2012-2013 Program
Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at 11:00 AM
Nancy Del Presto was honored.
President's Luncheon
D'Imperio's Restaurant, Wilkins Twp, PA
D'Imperio's Restaurant, Wilkins Twp, PA
May 1, 2013: Annual, Not-To-Be-Missed, Plant Auction
By Lil Huguley
We had another fun night at the "Not-To-Be-Missed" Blackridge Garden Club Plant Auction! Ceil Greber was in rare form and the crowd was ready for her to help them bid on their favorites. We thank you for bringing such fine specimens to share. Lots of great Blackridge growers are being shared and Katie Werner was there to add her expertise to the event so our purchases will go on doing well in their new surroundings.
Attendance was outstanding and is reflected in unprecedented results of over $1,200 that will directly benefit the corners. Part of those proceeds came from the beautifully presented and tasty display of food prepared for us by Amanda Veoni. She introduced me to what I think will become a new summer refresher around our patio: cucumber water. And Lesa Skotnicki made the most delightful lemon, butterscotch and brownie squares to round out Amanda's plate of homemade meatball sandwiches and Italian potato salad.
It's always great to see everybody, but it's truly remarkable to see how the kids (especially our helpful Esplen neighbors!) grow from event to event. They were as serious about running the plants to the purchasers as they were about those cookies and squares! If you didn't get there this year, be sure to mark your calendar for the next big event. It's not to be missed.
Photos of the event are posted here.
We had another fun night at the "Not-To-Be-Missed" Blackridge Garden Club Plant Auction! Ceil Greber was in rare form and the crowd was ready for her to help them bid on their favorites. We thank you for bringing such fine specimens to share. Lots of great Blackridge growers are being shared and Katie Werner was there to add her expertise to the event so our purchases will go on doing well in their new surroundings.
Attendance was outstanding and is reflected in unprecedented results of over $1,200 that will directly benefit the corners. Part of those proceeds came from the beautifully presented and tasty display of food prepared for us by Amanda Veoni. She introduced me to what I think will become a new summer refresher around our patio: cucumber water. And Lesa Skotnicki made the most delightful lemon, butterscotch and brownie squares to round out Amanda's plate of homemade meatball sandwiches and Italian potato salad.
It's always great to see everybody, but it's truly remarkable to see how the kids (especially our helpful Esplen neighbors!) grow from event to event. They were as serious about running the plants to the purchasers as they were about those cookies and squares! If you didn't get there this year, be sure to mark your calendar for the next big event. It's not to be missed.
Photos of the event are posted here.
Sunday, April 18, 2013 at 8:30 AM
EJ's Army Cleans Up!
By Lil Huguley
On Saturday, April 13, 2013, two-star General EJ Foster (check out her orange General EJ jacket in the event photo page here!) showed up ready to lead her army in the never-ending battle against litter on the Beulah Road hillside .
It was a crisp, clear morning and she and Anne Messner led the charge. Soon they were joined by Wanda and Peter Hughes, Diana Yankes, Diane Law, Todd Hoover and Alan Livengood, with MJ Walsh and Neal and Lil Huguley bringing up the rear.
The mission was soon accomplished and many white bags filled with debris were deposited in the BCA dumpster, where army recruits ran into BSC pool cleaning crew, who were there on a different pool cleaning mission. Everybody gathered for a tailgate brunch of blueberry muffins, craisin scones, lemon squares and cookies served with piping hot pumpkin pie-spice coffee. It was a good time to catch up on
spring projects for the home and garden, what’s going on with our bloomin’ corners and what’s up with us this summer.
We trundled up a pristinely clean Beulah Road, delighted with the time we’d spent together to benefit ourselves and our neighbors. Join us on maneuvers in the fall.
On Saturday, April 13, 2013, two-star General EJ Foster (check out her orange General EJ jacket in the event photo page here!) showed up ready to lead her army in the never-ending battle against litter on the Beulah Road hillside .
It was a crisp, clear morning and she and Anne Messner led the charge. Soon they were joined by Wanda and Peter Hughes, Diana Yankes, Diane Law, Todd Hoover and Alan Livengood, with MJ Walsh and Neal and Lil Huguley bringing up the rear.
The mission was soon accomplished and many white bags filled with debris were deposited in the BCA dumpster, where army recruits ran into BSC pool cleaning crew, who were there on a different pool cleaning mission. Everybody gathered for a tailgate brunch of blueberry muffins, craisin scones, lemon squares and cookies served with piping hot pumpkin pie-spice coffee. It was a good time to catch up on
spring projects for the home and garden, what’s going on with our bloomin’ corners and what’s up with us this summer.
We trundled up a pristinely clean Beulah Road, delighted with the time we’d spent together to benefit ourselves and our neighbors. Join us on maneuvers in the fall.
April 2, 2013: Field Trip to Phipps Conservatory
Deets are in Nancy's blog post here.
The Annual Blackridge Garden Club Bloomin’ Corners Benefit
“Garden Party”
Auction, Raffle, and Garden Art Contest
Tapas-style Buffet Stations
Friday, March 15, 2013
7:00 PM
Longue Vue Club
Verona, Pennsylvania
Notes on the GARDEN ART CONTEST are posted here.
Photos of the benefit are here.
Photos of the setup and art contest entries are here.
2013 Garden Art Contest Entrants
Alex Rodia: Planted (Video Installation)
Emily Bauer, 12: The Beckoning Sunflower (Acrylic on Canvas)
John Bauer, 8: The Strawberry Patch (Acrylic on Canvas)
Julia Bauer, 10: Patch of Paradise (Acrylic on Wood and Wood)
Sarah Bauer, 6: The Beautiful Butterfly (Cement and Stained Glass)
Susan Radford: Nosegay (Aran Knit Sweater in Wool)
Susan Radford: Wheat (Aran Knit Sweater in Wool)
Tara Taylor: Beetle (Embroidery with Metallic Thread and Linen)
Wanda and Peter Hughes: Water Fountain (Cast Concrete Leaves with Bowl)
Garden Party Menu
Beverages
Two Cocktail Chits per Guest
Unlimited Hot Coffee, Iced Tea, and Soda Pop
Starters
Cheese Display with Crackers and Baguettes
Fresh Vegetable Crudité Platter with Ranch and Dill Dips
Hummus and Dippers
Salads
Country Club Salad with Paris Dressing on the Side
Princess Salad with Iceberg Lettuce, Sliced Tomatoes, Asparagus, Eggs, and Green Goddess Dressing
Pastas and Breads
Campanelle with Bay Shrimp, Basil Cream, and Roasted Vegetables
Pasta Pomadoro with Tomato, Basil, Garlic, and Olive Oil
Rustic Breads with Whipped Butter
Meats
Marinated Baby Lamb Skewers with Mint Verjus
Chicken Breast Bruschetta with Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, Sundried Tomatoes, and Balsamic Glaze
Salmon Cakes with Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce
Desserts
Assorted Mini Cookies and Pastries
Fresh Fruit and Berry Platters.
Cash Bar
Agenda
Arrival of Guests, Cocktails, Starters--in Cocktail Lounge and Living Room
Auction and Raffle Ticket Sales, Garden Art Contest Display
Open Seating and Tapas Stations in Ballroom
Drawing of “Big” Raffle Winners
Announcement of Garden Art Contest Winners and Awarding of Prizes
Desserts Displayed in Living Room
Winners of Chance Auctions Will Be Listed on the Easel Display near the Prize Baskets
Cash Bar and Mingling
Gerbera Daisy Centerpiece Purchases
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: Gary Franko, Tara Taylor
Planning and Centerpieces: Judy Diorio, Shelley Grotzinger, Lilia Huguley, Tara Taylor
Raffle: Rose Guerrieri
Contest: Joe De Stefano, Ceil Greber
"Big" Raffle Prizes:
Please Note: You can choose which raffle prize drawing you would like to enter. Please indicate on each ticket which prize you would like to win—one choice per ticket. Tickets are one for $5.00 or six for $25.00.
• Luxury vacation package, steeped in history and beauty, at The Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, VA: 3 days/2 nights, Sunday-Thursday for 2 adults.
• Golf for Four at Longue Vue Club—includes two carts and lunch
• Basket of Cheer—large collection of spirits and wines
• $200 Cash
Chance Auction Prize Baskets (each valued at over $300.00):
The Georgetown-Pittsburgh Symphony Basket
The Orlando-Pittsburgh Cultural Basket
The Hollywood-Kid's Easter Basket
The Collins-Healthy Cooking & Lifestyle Basket
The McNary-For the Guys Basket
The Jamestown-Gardening Basket
The Osage-For the Ladies Basket
The Blackridge-Pet Basket (donated by Renee Ruyechan)
The Old Gate-Kids' Pirates and Sports Fan Basket
The Forest-Home Interior Decor Basket
The Sebring-Outdoor Living Basket
Silent Auction
Steelers Tickets for Two
“Garden Party”
Auction, Raffle, and Garden Art Contest
Tapas-style Buffet Stations
Friday, March 15, 2013
7:00 PM
Longue Vue Club
Verona, Pennsylvania
Notes on the GARDEN ART CONTEST are posted here.
Photos of the benefit are here.
Photos of the setup and art contest entries are here.
2013 Garden Art Contest Entrants
Alex Rodia: Planted (Video Installation)
Emily Bauer, 12: The Beckoning Sunflower (Acrylic on Canvas)
John Bauer, 8: The Strawberry Patch (Acrylic on Canvas)
Julia Bauer, 10: Patch of Paradise (Acrylic on Wood and Wood)
Sarah Bauer, 6: The Beautiful Butterfly (Cement and Stained Glass)
Susan Radford: Nosegay (Aran Knit Sweater in Wool)
Susan Radford: Wheat (Aran Knit Sweater in Wool)
Tara Taylor: Beetle (Embroidery with Metallic Thread and Linen)
Wanda and Peter Hughes: Water Fountain (Cast Concrete Leaves with Bowl)
Garden Party Menu
Beverages
Two Cocktail Chits per Guest
Unlimited Hot Coffee, Iced Tea, and Soda Pop
Starters
Cheese Display with Crackers and Baguettes
Fresh Vegetable Crudité Platter with Ranch and Dill Dips
Hummus and Dippers
Salads
Country Club Salad with Paris Dressing on the Side
Princess Salad with Iceberg Lettuce, Sliced Tomatoes, Asparagus, Eggs, and Green Goddess Dressing
Pastas and Breads
Campanelle with Bay Shrimp, Basil Cream, and Roasted Vegetables
Pasta Pomadoro with Tomato, Basil, Garlic, and Olive Oil
Rustic Breads with Whipped Butter
Meats
Marinated Baby Lamb Skewers with Mint Verjus
Chicken Breast Bruschetta with Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, Sundried Tomatoes, and Balsamic Glaze
Salmon Cakes with Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce
Desserts
Assorted Mini Cookies and Pastries
Fresh Fruit and Berry Platters.
Cash Bar
Agenda
Arrival of Guests, Cocktails, Starters--in Cocktail Lounge and Living Room
Auction and Raffle Ticket Sales, Garden Art Contest Display
Open Seating and Tapas Stations in Ballroom
Drawing of “Big” Raffle Winners
Announcement of Garden Art Contest Winners and Awarding of Prizes
Desserts Displayed in Living Room
Winners of Chance Auctions Will Be Listed on the Easel Display near the Prize Baskets
Cash Bar and Mingling
Gerbera Daisy Centerpiece Purchases
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: Gary Franko, Tara Taylor
Planning and Centerpieces: Judy Diorio, Shelley Grotzinger, Lilia Huguley, Tara Taylor
Raffle: Rose Guerrieri
Contest: Joe De Stefano, Ceil Greber
"Big" Raffle Prizes:
Please Note: You can choose which raffle prize drawing you would like to enter. Please indicate on each ticket which prize you would like to win—one choice per ticket. Tickets are one for $5.00 or six for $25.00.
• Luxury vacation package, steeped in history and beauty, at The Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, VA: 3 days/2 nights, Sunday-Thursday for 2 adults.
• Golf for Four at Longue Vue Club—includes two carts and lunch
• Basket of Cheer—large collection of spirits and wines
• $200 Cash
Chance Auction Prize Baskets (each valued at over $300.00):
The Georgetown-Pittsburgh Symphony Basket
The Orlando-Pittsburgh Cultural Basket
The Hollywood-Kid's Easter Basket
The Collins-Healthy Cooking & Lifestyle Basket
The McNary-For the Guys Basket
The Jamestown-Gardening Basket
The Osage-For the Ladies Basket
The Blackridge-Pet Basket (donated by Renee Ruyechan)
The Old Gate-Kids' Pirates and Sports Fan Basket
The Forest-Home Interior Decor Basket
The Sebring-Outdoor Living Basket
Silent Auction
Steelers Tickets for Two
March 2013: Kennywood: A Century of Change in our Backyards
By Nancy Del Presto
Originally we had no official program in March but that has changed. On Wednesday, March 6, at 11am at the BCA we will have the program listed below. It is a regular program with lunch served and a brief meeting
Our speaker is Blackridge's Bill Henninger, third generation operator/owner, who will entertain with stories about the park and its personalities and will share many photos. This talk was given to the Churchill Garden Club a couple of years ago and the Churchill Rec board last year. Some of you may have attended, as I did with the CGC. It was so fascinating and humorous that I am looking forward to hearing it again. Those who have not heard Bill, should try hard to attend. And please feel free to bring guests.
Photos of the event may be found here.
Originally we had no official program in March but that has changed. On Wednesday, March 6, at 11am at the BCA we will have the program listed below. It is a regular program with lunch served and a brief meeting
Our speaker is Blackridge's Bill Henninger, third generation operator/owner, who will entertain with stories about the park and its personalities and will share many photos. This talk was given to the Churchill Garden Club a couple of years ago and the Churchill Rec board last year. Some of you may have attended, as I did with the CGC. It was so fascinating and humorous that I am looking forward to hearing it again. Those who have not heard Bill, should try hard to attend. And please feel free to bring guests.
Photos of the event may be found here.
Sunday, December 2, 2012 at 1:00 PM:
A HOLIDAY KICKOFF
By Lil Huguley
"What a wonderful community gathering!" That's how more than one attendee of the Blackridge Garden Club's Holiday Kickoff described the December 2nd event! People arrived at the BCA on a rainy, chilly winter afternoon, but inside, they were greeted by cheery Christmas decorations, the sounds of Christmas music filling the air, and a welcoming cup of punch. It didn't take long before the room was abuzz with the sounds of neighbors greeting neighbors and kids unreeling their wish lists for Santa's consideration.
And speaking of the kids, after they'd had a light snack, they visited Christmas Craft Center and made themselves some goodies. Almost everybody started with the Smiley and Christmas Tree Cookies Eat 'n Park donated for the occasion. The kids iced and decorated them in beautifully creative ways and saved them to be eaten later. Then they visited the bagel bird-feeder table. Here they grabbed a half bagel, spread it with a mixture of peanut butter and Crisco then smooshed it into a pool of bird seed, before finally stringing it with fishing line so their brand new bird feeders could be hung in a tree!
Parents helped or looked on or were out and about noshing, greeting newcomers, trying a more festive version of the punch or depositing their goodies at the Operation Troop Appreciation (OTA) table.
One of the great things about the community gathering was that it gave people an opportunity to support the OTA, an important non-profit organization that is helping us find ways to support our troops. The BGC has begun an ongoing relationship with OTA and asked Amanda Thompson, our neighbor and a OTA officer, to speak at the kickoff about the group's work. Parents and kids colored and signed cards for the troops. Additionally, guests generously brought lots of dry goods, personal hygiene items, as well as electronic toys, batteries and devices.
There was a lot going on and wonderful music to hear! Denny Bossick played beautifully for us all afternoon. First he put us in a festive mood for the holiday with sacred and secular selections in the background. Then, it was time for the Sing-Along! Denny did a great job of making us sound good and Neal Huguley led us in singing many holiday favorites. The kids came out of the craft room ready to sing, and they led the way on several of the songs.
Finally, there was a fun Christmas Chance Auction that put a wrapper on the festivities.
If you were there, you know that a spirit of good wishes for wellness and wholeness in the community was present. It was a good way to kick-off the holiday season. If you'd like to view some photos of the event, click here.
"What a wonderful community gathering!" That's how more than one attendee of the Blackridge Garden Club's Holiday Kickoff described the December 2nd event! People arrived at the BCA on a rainy, chilly winter afternoon, but inside, they were greeted by cheery Christmas decorations, the sounds of Christmas music filling the air, and a welcoming cup of punch. It didn't take long before the room was abuzz with the sounds of neighbors greeting neighbors and kids unreeling their wish lists for Santa's consideration.
And speaking of the kids, after they'd had a light snack, they visited Christmas Craft Center and made themselves some goodies. Almost everybody started with the Smiley and Christmas Tree Cookies Eat 'n Park donated for the occasion. The kids iced and decorated them in beautifully creative ways and saved them to be eaten later. Then they visited the bagel bird-feeder table. Here they grabbed a half bagel, spread it with a mixture of peanut butter and Crisco then smooshed it into a pool of bird seed, before finally stringing it with fishing line so their brand new bird feeders could be hung in a tree!
Parents helped or looked on or were out and about noshing, greeting newcomers, trying a more festive version of the punch or depositing their goodies at the Operation Troop Appreciation (OTA) table.
One of the great things about the community gathering was that it gave people an opportunity to support the OTA, an important non-profit organization that is helping us find ways to support our troops. The BGC has begun an ongoing relationship with OTA and asked Amanda Thompson, our neighbor and a OTA officer, to speak at the kickoff about the group's work. Parents and kids colored and signed cards for the troops. Additionally, guests generously brought lots of dry goods, personal hygiene items, as well as electronic toys, batteries and devices.
There was a lot going on and wonderful music to hear! Denny Bossick played beautifully for us all afternoon. First he put us in a festive mood for the holiday with sacred and secular selections in the background. Then, it was time for the Sing-Along! Denny did a great job of making us sound good and Neal Huguley led us in singing many holiday favorites. The kids came out of the craft room ready to sing, and they led the way on several of the songs.
Finally, there was a fun Christmas Chance Auction that put a wrapper on the festivities.
If you were there, you know that a spirit of good wishes for wellness and wholeness in the community was present. It was a good way to kick-off the holiday season. If you'd like to view some photos of the event, click here.
Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 3:00 PM
The Blackridge Garden Club had a table at the Blackridge Civic Association's annual Fall Fest at Blackridge Park. We had membership materials, children's activities, and a non-profit spring flower bulb sale--meaning we just sold the bulbs for what we paid for them as a service project.
Saturday, September 29, 2012: EJ's Army Fall Spruce-Up
by Lil Huguley
A brisk, overcast September morning was made bright and cheery by the generous volunteer efforts of Blackridge Garden Club members, neighbors, and friends who joined EJ's Army to help "spruce up" Blackridge! On Saturday the 29th, 16 hearty souls rose early and gathered to clean up the hillside on Beulah Road between Beulah Church and the BCA clubhouse entrance, as well as the clubhouse grounds. The wonderful turnout made the work seem less burdensome, and it was good to catch up with each other over a good cup of coffee and cinnamon oatmeal cookies, cranberry scones and pumpkin muffins. Everybody drove up the hill on the way home or elsewhere through a fall scene they had helped to refresh and renew.
EJ sends her special thanks to everyone who participated. If you couldn't join the group this time, we'll look for you when the spruce up happens again in the spring!
Photos of the event may be viewed here. If you have more to share, please let us know!
A brisk, overcast September morning was made bright and cheery by the generous volunteer efforts of Blackridge Garden Club members, neighbors, and friends who joined EJ's Army to help "spruce up" Blackridge! On Saturday the 29th, 16 hearty souls rose early and gathered to clean up the hillside on Beulah Road between Beulah Church and the BCA clubhouse entrance, as well as the clubhouse grounds. The wonderful turnout made the work seem less burdensome, and it was good to catch up with each other over a good cup of coffee and cinnamon oatmeal cookies, cranberry scones and pumpkin muffins. Everybody drove up the hill on the way home or elsewhere through a fall scene they had helped to refresh and renew.
EJ sends her special thanks to everyone who participated. If you couldn't join the group this time, we'll look for you when the spruce up happens again in the spring!
Photos of the event may be viewed here. If you have more to share, please let us know!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012: Beulah Garden
Beulah Chapel
By Lil Huguley
What a warm, cheery buzz was heard as garden club members greeted each other in Penn Center Mall's Panera. We had the back room to ourselves as we munched, caught up with each other and made plans for the club's future.
We're all looking forward to another exciting year and it was energizing for us to identify volunteer opportunities that will allow us to show our personal support for the club and the community. We went over the calendar and discussed the various events, which you can see listed in "Upcoming Events" on this website. It was clear to everyone that, if we select our own volunteer opportunities, we'll feel more excited about and committed to them.
So this report is an invitation, too! We're looking for you to sign on and bring your talents to bear on any one or more BGC event. You'll be glad you added your name to a company of faithful volunteers who enjoy each other's company and the opportunity to do good things for Blackridge!
We went on from brunch to visit Beulah Garden on the grounds of Beulah Church on, you guessed it, Beulah Road!
What a wonderful neighborhood treasure. It is hidden from view, but open to the public whenever the church is open. It's a lovely garden, lovingly appointed with perennials and annuals. A path threads through the garden, which includes a butterfly bed, and invites you to "come and see" one feature or another. Or you can sit on one of the benches and take in a long view and the fanning grace of one of several understory trees that help to identify the garden's borders.
On this day, the garden was peaceful and calming. One might want to visit to read or meditate. But BGC member, Peg Parsons, who is an ardent worker in this garden, says that on other days, you may find the sprinkler on under the center tree and lots of kids running about enjoying its refreshing spray.
Thanks to the Garden Club, I discovered this lovely place today, a place that is just out of view of my kitchen window. Now when I hear Beulah's bells ring at noon, I'll have a mental picture to go with the music. No telling what you'll discover on your adventures with the Blackridge Garden Club in the coming year.
What a warm, cheery buzz was heard as garden club members greeted each other in Penn Center Mall's Panera. We had the back room to ourselves as we munched, caught up with each other and made plans for the club's future.
We're all looking forward to another exciting year and it was energizing for us to identify volunteer opportunities that will allow us to show our personal support for the club and the community. We went over the calendar and discussed the various events, which you can see listed in "Upcoming Events" on this website. It was clear to everyone that, if we select our own volunteer opportunities, we'll feel more excited about and committed to them.
So this report is an invitation, too! We're looking for you to sign on and bring your talents to bear on any one or more BGC event. You'll be glad you added your name to a company of faithful volunteers who enjoy each other's company and the opportunity to do good things for Blackridge!
We went on from brunch to visit Beulah Garden on the grounds of Beulah Church on, you guessed it, Beulah Road!
What a wonderful neighborhood treasure. It is hidden from view, but open to the public whenever the church is open. It's a lovely garden, lovingly appointed with perennials and annuals. A path threads through the garden, which includes a butterfly bed, and invites you to "come and see" one feature or another. Or you can sit on one of the benches and take in a long view and the fanning grace of one of several understory trees that help to identify the garden's borders.
On this day, the garden was peaceful and calming. One might want to visit to read or meditate. But BGC member, Peg Parsons, who is an ardent worker in this garden, says that on other days, you may find the sprinkler on under the center tree and lots of kids running about enjoying its refreshing spray.
Thanks to the Garden Club, I discovered this lovely place today, a place that is just out of view of my kitchen window. Now when I hear Beulah's bells ring at noon, I'll have a mental picture to go with the music. No telling what you'll discover on your adventures with the Blackridge Garden Club in the coming year.
