Garden Club Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day in Style! March 2025
Photos by Donna Erhard, Kevin Janis & Lisa Tyson (click on images to enlarge)
Submitted by Andrea Apruzzese
A St. Patrick’s Day themed monthly meeting of The Garden Club of LBI was held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at the First Methodist Church located in Beach Haven Terrace. One hundred members were treated to a delightful event graciously hosted by eleven members of Peggy Weirich’s and Deb Borchert’s Hospitality Team. Additionally, the meeting was adorned with beautiful centerpieces created by Lois Perry and Dianne Pleyn.
The meeting opened with a very informative presentation by Dr. S. Ann Earon, Master Gardener and member of the Garden Club on “Hydrangeas: When, Where and How.” After her program, Dr. Earon answered numerous questions from the membership. She also shared a wonderful link, “Hydrangeas in the Garden” provided by Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.
Please click on the link below to view:
The general meeting followed, presided over by President Lois Perry. New officer appointments were announced for the Club’s 2025-2026 season. JoAnne McKee was appointed as President and Jane Niemeyer as Recording Secretary. Also announced, Michele Farias, a former Garden Club President, recently was named District VIII Coordinator for the Garden Club of New Jersey. Congratulations to all!
It was a busy day for members as sign-ups took place for an educational Floral Design workshop, the Standard Flower Show participants, May Day basket workshop and an upcoming Garden Club member trip. Also provided was information on the forthcoming Outside Living Garden Tour & Art Show.
Be sure to Save the Dates for our upcoming public events:
Standard Flower Show – Thursday, May 15, 2025
Outside Living Garden Tour & Art Show – Thursday, June 19, 2025
Stay tuned! More information to be provided!
Valentine’s Meeting of the Garden Club! – February 2025
Photos by Donna Erhard & Joyce Lubach (click on images to enlarge)
Diana Castle, Outside Living Garden Tour and Art Show Chair, updating members for the June 19th show!
Kim Carroll, 2025 Holiday Tour of Homes Co-chair. The tour, which will be held in December, is already in the works!
Submitted by Andrea Apruzzese
On Thursday, February 13, 2025, the Monthly Member Meeting of The Garden Club of Long Beach Island took place at the First United Methodist Church in Beach Haven Terrace. Traditionally a smaller group for this time of year, the 59 active members, 2 associate members and 1 guest enjoyed a Valentine’s theme lunch and tea provided by ten hostesses on Peggy Weirich’s and Deb Borchert’s Hospitality Team. Beautiful centerpieces were provided by Deb Cowles, Leslie Karvan and Peggy Weirich.
The meeting opened with Julie Eller, Cindy McGrath, Dianne Pleyn and Jeanne Sivori offering further details about the upcoming Standard Flower Show set for May 15, 2025. This artistic floral exhibition will take place at the Long Beach Island Foundation for the Arts & Sciences in Loveladies and is open to both our members and the public!
The general membership meeting followed, presided over by President Lois Perry. Committee reports included those on the Holiday Tour of Homes, Outside Living Garden Tour and Art Show and member trips.
Overall, the meeting was not only an opportunity for business and planning but also a delightful social event that strengthened the bonds within the club and fostered a deeper appreciation for the beauty of gardening in the community!
Garden Club’s “Sweet” Meeting! – January 2025
Photos by Kevin Janis & Joyce Lubach (click on images to enlarge)
(l to r) Barb Cona & Genevieve Cunningham waiting for the Maple Sugaring in NJ - The Stockton Maple Project program to begin!
Stockton University Community Outreach/Naturalist, Lindsey Brown, provided extensive information about the Stockton Maple Project!
Hospitality Chair, Peggy Weirich, extending gratitude to her exceptional committee for organizing a delightful luncheon for our members!
Submitted by Andrea Apruzzese
Ninety-six participants braved the frigid cold on Thursday, January 9, 2025 to attend The Garden Club of Long Beach Island’s first meeting of 2025 held in Beach Haven Terrace. Eighty-five active members, 3 associate members and 8 guests were treated to a delightful lunch and tea provided by 11 hostesses on Peggy Weirich’s and Deb Borchert’s Hospitality Team. Beautiful centerpieces were provided by Andrea Apruzzese and Deb Cowles.
Guests were excited to hear an excellent presentation about Maple Sugaring in New Jersey offered by Stockton University naturalist, Lindsey Brown who is also an LBI native. Lindsey provided extensive information about the Stockton Maple Project and brought along samples of Maple Sap, Maple Seltzer, Maple Syrup and Maple Candy for all to enjoy.
The general membership meeting followed, presided over by President Lois Perry. Committee reports were presented after a brief moment of silence for the victims of the California fires. A highlight of the meeting was the induction of 7 new Club members as well as Julie Eller’s and Cindy McGrath’s initial discussion of the Club’s upcoming Standard Flower Show. This event will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Long Beach Island Foundation in Loveladies which is open to our members and the public!
November Meeting Highlights Fall! – November 2024
Photos by Donna Erhard & Joyce Lubach (click on images to enlarge)
(l to r) Peggy Weirich and Debbie Borchert, our Hospitality Chairs, consistently deliver a beautiful presentation and delightful cuisine!
This month's informative demonstration, “Preparing for our Flower Show and House Tour" along with a flower arranging slide show was prepared by (l to r) Chris Vohden, Nancy Kunz & Irene Bausmith. (President Lois Perry standing)
Submitted by Andrea Apruzzese
Members of The Garden Club of Long Beach Island gathered for their November meeting on Thursday, November 14 at the First United Methodist Church in Beach Haven Terrace. The meeting boasted 149 people in attendance which included 139 active members, 5 associates and 5 guests.
Hospitality Chairs Peggie Weirich and Debbie Borchert, along with their 11 hostesses, presented an enticing assortment of sandwiches and irresistible desserts. The event featured two beautiful seasonal centerpieces crafted by Jacqi Lahm and Kim Friedman.
Irene Bausmith, Nancy Kunz, and Chris Vohden delivered an outstanding presentation “Preparing for our Flower Show and House Tour” with a Flower Arranging Slide Show and Demonstration.
President Lois Perry subsequently led the General Membership Meeting, which included an update on the Holiday Tour of Homes scheduled for December 12, 2024 and details regarding the Annual Christmas Luncheon set for December 17, 2024.
Members were thrilled to attend this highly notable meeting!
New Members Induction & May 2025 Flower Show Show! – October 2024
Photos by Donna Erhard & Lisa Tyson (click on images to enlarge)
Submitted by Andrea Apruzzese
It was a stunning autumn day on Long Beach Island, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, when members of the Garden Club of LBI gathered at the First United Methodist Church in Beach Haven Terrace for their monthly meeting. There was a total of 136 people in attendance which included 123 active members, 10 associates and three guests.
A team of ten hostesses under the direction of Hospitality Chairs Peggie Weirich and Debbie Borchert provided delicious tea sandwiches and delightful fall themed cookies and desserts for all. Two beautiful centerpieces were created by Penny Clark and Gen Cunningham.
Julie Eller and Cindy McGrath kicked off the meeting with an informative preview of the Club’s May 2025 Flower Show, “Hats off to Les Fleurs.”
President Lois Perry then conducted the general business meeting which addressed, among other things, suggestions for recent hurricane and storm relief.
Barbara Duff made a variety of award presentations on behalf of the Garden Club of New Jersey, the National Garden Club Organization and the Central Atlantic Region State Garden Club.
Ten new members were installed by Membership Chair, Janice Stonaker. Kim Carroll and Paula Brennan gave an update on the Holiday Tour of Homes plans and ticket sales and Judie Alloway provided details on the Club’s annual Christmas luncheon.
Kick Off Meeting! – September 2024
Photos by Lisa Tyson & Kevin Janis (click on images to enlarge)
Gratitude to our Hospitality Chair, Peggy Weirich, for her leadership and to her committee for the delightful luncheon!
Member Jacqi Lahm presented the Word for the Day. “One tree can give life to a forest. One smile can start a friendship. One hand can uplift a soul. One idea can shape the future. One candle can wipe out darkness. One laugh can conquer gloom. One ray of hope can lift your spirits. One touch can show that you care. One life can make a difference. Be that one today!” - BJ Gallagher
Our Club's 2nd Vice President/Membership, Janice Stonaker, was recognized by the Central Atlantic Region of State Garden Clubs for her work by winning First Place in the “Yearbook Award” in the large club division! Congratulations Janice!!
A pen and ink drawing enhanced with light watercolors depicting the Edith Duff Gwinn Gardens was created years ago by member Peg Felix to capture her interpretation of the museum and the recently installed walkway. After the passing of members Peg Felix and Cathy Sutton, Betty Frey has been bestowed with this sketch as a tribute to them who dedicated themselves to the Edith Duff Gwinn Gardens.
Submitted by Andrea Apruzzese
Taking a break from Local’s Summer, the members of The Garden Club of LBI met on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church in Beach Haven Terrace to kick off their 2024-2025 season. In all, 126 participants were present, including 109 active members, 8 associate members and 9 guests.
Everyone was treated to a delectable array of sandwiches and treats provided by the 10 hostesses working with Hospitality Chairs, Debbie Borchert and Peg Weirich. The tables were adorned with beautiful seasonal centerpieces created by Jacqi Lahm and Chris Vohden.
President Lois Perry opened the meeting and was followed by a variety of committee reports. Included was an update on the Club’s upcoming Holiday Tour of Homes, “Jingle on the Waves,” scheduled for December 12, 2024. Additionally, Joanne McKee invited everyone to attend the memorial program to be held in honor of long-time member and past president, Cathy Sutton who passed earlier this year. The service will be held at the Edith Duff Gwinn Garden in Barnegat Light on Monday, September 16, 2024.
After the formal meeting concluded, members who remained received a startling education about the planned off-shore wind turbines from Bob Stern of SaveLBI.org. His presentation was followed by a very lively Q&A session.