Westlake Garden Club

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.

The Westlake Historical Society welcomed visitors to the grounds of the Clague House Museum on Sunday, July 15 for their 42nd annual Antique, Vintage and Craft Show. Attendees could visit over 50 booths selling unique items, purchase potted plants, and enjoy refreshments throughout the day. The Clague House Museum was open for tours with a display of Bridal Dresses Through the Decades. On Saturday, July 14, Westlake Garden Club members gathered on the grounds of Clague House Museum with flowers, clippers/scissors and vases to make flower arrangements to be displayed in the Museum on Sunday. This is an annual event for the garden club with members bringing flowers and leaves from their own gardens, as well as plants found in nearby fields, such as Queen Anne's Lace. Lysa Stanton of the Westlake Historial Society asked that the Vintage Wedding Dress theme be considered when choosing flowers and making the arrangements. Garden club member, Jackie Crosier coordinated the volunteers and provided refreshments. This is a very enjoyable way to spend a few hours on a Saturday afternoon, doing something we love to do, with people whose company we enjoy.  See Photo Gallery for pictures of arrangements being made.