A message from Lise

Saying goodbye is never easy to do and this farewell is especially heartfelt. After 15 truly enjoyable years of managing the Bates House, it is time for me to step down as I am retiring at the end of this month.

The Bates House has been my home away from home and it has been an absolute pleasure and delight meeting hundreds of you who have walked through the doors to plan celebrations, milestones, and weddings. I have loved every minute of my position as Bates House Manager, offering what I could whether it be a sounding board, advice giver, shoulder to lean on, or to be there for encouragement and design ideas. The creativity of all those who have rented throughout the years brought me so much joy when I’d sneak in to photograph the house for Instagram. It was always a, “WOW!” moment, which I absolutely loved.

I wish to thank our loyal vendors who have worked tirelessly by my side to keep the house running like a well-oiled machine. Tents perfectly pitched, the house cleaned before the sun rose, while landscapers kept the grounds impeccably manicured. I truly believe you’re as good as your team and I can say, without hesitation, I had an excellent one and for that I am truly grateful and enormously appreciative. Lastly, I wish to thank the Frank Melville Park Board of Directors who entrusted me to look after this very special venue for all these years.

The Bates House is a beautiful community treasure gifted to Three Village by the Melville Family, and it was an honor to care for it and share the space with all of you. Together, we built it to be a community gathering location for yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, writing, Boy Scout meetings, recitals, community fundraisers, concerts, and local fundraisers raising money for precious wildlife and nonprofit organizations. Not stopping there, we opened the doors welcoming parties, gatherings, family reunions, weddings, and celebrations galore. So much happiness and pure joy has been created throughout the years under one little DIY roof.

I thank you ALL for 15 wonderful years. Running the Bates House has been nothing short of a position I have truly enjoyed so very, very much.

With gratitude and love,
Lise

Thank you for your hard work and dedication – you will be missed!