Intergenerational Chair 2024-2025: 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.
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!