CLUB ACTIVITIES

Each month (March through December), we have planned programs. The programs are presented at the monthly members meeting. For the months of March, July, and August, our members will be educated with programs related to conservation, education, or a garden related theme. For the other months shown below, we have dedicated programs that occur that month every year. These are our 2025 programs are planned:

MARCH: “Reforest Our Future”

Speakers: Audrey Bodenlos, Nursery Manager & Educator and Jeffrey Karwoski, Founder & Executive Director.

Reforest Our Future supports community reforestation projects and inspires people to take action for the preservation and restoration of trees and forests in Western PA and around the world. ReforestOurFuture.org Jeffrey is a certified arborist with a longstanding history of helping people connect with trees. Audrey has been a gardener by trade for the past six years and in that time has gained a great appreciation for native trees and plants.

APRIL: Past President Luncheon

Celebrating Our 67th Club Anniversary and Past Presidents!

Our annual Luncheon was held on April 15, 2025 at Beaver Valley Golf Club celebrating 67 years and recognizing our past presidents. This year’s program was TRGC - “Who we are, Where we’ve been and Where we’re going”. Click here for the Program information.

Honoring Our Past Presidents

From left to right:

Donna Hudson (2011 - 2012)

Stacey Ivol (2017 - 2018)

Jackie Boggs (2009 - 2010)

Debbie DiBenedetto (1995 - 1996 & 1999 - 2000)

Sue Parry (2024 - present)

Beth Buttermore (2013 - 2014 & 2021)

Elsie Standley (1988 - 1989)

Joann Wilson (2007 - 2008)

Judy Robertson (2005 - 2006)

Marilyn Crain (2003 - 2004)

Cheri Davison (2019 - 2020)

MAY: Member’s Plant Exchange

In May each year, we hold our Member’s Plant Exchange. We dig out plants from our gardens and exchange with each other. It’s the perfect time to thin out our plants as they pop out of the soil in the Spring. And it is so exciting to receive a different plant to add back to our own gardens.

JUNE: Field Trip to Fellows Riverside Garden

Each year we plan a garden related field trip. This year our bus trip took us to Fellows Riverside Garden in Youngstown operated by Mill Creek MetroParks. This is one of Ohio’s finest public gardens and included over 12 acres of magnificent gardens and landscape as well as the D.D. and Thelma Davis Education and Visitor Center.

JULY: Conservation Program “The Buzz on Bees”

Curt Feldmeier and his wife Jan, who is a Master Gardener, are longtime avid gardeners who are devoted to native plants and biodiversity. They are keepers of 3 bee hives on their property in Brighton Twp. Curt will educate us on these most important busy, buzzy pollinators.

AUGUST: Education Program: “Trees and Shrubs & Supporting Wildlife in the Winter”

At our second evening meeting of the year, Chris Kubiak from the Audubon Society of Western PA will explain when winter sets in how birds depend on plant resources to provide critical nutrients as insects become scarce. He will explain how we can help by preparing your landscape at the end of the season to support birds throughout the winter. Also we will learn proper pruning and planting techniques to successfully establish trees and scrubs in a home landscape.

Program will be open to the public.

SEPTEMBER: “Make & Take project”

Each year the members participate in the Make and Take project. It is a fun project working and learning together. Everyone makes a one of a kind creation!!

This year, Sue Vandertie will demonstrate how to make a Pumpkin Centerpiece.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER: Workshops & Greens Sale!

The Nature Bounty and Greens Sale is our annual club fundraiser was held in November. In October we hold workshops to prepare materials and supplies for the sale. In the November workshops the members bring their talents and gather to make fresh green wreaths, arrangements, and other items.

This year’s sale is Saturday November 22 at Frye Transportation Bus Garage. As in previous years we will offer a Presale during the first part of November for customer to preorder their items and pick up on the day of the sale. Profits from this fundraiser benefit many organizations. Please go to our Our Story page for more information about our beneficiaries.

DECEMBER: Annual Christmas Luncheon

To conclude the year, we gatherd for a holiday themed lunch. Our focus at this luncheon is the installation of the 2026 officers and the Worthy Cause collection.