dbachman@observer-reporter.com
Even though members of the Martha Washington Garden Club have their own gardens to tend, they've always found time to help beautify the grounds in and around Washington.
And if they have their way, they plan to do even more.
On April 26, the club will hold a tea and hat party in what it hopes "is the first of many" major fundraisers, club member Debbie Knestrick said.
Since its founding in 1926, members of the Martha Washington Garden Club have selflessly given their time - and money - to advance their causes. They also have held plant sales and flea markets to raise money.
But it hasn't been enough, said Carole Tucci, president of the club. The Martha Washington Garden Club does a lot of things locally, she said, "but we want to do things on a little bigger scale."
The tea and hat party will begin at 11 a.m. at the Ramada Inn, Washington. There will be a Chinese auction, raffles, vendors and entertainment by the Runway Beauties of Oakdale, who will produce a humorous fashion show, and musician/singer Guy Tucci of East Washington.
Colleen Interval, who joined the club in November, is serving as chairwoman of the event.
"I hope we'll be more visible through fundraising," she said.
The Martha Washington Garden Club takes care of the garden at the historic LeMoyne House under the watchful eye of Grace Mitchell, a member who is charged with overseeing the landscaping.
"In the summer, this is beautiful," said Knestrick, as she stood on the walkway surrounded by trees and plants barren of spring buds on an early spring day.
Members also tend the miniature gardens at the Washington County Fairgournds and Expo Center in Arden, and they care for the Veterans' Walkway Rose Garden at the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency. In addition, members plant flowers at Presbyterian Senior Care in Washington as part of their garden therapy activities.
The Washington County Historical Society and Citizens Library also benefit from the club's monetary donations.
"We're hoping to make more substantial contributions," said member Marie McFeely, noting the local club also plans to support the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania in its efforts to build the Peace Garden at the site of the Flight 93 crash in Shanksville on Sept. 11, 2001.
The club awards bonds to middle school students, and Carole Tucci said members would like to establish a horticulture scholarship as well.
Although the club has 61 members, it is always looking to grow its membership and is especially encouraging men to garden.
"Men need to join," Interval said.
"And we do like men," Tucci chuckled.
The club meets at 12:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month at sites to be determined.
Tickets for the tea and hat party are $20 and are available by calling Marie McFeely at 724-225-3260. For membership information, call Dixie Avolio at 724-356-2467.