50th Anniversary Celebration

Press Telegram

What a wonderful way to celebrate 50 years of the Naples Islands Garden Club history at Old Ranch Country Club, on June 14th! Our President, Deborah Smith, opened the program recognizing all special guests and introducing honored guest, Rex Richardson, Mayor of Long Beach who graciously spoke and presented the Club with a beautiful City Proclamation. Also presenting Proclamations were the President of California Garden Clubs, Carol Vallens, Director of Orange County District CGCI, Launa Gould and 3rd District Field Representative, Sophie Cully. Other dignitaries included Brent Dennis, Director of Parks, Recreation and Marine; former 3 rd District Councilperson, Suzie Price; President of Naples Improvement Association, Bob Lane; John Boezinger, Naples Improvement Association and Shirley Wild, Correspondent for Press Telegram. Eight Past Presidents were recognized during the program: Laurie Scanlan, Ginny Clark, Sharon Civalleri, Marilyn Bittle, Kathy Owens, Sandy Davidson, Barbara Jordon, and Pam McCredie.

The collective committee of many, spear headed by Arleen Tolle and Catherine Steisel, created gold balloons floated with table numbers atop colors of deep purple, white, gold and green center pieces. Over 110 attended the festivities to appreciate the long participation of promoting neighborhood gardening, beautification and friendships within the community. Throughout the years, our partnership with the City and fundraising events have supported landscape projects at the historic fountain, Naples Elementary School, succulents along 2 nd Street and Naples Plaza.

A backdrop of balloons and lighted “50” numbers sparked frivolity as friends gathered for photo ops, while others ordered our new logoed 50 th anniversary jacket, designed by Nancy Pinckert. Highlighted among the program was a video montage of vintage photographs from the ‘70’s to current community projects - a journey of “Deep Roots to New Blooms” again created by talented Nancy Pinckert. A special day to be long remembered!

Submitted by: Trish Schooley, Publication Chair