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.
Featured Event: Gardening with Seniors
Yesterday, March 2nd, our theme was Waiting for Spring. The flower of the month for March is daffodils. We painted wooden picture frames and decorated them with foam stickers then inserted photos of daffodils. I had tons of daffodil photos for them to chose from so it took some time for everyone to make their decisions. The residents also made new name tags to fill in the time while the paint dried. It was a lot of fun. The project was the same at both facilities. When we use glass containers at Presbyterian Senior Care we have to adjust the project for Oakmont Center for Nursing and Rehab as we can’t use glass there. That’s why we have 2 different projects some times.
The Gardening with Seniors February 3rd project was a bouquet of multi colored carnations celebrating Valentines Day. Plastic jars decorated with heart stickers red ribbon were created at Oakmont Center for Nursing and Rehab. Quart canning jars were decorated with white lace and red ribbon at Presbyterian Senior Care.
The February 17 project was a celebration of Mardi Gras. Bouquets of silk flowers and other decorations were held in place by Mardi Gras Beads.
GCO Annual Plant Sale 2017
View Our Gallery of Oakmont In Bloom 2016:
Adult Swings
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The Garden Club of Oakmont was delighted at the turn out of our 2014 Garden Tour of Oakmont which was organized to help celebrate Oakmont's 125th Anniversary. We had a lovely sunny day and about 500 people
took the tour. Although it was not meant to be a fund raiser, we did make a profit. With the money that we raised we wanted to give something back to the community with the money that we earned. It was decided by the committee that we would purchase a set of adult swings for Riverside Park. The swings have been installed and are being used by many members of the community as well as out of town guests. They offer a great place to relax and enjoy the cool breezes and the view of the Allegheny River and the Hulton Bridge. Our committee did an amazing job of organizing the tour and all the publicity that helped make it such am wonderful success. A great big thank you to all who attended the tour and all the community members who supported us and especially those who let us tour their amazing gardens. |
GCO at Oakmont Center for Nursing & Rehab
In the spring our Gardening with Seniors committee was approached by Matt Tack, the new director at the Oakmont Center for Nursing and Rehab. He was looking for ways to improve the life of the residents through gardening and community interaction. After several meetings we decided to concentrate on making the courtyard and patio a better place for residents and their families to relax and enjoy being outside away from the nursing home atmosphere.
Many Garden Club members as well as community members made donations including plants, birdfeeders, wind chimes, shepherds' hooks, a bakers rack and a table and chairs set as well as pot "Klips", compost and many pots. We went to work on a plan designed by Master Gardener Kaye Forbes to make the patio and adjoining gardens the centerpiece of the courtyard. Matt and his staff did the heavy digging and planted many cannas along the chain link fence. They also repainted the tables and chairs and made a flag decoration for the wall.
Many Garden Club members as well as community members made donations including plants, birdfeeders, wind chimes, shepherds' hooks, a bakers rack and a table and chairs set as well as pot "Klips", compost and many pots. We went to work on a plan designed by Master Gardener Kaye Forbes to make the patio and adjoining gardens the centerpiece of the courtyard. Matt and his staff did the heavy digging and planted many cannas along the chain link fence. They also repainted the tables and chairs and made a flag decoration for the wall.
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Our members and some very helpful family members planted the two expanded gardens adjacent to the patio as well as many pots. We hung plants on the fence and positioned more by the benches and on the Bakers Rack.
It has been very rewarding to see residents, family members and staff enjoying the outdoor space. This fall we will extend our garden therapy program to include 20 residents at the Oakmont Center for Nursing and Rehab. It will be similar to the program we have been doing for 30 residents at Presbyterian Senior Care. |
First Meeting 2014 - 2015:
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September Meeting and Luncheon:
We officially kicked off our 2014-15 year with our September meeting and luncheon. Randy Soergel from Soergel's Greenhouses was our speaker. He brought many plants and bulbs to share as well as apples. He had many garden tips for fall to share with us. Fall is the time for planting bulbs that will brighten your yard in the Spring. If you have trouble with deer munching on your tulips plant allium bulbs among your tulips. The allium blooms will add interesting variety to your garden and help to keep the deer away from your tulips. Randy brought Paula Red apples and plants to share with us including a beautiful re-blooming azalea. The apples Randy gave us were beautiful red apples with a few green spots. Randy explained that the green spots are places where the leaves kept the sun from hitting the apple's skin. A fun project to do with kids would be to put their names on the apples with stick on letters and let the sun create the outline. We are currently very busy getting ready for our annual November Luncheon which will be on Wednesday, November 19th. Reservations are currently being taken for the November luncheon. The cost is $35.00. You can make a reservation by calling Ann Galm at 412-517-8996. More information will be posted soon. |
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Gardening with Seniors Program:
Gardening with Seniors has been one of the greatest strengths of the
Garden Club of Oakmont. It is a bi-weekly program in the spring and fall
that brings therapeutic and fun gardening and flower arranging projects
to the residents of Presbyterian Senior Care, many of whom were Garden
Club members themselves.
Our Gardening with Seniors Committee had a great Fall session with the residents at Presbyterian Senior Care. Because of expanded interest in our programs and we now prepare for 25 residents at each session. Besides our gardening projects, we also enjoyed entertainment, snacks, and playing garden Bingo. |
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Slideshows from past events:
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2014 Dark Hollow Woods
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2014 Garden Tour
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2014 Plant Sale
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We are currently busy preparing for our annual PLANT SALE to be held on Saturday, May 10th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in Hoffstot's parking lot. Just in time for Mother's Day gift giving, a wonderful selection of hanging baskets and bedding plants will be available. The always popular From Our Own Gardens offerings of perennials will also be available . Our lettuce and herb bowls, planted by our members as well as one -of-a kind flowering containers will spruce up any porch or patio. Once again we will have the Garden Stones bearing words such as OAKMONT, VERONA, a pet's name or any wording of your choice. The proceeds from the sale benefit Oakmont in Bloom, our Club's beautification program consisting of hanging baskets, hay racks, and annual beds through out the business corridor.
In honor of Oakmont's 125th Anniversary the borough will be giving away Oak seedlings. These will be distributed at our plant sale. Tickets for our Garden Tour scheduled for Sunday June 29th will be available for purchase as well. |
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