Sponzilli Gives Back
FAIRFIELD, New Jersey, August 28, 2023—Today Sponzilli Landscape Group, of Fairfield NJ, and VFW Post 7925 in Fairfield, forge a new collaboration to create a new serenity garden in honor of Warren Schlapfer, a WWII Veteran and founding VFW Post member. Sponzilli has designed and will be installing this special commemorative space at Fairfield’s VFW post at 45 Plymouth Street. The community can attend the event where the VFW post will unveil and dedicate the garden on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2023.
This new serenity garden aptly named “Schlapfer Gardens” is dedicated to the memory of Warren Schlapfer, a U.S. Army veteran who fought in the Philippine Islands during World War II. Schlapfer became a charter member of the VFW Post 7925 in 1946 shortly after coming home from war. Warren Schlapfer passed away in March 2022 at the age of 98.
The garden is a meaningful way to not only honor Warren Schlapfer but to give back and show appreciation to the Fairfield community. Fairfield has always been extremely supportive of VFW Post 7925—especially after the financial difficulties the Post faced due to the pandemic in 2020. The garden will be a fresh, welcoming green space to be enjoyed by all Fairfield residents.
TAPinto reported that Brian Gallagher, Post 7925 Commander, recently described the garden as “a place where our residents can enjoy a place of tranquility to remember and reflect.”
Sponzilli Reflects on Giving Back
Sponzilli is honored to be a part of this important project that allows them to give back to their community.
Rendering of the Serenity Garden
The serenity garden rendering gives everyone a chance to view the planned project. Included in the landscape architect’s plans is information about all the plants and trees that have been selected for the gardens.
The garden will include evergreen trees, flowering shrubs, native flowers, benches, a paver brick pathway, and lighting.
Planned trees include:
- Nellie Stevens Holly
- Muskogee Crape Myrtle
- Kousa Dogwood
- Green Giant Arborvitae
Planned bushes include:
- Burning Bush
- Gold Thread Cypress
- Gold Mound Spirea
- Globe Blue Spruce
- Boxwood
Planned plants include:
- Little Bunny Fountain Grass
- Catmint
- Lavender
Many people consider lavender flowers to represent serenity, calmness, grace, and purity. These flowers also attract butterflies—welcomed visitors in any garden.
Local Businesses Lend Their Support
The Schlapfer Gardens project also inspires many local Fairfield businesses who want to become involved. They continue to donate generously to the project to help ensure its success.
Sponzilli Landscape Group is undertaking the landscape project installation pro-bono. They are also instrumental in garnering support from other green industry partners.
To date, they have secured the following donations:
- SiteOne Landscape Supply is donating plants
- Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting of Northern NJ is donating landscape lighting and installation
- Orr’s Tree Service of Montville, NJ is donating the tree pruning and necessary removals
- TVD Enterprises of Wayne, NJ is donating the brick paver installation
- Dan Como & Sons of Towaco, NJ is donating mulch
Additional Ways to Sponsor the Schlapfer Gardens
Many other businesses and individuals still want to be a part of this project; they want to show their support for veterans and their families, honor William Schlapfer, and support the Fairfield community.
The good news is that it’s not too late to be part of this inspiring project.
The VFW is accepting sponsorship support from both businesses and individuals who share their goal.
The following are three ways you can still become involved.
Commemorative Benches
You can donate a Commemorative Bench for $1,500. Only 4 benches are available.
Engraved Pavers
You can purchase single pavers with engraved dedication text. This lasting remembrance costs $200. Only 30 are available.
Freedom Rocks Project—July 2023-November 11, 2023
The Freedom Rocks project is another way Fairfield community members can become involved in the serenity garden project. It doesn’t cost anything except some time and acrylic paint. Residents can receive a rock and decorate it to honor any veterans they know, or to paint a design that honors all veterans.
When the serenity garden opens in November, each participant will place their decorated rock in the new garden as a lasting tribute.
For a limited time, participants can pick up these stones at the Fairfield VFW Post, 45 Plymouth Street. Rocks are available for pickup at the VFW on Wednesdays or Fridays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at no charge.
Join Us on Veterans Day for the Dedication
On behalf of VFW Post 7925 in Fairfield, Sponzilli Landscape Group invites everyone to mark their calendar on Veterans Day, Saturday November 11, 2023 for the dedication of the new Schlapfer Gardens. We look forward to the community enjoying this relaxing and inspiring garden space for years to come.
