LAGC 75th Anniversary Honoring Our Past, notes Sept. 23, 2025

 LAGC members, friends and family gathered at the McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage and Cultural Center to honor the club’s history and recognize some of its longstanding members. Attendees received a bookmark to remember the lovely evening. 

To begin the program, President, Nancy Madeoy welcomed members and Secretary, Colleen Fingal led members in reciting the Conservation Pledge, by L.L. Foreman, 1946. This pledge used to be said at all LAGC meetings.

 

Nancy then recognized our longest standing members: Bev Steiger (42 years), Bill Goff (40 Years), Helen Dean (31 years), Peggy Elizeus (30 years), Terry Sarver (30 years), and Lynn Betts (27 years). Combined they have over 200 years of membership. That’s something special to celebrate!

 

The next part of the program called “Reflections – stories of gardening and friendship” was a chance for our longstanding members to speak about their experiences in being a member of LAGC.

 

Cindy Stewart spoke on behalf of Bev Steiger by reading Bev’s words about how she joined the garden club 42 years ago at the prompting of one of her friends and former member, Flo Ogden. They joined with little knowledge about gardening, but with friendship and mentoring of Eleanor Dusenberry, they continued to learn and grow with the garden club.

 

Bill Goff delighted members as he took a walk down memory lane and talked about how he came to join LAGC and remained a member for 40 years. His love of gardening and learning about plants kept growing over the years so that he eventually became a Penn State Master Gardener.

 

We watched a video where Helen Dean and Peggy Elizeus explained how they designed and planted the Chapel Garden at Passavant Hospital. They said they did not have very much experience when they started but, after working together with the garden club, they continually learned more and ended up being the Chapel Garden Coordinators for many years.

 

The highlight of the celebration was viewing the “The story of Longvue Acres Garden Club” video which was researched and written by Claudia Hickly and narrated by Martin Karl. The video shows how LAGC began and its many activities throughout its 75 years. Photos and newspaper articles from the first 50 years were pulled from the archives and featured in the video to show how the garden club has grown over the years. We also saw many current members participating in the club activities of the more recent 25 years.

 Longvue Acres Garden Club: Celebrating 75 Years

https://youtu.be/MqRGYgWa0Yo?si=cY6OeS0OkAHUJJo3

 

 

The formal program concluded with Denny Brown, leading members in a poem called Blessed is the club. According to the LAGC Archives this poem was shared at the 1967 Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania Convention. Denny then invited everyone to enjoy the refreshments and view the memorabilia of photos and program handbooks of LAGC.

 

Mary Jo Clayton donated beautiful dahlias from her own garden and created beautiful arrangements for the refreshment table. Dianne Machesney, Andrea Maire and Colleen Fingal provided delicious cookies and water to enjoy while members mingled and talked about how they liked the celebration event.

 

Our sincere thanks and appreciation to the 75^th Anniversary Committee for all the time they dedicated to preparing for the celebration: Claudia Hickly, Jane MacCredie, Amy Foreman, Diana Berendowski, Mary Anne Kurtz, Mary Jo Clayton, and Nancy Madeoy. Special thanks to McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage and Cultural Center, Suzanne Schnupp and the HCC volunteers, including Suzanne’s brother, John Mucka, who helped us that evening, also Director of McCandless Parks & Recreation, Abby Lucostic.

Photos by Dianne Machesney, Claudia Hickly, RoseMary Highman

Linda Keiser & Jane MacCredie enter History Center.

Amy Foreman, Linda and Denny Brown.

L to R: Mary Jo Clayton, Dianne Machesney, Mary Anne Kurtz, Claudia Hickly.

Program and bookmarks.

Honorees: Bill Goff, Helen Dean, Peggy Elizeus, Terry Sarver, Lynn Betts, and Bev Steiger.

Cindy Stewart reading Bev Steiger's remembrances of LAGC.

Bill Goff ready to shop, each honoree received a gift card.

Refreshment table.

McCandless Town Council resolution honoring LAGC's 65 years.

Mary Jo Clayton with her own dahlias.

Members enjoying a friendly chat, L to R: Janine Zink, Chris Kerin, Maureen Berg, 

Sue Brozick, Jane MacCredie, and Claudia Hickly.

Claudia Hickly, chairperson of celebration, in 50s styled finery.

A portion of the memorabilia over 75 years from Longvue Acres Garden Club displayed at the Heritage Center.

 

June 28, 2025 Picnic, Meeting Notes & LAGC Booth at Northmont Church Celebration June 24

LAGC members gathered for our annual club picnic at the home of Mary Jo Clayton. President Nancy Madeoy welcomed members to the meeting and read a beautiful poem about gardening to begin the lovely evening. 

 We thanked Mary Jo and her husband Don for hosting the picnic and providing delicious sandwiches and drinks. Don made a fruit salad which was displayed in a spectacular frog-shaped container made out of a watermelon. Mary Jo and Don made us feel very welcome.

Mary Jo welcoming LAGC Members for a feast and tour.

Photos by Dianne Machesney.

Bill Goff would like to have a peony division exchange. He proposed having this activity in September or October. Please contact Bill if you are interested in exchanging peonies.

 The Penn State Master Gardeners’ Garden in the Park takes place on July 26th, 9am–1pm, at North Park's Trial Gardens (Babcock & Ingomar Rd).

 Mary Jo Benedetti bought annual plants and planted them at the Chapel Garden. Please contact Mary Jo if you are interested in volunteering to help out at the Chapel Garden. We still need volunteers to fill a few slots in the schedule.

 Denny gave a quick update of the budget. The account balance is approximately $6000. 

 Claudia announced that the McCandless/Northern Allegheny Heritage and Cultural Center has bestowed the Shining Star Award to LAGC. This honor is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the community through volunteerism and involvement. LAGC will be recognized at the Shining Star Gala 2025 at the Camelot Event Center on November 1, 2025. Ticket information and more details will be announced in the coming months. 

 We will take a group photo of LAGC members at our July 22^nd meeting. Please wear your blue T-shirt.

 Mary Anne Kurtz, Plant Sale Coordinator, spoke about the huge success of our annual perennial plant sale. Kudos to Mary Anne for such excellent organization! 

 Here are the points that were discussed:

·       Signage: Very few businesses will allow us to post plant sale signs on their property; it’s good news that we didn’t lose any signs this year

·       Members were praised for the number of plants we brought to sell

·       No need to change publicity efforts; Claudia continues to do a great job!

·       Per Denny cashier/checkout system went well

·       It was agreed that the Holding tables don’t need tablecloths or tabletop signs

·       Friday night drop off of plants at the church – more members used this option

·       Stagers don’t need calculators; can use cell phone if needed

·       Plants were priced well; suggestion to increase the price of specialty plants

·       The receipt will be revised to include 2 items: donation received and if customer is new to our sale

·       An enhanced description of the job duties will be e-mailed to members

·       In order to keep customers from browsing the plants before the sale begins, caution tape or a hostess will be assigned for crowd control 

·       Will discuss buy one get one free vs. half off price at end of sale

·       Plan to take a group photo immediately prior to the start of the sale

·       There’s been an issue of members incorrectly identifying the light requirements on the label with wrong sun/shade picture. This results in plants being placed in the wrong section at the plant sale. Mary Anne has started to compile a list of the most common plants that we sell.  Andrea volunteered to research the light requirements of these plants and come up with the standard that members should use for the plants that they donate for the sale.  Members will receive a copy of the list to review and make additions.

Program – Annual Garden Club Picnic hosted by Mary Jo and Don Clayton

 After a delightful meal and club meeting, members convened for a tour of Mary Jo’s garden and scavenger hunt. Mary Jo has lived in this house for over 30 thirty years, which is evident by the mature trees in the front yard. Our tour focused on the garden area at the back of the house which features a beautiful outdoor eating area and swimming pool. 

Don and just a portion of the layout. Note the miniature plants

.

Don beside the greenhouse.    RoseMary's pictures.

The tour included the following highlights:

·       Greenhouse with potting station

·       An area set up with a garden train and miniature village designed by Don

·       Special Hand and Dagger wrought iron fence

·       Strategically placed fountains and statues

·       Concrete pots of New Guinea impatiens and geraniums around the pool

·       A corner of the garden with Sweet William plants dedicated to her brother

·       Huge, variegated Hostas

·       Various types of Clematis

·       Variety of perennials such as lavender, daylilies, Astilbes, and turtle head

·       A spectacular Ligularia

·       Black Lace Elderberry shrubs

·       Blooming Magnolia tree which perfumed the evening air

·       A large area of Dahlia plants near the house, not in bloom, yet; Mary Jo said that she likes to grow these flowers to make bouquets for friends.  

Members were given a purple hyacinth vine or sweet pea vine as a gift. Thank you very much to Mary Jo and Don for hosting such a lovely evening.

A few of us enjoying the feast, conversation, and beautiful plantings.
Pictures by Bill Goff.

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Northmont Anniversary with LAGC Activity & Donation

Northmont Presbyterian Church planned a Centennial Celebration for June 24, 2025, and LAGC members were invited to attend. The club took a vote to donate $50 to Bill Goff to have a stand where he will talk about the importance of pollinators and help child attendees pot up a plant. LAGC agreed to give a $150 donation to Northmont Church for the Centennial Celebration. Thanks to Linda and Denny Brown for donating a children's basket on behalf of LAGC for the raffle at the celebration.

Bill Goff helping with a gardening activity for children.

Raffle Basket prepared and donated by Linda and Denny Brown.

Pictures by Claudia Hickly 

 

 

February 25, 2025 Meeting Notes

After welcoming members to the 2nd LAGC Meeting of the year, President Nancy posed a few new questions for members to respond to: What does a gardener do in February? Have you made a map of your garden? Have you purchased plants or seeds?  Members responded that they have made a map of their garden, but that it is everchanging.  Some members have already started purchasing seeds for their 2025 garden. Bill Goff suggested that Select Seeds is a good resource for seeds.

 Most of the membership t-shirts have been distributed.  Contact Helen Dean if you haven’t received yours to make arrangements for pickup. 

 

Mary Jo Clayton talked about our 75th Anniversary Tree Planting Service Project which is scheduled for Friday, April 11^th from 3:00pm to 6:00 p.m. at the Horse Arena in North Park. Parking is available at the location. All the tools will be provided. It’s suggested that you bring your own gloves. Please wear your new LAGC t-shirt. The event will occur regardless of the weather so please be sure to dress appropriately.  The North Park Rangers will provide a tutorial to show how to plant the trees.  Members are encouraged to bring kids and grandkids to participate in the planting process. Drinking water will be available for participants.  The idea of having snacks and a reception post-planting was vetoed. We will be planting a total of 75 trees and the varieties are Red Maple, Sugar Maple, Black Birch, Shagbark Hickory, Eastern Redbud, Witch Hazel, Hophornbeam, White Pine, Chokecherry and Chestnut Oak.

 

Treasurer Denny gave a quick update about the LAGC budget. We had approximately $6,100 at the start of January.  Denny made payments in the amount of $2,500 which covers some of the 75th Anniversary expenses, the hall rental fee for Northmont Church and the paver for Northland Public Library. The current balance is $3,500.

 

Publicity Coordinator Claudia discussed the fact that we promote our programs to notify the public of LAGC activities, but we don’t do any post publicity.  Members are encouraged to send photos that you have taken to Anita.  She will post them on the Facebook page to show what we do at our meetings and programs. Also, please remember to share our Facebook notifications with your Facebook friends. 

 

Vice president Marlow talked about the proposal to have the 2025 annual holiday tour at Phipps Conservatory which will be decorated for Christmas.  Members have questions about whether the tour will have a guide to show us behind the scenes area of the greenhouses or if it will be self-guided to see the Christmas displays. Also, what will be the cost - for those that have memberships, senior rates, holiday rates. Marlow will do some more research to get answers to these questions and other details.  Lunch options were not discussed.  Please contact Marlow if you have any suggestions. 

 

The Penn State Master Garden Symposium will be held on Saturday, April 26th at the Hampton Community Center. LAGC members voted to be a “Friend” of PSMG and will donate $100 to have our club name printed in the publicity information. 

Hostesses: Nancy brought a beautiful vase arrangement from McCandless Floral and added her white orchid and a purple orchid which were in bloom. Amy delighted us with brownies, bananabread and nut mixture. Ladies, we thank you for providing a beautiful table and refreshments!

 

Program – Maple Sugaring by Chris Kubiak

Chris Kubiak, Director of Education at the Audubon Society of Western PA returned to give another informative presentation to LAGC.  His talk, titled “Tapping through Time: Science and History of Making Maple Sugar “enlightened us about the history and production of one of Pennsylvania's unique food items: Maple syrup and sugar.

Chris explained that there are two critical elements that are necessary to tap delicious sap. Pennsylvania has both of them: Maple trees and the correct temperatures.  There are many  different varieties of maple trees which produce sap but, Sugar Maples are the best for tapping because of the quantity and quality of the sap they produce. Sugar Maples produce the sweetest sap.  

One can usually identify a maple tree by the shape of its leaves in spring and summer.  In the winter and early spring one can identify the tree by opposite branching buds, leaf scars and the trident shaped bud end. 

Generally, the maple tapping season lasts from mid-February to early April. For the best sap production the optimal temperature should be about 40° during the day and 32°at night. When  the tree buds begin to flower, it signals the end of the maple tapping season.

Our speaker explained that a woodpecker named the yellow-bellied sap sucker was probably the first to discover maple sap. These woodpeckers make distinctive holes in maple trees to extract the sap.  Native Americans noticed these holes and discovered that the sap was edible.

They enjoyed the delicious sap and wanted to find a way to preserve it because the sap is only available for a few months of the year. They decided to cook it over fire to concentrate it into a maple syrup, and then cooked it further to remove all of the water until it becomes maple sugar. 

The maple sugar was then pressed into wooden molds. The Native Americans were able to store the finished product for their own use or traded it for other goods that the tribe needed.  American pioneers learned the process from native Americans.

 

Hopefully, maple sugar and syrup production will continue for many years in Pennsylvania but, Chris has already seen a decline in the number of sugar tapping businesses. There's concern that climate change is affecting sap production because the key elements, maple trees and optimal temperatures are being changed. The Spring season is coming earlier and hotter. 

 

 

 

April 23, 2024 Meeting Notes

President Nancy Madeoy welcomed members to the April meeting which was held in the sanctuary of Northmont Church because Fellowship Hall was occupied for election day.

Upcoming program:  The May 28^th program will be a tour of the North Park Wetlands by the Latodomi Nature Staff. Details about where to meet will be sent via e-mail. Our annual picnic will take place on June 4^th at 6:30pm at the home of Bill Goff. The club photo which will be used for the 75^th celebration publicity will be taken at the annual picnic in June. We hope all members can attend to be a part of the photo.
 
Community Coordinator, Lynn Betts reminded members that they can volunteer to help maintain our Chapel Garden at Passavant Hospital. The sign-up sheet was circulated amongst members.
 
Plant Sale Coordinator, Mary Anne addressed the club about our annual perennial plant sale on May 18th. Please bring your 10 to 20 plants to the church by 7:30am. The 4 inch or larger pot should have a plant tag which contains information about the plant such as size, growth habit and flower color. When you arrive, please place your plants in the appropriate row with similar plants. Please wear your green t-shirt and be sure to bring your gently used garden items for the “Free” table. 
 
Claudia has been working on publicity for the plant sale. LAGC members can help promote the plant sale by forwarding the plant sale flyer that you receive in your e-mail or via text. Please share the post on your Facebook page if you are able to do so.
 
Update on the plans for LAGC’s 75th anniversary celebration: Mary Jo said that details are being developed to plant 75 trees at a cost of $1300.  The type of tree or trees has yet to be determined. The 2025 directory will feature fun facts and photos of the club’s history. There will be a reception, drinks and cake type event in September 2025 at the Heritage Center in North Park. Tonight, the club unanimously voted to have a dinner in October 2025. Watch for more details. Sounds like a fun time!  
 
Our hostesses did a beautiful job this month.  Rosemary’s delectable desserts of Apple Blueberry Pear tart, Chocolate Shortbread, Banana Pineapple Cake and pretzels were devoured by members and our guests.  Helen’s Lily of the Valley and ceramic frogs completed the lovely tablescape. Thank you ladies!
 

Helen Dean

 Program Notes
 
The Spectacular Gardens of New Zealand by Martin Karl, LAGC Member
 
Club members and guests were delighted to have our fellow club member introduce us to the many fascinating gardens in New Zealand. Martin has enjoyed visiting this country 6 times for a total of 7 months.  The reason for his travels is to see his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren while exploring the beautiful gardens and enjoying the fantastic views is a bonus.
 

Martin Karl

He began his talk by giving us a few interesting facts about New Zealand:  the country has 4.5 million citizens; the citizens speak English and Maori; the country is about the same size as Colorado; sheep farming and tourism are the primary industries; it’s the last territory settled by humans.
 
Taking care of the land and environment is very important to the people of New Zealand.  There is a rigorous recycling program and toilet habits to conserve water. Most importantly, New Zealanders started a national campaign in 2016 called Predator Free 2050 with the goal of completely removing rats, stoats and possums from the country in order to let the native plants and birds thrive again. They are already seeing progress of birds multiplying and plants and trees growing in the barren land that was destroyed by non-native mammals.
 
Martin explained that every city has a free public garden. His photos show that both public and private spaces are filled with flowers and trees. Roses are a spectacular favorite flower among all the gardens.
 
Of the many gardens that Martin has visited, Hamilton Gardens is his favorite. He likes this garden the best because it has many different themed garden rooms such as, Chinese, English, Indian and Japanese where each one features the plants, trees and structures unique to that country.
 
Wellington Gardens is special because it has a cable car which gives visitors a terrific view of the plants and trees nestled within the terrain.
 
Otari Native Botanic Garden is the only public botanic garden in New Zealand which is dedicated solely to native plants.
 

Dunedin Scottish Garden features some of the oldest trees in New Zealand. One of the trees is 800 years old.
 Otepuni Garden was developed out of what was called the Queens Park and features a stream which draws in many native birds.
Martin gave a very informative talk and it was a pleasure to see Martin’s photos of the beautiful gardens he enjoyed visiting in New Zealand.  
 
 Meeting Notes by Colleen Fingal

Pictures by RoseMary Highman