Annual Luncheon June 2025
2025 Chairs: Bev Reitinger & Dianne Pleyn
Irene Bausmith, Cover Art & Tracey Cameron, Graphics
Submitted by Diane Macrides
The Annual Spring Luncheon of The Garden Club of Long Beach Island took place at the LBI National Golf & Resort in Little Egg Harbor Township on Thursday, June 12, 2025, with 120 members in attendance.
This year’s annual event was planned by Bev Reitinger and Dianne Pleyn. The tables featured beautiful centerpieces composed of white lilies, purple hydrangeas, white and purple baby’s breath, and spider mums, skillfully arranged by Irene Bausmith and Chris Vohden. The program’s cover art was designed by Irene Bausmith complemented by graphic contributions from Tracey Cameron
After the Pledge of Allegiance and the Thought of the Day offered by Maryann Chatfield, GCLBI Past President, President Lois Perry gave a very heartwarming speech honoring the contributions of all members as well as the Executive Board and Committee chairs. She additionally delivered a beautiful dedication in honor of a very special member, Dianne Pleyn, who recently passed away.
Proceedings continued with the recognition of Patricia Doyle, Past President, and Judy Simpson, Past President as this year’s Silver Gardeners, Honorary Membership to Ellie Ehnot (Member since 1999) and Demarest Garden Club Yearbook Awards to Janice Stonaker. The Special Recognition was granted to Lil Orrico, who was a former member.
President Perry also awarded Eileen Szperka the 2025 President’s Award for outstanding contributions to the Garden Club.
Peg Morrissey, Vice President of the Garden Club of New Jersey, officiated the Installation of the Officers: JoAnne McKee, who will serve as President from 2025 to 2027, and Jane Niemeyer, who has taken on the role of Recording Secretary for the Executive Board. Michele Farias was acknowledged as the new GCNJ District VIII Director, and Bev Reitinger stepped into the position of GCNJ Awards Chair. Additionally, Bev Reitinger received recognition for the GCNJ Perennial Bloom Award.
The Garden Club of LBI was awarded the Garden Club of the Year Silver Trophy! This prestigious annual trophy recognizes the member club that attains the highest score—relative to its size—for its participation and success in community, state, and national garden club initiatives and goals. This award is a significant achievement. It recognizes the exceptional efforts of our group and is testament to the creativity, dedication and hard work of all our members who contribute to the success of our club.
After lunch concluded, Kent Russell showcased his remarkable talents as the esteemed Garden Guru through a captivating performance. Attendees reveled in his creative flower presentation and appreciated his lively energy and sharp wit! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed his imaginative flower presentation, especially his delightful energetic and quick sense of humor!
Photos by Joyce Lubach & Deb Resch (click on images to enlarge)
Conversations & Luncheon
Scholarships
Awards
President Lois Perry gave a heartwarming speech honoring the contributions of all members as well as the Executive Board and Committee chairs!
(l to r) Patricia Doyle, Past President, President Lois Perry, Janice Stonaker, 2nd VP/Membership & Judy Simpson, Past President, receiving the Silver Gardeners Award. Congratulations to Patricia & Judy!
(l to r) President Lois Perry, Peg Morrissey, VP GCNJ & NJGC Awards Chair and Barbara Duff, GCLBI Awards Chair. Barbara Duff compiled a book featuring all our events, which contributed to us receiving the Garden Club of the Year Silver Trophy from the Garden Club of LBI!!
(l to r) Janice Stonaker, 2nd VP/Membership, Andrea Apruzzese, 1st VP/Programs & Peg Morrissey, VP GCNJ
(l to r) Eileen Szperka, Assistant Treasurer, Marion Lapchak, Treasurer/Finance, GCLBI & Peg Morrissey, VP GCNJ
(l to r) Bev Reitinger received recognition for the GCNJ Perennial Bloom Award, Peg Morrissey, Awards Chair & Barbara Duff, Awards Chair
(l to r) Eileen Szperka, Assistant Treasurer, being awarded the 2025 President’s Award for outstanding contributions to the Garden Club!
(l to r) Julie Eller, Hisotrian, presenting Past President Lois Perry the GCLBI's Past President book.
(l to r) Jane Niemeyer, 2025 Recording Secretary with Peg Morrissey, VP Garden Club of NJ & GCLBI Awards Chair
(l to r) Installation of President JoAnne McKee with Peg Morrissey, VP Garden Club of NJ, GCNJ Awards GCNJ
Members of The Garden Club of LBI was awarded the Garden Club of the Year Silver Trophy! This prestigious award is presented to a member club which receives the highest score, in proportion to size, for participation and accomplishment in garden club projects and objectives on community, state and national levels!!
Let the Program Begin!
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