Term: 2014 to 2015
Photo by Jeannette Michelson
Past President Judie Alloway embodies the essence of our club’s beliefs as written in the “Thought for Every Day” from our handbook. Judie works together for causes she believes in both for our club and in her community; she has built friendships and developed relationships; and continues to share her talents and generosity with others.
Born and raised in Burlington County, NJ, Judie went on to a career in Burlington County’s Prosecutor’s Office as a paralegal clerk of the Grand Jury. At the same time, Judie and her husband, Sammy, ran a sod farm for 43 years. When it was time to make a move from Burlington County, it was a natural progression for Judie and Sammy to think of Long Beach Island where they enjoyed family vacations. In their lives together, Judie and Sammy embraced the roles of being parents to a son and daughter, to being grandparents, and then to the ultimate role of being great-grand parents to baby Samuel who is 8 months old.
Once settled in their new home in Barnegat Light, Judie became community- minded and built on what she had done in her former home in Southampton, Burlington County, where she was president of the Historical Commission and President of the EMT Squad as well. Judie became involved in her new community as VP of the Barnegat Light Emergency Squad and continues to be part of the Ocean County “Domestic Violence Response Team” for the state of NJ.
Judie’s connection to our club came after meeting a neighbor, Pat Napolean, who was a garden club member. She joined the club and found a perfect outlet for her creativity and her floral expertise. It didn’t take long for Judie to move into many positions within the club. She worked her way from a decorator to house chair, to decorator coordinating chair to head of the house tour in 2017. Judie was on past flower show committees, was secretary for 2 years, the trip coordinator, and worked on by-laws and our handbook revisions.
Judie’s agricultural background spurred her to became very involved in the butterfly project and birds and wildlife. Her artistic background helped to bring the projects and items at our holiday boutique to a new skill level.
Becoming President, Judie emphasized her philosophy of moving the club forward while building on the past. She also helped to show that the club needs to give back to the community in any way it can.
In conclusion, Judie shared, “The hard work of our members, not the President, makes our club as great as it is. Their talent never ceases to amaze me!” Similarly, the time and hard work that Judie puts into The Garden Club of Long Beach Island continues to amaze us! We are so thankful.