September 2023 Meeting
Photos by Theresa Petersen (click on the photos to enlarge)
(l to r) Dianne Pleyn, 1st Vice President with Mandee Elam, Educator & Shelia M. Dean, Co-Director, Marine Mammal Stranding Center
56th Annual Holiday Tour of Homes (l to r) House Chairs: Karen Martinez, Dianne Pleyn, Lois Perry, Bev Reitinger, Bonnie Korbeil, Cathy Sutton & Diane Barbieri
Executive & Standing Committees - Top row (l to r) Chris Volden, Barbara Duff, Cindy McGrath, Ann Calder & Marion Lapchak; Middle row (l to r) Colleen Norton, Julie Eller, Carol Thim, Carol Stracensky, Eileen Szperka, Diane Macrides & Marge Girardo. Bottom row (l to r) Michele Farias, Cathy Sutton, Bonnie Korbeil, Judie Alloway & President Lois Perry
The Garden Club of LBI held their first meeting of the 2023-2024 year on Thursday, September 14, 2023. Total attendance was 110 which included regular members, 6 associates and 10 guests.
Maria Dinella began her tenure as Hospitality Chair with a lovely tea and lunch provided by 12 members. Two beautiful centerpieces were the contributions of Chris Vohden and Kathy Gronostajski.
New President Lois Perry called the meeting to order and began by thanking former presidents Michele Farias and Diane Barbieri. She introduced several new board members and then announced the Environmental Committee’s passing of the torch from Mary Wilding to Kathy Gronostajski.
Along with the various committee reports was a presentation by this month’s guest speakers Sheila Dean and Mandee Elam of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, NJ. Mandee’s presentation educated members on what marine mammals are and the ones the MMSC helps such as whales, dolphins, seals and manatees. She also shared about the different types of sea turtles that we see in New Jersey. Her presentation concluded with a demonstration on how the stranding center works, the facilities they have, the equipment they use and where they respond. It was followed by a brief Q&A.
MAY 2023 MEETING
Photo by Diane Macrides
The Garden Club of LBI held their monthly meeting on Thursday, May 11, 2023. Nearly 125 members and guests attended.
Members and guests were treated to a lovely tea provided by Marge Girardo, Hospitality Committee Chair, and her committee. Nancy Kunz created a stunning spring centerpiece that was admired by all.
Individual committee chairs discussed their programs, projects and goals to keep our membership informed. Our Club relies on the collaboration of our committees to beautify and educate our community.
This month’s guest speaker was Chris Adams, owner of Eastbound Horticulture & Agronomy Consulting. Chris discussed planting and implementing a successful organic kitchen garden. Some of his tricks and tips were garden setup, vegetable varieties and pollination.
April 2023 Meeting
Photo by Jeannette Michelson
Photos by Olga Perlman
The Garden Club of LBI inducted 10 new members at their April 13, 2023 monthly meeting. The total membership to date is 197 members with 174 active members and 23 associate members!
The guest speaker at the Club’s meeting was Caren White, of Advice from the Herb Lady. The gardener, writer and speaker, is a Master Gardener who demonstrated how to use herbs to attract beneficial insects, repel pests, improve your soil and adding companion plants in your garden. White is also a member of the Herb Society of America.
The Club’s hospitality chair, Marge Girardo, and her committee prepared delicious sandwiches and desserts served with tea or coffee. Two lovely centerpieces were created by Leslie Karvan and Nancy Kunz.