rochelle, NY. For more information, visit the website at www.jenscommunityatwildcliff.org, or email [email protected]
New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson with Marie Inzinna of JCW
from left: Kerrilee Hunter, Leonard Pouder of Lieb's Nursery, AJ Cohen of AJ's Burgers, and Marie Inzinna
