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.
A Bee-Themed Meeting! – May 2024
Photos by Donna Erhard (click on images to enlarge)
Submitted by Andrea Apuzzese
On Thursday, May 9, members of the Garden Club of LBI gathered at the First Methodist Church located in Beach Haven Terrace for their final meeting of the calendar year.
The 127 ladies in attendance (118 active members, 5 associates and 4 guests) were treated to a delectable luncheon of sandwiches and desserts provided by Maria Dinella’s dedicated hospitality team of 12 hostesses. Gracing the serving tables were stunning spring arrangements created by Michele Farias, Penny Clark and Dot Duffy.
At the meeting, Garden Club member t-shirts were distributed to those who had ordered them. Tickets were on sale for the June 20th Outdoor Living and Garden Tour and Art Show. Members also planned their tables and ordered tickets for the annual spring luncheon to be held on June 6, 2024.
As part of the agenda, Eileen Szperka and Dianne Pleynn gave their final presentations as Membership and Programs Chairs, respectively, as their terms are now complete. Joanne McKee, also ending her term as Corresponding Secretary read many thank you notes sent from recipients of the Club’s forty-four May Day baskets.
The meeting’s guest presentation was titled, “Honey Bees and Me: A Sweet Journey!” given by Gary and Erin Schempp, owners of Busy Bees NJ LLC, A Honey Bee Rescue Company.
The program, focused on the amazing nature of honey bees, was both incredibly informative as well as entertaining and garnered many questions from members. At the conclusion of the program, Gary Schempp encouraged members to take a class with the New Jersey Beekeepers Association or to join a local Beekeeping Club!
A Plantastic Day! – April 2024
Photos by Lisa Tyson & Diane Macrides (click on images to enlarge)
Submitted by Andrea Apruzzese
On Thursday, April 11, 2024, the monthly meeting of The Garden Club of LBI took place at the First Methodist Church in Beach Haven Terrace. There were 107 women in attendance, including 101 active members, 2 associates and 4 guests. The atmosphere was vibrant and buzzing with enthusiasm!
Joni Barbarula, representing the Hospitality Committee consisting of 13 hostesses, delivered a thank you message to all who helped during the meeting. The committee had organized a delectable luncheon comprising salads, sandwiches, and desserts! Additionally, Leslie Karvan and Diane Pleyn were credited with creating the two stunning spring centerpieces for the event.
President Lois Perry called the meeting to order and invited the various committee heads to give their reports. Diane Macrides, Website and Social Media Chair and Julie Eller, Historian, made a lovely presentation about the past presidents, many of whom were recognized at the meeting. Julie diligently researched and compiled comprehensive histories and biographies of each former president, which are now accessible on the Club’s website.
The meeting concluded with a delightful presentation by Dr. S. Ann Earon, a Master Gardener with the Ocean County Master Gardener’s Speakers Bureau. Her presentation was on Plantastic Succulents. Dr. Earon shared that her success in gardening “is enhanced with time, money and the willingness to toss a plant if it does not behave.” The program was followed by numerous questions from the membership.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2024!
New Members Induction & Gardening Tips! March 2024
Photos by Joyce Lubach (click on images to enlarge)
Submitted by Andrea Apruzzese
The monthly meeting of the Garden Club of LBI was held on Thursday, March 14 at the First Methodist Church located in Beach Haven Terrace. There were 100 women in attendance, including 93 active members, 3 associates and 4 guests.
Maria Dinella’s hospitality team of 12 hostesses prepared a delicious array of sandwiches, cookies and fruit salad which were enjoyed by all. Two beautiful centerpieces were the contribution of Lois Perry and Deb Cowles.
President Lois Perry called the meeting to order. In her report, Lois mentioned that Diane Macrides, who holds the position of Website/Social Media Chair, concurrently conducted a presentation on website and social media topics to twenty-two presidents of New Jersey garden clubs at the Garden Club of New Jersey’s District VIII meeting. This was based on the growing success and outreach of The Garden Club of LBI’s social media program, most especially its presence on Facebook.
As part of the membership report, Eileen Szperka introduced the club’s 14 new members, 8 of whom were present. Membership now stands at 189, with 171 active and 18 associate members. She then announced the slate of officers for the upcoming year, who had been approved by the Nominating Committee and subsequently accepted by the membership. New officers will be inducted at the annual luncheon in June.
The meeting concluded with a lively and information packed presentation by Master Gardener Nancy Osterberg with the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Ocean County. Her subject was “Starting a Vegetable Garden? Let’s Pro-Seed!” She provided numerous tips and suggestions for growing a successful vegetable garden!