Intergenerational Chair 2025-2026: Bev Reitinger
The Intergenerational Committee meets with students and their special guests four times a year at the Beach Haven School and Long Beach Island Grade School to create beautiful flower arrangements and to learn from each other.
Halloween-Themed Fun! October 2025
Photos by Kim Carroll, Wendy Karopoulos & Diane Macrides (click on images to enlarge)
Submitted by Bev Reitinger
On October 28, 2025, approximately 20 members of the Garden Club gathered with second graders and their grandparents at Ethel Jacobsen Elementary School in Surf City to craft Halloween-themed centerpieces for the students to take home. A total of 26 students and at least 30 grandparents participated in the event! The joy on their faces as they collaborated was truly wonderful! The centerpieces they created surpassed our expectations, with each one being a unique masterpiece.
The unwavering support from the school, grandparents and teachers has been clearly evident throughout this initiative. Our Intergenerational Committee, developed by The Garden Club of LBI over the years, is designed to introduce students in the island’s two elementary schools to plants, floral design, and the joy of gifting to their families. With each visit from the Garden Club members, interest in flowers blossoms, fostering both curiosity and lasting friendships among the students!!
Memorial Day Celebrations! May 2025
Photos by Gale Garfinkel & Diane Macrides (click on images to enlarge)
Submitted by Bev Reitinger
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, twelve members of The Garden Club of LBI, led by chair Bev Reitinger, met with the fourth graders and their grandparents during the Intergenerational Day at LBI School in Ship Bottom.
Together, the eighteen students and twelve grandparents crafted red, white, and blue floral arrangements in celebration of Memorial Day. The arrangements featured red carnations and white and blue daisies adorned with greenery. Each student was delighted to bring home their floral creations along with American flags.
The school staff generously provided refreshments, including coffee and tea. It was truly heartwarming to witness the camaraderie and joy on everyone’s faces!
Stafford Senior Citizens Prom! May 2025
Photos by Diane Macrides (click on images to enlarge)
Submitted by Donna Erhard
On Friday, May 16, 2025, The Garden Club of LBI met with the sixth-grade students from the Beach Haven School. Club member Donna Erhard led a group that included Kathy Dowe, JoAnne McKee, Carol Stracensky, and President Lois Perry in guiding the students to create beautiful centerpieces for the Stafford Senior Citizens Prom. This very special event was held at the Bay Avenue Center located in Manahawkin.
The arrangements featured a lovely assortment of white daisies, yellow daisies, ruscus, baby’s breath and yellow alstroemeria. Attached to the centerpieces, the children also created beautiful cards for the senior citizens with heartfelt messages that truly highlighted their evening!
Spring Beginnings! April 2025
Photos by Donna Erhard & Joyce Lubach (click on images to enlarge)
Submitted by Bev Reitinger
On Wednesday, April 16th, 2025, thirty-two students from the Beach Haven School participated in a flower arrangement activity alongside members of our Garden Club, their grandparents and parents. Each student and visitor had the opportunity to create small arrangements suitable for coffee tables or as Easter gifts for loved ones. To enhance their creations, they added Easter egg sticks to their arrangements, making them even more festive.
During the session with the students, the Garden Club members distributed wildflower seeds for them to plant at home. Also shared were helpful tips to ensure the seeds germinate and flourish into beautiful blooms.
The best part of watching the children was their smiles! As they enjoyed making the floral arrangements, members witnessed their pure joy and creativity come to life. Their excitement and wonder as they engaged with the colors, textures, and shapes of the flowers created beautiful moments that not only brightened their day but also enhanced their appreciation for nature and art. Seeing their smiles is always a reminder of the simple pleasures in life and the boundless imagination that children possess!
Halloween Fun Arrangements! October 2024
Photos by Donna Erhard, Joyce Lubach & Joanne Orlandi (click on images to enlarge)
Submitted by Bev Reitinger
On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, children from preschool through 3rd grade at the Beach Haven School, together with their parents and grandparents, crafted Halloween floral arrangements guided by the Intergenerational Committee of The Garden Club of LBI.
Each arrangement featured autumn flowers and Halloween themed accents, all of which were beautiful. The students communicated their creativity by creating flower arrangements, exploring color combinations and understanding various floral components.
It was a thrilling day to unite all generations in celebration of Intergenerational Day! The joy of everyone collaborating was truly a sight to cherish.
Happy Halloween!
Intergenerational Committee Spreads Volunteerism! – May 2024
Photos by Donna Erhard & Joyce Lubach
The Intergenerational Committee, led by chair Bev Reitinger, from The Garden Club of LBI, collaborated with the sixth-grade students from the Beach Haven School on Friday, May 27, 2024. The team of nine Garden Club members assisted the students in crafting exquisite floral centerpieces for the Senior Group organized by Stafford Recreation in Manahawkin. Garden Club member JoAnne McKee coordinated with Stafford Recreation and the Intergenerational Committee.
The students were delighted to be part of this significant occasion. A total of thirteen students actively participated in this enjoyable and rewarding event!
The flower centerpieces project, served as an educational opportunity for the students to learn about the significance of community care and volunteerism!
Spring Holiday Arrangements! – March 2024
Photos by Joyce Lubach & Diane Macrides (click on images to enlarge)
Submitted by Bev Reitinger
The Intergenerational Committee of The Garden Club of LBI convened on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at The Long Beach Island Grade School located in Ship Bottom. The meeting brought together fourteen committee members alongside nineteen enthusiastic fourth-grade students.
The students received guidance on utilizing oasis and starting the foundation of their floral arrangements by incorporating various greens sourced from the local area. Classmates expressed an approval for the aromatic rosemary which formed a delightful fragrance into the greens. They proceeded to adorn their arrangements with yellow, white and pink flowers reminding them of the spring holiday with the intent to give to their parents or grandparents.
The finishing detail involved affixing a decorative stick embellished with an Easter egg to each arrangement. The student’s creations were unique which reflected their individual creativity and personality. Lots of gratitude and smiles expressed by the students were truly heartwarming and greatly appreciated by all involved!
Thirty-five guests, which included grandparents and other family members, joined forces with our club to assist the children in decorating Thanksgiving flower arrangements. This was the first time since 2018 that our club was able to invite family members to this special group!
Our club supplied greenery and vibrant colored mums for embellishing their holiday floral arrangements. We also distributed an array of traditional holiday stickers, brown paper bags and markers for the students to decorate. The arrangements were placed in the decorated bags that truly showcased their creativity.
The collaborative effort fostered a truly intergenerational experience!