Gardening with Seniors
The members of the Gardening with Seniors Committee were very disappointed to learn of the closing of Oakmont Center for Nursing and Rehab. We will miss working with the residents and staff.
Although we still cannot visit Presbyterian Senior Care in person to do projects we are still able to create projects to be distributed to the residents. Our February projects were Valentines and snowy pinecone owls.
Although we still cannot visit Presbyterian Senior Care in person to do projects we are still able to create projects to be distributed to the residents. Our February projects were Valentines and snowy pinecone owls.
January 2022 program: Conservatories during the Gilded Age
Our members enjoyed an interesting presentation from Sue Morris of the Frick Pittsburgh at our January meeting. We enjoyed learning about Conservatories during the Gilded Age. If you would like to read more of Sue's research on this topic, here is a link from the Frick's website: https://www.thefrickpittsburgh.org/Story-PITTSBURGH GILDED-AGE-CONSERVATORIES.
GCO Annual Holiday Luncheon
After a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic, The Garden Club of Oakmont held its 16th annual Holiday Luncheon. “Tartan Tidings”, was held at the Oakmont Country Club on Wednesday, November 17. Members and guests enjoyed a most delightful day which included stunning decorations, a delicious lunch, Chance and Silent auctions, a Sweet Shoppe, 50/50 raffle, door and table prizes, a Wine Basket, and a Gift Card Tree. While shopping and mingling, attendees were treated to the music of Ron Bickel on keyboard. Proceeds from this event enable the club to continue their beautification of Oakmont and numerous other community projects.
It's been a busy fall for members of the many Garden Club Committees
Holiday Decorations: Merry Christmas!!
Fall Cleanup of the Boulevard
On October 1st 27 “Get R Done Gals” from our Oakmont in Bloom Committee gathered at the post office in pink t-shirts to pull the pretty pink petunias out of the 26 tree wells in the Oakmont business district. The petunias were removed and the tree wells weeded and cleaned up and prepared for winter. Soon the 9 urns in the business will be decorated for the holidays with big red bows, holiday greens, twinkling lights and wrapped presents. Photos by Judie Beynon.
Fall Kerr Museum Cleanup
When Oct 27th was picked for Kerr Museum Cleanup Day, a beautiful fall day was hoped for, but it wasn't the case. Thank you to Nancy Kline, Paula Jesion, Judy Murray, Karyn Brooks, Karen Schempp, and Carol Coulson for all the help and hard work on that cold blustery day. Your help got the job done
Lilly Fussaro
Lilly Fussaro
Gardening With Seniors
From Our Own Gardens
Once again we are doing Gardening With Seniors remotely due to Covid. Our traditional first project in the fall has been making arrangements of flowers from our gardens. Since we cannot visit the residents at Presbyterian Senior Care and Oakmont Center for Nursing and Rehab, Lilly and Brigitte gathered flowers from members’ gardens and created 51 arrangements. They delivered the lovely bouquets to the facilities for the staff to deliver to the residents.
Once again we are doing Gardening With Seniors remotely due to Covid. Our traditional first project in the fall has been making arrangements of flowers from our gardens. Since we cannot visit the residents at Presbyterian Senior Care and Oakmont Center for Nursing and Rehab, Lilly and Brigitte gathered flowers from members’ gardens and created 51 arrangements. They delivered the lovely bouquets to the facilities for the staff to deliver to the residents.
Installation of new officers and June Garden Tour 2021
Successful 2021 GCO Plant Sale
Kerr Museum Cleanup
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We had a beautiful spring day to work on Tuesday April 27th at the Kerr Museum.
Thank you so much for all the terrific help from Linda Adzima, Carol Coulson, Carol Burton, Nancy Barna, Judy Murray, and Jackie Stoner. We were able to take care of a great deal of the weeding. We may try another day to trim the bushes. Lilly Fussaro |
Adopt–a-Block Committee
On Monday April 26th the Adopt-a-Block committee gathered to weed the tree wells along the boulevard. They are now prepared for the upcoming planting of flowers along the boulevard.
Parks Committee
The Parks Committee recently purchased and planted four new Dwarf Alberta Spruce trees replacing four juniper bushes at the base of the flagpole in Riverside Park. The juniper bushes had struggled in that spot and their removal has created a welcome location for the spruce trees which should fit in nicely with the existing landscaping and mature in keeping the other plantings.
The parks committee also held a cleanup in Dark Hollow Woods on Saturday, April 24th.
Many thanks go out to all who participated in the Dark Hollow Woods Spring Clean Up. We were fortunate enough to have lovely weather and a wonderful turnout. We had approximately 30 participants including seven young ladies from our community Brownie Troop and our ever supportive park stewards of the dog walking community.
We were able to make a dent in our ongoing battle against the invasive garlic mustard, weeded the parking circle, removed some grapevine from trees, collected trash and cleared the drainage ditch along Spring Trail. An admirable effort was put forth by all.
Thank you: Megan Gold, Dawn Whyte, Laurie Saxon
The parks committee also held a cleanup in Dark Hollow Woods on Saturday, April 24th.
Many thanks go out to all who participated in the Dark Hollow Woods Spring Clean Up. We were fortunate enough to have lovely weather and a wonderful turnout. We had approximately 30 participants including seven young ladies from our community Brownie Troop and our ever supportive park stewards of the dog walking community.
We were able to make a dent in our ongoing battle against the invasive garlic mustard, weeded the parking circle, removed some grapevine from trees, collected trash and cleared the drainage ditch along Spring Trail. An admirable effort was put forth by all.
Thank you: Megan Gold, Dawn Whyte, Laurie Saxon
WITH GRATEFUL THANKS to DANNY MONACO
It is with profound regret and deep sadness that Garden Club of Oakmont acknowledges the recent passing of Danny Monaco. Danny was well known in our community, not only for his much loved restaurants, Hoffstot’s and Cafe Monaco, but for his energy, his concern for others and his giving nature. Danny was a very good friend to Garden Club members, both individually and collectively. He supported us in many ways, most notably with the use of his parking lot for our annual Spring Plant Sale, along with complimentary lunches for our members who worked a long, hot day. The urns outside his restaurants overflowed with striking plants every summer, reflecting his love of all things bright and beautiful. They beckoned the passer-by inside to a friendly gathering place and food that never disappoints, where everybody was assured of a friendly and personal greeting. It was a job very well done. Every community should have a Danny. We were fortunate that it was ours.
We will miss you, Danny. Thank you.
We will miss you, Danny. Thank you.
Fall Cleanup at the Kerr Museum
A big thank you goes out to the club members who gathered on October 14 to clean up the yard at the Kerr Museum. With rakes and clippers in hand plants were prepared for winter and all debris was raked up and hauled away. Several interesting plants were still showing nice colors.
Members participating were Jackie Stoner, Lily Fussaro, Nancy Barna, Loretta Worsham and Carol Burton.
Members participating were Jackie Stoner, Lily Fussaro, Nancy Barna, Loretta Worsham and Carol Burton.
Parks Committee Update
On Saturday, October 10 members of the Parks Committee gathered in the circle parking area of Dark Hollow Woods. They weeded and cleaned up the central area to prepare it for winter. We are all looking forward to seeing the daffodils planted last fall when they return in the spring.
A big thank you to the ladies who participated: Elisa Yukstas, Karen Schempp, Dawn Whyte, Francessca Wylie, Robin Lazor, Linda Adzima, Alicia Ricupero and Megan Gold.
The committee also keeps the bulletin board in the circle up to date.
Over the summer Forrest Steele rebuilt a bridge in the northern area of the park. This was his Eagle Scout project. A big thank you also goes to Forrest for making our lovely woods safer and more accessible.
If you haven’t been for a stroll through the Woods, fall is a lovely time to go. Dark Hollow Woods is truly a hidden gem here in Oakmont.
A big thank you to the ladies who participated: Elisa Yukstas, Karen Schempp, Dawn Whyte, Francessca Wylie, Robin Lazor, Linda Adzima, Alicia Ricupero and Megan Gold.
The committee also keeps the bulletin board in the circle up to date.
Over the summer Forrest Steele rebuilt a bridge in the northern area of the park. This was his Eagle Scout project. A big thank you also goes to Forrest for making our lovely woods safer and more accessible.
If you haven’t been for a stroll through the Woods, fall is a lovely time to go. Dark Hollow Woods is truly a hidden gem here in Oakmont.
Oakmont in Bloom Committee
WE DID IT! What an amazing group of ladies we have! We had a record number of 45+ volunteers stepping up to the plate by either picking up and distributing flowers, soil, or mulch or preparing and/or planting our beautiful 1018 Bubble Gum Supertunias in our 27 beds, and 9 urns. This year we planted an additional 6 beds in front of the ACE Hardware/Panera plaza which is a nice addition to Oakmont In Bloom.
The number of people who rolled down their windows, or were strolling by, that thanked us for what we do, was countless. Their comments are always so appreciative and welcoming. Our community now recognizes the ladies in pink shirts who always manage, even in a pandemic, to make Oakmont Bloom.
We missed not having our group photo this year, but we do have some snaps to share.
THANK YOU,
Oakmont In Bloom Committee
The number of people who rolled down their windows, or were strolling by, that thanked us for what we do, was countless. Their comments are always so appreciative and welcoming. Our community now recognizes the ladies in pink shirts who always manage, even in a pandemic, to make Oakmont Bloom.
We missed not having our group photo this year, but we do have some snaps to share.
THANK YOU,
Oakmont In Bloom Committee
Civic Planting Committee
On May 27th the Civic Planting committee planted annuals at the entrances to Oakmont. Petunias and coleus were planted near the High School. Coleus and New Guinea Impatiens were planted near Rite Aid. All flowers were provided by Michael Brothers Nursery in Cheswick.
Park Committee in Action
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic that has been sidelining so many community activities, the Parks Committee has been able to complete a few projects safely this season. Our fall planting of dozens of daffodils around the parking circle at Dark Hollow Woods graced us with a first year bloom that was unfortunately only viewed from afar since the park was closed during the bloom.
Another much needed project was the replacement of 19 trash receptacles for Riverside, Creekside parks and the bocci court which were delivered and installed in March. The receptacles are a donation from the Garden Club and match the existing receptacles on the Boulevard.
Our final project was the modified Spring Clean up in Dark Hollow Woods. Since Covid-19 prevented us from holding our annual community spring clean up day, we planned a committee only event to spruce up the parking circle and work on removal of invasive garlic mustard-something we were able to accomplish while adhering to social distancing.
Many thanks to all who were able to get out and help keep our community beautiful!
Another much needed project was the replacement of 19 trash receptacles for Riverside, Creekside parks and the bocci court which were delivered and installed in March. The receptacles are a donation from the Garden Club and match the existing receptacles on the Boulevard.
Our final project was the modified Spring Clean up in Dark Hollow Woods. Since Covid-19 prevented us from holding our annual community spring clean up day, we planned a committee only event to spruce up the parking circle and work on removal of invasive garlic mustard-something we were able to accomplish while adhering to social distancing.
Many thanks to all who were able to get out and help keep our community beautiful!
2020 Spring Plant Sale
The Club regrets to announce that our annual Spring Plant Sale, originally scheduled for May 9th, has been cancelled.
The April 2020 board and general Club meetings are also cancelled.
The April 2020 board and general Club meetings are also cancelled.
2019 November Luncheon
Our 2019 November Luncheon was another successful event, enjoyed by 270 guests. A great big thank goes out to all who worked so hard to make it happen. Tickets sold out in a record 4 hours. So mark your calendars now for next year’s November Luncheon which will be held on November 18, 2020.
Garden Projects at The Oakmont Center for Nursing and Rehab
For several years some of our Gardening with Seniors committee members have been helping with the outdoor gardens at the Oakmont Center for Nursing and Rehab. We have brought in plants from our own gardens and some that were left over from our Annual Spring Plant sale. With help from the Center staff we have created new garden spaces and expanded old ones. We have the benefit of various garden beds that are perfect for both sun and shade loving plants and have used some special spaces to install a whimsical fairy gardens.
Most of our transplants have done very well, so the biggest need this year, especially after all the spring rain, was extensive weeding and trimming. We decided that the appearance of the beds would be improved and our job would be easier next year if we added mulch. The Center supplied the mulch and also dug out some extra space for us to fill with new plants. We went to work and shaped up existing plants as well as adding a few new ones. The residents and the staff visit the gardens often and are enjoying the view. We are looking forward to resuming our Gardening with Seniors indoor sessions with the residents in October.
Most of our transplants have done very well, so the biggest need this year, especially after all the spring rain, was extensive weeding and trimming. We decided that the appearance of the beds would be improved and our job would be easier next year if we added mulch. The Center supplied the mulch and also dug out some extra space for us to fill with new plants. We went to work and shaped up existing plants as well as adding a few new ones. The residents and the staff visit the gardens often and are enjoying the view. We are looking forward to resuming our Gardening with Seniors indoor sessions with the residents in October.
GCO Library Arrangements Committee
The Library Arrangements Committee of the Garden Club has provided arrangements to our library for many, many years. Those who serve on this committee provide weekly arrangements to our local library throughout our club year, running September through June. During December, the Holiday Arrangements Committee takes charge and provides a beautiful array of trees and decorations throughout the month and into early January.
The Library arrangements committee allows our members to show their individual creativity in providing whatever “suits their fancy” to showcase at the main entrance to our library. Usually we follow the seasons and holidays to share our talents; but can also be anything the creator wants. Nothing is ever turned away! Library visitors enjoy what we provide each week and we receive many compliments on what is on display.
Stop in sometime to see what our creative volunteers’ supply—it’s a real treat!
The Library arrangements committee allows our members to show their individual creativity in providing whatever “suits their fancy” to showcase at the main entrance to our library. Usually we follow the seasons and holidays to share our talents; but can also be anything the creator wants. Nothing is ever turned away! Library visitors enjoy what we provide each week and we receive many compliments on what is on display.
Stop in sometime to see what our creative volunteers’ supply—it’s a real treat!
Summer Day Camp for Gardeners
This summer one of our members has organized “Day Camp for Gardeners”. She has planned outings to many interesting venues around the city. Each outing also includes lunch at an interesting nearby restaurant. Members are encouraged to bring friend along. A good time was had by all who were able to attend.
