Westlake Garden Club

The Westlake Garden Club “decked the halls” at Westlake Porter Library on Monday after Thanksgiving.  Garden club members arrived at the library with bags, baskets and boxes of holiday trimmings.  A 7’ tall tree was put into place, lights were meticulously attached to limbs, baby’s breath garlands were draped, and the ornaments were hung.  A nature theme had been selected and the tree decorating committee met several times, including a workshop to craft some of the unique and creative ornaments.  Pine cones were decorated with ribbon, dried cockscomb was fashioned into angels, dried gourds became birds, and twigs became critters.  Snow people with twig arms, hats, scarves and whole clove eyes add a touch of whimsy.  There are owls in abundance, including a large owl gracing the top of the tree.  Dried flowers tucked in here and there add color and continue the nature theme.  The very creative committee consisted of garden club members, Lillian Bialosky, Don Bowman, MaryAnn Brock, Pat Dailey, Michelle Hathway, Judy Hullinger, Regina McCarthy, Gail Morse, Robert Pearl, Alberta Ricciardi, Margaret Schulz and Jean Smith.   Last year the garden club decorated a tree at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, but decided to do something closer to home this year; something to benefit the Westlake community.  Library Director, Andrew Mangels, and his staff expressed their appreciation and thanked the garden club for its creative efforts.   Mr. Mangels stated that he thinks it will become a tradition.  It was a very enjoyable project for the garden club and themes for next year are already being considered.  The Westlake Garden Club celebrates its 50^th anniversary in 2013, so look for a “golden” theme.  The tree is located in the lobby near the door to the café.  If you have not yet seen the holiday tree at the Westlake Porter Library, stop by and take a look.  You are in for a real treat. 

On Wedneday, October 17, the hall at Church of the Redeemer was decked out in fall colors with large potted Mums at each table and the serving tables.  Members and guests enjoyed spiral sliced ham, salads, potato dishes, pasta, green beans, and some luscious desserts.   First VP, Nancy Chopp, welcomed everyone and made some announcements.  Jean Smith distributed copies of the recommended changes to the Constitution and Bylaws, which will be voted on at the November meeting.  Nancy also gave an update on Sally Knurek, who is recovering at home from knee replacement surgery, and Kathy Molner, who is now home recovering from a fall.  She also reported that Agnes Tark broke her arm recently.   After announcements, the “Swing Sisters” provided an entertaining musical program with tunes from the 1930s and 40s, including a tribute to the armed forces.  Following the entertainment, the Mums, two gardening totes donated by Don Bowman, and a grab bag of gifts were raffled off.  A big THANK YOU to the hostesses including chairman Claire Evangelista, Jean Smith, Margaret Schulz, and Don Bowman.  Thanks also to  everyone who pitched in to help get the food on the table and clean up afterwards.

Every year the City of Westlake depends on the Westlake Garden Club to make lovely table arrangements for the Westlake in Bloom Award Ceremony, and this year was no exception. At 1:00 on August 2, garden club members converged on LaCentre with clippers or scissors in hand and creative juices flowing. The City provides vases and the cut flowers and fillers. Beautiful arrangements were made to grace 30 round tables in the banquet room. Former member, Thea Steinmetz, was also there to create displays for the refreshment tables. The garden club members were invited to the awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m. that evening. First Vice President, Bill Hock, received an Honorable Mention in the Residential Large Entire Yard category. President, Regina McCarthy, accepted the Second Place Award for Bay Landing in the Apartment and Condominium Entrance category. The garden club members in attendance enjoyed the evening and getting a photograph with Mayor Dennis Clough.