The Reading Public Museum, in partnership with WORMS Hardscaping & Landscaping, New Castle Lawn & Landscaping, Inc., and the Pa Freemasons Chandler Lodge #227, is excited to announce the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Robert W.F. Ciferri Sensory Garden. This thoughtfully designed sensory garden is a transformative space where visitors of all ages can engage with nature in a meaningful way by exploring their five senses. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at The Reading Public Museum.
"The members of Chandler Lodge #227 are honored to dedicate this Sensory Garden to the community in loving memory of our dear brother, Robert Ciferri. We are grateful to The Reading Public Museum and look forward to opening this garden for everyone to enjoy," said Victor Frederick, Past Master Pa Freemasons Chandler Lodge #227.
“We are so pleased to have been able to work with the Masons to bring this garden dedicated to Bob to fruition,” said Geoff Fleming, Director & CEO of The Reading Public Museum.
"I am deeply honored to be part of this meaningful project that pays tribute to Bob’s legacy," said Tony Dinatale, Owner of WORMS Hardscaping & Landscaping. "This sensory garden is not only a beautiful and inviting space, but it also stands as a lasting reminder of Bob’s impact. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this special project and extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for allowing me to play a role in creating a space that will bring joy, comfort, and connection to the community for years to come."
“New Castle Lawn & Landscape is proud to collaborate with WORMS Hardscaping & Landscaping and Tony Dinatale on this meaningful community project. The creation of the sensory garden is a special opportunity to provide a unique and engaging space for the community to enjoy. Designed to offer a calming and interactive environment, the garden will be a place where visitors of all ages can experience nature in a new and thoughtful way,” said Phil Neri, Designer New Caste Lawn & Landscaping Inc. “We are especially grateful to The Chandler Lodge #227 for their generosity and vision in making this project possible. Their dedication to honoring the memory of one of Robert W.F. Ciferri through this sensory garden will leave a lasting impact on the community, and we are honored to be part of bringing that vision to life."
The Robert W.F. Ciferri Sensory Garden has been creatively designed to offer visitors a "journey" through nature, with interactive elements that engage the senses. The garden is a sensory-rich, biophilic space designed to engage all five senses, fostering a connection with nature. Featuring flowering trees, seasonal blooms, winding paths, and interactive elements, the garden offers a unique year-round experience for visitors of all ages. The garden's thoughtful design encourages exploration and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.
"We are incredibly grateful that this living memorial will exist as a permanent tribute to my dad and the memories that he has left with all of us. The Museum was a place that he cherished, and the Masons meant so much to him. We are really thankful that the community has come together to create this space for reflection” stated Peter Ciferri, Robert Ciferri’s son.
The Reading Public Museum, WORMS Hardscaping & Landscaping, New Castle Lawn & Landscaping, and Chandler Lodge #227 look forward to celebrating this meaningful milestone and honoring Robert's legacy with those involved in bringing this vision to life.
The Reading Public Museum is supported in part by grants from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and is located at 500 Museum Road, Reading, Pa. Admission per day is $10 adults (18-64), $6 children/seniors/college students (w/ID) and free to Members and children three years old and under. The Museum is open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit online: www.readingpublicmuseum.org.
