Editor, The Spotlight:
Over 300 gardening enthusiasts toured six beautiful gardens in the Town of Bethlehem last Wednesday on the Bethlehem Garden Club’s 16th Annual Garden Tour.
We are deeply indebted to the garden owners, who opened their properties for our edification and enjoyment. They were gracious hosts who made visitors welcome to their gardens.
We thank the garden owners: Peggy & Ray Mull, Martha & David Kissinger, Kathy Wagner Tully & John Tully, Drs. Anthony DeLuca & Gene Hoffert, Ms. Paulette Jakob and Mr. & Mrs. Richard Powell, Drs. Kyle and Anna Flik.
Many others in the town helped to make the evening a success: The Spotlight and Times-Union newspapers provided advance publicity of the event; Bethlehem Police and Highway Department advised on routing directions and provided traffic cones to help with parking; Delmar Presbyterian Church allowed us use of their facilities; Windsor Development Group and Price Chopper enabled ticket sales; John Guastella of Our Towne Bethlehem printed advance information; the Library aired information on Public Access television; and especially the women of the Bethlehem Garden Club (and their families) who put in long hours before, during and after the actual event.
The accompanying Plant Sale, held at the Delmar Presbyterian Church, provided outstanding perennial plants to enhance local gardens, plus advice from Garden Club members on their care and nurturing.
Louise Kavanaugh, club president-elect, drew the Fine Gardening Raffle Grand Prize of two hours of gardening at your location performed by at least six members of the club; Mary Partridge Brown was the lucky winner. Club member Carol Ackerman drew the ticket of Sue Berzinis of Delmar as the winner of the Gardening Gift Basket. And member Gale DeRosia drew Mike Lowery of Delmar as the winner of the George Boothby birdhouse.
Many local restaurants gave a 10 percent discount on Garden Tour night to holders of a tour ticket. Our thanks to Four Corners Luncheonette, Hidden Café, Mercato’s Pizzeria and Restaurant, 333 Café and Shogun for helping to make the evening special.
The funds raised from the Garden Tour and Fine Gardening Raffle are returned to the community through public gardens benches, and trees around town. The Plant Sale profits fund educational grants to Bethlehem elementary schools.
In one evening, attendees can purchase plants, view inspirational gardens, talk with gardeners about their experiences, take a chance on a raffle and eat wonderful local food. Something enjoyable for everyone!
See you next year on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 for another fine evening.
Marcy Corneil, Chair: Garden Tour
Peggy Mull & Carie Hennessey, Chairs: Plant Sale
Jan Messina, Chair: Fine Gardening Raffle
