The Monroe Garden Club, Inc.
Organized 1934
The MGC is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. All programs and activities are supported by membership dues and revenue-producing initiatives.
Press Releases 2007-2008
- Monroe Garden Club Press Release / GPotts February 10, 2010Kostelka’s “Valentine” Inspires Monroe Garden Club
There was only one thing missing at the Monroe Garden Club’s February meeting. Somewhere in the midst of all of the fun and inspiration should have been heard the sounds of “Honey, Everything’s Coming Up Roses!” preferably belted out by Ethel Merman.
MGC’s own multitalented Felicia Kostelka presented “Cupid’s Creation” --- an enchanting flower arranging demonstration that was the perfect Valentine gift to her club. Roses, roses, and more roses peeked out from her creations as she demonstrated the fine art of what she refers to as “Stick and Stuff” floral design. No student of formal floral design, this lady! No adherer to strict arranging rules of where, how high, or how much. Instead, Kostelka represents the very best of native creative genius, combined with personality plus.
Everyone who has seen Kostelka’s work with flowers and found objects knows just how talented --- gifted, some say --- she is. Her flower arrangements nearly always share a common element: Kostelka’s own keen sense of humor and delight with life. Her designs might be summed up as all “E’s” --- exuberant, exciting, and enchanting. She did not disappoint with this program either, as she used gladioli, mums, daisies, tulips, snapdragons, white quince, and that ubiquitous emblem of romance --- the rose --- to make Valentine magic.
The lagniappe of the program was a potpourri of “tips” and “tricks” suitable for designers from the neophyte to the accomplished. As she worked with the flowers and greenery, Kostelka casually introduced such unexpected elements as colored oasis blocks (some whole --- others “diced” into multicolored blocks that she strung on bear grass blades for effect); LED lights for uplighting arrangements both from below and within their containers; moisture-releasing gels that she had cleverly dyed with ordinary food coloring to reproduce or complement the hues of the flowers; and braided bear grass (Yes, hand-braided. She was curious to see if it would work).
The plant materials that Kostelka used for her demonstration were also those used in two stunning mass arrangements decorating the meeting space and underscoring the program theme. In the foyer stood a beribboned urn filled to overflowing with red and hot pink roses and tulips; white quince, daisies, gladioli, and snapdragons; and green demi-mums, fern, and bear grass. Creating the form for this spectacular display was a tree branch that had been sandblasted to reveal a warm khaki tone. Interspersed among the flowers were impish Cupids, bows drawn.
Centering a round table and reaching into a crystal chandelier overhead was a magnificent arrangement standing on rectangular mirrored cubes. Ribbons speaking of love and hearts cascaded from a dreamy bow embracing the arrangement. On the tabletop below were heart-shaped bowls offering an abundance of red hots, peppermints, and chocolate Kisses. Nearby sat a Valentine basket filled with gorgeous heart-shaped cookies on a stick, each artfully arranged to mirror the basket’s decorations. Overlooking the entire romantic scene was a flirtatious mouse, dressed and ready to woo anyone coming near.
Co-chairs Felicia Kostelka and Pennie Haddad collaborated with hostess committee members Leah Anders, Carolyn Barnes, Loura Barr, Sherrie McCraw, Christie Messinger, Ann Murray, Mary Ann Riddle, and Martha Young to create the gorgeous arrangements and to see to every detail making certain this celebration of Valentine’s Day would be memorable. It certainly was!
Please visit www.monroegardenclub.com to see more photos of this event.
#MGC#Monroe Garden Club Press Release / GPotts January 22, 2010MGC Plants Oaks in Forsythe Park to Mark Arbor Day
On a glorious “false spring” morning in late January, Monroe Garden Club’s Arbor Day committee celebrated Arbor Day by planting two Shumard’s Oaks. Donated by David Roach, a longtime supporter of beautification in public spaces, the trees were planted near the Forsythe Park bandstand.
The Shumard’s Oak (Quercus Shumardii) is a perennial tree native to the United States. The Shumard’s Oak has a long life span relative to most other plant species and a moderate growth rate. At maturity, the typical Shumard’s Oak will reach up to 110 feet high, with a maximum height at 20 years of 35 feet.
Patti Nelson, chairman of the MGC Arbor Day committee, noted that the City of Monroe was the second city in Louisiana to receive the coveted “Tree City USA” designation. “Our community has an abundance of gorgeous, old growth trees, and we wanted to add new stock to that base,” Nelson said. “Both of these are replacement trees, planted to take the place of two majestic oaks that have fallen recently.”
Sharen Haddad, MGC president on hand for the planting, echoed Nelson’s sentiment. “Our club supports conservation and understands that we must do our part to ensure that future generations will have gorgeous oaks to enjoy. Planting these trees is a long-standing tradition for the Monroe Garden Club, one that we are proud to continue for tomorrow’s children,” Haddad affirmed.
When asked why the selection of Forsythe Park as the location for these trees, committee member Annetta Hill explained, “This beautiful park has been enjoyed by the public for decades. We noticed that the older trees are gradually being lost here at the park --- just one example. really, of what is going on in a number of places in our city. As our town gets older, we are seeing more and more of these trees in distress from age.”
The Monroe Garden Club wishes to express its sincere appreciation to Mr. Sam Dickey and his crew from the City of Monroe. Mr. Dickey served as the contact person for the Monroe Garden Club’s Arbor Day project, helped select the site for the two trees, and arranged for the pickup and planting of the trees. “He was a delight to work with, and we appreciate his help,” Nelson said.
Members of the MGC Arbor Day committee are Patti Nelson, chairman; Annetta Hill, and Ellen Huey.#MGC#Monroe Garden Club Press Release / GPotts January 14, 2010Chennault Aviation and Military Museum Receives Oaks as part of Acorns of HopeBob Thibodeaux, urban forester from Church Point, Louisiana, and his granddaughter, Alexandra Futch, were in Monroe recently presenting a program to the Monroe Garden Club. Futch serves as Director of Acorns of Hope, the non-profit wing of her grandfather’s business, Bob’s Tree Preservation. Thibodeaux, a tireless advocate for coastal restoration and live oak preservation, has set a goal through Acorns of Hope of planting 10,000 live oak trees across Louisiana not only to beautify the landscape but also to cleanse the air of hydrocarbons.
Two of those trees now have a permanent home at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, thanks to the Monroe Garden Club. The club presented Thibodeaux’s donated Orange Island oak trees to the Aviation Museum and Thibodeaux planted them on site. Nell Calloway, museum director, expressed her sincere appreciation for this lovely --- and much-needed --- addition to the museum’s landscaping. Thibodeaux happily gave her tips on how to grow the oaks into the maturity.
Joining Thibodeaux and Futch at the tree planting with Calloway were MGC president, Sharen Haddad, and MGC vice president, Cindy Price.
#MGC#Monroe Garden Club Press Release / GPotts January 12, 2010Thibodeaux Promotes Louisiana Live Oak Preservation to Monroe Garden Club
Urban forester Bob Thibodeaux presented a compelling argument for preserving Louisiana’s majestic live oaks recently to members of the Monroe Garden Club and their guests. By his own admission, this soft-spoken Church Point native spoke straight “Cajun English” in support of the grand old trees’ plight. “These trees are not just the best and most beautiful live oaks in America as John James Audubon noted, they may also be life-savers,” Thibodeaux said.Research has established, according to Thibodeaux, that these beauties help remove significant quantities of hydrocarbons from the air we breathe --- even more than the swamp and prairie grasses do. These chemicals, long established as carcinogens, are increasing as vehicle traffic increases on our highways. To help mitigate that, Thibodeaux has established a non-profit wing to his business operation. Acorns of Hope was formed four years ago and is under the able directorship of Thibodeaux’s granddaughter, Alexandra Futch.
Futch is at least a fifth-generation tree lover and preservationist, according to her grandfather. Although young, Futch is an energetic fundraiser and committed advocate for coastal restoration through live oak plantings. Acorns of Hope's mission is to plant trees and educate Louisiana’s residents on coastal erosion and the importance of replacing trees destroyed in the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and similar storms that have ravaged the coastline. A focus of Acorns of Hope is to plant series of cheniers (close knit lines of live oaks) which is among the most effective methods in slowing down winds and holding soil banks to prevent erosion. Placing these along interstate corridors would have the added benefit of hydrocarbon absorption.
Thibodeaux’s love of trees is obviously a family tradition. He speaks warmly when remembering his beloved grandmother whom the family called l’arbre (“the tree”). His grandmother Elizabeth earned that nickname for her habit of gifting family and friends with trees on holidays and other special occasions. Thibodeaux adopted this practice as well, and still relishes giving trees as special presents.
Not everyone was always delighted with his gifts, Thibodeaux admits. His sister complained once in his earshot about expecting to get “ . . . another one of those ‘darn trees’ from Bob . . .” for an upcoming Christmas. Undeterred, Thibodeaux continued gifting with his beloved trees. Many years later, he drove up to his sister’s place and watched contentedly as she and her children picked pecans from the pecan grove she had planted years before using his gifts. When she asked him if he were going to get out, he replied, “No. I’m just going to sit here and look at these ‘darn trees’!”
An advocate for preserving genetically superior live oaks, Thibodeaux argues that we must plant the best from the best to get the best, rather than focus on low-cost, readily available “stock” trees. The acorns that Thibodeaux is using for his genetic stock come primarily from two majestic members of the Live Oak Society of Louisiana. (Note: There are currently 5,666 members in the Live Oak Society of Louisiana. All, except the human chairman, are living live oaks. Junior League status is reserved for live oaks measuring at least 8 feet in girth when measured 4 feet from the ground. Centenarian Oaks must measure 16 feet or more. Their dues are paid in acorns they produce annually which are collected and used for research and propagation.) These two, appropriately named “Boudreaux” (#5238) and “Thibodeaux” (#5239), grow in Breaux Bridge. Considered to be superior genetic stock, these trees provide acorns every year for propagation. It is their offspring that is forming the basis for Thibodeaux’s coastal restoration project.
Thibodeaux smiles when asked about how such a grand old live oak came to bear his name. “Well, now. That’s an interesting story,” he begins with a grin. “A lady from Memphis came down our way and fell in love with our live oak trees and a Cajun fellow named Boudreaux. When they married, they acquired a 14-acre tract of land near Breaux Bridge. On it, she found two of the most beautiful live oaks she had ever seen. She was advised to contact the Louisiana Live Oak Society to have them registered, and to call someone to prune them properly and care for them. I was the one she called. When the trees were accepted into the Society, she said she was naming one after her husband and asked me if she could name the other one after me since I was caring for her trees for her. I was honored. That’s how #5239 became Thibodeaux.”
Hostesses for the club meeting took care to create exquisite arrangements to underscore the preservation theme of the program. Greeting members and their guests was a massive “live oak tree” fashioned by Phyllis Gordon from peach, ivory, yellow, and pale orange roses gathered with lilies, winter berries, bromeliad blooms, fresh seasonal greenery, and branches to form the canopy. The artful “trunk” was cleverly fashioned using simple paper bags. Around the base of the “tree” were potted bromeliads hinting at swampy Louisiana forest undergrowth. Both intertwined with the flowers and scattered about the base were acorns, gathered for the occasion by Katie White. Joining forces to create this and three other gorgeous arrangements were co-chairs Phyllis Gordon and Katie White, and hostess committee members Mary Bertrand, Nannette Cohen, Jane Huey, Sylvia Thompson Masur, Ava Pugh-Vanlandingham, Christine Rambo, Pam Rosenberg, Anne Sanders, and Cecille Wiggins.
#MGC#
Acorns of Hope is the non-profit sector of Bob's Tree Preservation. Bob Thibodeaux has committed to donating 10,000 live oaks of genetic superiority to the Coastal and Prairie Communities of South Louisiana. His company actively volunteers their skills and services to educate local schools, 4-H groups, Boys and Girl Scout Troops, garden clubs, and Agricultural Departments. Involving the company in environmental and sustainable practices is an important service project which Bob's Tree Preservation proudly supports. If you would like to learn more about this project and to how you can participate in their annual “bike ride through the trees” see www.acornsofhope.org for contact information.Monroe Garden Club Press Release / GPotts December 11, 2009MGC’s “Ye Olde Fashioned Christmas Celebration” Launches Holiday Season
With the memory of a totally unexpected early December snowfall still fresh in their minds, getting into the holiday spirit for most was hardly a challenge this year! Certainly the Monroe Garden Club did its part by hosting a spectacular cocktail party for members and their spouses. The club's annual holiday party is always eagerly anticipated. Past gatherings have developed the reputation for this being the singular kick-off event to this year-end of mixing and mingling with family and friends. "Ye Olde Fashioned Christmas Celebration” was a gift of love and goodwill that did not disappoint.
The stunning Island Drive home of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Seegers provided the perfect setting for this event. The traditional entry was awash in white lights and greenery with the front door punctuated with a gorgeous seasonal wreath that hinted of the wonderful decorations in place inside. In the long entry hall, guests were invited to sign in by Nell and Robert. A clever welcoming sign beside the book read, “We hope you enjoy this wonderful celebration of good friends and fellowship along with some delicious food prepared especially for you." Twin trees adorned with tiny white lights completed the scene.
Red and white poinsettias seemed to be everywhere, adding their special understated warmth and cheer room after room. Intermingled were wonderful arrangements taking advantage of the large variety of cedar, holly, and seasonal greenery available in our region this time of year. These ranged from a beautifully swaged fireplace in the great room to a magnificent hunting horn from which spilled fragrant berries and cedar boughs. Adorning a low table in the breakfast sitting area were two perfect camellias, that quintessential Southern bloom that brightens our coldest days.
When entering the formal dining room, guests were immediately drawn to a spectacular pair of arrangements on the dining table. The round arrangements of roses, belles of Ireland, lilies --- all in shades to compliment the room's decor ---peaked out from a mass of seasonal greenery. Citrus slices added just the right unexpected "twist" to the grouping. Lifting these kissing ball-shaped arrangements toward the ceiling were a pair of crystal cylinder vases filled alternately with fresh cranberries, shiny cellophane, and fresh cherries. These sophisticated "candy canes" allowed the uppermost blooms to just kiss the room's magnificent chandelier.
Beautiful sterling serving pieces held an array of tempting seasonal foods. Pork tenderloin was served with rolls and a selection of condiments. Most interesting among these was a cranberry mustard, surprising and delicious! Holding the condiments were two enormous cabbages that party chairman Debbie Stockstill had found in the farmer's market on Magazine in New Orleans and brought back just for this party. Other offerings included burgundy mushrooms, mushroom puffs, artichokes with bleu cheese, hot artichoke dip, and artichoke muffins. There were fruit and cheese offerings including brie en croute with apricots and almonds, sundried tomato and pesto torte, chicken artichoke cheese gift box (almost too beautiful to eat!), pecan cheddar cheese Christmas tree torte, toasted pecans, cheese straws, rosemary nuts, and assorted crackers. Tucked in among these was a delicious crawfish cheesecake. Crawfish cheesecake, you ask? Of course. This IS Louisiana, you know!
A hunt table in the breakfast area offered wonderful sweets. Getting the most attention was a seasonal "must have" --- Southern Milk Punch. The freshly grated nutmeg offered a fragrant invitation to enjoy this creamy classic. Served alongside were New Orleans bread pudding, a gorgeous Creole Christmas coconut macaroon raspberry trifle, clever little dark chocolate toffee brownie shooters, pralines, lemon loves, peppermint bark, chocolate brickle, and sweet pecans.
Guests lingered in the great room where seasonal music was played by the Steinway grand "player" piano. A bar offering assorted wines and ginger ale was set up in the courtyard just a step through French doors off the great room. Hundreds of white lights twinkled in the trees and shrubs outdoors adding to the festive feel of the evening.
Christmas celebrations of this sort --- "olde fashioned" or otherwise --- don't "just happen". Behind every successful event is a team determined to offer the best available to their guests. Debbie Stockstill (Really, now. Is there anything she can't do?) chaired the hostess committee and brought to it her special talents as floral designer, chef, and gracious Southern lady. Joining her as co-chair was Marion Zentner, a worthy partner for undertaking such a challenge and multitalented in her own right. Joining these two were MGC members Martha Arrington, Nancy Bancroft, Kay Baughman, Joan Chardkoff, Kathy Duke, Vici French, Kathy Hunt, Carole Lawrence, Georgianna Martin, Sue Nawes, Susan Petty, Mary Rabb, Kari Scott, Kathy Spurlock, and Nanette White. Together, these ladies prepared the delicious foods and created an atmosphere worthy of the season.#MGC#Monroe Garden Club Press Release / GPotts November 11, 2009MGC Members Explore the Power of Color in Art and Floral Design
Do you have an artist or two among your family or friends? If you do, then you already know what members of the Monroe Garden Club discovered recently. Simply put, fine artists somehow “see” the world about them with a sharper eye than the rest of us. MGC member and gifted painter Phoebe Allen Mathys helped members develop their ability to “see” paintings and floral design through a better understanding of color theory. Using a spectacular slide presentation that illustrated principles of color through gorgeous photographs of paintings (done by O’Keefe, Renoir, Morris, Picasso, Degas, among others), Mathys helped her audience to see color relationships as expressed by the masters. She also included Persian tiles, French crewel work, constructions, folk art, and exquisite works that she had created to underscore the versatility of color.
“Remember, there are no set rules in design,” Mathys explained. “There are certainly lots of suggestions, but no rules. Let your intuitive instinct take over, not rules.” She illustrated this concept throughout her presentation during which the attentive audience gradually began to “read” often familiar paintings in a new way --- by identifying color harmonies.
Retired Professor Emeritus at Louisiana Tech University, Mathys has exhibited in over one hundred juried and invitational exhibitions. She taught thirty-three years in Tech’s School of Art and School of Architecture. When asked what her proudest experience as a teacher was, Mathys is quick to respond. Having one of her former students named Outstanding Young Architect of America and competing in shows with former students who placed higher than she did top the list of her memories in the classroom and the studio.
One slide brought audible responses of delight from the members. It was an intriguing photograph that Mathys took in 1972 on a trip to Italy. She was there for a Henry Moore Retrospective, and as she was making her way through the magnificent sculptures, she “saw” what most would have missed. The result: a one-of-a-kind photo of the magnificent Duomo in Florence, framed by a glistening white Henry Moore sculpture.
Integral to the presentation were four canvases by Mathys that had each been interpreted in gorgeous arrangements by very talented floral designers Sharen Haddad, Joy Loomis, and Tieise Ardito. All four arrangements perfectly captured the color “spirit” of the paintings and beautifully illustrated the lesson.
Committee reports included an update on landscaping at the city’s Welcome to Monroe sign. Rosemary Harrison reported that the new plant installation is going well, although some of the plants have died. These are being replaced, and the overall landscaping is in good shape. Annetta Hill reported that MGC will plant live oaks in front of the American Legion Hall in January to mark Arbor Day. LaVerne Bodron recognized the work of Phylis Gordan in helping furnish plants for the new greenhouse at the zoo. She pointed out that MGC has sponsored five gardens at the zoo in the five and a half years that the MGC has worked with the city there through grants and cooperative projects. These include an azalea garden, Daniel Boone’s trail, a green garden, a butterfly garden, and the Children’s Garden. These, together with the new greenhouse, are providing beauty and horticulture education for visitors.
Serving as co-chairs for the meeting were Susan Lolley and Amanda Berry. Their very talented hostess committee included Sandra Blate, Travis Breard, Sara Golson, Linda Hobson, Katie Kennedy, Brenda Marsala, Mandy Pruitt, and Harryette Winn. These ladies created a stunning foyer arrangement featuring seasonal blooms interspersed with gourds, pumpkins, pods, and other plant materials appropriate for November. A magnificent salute to Thanksgiving in the ballroom featured a tall iron pumpkin motif holding flowering branches and grasses. Nestled at the base was a wonderful collection of natural materials and art pieces.
#MGC#Monroe Garden Club Press Release/GPotts October 13, 2009Container Gardener Rita Randolph Wows MGC Members and Guests
Even before Rita Randolph took the stage at a recent Monroe Garden Club meeting, members and guests sensed that they were in for a treat. Everyone present anticipated an educational program delivered by an acclaimed horticulturist using breathtaking slides to inspire everyone present. What was unexpected --- and thoroughly delightful --- was Randolph’s decidedly delicious sense of humor which was quickly evident as she presented her program in a soft Deep South accent “spiced” with nuances from her beloved home state, Tennessee. As she confessed to having a severe case of “zone envy” --- “You people can grow tropicals down here!” --- this Jackson, Tennessee, native brought giggles from her eager audience.
“Thank God our minds aren’t open to the public!” she proclaimed as she described how once upon a time she tended to judge prospective customers based on their appearance, only to learn as she got to know them that gardeners form perhaps the most diverse population in America. “You never know who will impress you the most with their knowledge and talent with plants and flowers,” Randolph observed.
Although she does not hold a university degree in her field, Randolph’s “lifelong learning” through working in the family business (Randolph’s Greenhouses --- a 60-year-old company that she bought from her parents), attending seminars, listening to “the pros” and absorbing knowledge through a variety of experiences has served her well. She specializes in custom work, container gardens, cleverly adaptive hanging baskets, and unusual plant collections most often featuring variegated and chartreuse leaf colorations. Randolph’s key to great arrangements: “Break up broad leaves with finer foliage," she advises. "If you get the textures right, everything else will work."
This self-proclaimed “hippie” has lived a life fueled by creative energy that takes many forms. Keeping up with ten+ greenhouses, all stocked with her wonderful plant collections, is a full-time responsibility. Still Randolph finds the time to craft macramé pot hangers (“They are coming back!” she says with glee) for the children who come by. To deal with overactive little ones during her busy season, she has developed a unique coping strategy. A staff member whisks the children away when they come in to shop with their parents, takes them to a private spot where they can touch the plants and learn a little about them, and then lets each child pick one out to “take away” as his very own.
When asked to identify the muse that summons her creativity, she thought for a moment and conceded, “My grandmother and my aunt, I think. Both did wonderful flower arrangements for the church and when I was little they taught me simple things like how to twirl vines around a vase to make it look as though they had grown that way.” During her childhood, these family “gardeners” planted the seed of wonder in Rita, and set her on a life’s course of delight in Nature. She also cites“ . . . finding new plants or discovering old ones that people have forgotten” as two activities that inspire and energize her. Rita’s Gold™, a stunning chartreuse fern developed by Randolph and named in her honor, is a living testament to her talents.
What’s the most unusual and challenging project she has ever done? Rita smiles at the memory of crafting a two-tiered (with neither tier connected to the other) cut flower arrangement centered inside a suspension tent (ie, one with no center pole). As the wind moved the top of the tent, the top half of the arrangement swayed with it. Surprising and gorgeous!
At the conclusion of her presentation, Randolph honored her hosts by donating a large quantity of plant materials to MGC’s ongoing projects at the Louisiana Purchase Zoo. In making the announcement, Randolph pointed out that people do not do enough generally to encourage the next generation of gardeners, but that MGC is certainly doing that with its Children’s Garden and Children’s Greenhouse projects at the zoo.
Randolph is past president of Tennessee Flower Growers Association and a member of numerous horticultural societies. An avid photographer, she is also a member of The Garden Writers Association, and writes for Fine Gardening Magazine, GMPro Magazine and other horticulture publications.
As a salute to Randolph’s passion for container gardening, MGC October hostess committee members fashioned a stunning urn arrangement featuring fall foliage and natural elements indicative of the season. Pumpkins, gourds, and antlers mingled at the base of the urn to “ground” the seasonal arrangement. Serving as co-chairs for the meeting were Kathy Schendle and Annetta Hill. Their very talented hostess committee included Kay Burch, Jane Conrad, Martha Stevenson, Sallie Sutherland, Heather Walters, and Nanette White.For more information concerning Randolph, visit www. randolphsgreenhouses.com Additional photos may be found at www.monroegardenclub.com#MGC#Monroe Garden Club Press Release/GPotts September 16, 2009
Monroe Garden Club Begins Year with Silver Tea
Every serious gardener recognizes the benefits of rainfall. Recent days of steady rain might have deterred some people, but not the members of the Monroe Garden Club. The anticipated joy of reuniting after a very hot summer and the opportunity to donate toward the club’s beautification projects brought MGC members out recently in spite of the weather.
The lush gardens and gorgeous Point Drive home of Trey and Lisa Cattar Nelson provided the perfect setting for the club's signature kick-off event, their Annual Silver Tea. Ladies dressed in their fall finery, umbrellas in tow, called between the hours of two and four in the afternoon on September 15th
The Club's annual Silver Tea honors new members and offers everyone present an opportunity to contribute some "silver" toward the organization's beautification funds. Thanks to the generosity of the membership, the club now has $450 to add to its project funds.
New members honored at the event were Sandra Blate, Amey Crousillac, Barbara Estis, Charlotte Goodwin, Pam Hansen, Linda Hobson, Carol Kight, Anne Kildron, Marilyn Koepke, Sherrie McCraw, Ann Pardue, Mary Ann Riddle, Kari Scott, Martha Stevenson, Sallie Sutherland, Dianne Walters, Heather Haddad Walters, and Cecille Wiggins. Unable to attend were new members Nancy Bancroft, Christy Messinger, and Martha Young.
No MGC event would be complete without exceptional floral arrangements and this year’s Silver Tea was no exception. Guests were greeted in the foyer by a cunningly arranged monochromatic foliage piece incorporating ligularia, fatsia, hostas, and papyrus. The formal dining room table was centered with a multitiered arrangement of dozens of perfect white roses held in a silver epergne. Silver lace vine provided the perfect partner for the delicate buds. Traditional high tea fare was offered, with many of the delicacies prepared by members of the hostess committee.
Just off the kitchen a mass arrangement of bright yellow sunflowers beckoned attendees to a second offering of delicious tea fare. The sunflowers were captured in an earthenware vase which added just the right rustic element to the lovely breakfast area. Throughout the rest of the home were small arrangements featuring traditional Southern favorites such as evergreen wisteria, blue skyflowers, and lions paw. Talented MGC member designers Tieise Ardito, Rosemary Harrison, Coni Hollingsworth, Joy Loomis, Fran McKenzie, and Ginny Yatco worked their special magic to create these arrangements.
Chairing this very special event were two of Monroe's most accomplished hostesses, Phala Wright and Bettie Phillips. These ladies are known throughout the community for their attention to detail combined with exquisite taste as well as for their gracious Southern hospitality --- all of which were evident throughout the rainy afternoon.
These two could not have accomplished this feat alone, however. Joining them was a team of dedicated MGC members who brought their considerable talents to the task: Tieise Ardito, Martha Arrington, Barbara Cattar (Lisa's proud mom and a noted hostess herself), Allison Cattar Cooper (Lisa's lovely sister), Rosemary Harrison, Coni Hollingsworth, Joy Loomis, Georgianna Martin, Phoebe Mathys, Sue Nawas, Julia Rambin, Bettie Stone, and Ginny Yatco.#MGC#Monroe Garden Club Press Release/GPotts May 20, 2009MGC Annual Spring Luncheon Honors Officers and Achievements
From the witty and whimsical arrangements of old-fashioned Black-eyed Susans --- through the toe-tapping tunes performed by the Southern Grace trio --- to the excitement of officer transitions complete with flower folklore, the Monroe Garden Club’s Annual Spring luncheon was clearly designed for fun! Incoming MGC president Sharen Haddad tipped her hat to the spirit of the day when she quoted Dale Carnegie --- “People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.” The organization’s successes over the past year under outgoing president Susan Miksa’s leadership together with that of her outstanding executive committee have been many and far-reaching. No doubt these ladies were having fun!
What better flower to honor Susan Miksa than the beloved “Black-eyed Susans” her mother, past MGC president Betty Stone, early on associated with her beautiful dark-eyed daughter? Under the combined design genius of Marion Zentner and Debbie Stockstill, these simple “happy and fun” flowers stole the show. They were everywhere --- popping out of “tipping” terra-cotta pots in the foyer, cascading from beneath an umbrella over an outdoor table set for alfresco dining, and centering each luncheon table peeping behind white picket fences and adorned with trowels and gloves, every gardener’s “necessaries”! At each place, and interwoven throughout all of the floral arrangements, a happy “take home” for the guests: seed packets of --- what else? --- Black-eyed Susans that had been personalized with a special thank-you message from the membership to Miksa for her year of dedicated service.
Loura Barr, MGC Past President and longtime volunteer for the community was named Honorary Life Member during the luncheon. Last year’s recipient, Ann Lane, made the presentation pointing to the many areas of service to MGC that Barr has filled. Previous members to achieve this distinction during the club’s 75 years in existence are Frances Adcock, Dot Bassett, Betty Farr, Rosemary Harrison, Edna Mae Mulhearn, Jane Oliver, Bettie Phillips, Adele Ransom, Betty Stone, Georgia Touchstone, Judy Turpin, Joyce Files, and Ann Lane.
The results of the 2009 MGC Membership Survey were distributed to the members as part of a comprehensive year-end report by Miksa which itemized the accomplishments of the organization throughout the past club year and included recommendations for the upcoming year. She recognized each committee and special events group that worked throughout the year to move the organization’s agenda forward. Miksa also thanked the organization’s past presidents for their continued support of the organization, and noted with sadness the recent passing of Dorothy Amman who served as MGC president in 1952-1953.
Anne Sanders installed the Executive Committee for 2009-2010: Sharen Haddad, president; Dianne Cage, president-elect; Cindy Price, 1st vice president in charge of programming; Joy Loomis, 2nd vice president in charge of arrangements; Ramona Caldwell, club treasurer; Connie Hollingsworth, assistant treasurer; and Phoebe Mathys, secretary. Completing the committee as appointed member-at-large is Tieise Ardito.
Laura Centola and other members of the outgoing executive committee presented Miksa with an engraved silver tray in recognition of her service to the club. Following the presentation, newly-installed president Haddad announced that the organization will be welcoming twenty-one new members at its annual Silver Tea in September.
Co-chairmen for the event were Marion Zentner and Debbie Stockstill. Members of the hostess committee were Loura Barr, Peggy Cannon, Courtney Curry, Gretchen Dean, Anne Erskine, Ellie John, Pat Jordan, Janet Masur, Daphne McLeod, Dana Taliaferro, Marianne Wilcox, and Regina Wood.#MGC#
