2011-2012 Program
September 13, 2011: Fellows Riverside Garden
By Nancy Del Presto
Photos of this trip are posted here.
Seventeen Garden Club members and their guests hopped in the car at 9:30 AM on a beautiful day and made the 11/2 hour drive to Youngstown to visit Fellows Riverside Gardens. I had never heard of these gardens before fellow traveller and member, Rose Guerierri, suggested this destination for a field trip. What a great idea! The drive was quick and easy and we met our tour guides at the front of their Davis Educational and Visitor Center. We split into 2 groups and my group started with a tour of this lovely building that has an observation deck on the third story, a library and a cafe on the first floor with classrooms and a gift shop filling out the rest of the area. We spent time touring the shade garden, perennial garden, a large formal area with beautiful roses, several on trial and not available to the public. Riverside Gardens boasted several theme gardens that I had not come across before. There was a fragrance garden, a heather garden, a home demonstration and trial garden (annuals and perennials) and a gorgeous trial dahlia garden. These trial gardens, like the rose garden, are used to try new cultivars . Riverside Gardens had an arboretum feel to it, as there were many beautiful and, to me, unusual trees surrounding the entire 11 acre garden site, including three fabulous Dawn Redwoods and a Heptacodium or Seven Sons tree, which was in gorgeous bloom. There was a weeping beech in the middle of a large grassy area that carried the scars of many a romantic couple carved on its trunk--a practice greatly discouraged!!!! There was a large gazebo, the site of many a wedding, as well as the North Terrace which overlooks downtown Youngstown. I can only imagine how lovely these gardens look in the spring and early summer.
Trip coordinator Rose Guerrieri notes: These gardens are a required trip for all Pennsylvania Master Gardeners. Fellows boasts more than 15 different gardens. They have something for everyone including a one-hour more relaxed tour with even terrain for those who choose it, a cafe, library, observatory, learning center, gift shop and more. It is an easy one-hour or so drive from Blackridge. Tom and I have been there several times years ago, and it is really a beautiful place.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ran an interesting piece on Fellows on August 27, 2011, which includes the lovely photo above.
Mill Creek Metroparks webpage on Fellows Riverside Gardens is located here, and includes many details and answers to FAQ.
Photos of this trip are posted here.
Seventeen Garden Club members and their guests hopped in the car at 9:30 AM on a beautiful day and made the 11/2 hour drive to Youngstown to visit Fellows Riverside Gardens. I had never heard of these gardens before fellow traveller and member, Rose Guerierri, suggested this destination for a field trip. What a great idea! The drive was quick and easy and we met our tour guides at the front of their Davis Educational and Visitor Center. We split into 2 groups and my group started with a tour of this lovely building that has an observation deck on the third story, a library and a cafe on the first floor with classrooms and a gift shop filling out the rest of the area. We spent time touring the shade garden, perennial garden, a large formal area with beautiful roses, several on trial and not available to the public. Riverside Gardens boasted several theme gardens that I had not come across before. There was a fragrance garden, a heather garden, a home demonstration and trial garden (annuals and perennials) and a gorgeous trial dahlia garden. These trial gardens, like the rose garden, are used to try new cultivars . Riverside Gardens had an arboretum feel to it, as there were many beautiful and, to me, unusual trees surrounding the entire 11 acre garden site, including three fabulous Dawn Redwoods and a Heptacodium or Seven Sons tree, which was in gorgeous bloom. There was a weeping beech in the middle of a large grassy area that carried the scars of many a romantic couple carved on its trunk--a practice greatly discouraged!!!! There was a large gazebo, the site of many a wedding, as well as the North Terrace which overlooks downtown Youngstown. I can only imagine how lovely these gardens look in the spring and early summer.
Trip coordinator Rose Guerrieri notes: These gardens are a required trip for all Pennsylvania Master Gardeners. Fellows boasts more than 15 different gardens. They have something for everyone including a one-hour more relaxed tour with even terrain for those who choose it, a cafe, library, observatory, learning center, gift shop and more. It is an easy one-hour or so drive from Blackridge. Tom and I have been there several times years ago, and it is really a beautiful place.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ran an interesting piece on Fellows on August 27, 2011, which includes the lovely photo above.
Mill Creek Metroparks webpage on Fellows Riverside Gardens is located here, and includes many details and answers to FAQ.
Sept 14, 2011-BGC Members Perform Service Project in nearby Wilkinsburg
By Anne Messner
The Blackridge Garden Club was requested by the Wilkinsburg Rotary to "do something" with the welcoming sign as you enter Wilkinsburg on Penn Avenue coming from Shadyside. The sign, which is actually a brick wall with "Welcome to Wilkinsburg" and the Rotary and other organizations' logos displayed, was covered over by surrounding shrubs, overhanging trees, weeds and overgrown creeping juniper.
It came about because my dentist is a Rotarian and knows of my interest in gardening. He asked if there was a Wilkinsburg Garden Club. I didn't know but said I didn't think so anymore. Then he said wouldn't my garden club be interested and I told him very few of us actually live in Wilkinsburg, but i would check. Nancy DelPresto, Amy Bluedorn and I cut back shrubbery, weeded, pruned the juniper and the overhanging trees. We hauled off 4 huge trash bags and cans and neatened up the area. Nancy bought the cabbages, I bought the mums. Then the Garden Club members donated 6 chrysanthemums and 6 ornamental cabbages which we planted. We hauled enough water so everything would survive and then of course it rained all night, so they should have a good start. As you can see from Amy's photos, it definitely is a nice entrance to our borough. It was a good, short project that made a difference and some good outreach. We were happy.
The Blackridge Garden Club was requested by the Wilkinsburg Rotary to "do something" with the welcoming sign as you enter Wilkinsburg on Penn Avenue coming from Shadyside. The sign, which is actually a brick wall with "Welcome to Wilkinsburg" and the Rotary and other organizations' logos displayed, was covered over by surrounding shrubs, overhanging trees, weeds and overgrown creeping juniper.
It came about because my dentist is a Rotarian and knows of my interest in gardening. He asked if there was a Wilkinsburg Garden Club. I didn't know but said I didn't think so anymore. Then he said wouldn't my garden club be interested and I told him very few of us actually live in Wilkinsburg, but i would check. Nancy DelPresto, Amy Bluedorn and I cut back shrubbery, weeded, pruned the juniper and the overhanging trees. We hauled off 4 huge trash bags and cans and neatened up the area. Nancy bought the cabbages, I bought the mums. Then the Garden Club members donated 6 chrysanthemums and 6 ornamental cabbages which we planted. We hauled enough water so everything would survive and then of course it rained all night, so they should have a good start. As you can see from Amy's photos, it definitely is a nice entrance to our borough. It was a good, short project that made a difference and some good outreach. We were happy.
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BGC Supported BCA at Fall Fest/Concert in the Park
Saturday, October 8, 2011
There were plenty of reasons to attend the BCA's Fall Fest/Concert in the Park this Saturday, not the least of which was that the BGC hosted a table to greet neighbors and new members. We answered questions and provided information about our new birdhouse contest, which will debut at our annual Bloomin' Corners spring benefit. (Scroll down for deets on that!)
Congrats to Sandy Brown, winner of our raffle prize, pictured at left.
Congrats to Sandy Brown, winner of our raffle prize, pictured at left.
October 8, 2011: Fall Spruce Up Blackridge Day
During this semi-annual service project spearheaded by BGC Environmental Chair EJ Foster and her army of volunteers, we cleaned along both side of Beulah Road from the area of Beulah Presbyterian Church, down the hill past the BCA, and towards Churchill Valley Country Club. Volunteers also weeded and cleared the BCA corners and some of the hillside facing the clubhouse.
Anne Messner sums it up: On a lovely October
morning, members of the Garden Club and community gathered to clean up litter and weed the corners at the Civic Association clubhouse. Members of "EJ's Army" have been sprucing up the area for more years than a person can remember. Numerous bags of litter were carted to the dumpster, after which delicious pumpkin coffee and breakfast treats were served by Lil and Neal Huguley and EJ Foster. The other members of the "Army" in attendance were Peg Parsons, Anne Messner, Bob Messner, Diane Law, MJ Shaw, BGC Prez Nancy Del Presto, and Judy Diorio.
Photos of the event can be seen here.
Anne Messner sums it up: On a lovely October
morning, members of the Garden Club and community gathered to clean up litter and weed the corners at the Civic Association clubhouse. Members of "EJ's Army" have been sprucing up the area for more years than a person can remember. Numerous bags of litter were carted to the dumpster, after which delicious pumpkin coffee and breakfast treats were served by Lil and Neal Huguley and EJ Foster. The other members of the "Army" in attendance were Peg Parsons, Anne Messner, Bob Messner, Diane Law, MJ Shaw, BGC Prez Nancy Del Presto, and Judy Diorio.
Photos of the event can be seen here.
October 11, 2011: Creating a Bird Habitat in Your Yard
We learned about our local birds and how to attract them and keep them coming back to visit our yards.
Speaker: Bob Mulvihill (who was excellent!)
7:00 PM, BCA
Bob is the Director of Education at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, having started his career banding birds as a Pitt student with the Carnegie's Powdermill Nature Reserve, near Ligonier; he later worked in its Avian Research Center. Author of dozens of articles,he contributed heavily to the 2nd Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas. Mulvihill also recommends the resources of Birds and Blooms magazine, the Audubon Society of Western PA, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Topics Included
Food Committee: Vicki Rodia, Tara Taylor, Emilie Freese
Flowers: Ceil Greber
Photos of the event are here.
Speaker: Bob Mulvihill (who was excellent!)
7:00 PM, BCA
Bob is the Director of Education at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, having started his career banding birds as a Pitt student with the Carnegie's Powdermill Nature Reserve, near Ligonier; he later worked in its Avian Research Center. Author of dozens of articles,he contributed heavily to the 2nd Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas. Mulvihill also recommends the resources of Birds and Blooms magazine, the Audubon Society of Western PA, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Topics Included
- Trees: Malus x zumi 'Calocarpa', native maples--sugar, red, silver, native oaks--white, native or European larch, Cornus florida, serviceberry
- Shrubs: Pokeweed, Cornus racemosa, spicebush
- Vines: Virginia creeper, poison ivy
- Flowers: Jewel weed, cardinal flower, Asteraceae (Compositae), Monarda, dandelions
- Water
- Birds: Songbirds--indigo bunting, scarlet tanager, catbird, robin, cardinal, Eastern bluebird, other thrushes, cedar waxwing, goldfinch, wren, swallow. Woodpeckers--downy, red-bellied, yellow-bellied sapsucker. Birds of prey--screech owl, hawk. Fowl--turkey. Hummingbirds--ruby-throated, western. Crows, jays. International Migratory Bird Day (second Saturday in May.)
- Bird Feeders: Suet feeders, peanut feeders, goldfinch feeders
- Birdhouses: bluebirds, wrens, chickadees, owls
Food Committee: Vicki Rodia, Tara Taylor, Emilie Freese
Flowers: Ceil Greber
Photos of the event are here.
November 6, 2011: Ironwork for Gardens and Interiors
BGC Art in the Garden Lecture Series:
Thank you to our guests from neighboring garden clubs Weed and Seed, Verona, and Churchill, and to our members and friends from Blackridge. We numbered about 60 at this program.
Speakers: Chris Holt and John Steel of Steel Welding Custom Ironwork
1:00 PM, BCA
After admiring Anne Morton’s gorgeous ironwork on this year’s popular Garden Tour, we know this topic and speaker will prove fascinating. Master Gardener and ironwork artist Christ Holt and her work partner, John Steel, spoke on how to successfully choose, install, maintain, and enjoy ironwork. Chris is a popular speaker at the Philly Flower Show and Phipps Conservatory. PHOTOS OF THE EVENT ARE POSTED HERE.
John and Chris donated a gorgeous ironwork triple shepherd's hook, which was won in a raffle by Judy Diorio, and also donated a beautiful garden stake for us to raffle off at our Bloomin' Corners Benefit in March!
Lunch Committee: Nancy Del Presto, Judy Diorio, Sheila Mozer, Margie Darbut, Ceil Greber (Roasted butternut squash ravioli with sage butter sauce; mixed baby greens with cranberries, walnuts, heirloom tomatoes, and Italian vinaigrette; apple cider donuts with pumpkin ice cream.)
Flowers and centerpieces, which were raffled as door prizes: Shelley Grotzinger
Mary Kay Door Prize was kindly donated by Mary Lou Benedetti.
Thank you to our guests from neighboring garden clubs Weed and Seed, Verona, and Churchill, and to our members and friends from Blackridge. We numbered about 60 at this program.
Speakers: Chris Holt and John Steel of Steel Welding Custom Ironwork
1:00 PM, BCA
After admiring Anne Morton’s gorgeous ironwork on this year’s popular Garden Tour, we know this topic and speaker will prove fascinating. Master Gardener and ironwork artist Christ Holt and her work partner, John Steel, spoke on how to successfully choose, install, maintain, and enjoy ironwork. Chris is a popular speaker at the Philly Flower Show and Phipps Conservatory. PHOTOS OF THE EVENT ARE POSTED HERE.
John and Chris donated a gorgeous ironwork triple shepherd's hook, which was won in a raffle by Judy Diorio, and also donated a beautiful garden stake for us to raffle off at our Bloomin' Corners Benefit in March!
Lunch Committee: Nancy Del Presto, Judy Diorio, Sheila Mozer, Margie Darbut, Ceil Greber (Roasted butternut squash ravioli with sage butter sauce; mixed baby greens with cranberries, walnuts, heirloom tomatoes, and Italian vinaigrette; apple cider donuts with pumpkin ice cream.)
Flowers and centerpieces, which were raffled as door prizes: Shelley Grotzinger
Mary Kay Door Prize was kindly donated by Mary Lou Benedetti.
December 6, 2011: Celebrating the Season in Song
Members and guests of the BGC enjoyed a festive celebration as the Woodland Hills High School Chamber Choir entertained us with holiday and seasonal songs.
Singers: WHHS Chamber Choir
11:30 AM, BCA
Lunch Committee: Rose Guierrieri, Sue Fish, Marie Hickam, Diane Law
Poinsettias and Raffle: Adrienne O'Toole
PHOTOS of the event are here.
Here's a clip of a 2010 performance of the Chamber Choir:
Singers: WHHS Chamber Choir
11:30 AM, BCA
Lunch Committee: Rose Guierrieri, Sue Fish, Marie Hickam, Diane Law
Poinsettias and Raffle: Adrienne O'Toole
PHOTOS of the event are here.
Here's a clip of a 2010 performance of the Chamber Choir:
March 6, 2012: Greening Our Future
We heard about the wonderful work completed, the latest developments, and the near future opening of the Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens.
Speaker From: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
11:30 AM, BCA
These long awaited gardens will be a huge asset to Pittsburgh and will provide a source of beauty and education to visitors. Located near Settlers Cabin County Park on over 400 acres, PBG will boast 18 themed gardens along with lush woodlands.
Lunch: Sonny Bobula, EJ Foster, Hope Inverso, Toni Kinkella, Adrienne O'Toole
Flowers: EJ Foster
Executive Board Meeting: Preceding the program, 9:30 AM, BCA
Speaker From: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
11:30 AM, BCA
These long awaited gardens will be a huge asset to Pittsburgh and will provide a source of beauty and education to visitors. Located near Settlers Cabin County Park on over 400 acres, PBG will boast 18 themed gardens along with lush woodlands.
Lunch: Sonny Bobula, EJ Foster, Hope Inverso, Toni Kinkella, Adrienne O'Toole
Flowers: EJ Foster
Executive Board Meeting: Preceding the program, 9:30 AM, BCA
Bloomin' Corners 2012: House Party!
All proceeds from Bloomin’ Corners go towards maintaining our signature corners and for community service projects, including donations to the BCA and the BSC.
Blackridge Garden Club Bloomin’ Corners Benefit:
“House Party”
Auction, Raffle, and Birdhouse Contest
Tapas-style Buffet Stations
Featuring Howie Alexander Live on Jazz Piano
Friday, March 16, 2012
7:00 PM
Longue Vue Club
Verona, Pennsylvania
Photos here.
House Party Menu
Beverages
Two Cocktail Chits per Guest
Unlimited Hot Coffee, Iced and Hot Tea, and Soda Pop
Starters
Cheese Display with Crackers and Baguettes
Fresh Vegetable Crudite Platter with Ranch and Dill Dips
Hummus and Dippers
Salads
Country Club Salad with Paris Dressing
Southwestern Caesar Salad
Pastas and Breads
Creamy Penne with Shrimp and Spring Peas
Pasta Pomadoro with Tomato, Basil, Garlic, and Olive Oil
Rustic Breads with Whipped Butter
Meats
Beef Satay
Crab Sliders with Onion Marmalade and Alfalfa Sprouts
Desserts
Assorted Mini Cookies and Pastries
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Cash Bar
“House Party” Bloomin’ Corners Benefit 2012 Agenda
Arrival of Guests, Cocktails, Starters--in Cocktail Lounge and Living Room
Mr. Alexander on Piano
Chance Auction and 50/50 Ticket Sales
Raffle Ticket Sales, Birdhouse Contest Display
Open Seating and Food Stations in Ballroom
Drawing of “Big” Raffle Winners
Announcement of Birdhouse Contest Winners and Awarding of Prizes
Desserts Displayed in Living Room
Winners of Chance Auctions and 50/50 Raffle Announced
Cash Bar and Mingling
Birdsnest Fern Centerpiece Purchases
Birdhouse Contest Entrants
Anne Messner: Bamboo Birdhouse
Bill Miller: Bee It Ever So Humble (First Prize Winner: $100.00 cash)
Bruce Neino: Home Tweet Home
Hedy and Donald Esplen: Take Flight
MJ Shaw: Rough and Ready
Katie Werner: Garden Gourd
Wanda Dietrich and Peter Hughes: Martins’ Manor (Second Prize Winner: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Membership and Panera Gift Card)
Welcome & Announcements
Nancy Del Presto, President, Blackridge Garden Club
Benefit Committees
Chair: Nancy Del Presto
Auction: Nancy Del Presto, Rose Guerrieri, Adrienne O’Toole
Reservations and Graphics: Tara Taylor
Planning and Centerpieces: Judy Diorio, Shelley Grotzinger, Lilia Huguley, Tara Taylor
Raffle: Rose Guerrieri
Contest: Nancy Del Presto, Joe De Stefano, Judy Diorio, Ceil Greber
Ticket Prices
50/50: 1 for $1, 6 for $5, arm’s length for $10
Chance Auction: 1 for $3, 6 for $10, 14 for $20, 25 for $30
"Big" Raffle: 1 for $5, 6 for $25.
"Big" Raffle Prizes
Generous Donors to 2012 Bloomin’ Corners Benefit
Andy Warhol Museum
Bathfitters
Better Feeds and Garden Center
Bernadette Krueger
Carabella
Carnegie Science Center
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
Cheesecake Factory, donated by Elaine McBride
Costco
D’Imperio’s Restaurant
Hepatica
Janoski’s Farm and Greenhouse
Judy Diorio and Joe Toth
Karen Womack
Keystone Health Club and Cafe
Kuhn’s Market
Le Mont Restaurant
Lilia Huguley
LMS Greenhouse and Nursery
Mallorca Restaurant
Palmieri’s Restaurant
Penn Hills Lawn and Garden
Phipps Conservatory and Botanic Gardens
Pines Tavern
Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre
Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Steelers, donated by Karen Mercalde
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, donated by Nancy and Peter Del Presto
Pittsburgh Zoo
Plumline Nursery
Rene’s Restaurant
Sam’s Club
Sestilli’s Nursery
Soergel Greenhouses
Tanger Outlets, donated by Thomas Guerrieri, Jr.
Tara Taylor and Gary Franko
Wild Birds Unlimited
And thanks to all of the Blackridge Garden Club members who donated items to the raffle and/or the chance auction with special thanks to Adrienne, Doris, Helen, Judy, Nancy, and Rose.
Blackridge Garden Club Bloomin’ Corners Benefit:
“House Party”
Auction, Raffle, and Birdhouse Contest
Tapas-style Buffet Stations
Featuring Howie Alexander Live on Jazz Piano
Friday, March 16, 2012
7:00 PM
Longue Vue Club
Verona, Pennsylvania
Photos here.
House Party Menu
Beverages
Two Cocktail Chits per Guest
Unlimited Hot Coffee, Iced and Hot Tea, and Soda Pop
Starters
Cheese Display with Crackers and Baguettes
Fresh Vegetable Crudite Platter with Ranch and Dill Dips
Hummus and Dippers
Salads
Country Club Salad with Paris Dressing
Southwestern Caesar Salad
Pastas and Breads
Creamy Penne with Shrimp and Spring Peas
Pasta Pomadoro with Tomato, Basil, Garlic, and Olive Oil
Rustic Breads with Whipped Butter
Meats
Beef Satay
Crab Sliders with Onion Marmalade and Alfalfa Sprouts
Desserts
Assorted Mini Cookies and Pastries
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Cash Bar
“House Party” Bloomin’ Corners Benefit 2012 Agenda
Arrival of Guests, Cocktails, Starters--in Cocktail Lounge and Living Room
Mr. Alexander on Piano
Chance Auction and 50/50 Ticket Sales
Raffle Ticket Sales, Birdhouse Contest Display
Open Seating and Food Stations in Ballroom
Drawing of “Big” Raffle Winners
Announcement of Birdhouse Contest Winners and Awarding of Prizes
Desserts Displayed in Living Room
Winners of Chance Auctions and 50/50 Raffle Announced
Cash Bar and Mingling
Birdsnest Fern Centerpiece Purchases
Birdhouse Contest Entrants
Anne Messner: Bamboo Birdhouse
Bill Miller: Bee It Ever So Humble (First Prize Winner: $100.00 cash)
Bruce Neino: Home Tweet Home
Hedy and Donald Esplen: Take Flight
MJ Shaw: Rough and Ready
Katie Werner: Garden Gourd
Wanda Dietrich and Peter Hughes: Martins’ Manor (Second Prize Winner: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Membership and Panera Gift Card)
Welcome & Announcements
Nancy Del Presto, President, Blackridge Garden Club
Benefit Committees
Chair: Nancy Del Presto
Auction: Nancy Del Presto, Rose Guerrieri, Adrienne O’Toole
Reservations and Graphics: Tara Taylor
Planning and Centerpieces: Judy Diorio, Shelley Grotzinger, Lilia Huguley, Tara Taylor
Raffle: Rose Guerrieri
Contest: Nancy Del Presto, Joe De Stefano, Judy Diorio, Ceil Greber
Ticket Prices
50/50: 1 for $1, 6 for $5, arm’s length for $10
Chance Auction: 1 for $3, 6 for $10, 14 for $20, 25 for $30
"Big" Raffle: 1 for $5, 6 for $25.
"Big" Raffle Prizes
- A round of golf for two, including two carts and lunch at Longue Vue Club Winner: Marcia Conley
- Basket of cheer Winner: Stephanie Shoemaker
- Omni Hotels & Resorts Bedford Springs 2-night stay with complimentary Crystal Room breakfast each morning (award-winning spa, nature retreat, and golf course, FYI!) Winner: Amy Gordon
- Cash prize of $200.00 Winner: Ronnie Deer
Generous Donors to 2012 Bloomin’ Corners Benefit
Andy Warhol Museum
Bathfitters
Better Feeds and Garden Center
Bernadette Krueger
Carabella
Carnegie Science Center
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
Cheesecake Factory, donated by Elaine McBride
Costco
D’Imperio’s Restaurant
Hepatica
Janoski’s Farm and Greenhouse
Judy Diorio and Joe Toth
Karen Womack
Keystone Health Club and Cafe
Kuhn’s Market
Le Mont Restaurant
Lilia Huguley
LMS Greenhouse and Nursery
Mallorca Restaurant
Palmieri’s Restaurant
Penn Hills Lawn and Garden
Phipps Conservatory and Botanic Gardens
Pines Tavern
Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre
Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Steelers, donated by Karen Mercalde
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, donated by Nancy and Peter Del Presto
Pittsburgh Zoo
Plumline Nursery
Rene’s Restaurant
Sam’s Club
Sestilli’s Nursery
Soergel Greenhouses
Tanger Outlets, donated by Thomas Guerrieri, Jr.
Tara Taylor and Gary Franko
Wild Birds Unlimited
And thanks to all of the Blackridge Garden Club members who donated items to the raffle and/or the chance auction with special thanks to Adrienne, Doris, Helen, Judy, Nancy, and Rose.
April 7, 2012: Spring Spruce Up Blackridge Day
EJ's Army GIs EJ Foster, Nancy Del Presto, Anne Messner, Peg Parsons, and before the Churchill Borough Easter Bunny Parade, Sheila Mozer, pitched in and helped to clean up the area around the BCA Clubhouse along Beulah Road. This small but mighty group were treated to brunch goodies by Lil and Neal Huguley.
Photos of the service project are posted here.
April 10, 2012: Real Garden Sprites: Butterflies and Hummingbirds
Speaker: Marcy Cunkelman
Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania Keystone Gardener, Editor
7:00 PM, BCA
In addition to editing the GCFP Keystone Gardener newsletter, Ms. Cunkelman is an active butterfly watcher, breeder, and educator. An avid gardener, monarch watch participant and educator, Marcy is a regular caller to the "Birds and Nature with Scott Shalaway" radio show at 1360 AM Sundays at noon. Her many acre Clarksburg, PA garden is designed to attract not only butterflies, but hummingbirds as well as plenty of local birds. Marcy educated us on the the life cycles of these garden sprites to help us attract them to our gardens.
Anne Messner offers the following take on the evening: What a really terrific meeting! Marcy was just delightful -- her photographs were spectacular, the number of living things she photographed in her own backyard was phenomenal -- and throughout the slide show, we learned so much about habitat, host plants, nectar plants, caterpillars, moths, butterflies, cocoons, chrysalises and on and on to say nothing of bird information of all kinds.
Plus--the snacks were delicious (fresh fruit in April -- what a treat!).
Nancy Del Presto adds: The meeting was very good. Marcy is a wealth of information of not only butterflies, but it seems, of all God's creatures. Toward the end, she showed a picture of a brown bear that has visited her hummingbird feeders. She has a large wheelchair ramp leading up to her house and that is where the bear was! She was nervous but snapped a great pic nonetheless. Marcy brought a lot for show and tell.....several types of hummingbird feeders, plants to show that are host plants, resource books and a slide show that was filled with gorgeous butterflies, mostly, and many of them opened and closed with tips on how to ID along with nectar plants and host plants for each. Her photos were fantastic. She knows SO much about all butterflies that everyone was seriously impressed.
Anne Messner brought beautiful primroses that we gave away by having folks answer trivia questions posed by Marcy.
Snacks: Tara Taylor, Donna Issac, Jeanette Trauth
Flowers: Anne Messner
Photos are posted here.
Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania Keystone Gardener, Editor
7:00 PM, BCA
In addition to editing the GCFP Keystone Gardener newsletter, Ms. Cunkelman is an active butterfly watcher, breeder, and educator. An avid gardener, monarch watch participant and educator, Marcy is a regular caller to the "Birds and Nature with Scott Shalaway" radio show at 1360 AM Sundays at noon. Her many acre Clarksburg, PA garden is designed to attract not only butterflies, but hummingbirds as well as plenty of local birds. Marcy educated us on the the life cycles of these garden sprites to help us attract them to our gardens.
Anne Messner offers the following take on the evening: What a really terrific meeting! Marcy was just delightful -- her photographs were spectacular, the number of living things she photographed in her own backyard was phenomenal -- and throughout the slide show, we learned so much about habitat, host plants, nectar plants, caterpillars, moths, butterflies, cocoons, chrysalises and on and on to say nothing of bird information of all kinds.
Plus--the snacks were delicious (fresh fruit in April -- what a treat!).
Nancy Del Presto adds: The meeting was very good. Marcy is a wealth of information of not only butterflies, but it seems, of all God's creatures. Toward the end, she showed a picture of a brown bear that has visited her hummingbird feeders. She has a large wheelchair ramp leading up to her house and that is where the bear was! She was nervous but snapped a great pic nonetheless. Marcy brought a lot for show and tell.....several types of hummingbird feeders, plants to show that are host plants, resource books and a slide show that was filled with gorgeous butterflies, mostly, and many of them opened and closed with tips on how to ID along with nectar plants and host plants for each. Her photos were fantastic. She knows SO much about all butterflies that everyone was seriously impressed.
Anne Messner brought beautiful primroses that we gave away by having folks answer trivia questions posed by Marcy.
Snacks: Tara Taylor, Donna Issac, Jeanette Trauth
Flowers: Anne Messner
Photos are posted here.
May 10, 2012:
Annual, Not-To-Be-Missed, Plant Auction
By Lil Huguley, May 11, 2012
Last night's annual Blackridge Garden Plant Auction was another great, spirited event! About 75 neighbors, long-time friends and new acquaintances were welcomed to bid on a wide variety of plants and shrubs to benefit the Blackridge "Bloomin' Corners."
It is amazing to see the variety the variety of beautiful, healthy perennials people donate for this exchange. People really bring their best. Katie Werner in her pre-wedding busy-ness took time to dig up and donate some wonderful specimens that were prized, considering things --such as the ceremony--that might be on her mind this week. (Best wishes and many thanks, Katie!) Each year I go to the auction to "help" in some way, knowing that my garden is full and I don't need a thing. But Ceil Greber, our cheerleader auctioneer for several years, gives the plant's bio and gets the crowd involved in the scene. So last evening, as in other years, I came home happily with a trunk full.
It's so worth it to be there. Of course, the plants are beautiful and you are likely to get what you want at a great price. Even more importantly, you have a wonderful opportunity to relax and chat up your neighbors and make new friends. And this year, you could buy yourself a homemade treat!
We added a cash snack bar this year that really took off! It featured Italian Meatball Sliders and Tuna Salad Sliders, as well as Homemade Lemon Squares and Brownies. We want to find out whether we should promote and expand this feature next year, so please take a minute to tell us how you liked it.
Hope you were there and are watering your "take" this sunny afternoon. If you weren't, hope you'll mark your calendar for early May next year, and look forward to a fun time at the Annual Blackridge Garden Club Auction. It's not to be missed!
Photos of the event are posted here. Please share your feedback and your photos with us!
Last night's annual Blackridge Garden Plant Auction was another great, spirited event! About 75 neighbors, long-time friends and new acquaintances were welcomed to bid on a wide variety of plants and shrubs to benefit the Blackridge "Bloomin' Corners."
It is amazing to see the variety the variety of beautiful, healthy perennials people donate for this exchange. People really bring their best. Katie Werner in her pre-wedding busy-ness took time to dig up and donate some wonderful specimens that were prized, considering things --such as the ceremony--that might be on her mind this week. (Best wishes and many thanks, Katie!) Each year I go to the auction to "help" in some way, knowing that my garden is full and I don't need a thing. But Ceil Greber, our cheerleader auctioneer for several years, gives the plant's bio and gets the crowd involved in the scene. So last evening, as in other years, I came home happily with a trunk full.
It's so worth it to be there. Of course, the plants are beautiful and you are likely to get what you want at a great price. Even more importantly, you have a wonderful opportunity to relax and chat up your neighbors and make new friends. And this year, you could buy yourself a homemade treat!
We added a cash snack bar this year that really took off! It featured Italian Meatball Sliders and Tuna Salad Sliders, as well as Homemade Lemon Squares and Brownies. We want to find out whether we should promote and expand this feature next year, so please take a minute to tell us how you liked it.
Hope you were there and are watering your "take" this sunny afternoon. If you weren't, hope you'll mark your calendar for early May next year, and look forward to a fun time at the Annual Blackridge Garden Club Auction. It's not to be missed!
Photos of the event are posted here. Please share your feedback and your photos with us!
President's Luncheon: June 5, 2012
2012 BGC President’s Luncheon:
A Perennial Pleasure
by Diana Yankes, June 13, 2012
An usually strong turnout--over half of the members of the Blackridge Garden Club--attended the President’s Luncheon June 5th. Seated at four tastefully set tables of eight that made for friendly conversation and lingering over the last cup of tea or coffee, members celebrated another year of Nancy
Del Presto’s outstanding leadership role in our fund-raising and community-building success these past 12 months.
The Year in Review
The difference that had everyone talking this year was the revamped “Bloomin’ Corners House Party” at Long Vue Country Club in March. Replacing a luncheon and fashion show with an evening out, enteriainment, more emphasis on the raffle and silent auction, and a show of local talent--the birdhouse construction competition—boosted community interest and participation. The birdhouse-themed event drew 170 guests, a record for recent years, including an exponential increase in attendance by gentlemen. Financially, the event raised in the range of seven thousand dollars, near the previous record when the economy was stronger. For Nancy, “I think the new format, the good food and company were the draws. People like to feel included and I think they did feel that way…there were folks I had not seen in years that came!”
But it is not just planning and doing that makes Nancy so special. According to Sheila Mozer, it’s her inspiration and sense of fun: “She has sparked enthusiasm on the part of other members to get them more involved in the BGC.”
In honor of Nancy’s dedication, the BGC donated in her name to the Phipps Conservatory’s Botany-in-Action program, which supports US doctoral candidates research their thesis projects in the field around the world. (Learn more about BIA Fellowship grants here.)
2012-2013 To Sustain Momentum and Broaden Involvement
Following the wrap-up of the previous year, Shirley Rapport hosted the installation of a returning slate of officers for 2012-2013. She presented a single rose each to Sheila, who is Vice-President and Membership Chair, Rose Guerrieri (absent)--Treasurer, Diane Law--Secretary, and a bouquet to the incumbent President.
Nancy, Sheila and Diane each spoke briefly. Sheila brought renewal membership forms which she urged all to take advantage of to “save the cost of postage or the time to deliver personally.” Nancy announced that current members of the executive board would like to serve as mentors to any member who would like to learn about an individual executive position and possibly take it on in the future.
Lilia Huguley spoke eloquently about the club’s role in educating residents, beautifying the neighborhood, and providing opportunities to get out and socialize with neighbors. She elaborated on “the importance of choosing your special way to support the work of the club—perhaps the Corner Crews, or Program, Communications or Environment Committee would be a fit. Consider using your skills in accounting, journalism, gardening or administration to personalize your involvement in the club” when renewing membership. She said we especially need fresh ideas for events, or how to tweak events, as we did with the Bloomin’ Corners House Party.
An Annual Event Not to Be Missed
The event took place in a private dining room at D’imperio’s, a long-time supporter of the club, located on William Penn Highway at Penn Center Boulevard. The staff was attentive, the new chef’s entrees, salads and desserts were delicious, and the coffee excellent. Iced tea was served festively in glass goblets and each place setting included a potted double pink impatiens, just starting to bud, from Penn Hills Lawn and Garden Center (located at the intersection of Jefferson and Rodi Roads).
But with all the attention to detail for beauty and comfort, it was the member’s liveliness that will linger on. Observes Sheila, “I most like the fact that the room was buzzing with all-inclusive conversations at all of the tables. No one, even those who were new to the group, sat silently. The conversations were warm, punctuated by lots of laughter. Most importantly, the event gave the club an opportunity to let Nancy know how very much we appreciate all the hard work she puts in for the BGC and the community.”
The lunch truly celebrated the dedication and individual contribution of each and every club member: a special thanks to the luncheon planning committee: Kathy and Ralph DeFilippo, Adele Butterfield and Sheila Mozer.
A Perennial Pleasure
by Diana Yankes, June 13, 2012
An usually strong turnout--over half of the members of the Blackridge Garden Club--attended the President’s Luncheon June 5th. Seated at four tastefully set tables of eight that made for friendly conversation and lingering over the last cup of tea or coffee, members celebrated another year of Nancy
Del Presto’s outstanding leadership role in our fund-raising and community-building success these past 12 months.
The Year in Review
The difference that had everyone talking this year was the revamped “Bloomin’ Corners House Party” at Long Vue Country Club in March. Replacing a luncheon and fashion show with an evening out, enteriainment, more emphasis on the raffle and silent auction, and a show of local talent--the birdhouse construction competition—boosted community interest and participation. The birdhouse-themed event drew 170 guests, a record for recent years, including an exponential increase in attendance by gentlemen. Financially, the event raised in the range of seven thousand dollars, near the previous record when the economy was stronger. For Nancy, “I think the new format, the good food and company were the draws. People like to feel included and I think they did feel that way…there were folks I had not seen in years that came!”
But it is not just planning and doing that makes Nancy so special. According to Sheila Mozer, it’s her inspiration and sense of fun: “She has sparked enthusiasm on the part of other members to get them more involved in the BGC.”
In honor of Nancy’s dedication, the BGC donated in her name to the Phipps Conservatory’s Botany-in-Action program, which supports US doctoral candidates research their thesis projects in the field around the world. (Learn more about BIA Fellowship grants here.)
2012-2013 To Sustain Momentum and Broaden Involvement
Following the wrap-up of the previous year, Shirley Rapport hosted the installation of a returning slate of officers for 2012-2013. She presented a single rose each to Sheila, who is Vice-President and Membership Chair, Rose Guerrieri (absent)--Treasurer, Diane Law--Secretary, and a bouquet to the incumbent President.
Nancy, Sheila and Diane each spoke briefly. Sheila brought renewal membership forms which she urged all to take advantage of to “save the cost of postage or the time to deliver personally.” Nancy announced that current members of the executive board would like to serve as mentors to any member who would like to learn about an individual executive position and possibly take it on in the future.
Lilia Huguley spoke eloquently about the club’s role in educating residents, beautifying the neighborhood, and providing opportunities to get out and socialize with neighbors. She elaborated on “the importance of choosing your special way to support the work of the club—perhaps the Corner Crews, or Program, Communications or Environment Committee would be a fit. Consider using your skills in accounting, journalism, gardening or administration to personalize your involvement in the club” when renewing membership. She said we especially need fresh ideas for events, or how to tweak events, as we did with the Bloomin’ Corners House Party.
An Annual Event Not to Be Missed
The event took place in a private dining room at D’imperio’s, a long-time supporter of the club, located on William Penn Highway at Penn Center Boulevard. The staff was attentive, the new chef’s entrees, salads and desserts were delicious, and the coffee excellent. Iced tea was served festively in glass goblets and each place setting included a potted double pink impatiens, just starting to bud, from Penn Hills Lawn and Garden Center (located at the intersection of Jefferson and Rodi Roads).
But with all the attention to detail for beauty and comfort, it was the member’s liveliness that will linger on. Observes Sheila, “I most like the fact that the room was buzzing with all-inclusive conversations at all of the tables. No one, even those who were new to the group, sat silently. The conversations were warm, punctuated by lots of laughter. Most importantly, the event gave the club an opportunity to let Nancy know how very much we appreciate all the hard work she puts in for the BGC and the community.”
The lunch truly celebrated the dedication and individual contribution of each and every club member: a special thanks to the luncheon planning committee: Kathy and Ralph DeFilippo, Adele Butterfield and Sheila Mozer.
