Longwood Gardens trip a chance to catch up
Last Updated on Friday, 30 December 2011 10:25 Written by Cathy Finnegan Thursday, 29 December 2011 00:00
A trip to Longwood Gardens at Christmas is an annual event for many, but for this columnist it was the first time. After picking up Carol Heenan and Betty Ray, we pulled into the Tabernacle parking lot already filed with cars. Edith Little, who ran the trip on behalf of the Gardens Civic Association, greeted us when we boarded the bus that was almost full. Fortunately, Phyllis Bonner and Rosemarie Fallon had placed their pocketbooks on two seats next to them for Carol and I; and Betty found a seat two rows back. Carla Heist was the last to board the bus and after a quick head count by Marilyn Curley and Carol Gaffney, we were off. The two-hour ride went by quickly with everyone chatting and having a good time. Cecilia Unrath told me she would see me at the January Garden Club luncheon. Joan Chapman and Carol Waite enjoyed sandwiches they made to eat on the bus, while most waited to eat at Longwood Gardens. Edith, Marilyn and Carol passed out entrance tickets and lunch/dinner vouchers, then we were off and running. First stop was the gift shop, but we decided to wait to make purchases just before heading home as we didn’t want to carry packages around all afternoon. Carol Heenan, Betty, Phyllis, Rosemarie and I headed directly for the Terrace Restaurant for lunch that we enjoyed while looking at the evergreen trees trimmed with twinkling lights and an array of gingerbread cookie ornaments, garlands and wreaths.
Well-fortified, we were off for our tour and headed for the conservatory where we found each room to be breathtaking, featuring a gingerbread fantasy with imaginative displays throughout the Gardens. A miniature railway made its way through a holiday wonderland complete with gingerbread men and candy-filled cars. Carol and Sherman DeMill stopped to take a picture for Travels with The Gazette when I was joined by Cindy and Ruth Miller in front of one of the displays. Cindy is the director of employment and volunteerism at Shore Medical Center. Poinsettias in reds, whites and pinks, mini white calla lilies, Christmas cactus and white hydrangeas were featured in the displays. We stopped in for the Christmas carol sing-along in the large ballroom with large crystal chandeliers. Everyone was in awe as they walked outside and got a glimpse of the lights throughout the 1,077 acres of Longwood Gardens. After a tour of Longwood Gardens founder Pierre S. duPont’s spacious home, we stopped for a bite to eat then returned to the gift shop before heading home. Warren Hughes toted a wreath on his shoulder and carried fresh greens that his wife, Mary, purchased at the Gardens. Dorothy White and Winnie Sweigart did some Christmas shopping in the gift shop. Carla Heist found two coffee pots she liked, but admitted her collection was already too large and didn’t buy any. I chatted with Ginny and Dick Strang, Peg Lamb and Linda Dantinne as we boarded the bus then settled back with our containers of Johnson’s Popcorn to watch “The Christmas Shoes.” As we pulled into Ocean City, Marilyn Curley thanked everyone for supporting the Gardens Civic Association trip – all profits from this endeavor are going to scholarships for graduating seniors at Ocean City High School. Nona Dolceamore, who, with husband Ed, owns the Tradewinds Motel at Ninth Street and Wesley Avenue, is still amazed I remember her from Atlantic City High School, as she was a senior when I was a freshman. Edith Little passed out her Jazzy Jem cards as everyone got off the bus.
The Greate Bay Country Club was festively decorated for the holidays when members of Colony Club and guests arrived for Christmas dinner. Colony President Linda Gronert wore a bright red, short-sleeved sheath dress as she greeted guests. Eileen Adams, who chaired the dinner and wore a black velvet slack outfit accented with red beading, made sure each guest picked up their name card with table assignment. Jean Robinson, who sported a cardinal sweater, told me she started a scrapbook with clippings of her picture when it appears in my column. Jim Tweed is excited about the new column he is writing for Jersey Man Magazine. Jane and Ray Snyder recently enjoyed a month-long vacation, flying to Ft. Lauderdale, then Las Vegas and renting a car to drive to the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon and San Diego, then flying back home. Only problem – Jane was sick during the entire vacation. Mahjong Mamas Diane VanStone, Pat Smith and Phyllis Bonner, are headed for Myrtle Beach in March for a Mahjong tournament. Petite dynamo Nicollette Mirra proudly announced she turned 84 on Dec. 8. Mary Lee and Tom Shannahan are still walking the boards everyday.
Our “girl’s only” table had a great time during dinner. Connie Smedley, just home from a trip to California, is excited about taking an art class at the arts center with Nancy Palermo. Connie is also keeping fit by taking Zumba classes at the fitness center. Mary Garrett regaled us with tales of having their home professionally decorated for the holidays. Each guest received a silver box with a macaroon and vanilla and chocolate fudge compliments of George’s Famous Macaroons on the boardwalk. Each box was tied with a red or green glitter bow, however, there was one at each table tied in blue and that person took home the poinsettia centerpiece. Hazel Kavle, who wore a red wool suit accented with the Charity League red and white sequin Christmas ball with a crystal teardrop from several years ago, was the winner at our table, however the red and green glitter balls around the plant were also up for grabs. Hope Shaw, who recently turned 90, told us she worked at George’s when she was 16, but didn’t remember what her hourly wage was. Peg Hagerty, Peggy Doyle, Marion McCaughey, Maribeth Neall and Kathy Allegretto rounded out our table.
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