Garden Club Welcomes May! – May 2025
Photos by Donna Erhard, Kevin Janis and Joyce Lubach
President Lois Perry receives a token of appreciation for her service as President of the Board of The Garden Club of LBI for the 2023-2025 term!
Submitted by Andrea Apruzzese
Members of the Garden Club of LBI gathered at the First Methodist Church on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Beach Haven Terrace for their final meeting of the calendar year. The meeting began with a standing ovation for outgoing president Lois Perry. President Perry held this position from 2023-2025.
The 116 members in attendance (109 active members, 5 associates and 2 guests) were treated to a delectable luncheon of sandwiches and desserts provided by Peg Weirich’s and Deb Borchert’s dedicated hospitality team of 11 hostesses. Gracing the serving tables were stunning spring arrangements created by Kathy Gronostajski and Deb Cowles.
Deb Cowles was also the meeting’s guest presenter. Her program on native gardening, “Contain Yourself and Go Wild,” was informative and entertaining with many members taking photos of her PowerPoint* slides. (click here to view this insightful presentation) Deb raffled off a gorgeous container garden which was won by Tracey Cameron.
With the Club’s Standard Flower Show set for Thursday, May 15, the Horticulture team was on hand to answer any last-minute questions.
Bonnie Korbeil presented the recipients of the Club’s Special Projects grants and Claire Hennig gave an update on the Scholarship program. Peggy Sweeney offered a demonstration on Zeffy, the Club’s new on-line payment platform.
Members planned their tables and ordered tickets for the annual spring luncheon to be held on June 12 at LBI National Golf & Resort in Little Egg Harbor. The Garden Club’s calendar year will officially end the following week with the Outdoor Living Garden Tour and Art Show scheduled for Thursday, June 19, 2025.
Luncheon, Tea & Monthly Meeting! – April 2025
Photos by Kevin Janis, Joyce Lubach & Lisa Tyson (click on images to enlarge)
Daffodils, violets and hyacinths from one of our member's yard, Leslie Karvan, and featuring an alternative to oasis with recycled bottles tucked into two baskets!
(l to r) Joyce Hillyer and Jacqi Lahm overseeing the registration for the upcoming Sunset Flower Farm member trip!
(l to r) Pat Murphy & Mary Ann Chatfield. It's great to have your picture taken with friends but even better when it's your sister!
Dianne Pleyn providing supplies and information sheets to those enrolled in the Artistic Crafts classes for our Standard Flower Show event on May 15.
Submitted by Andrea Apruzzese
It was quite a busy agenda for The Garden Club of Long Beach Island’s meeting held on Thursday, April 10 at the First United Methodist Church in Beach Haven Terrace. With 120 active members, four associate members and two guests in attendance, the meeting began with a phenomenal program on Companion and Cuisine Gardening presented by members Suzan Priolo, Deb Cowles and Cindy McGrath.
Ten hostesses from the Hospitality team, led by Debbie Borchert and Peggy Weirich, presented a charming spring luncheon and tea, accentuated by beautiful centerpieces of tulips and daffodils designed by Gen Cunningham and Leslie Karvan.
Following the call to order by President Lois Perry, Lisa Tyson shared the customary Thought of the Day. Janice Stonaker, the 2nd Vice President and Membership Chair, took a moment to acknowledge members Judy Simpson and Pat Doyle, who will be honored at the June luncheon for their 25 years of dedicated membership in The Garden Club of Long Beach Island. Chris Vohden, Chair of the Beach Haven Library Garden, was also acknowledged for her 12 years of service as the Chair of that garden. Deb Cowles will now assume that position.
Garden chairs Bonnie Brodman and Carol Thimm, along with Chris Vohden and Deb Cowles, emphasized the importance of having members join a garden team, particularly with the Outside Living Garden Tour and Art Show approaching in June. Additional committee reports provided updates on the Standard Flower Show, Website/Social Media/Photography initiatives, the 58th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes, Intergenerational programs, May Day Baskets, and upcoming Trips.
Our next Monthly Meeting is set for May 8, 2025. We encourage you to visit our website and social media channels for updates on the exciting events The Garden Club of Long Beach Island has planned!
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.