Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
70th Anniversary celebrated with garden party
In 1947, the seeds were sown, carefully tended and nurtured. What sprouted and blossomed was a new garden club in Wayne. Seventy years later, The Community Garden Club at Wayne thrives with the distinction of being the oldest existing garden club in Wayne.
To celebrate this milestone, the club held a 70th Anniversary Garden party on May 12 at Jenkins Arboretum. Dr. Harold Sweetman, Executive Director of Jenkins and Honorary Member of the club hosted the event. More than sixty members and invited guests from Jenkins Arboretum, Wayne Woods Garden Club, the Radnor Memorial Library gathered in a lovely floral setting decorated with beautiful flower arrangements made by some members of the club to enjoy food, drink and music performed by Jay Royal Chadwick. A slide show depicting club events was displayed on a continuous loop for the enjoyment of the attendees.
The Club’s association with Jenkins Arboretum began in 1976 and continues with monetary support and an Arbor Day Luncheon. At the luncheon the Club honors members who have passed away during the past year with the planting of a tree in their memory. This year a magnolia tree was planted in celebration of the Club’s 70th Anniversary.
Sharing in the 70th celebration were Radnor Memorial Library Executive Director, Anny Laepple and Information/Adult Programming Librarian, Pam Sedor. The library has a long history with the club dating back to 1947 when the club held its first meetings at the library. In recent years, the club has co-partnered with the library on several monthly programs. Also attending were representatives from the Wayne Woods Garden Club Karen Bruno and Nancy Cuttic. The Community Garden Club at Wayne enjoys sharing programs with Wayne Woods Garden Club.
The club traditionally donates and decorates a Christmas tree to the library for visitors to enjoy during the holiday season. With the anticipated December completion of the library’s expansion, the club looks forward to the continuation of this tradition.
Past Presidents of the club who are still members were honored with a certificate of appreciation and a rose. Past presidents in attendance were Eleanor Parsons (1969-1970), Ann Tucker (1988-1990), Chuck Meyers (1994-1996), Terry Boyle (1998-2000), Toni DeGeorge (2004-2007), Pegg Ewing (2009-2011). Tammy Lohman (1992-1993), Susi Holland (2007-2008) and Peter Murphy (2011-2015) were unable to attend. Eleanor Parsons was also recognized as the longest current member having joined in 1966.
Ruth Mooney, the current president, talked about the history and objectives of the club and the many activities undertaken by club members. These include planting flowers at the Wayne Senior Center, maintaining a butterfly garden on the Radnor Trail, decorating Laurel Hill Mansion for Christmas, decorating a Christmas tree at the Radnor Memorial Library and participating in the Radnor Township Memorial Day Parade. The club has also offered scholarships to area students pursuing a degree in horticulture or related area. Educational programs are presented several times a year.
Club member, Jini Loos, informed the audience of a wider service of the club. The unsold perennial plants from the plant sale were donated to Project Home Shelter in Philadelphia who planted a memorial garden in remembrance of a very recently deceased homeless woman.