COURTESY
WESTMINSTER, Vt. — Westminster Cares held their 17th Annual Westminster Garden Tour on June 30 and July 1. Despite extreme heat and humidity, attendees came out to enjoy the gardens – especially the shady spots – and the event was a success. An estimated 300-400 people attended the tour, with proceeds going to support the services and programs of Westminster Cares, a volunteer organization whose purpose is to create opportunities for seniors and adults with disabilities to live with independence and dignity in the community.
Many garden tour participants were from Westminster and surrounding towns who support the event each; many were visitors and garden club members from out of state including New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island and other states. Participants enjoyed touring the town, strolling through the lovely gardens, having lunch at the garden café and attending the talks and tours offered.
Westminster Cares board members and Donna Dawson, director, expressed appreciation for the many volunteers, sponsors and committee members who helped out, and all those who attended the event.
“It takes a village to organize a fundraising event like the Garden Tour. Individuals, businesses and other organizations contribute their time, labor, raffle prizes, equipment, services, food, ads and financial support. Your continued support of this event allows Westminster Cares to provide programs and services for seniors and adults with disabilities in the community,” she said.
Sincere appreciation goes to Gordon and Mary Hayward for many years of support and without whom this event would not be possible. Every year several additional hosts open their private gardens to the public. In addition to the Haywards, this year’s hosts were Julie Moir Messervy, Lonnie and Obe Lisai, and Josh Gold’s sculpture garden. Cyndy Fine of Genius Loci gave a talk in a garden in Saxtons River; Julie Moir Messervy gave talks in her gardens and the Haywards led a private tour of their gardens. This event would not be possible without their gardening talents, expertise and generosity Westminster Cares.
Sponsors helped to defray costs so that all of the funds raised at the event could go directly to programs and services. They included Mascoma Bank, Silver Forest of Vermont, BurtCo. Inc., The Vermont Country Store, Brttleboro Subaru, Savings Bank of Walpole, People’s United Bank, and C& S Wholesale Grocers.
Raffle prize donations came from Ann Ashcroft, creating and donating the beautiful pinwheel quilt, won by Linda Dixon; a Gardener’s Supply Dual Composter donated anonymously, and won by Wendy Harty; Julie Messervy Landscaping Book, won by Scott Carroll; Sandcasted garden leaf, donated by Raine Kane, won by Tim Baum; a set of cloth shopping bags created and donated by Raine Kane, won by Anne Massucco; a garden consultation donated by Genius Loci, and won by Perley Lund; a gift certificate for an overnight stay donated by the Grafton Inn, and won by Jill Bemis Ben; Morning Star Perennial Gift Certificate won by Ronnie Friedman; Perfect Creations Haircut Gift Certificate donated by Tammy Kissell, and won by Irene Michaud; maple syrup donated by Sweet Maple Products, and won by Susan Harlow; two Key Lime pies donated by Michael Lenox of Café Loco, and won by Joan Wesolowski; a ceramic piece donated by Josh Gold, and won by Peg Hayes; antique watch-face earrings donated by Janette Schuster, and won by The Burtons; and a ceramic vase donated by Virgina Wyoming, and won by Roberta Stradling.
Food and beverages came from Harlow’s Farmstand, Emma’s Market and Deli/Catering, Lisai’s Market in Bellows Falls, and Westminster Cares Board Members.
Donations of equipment and services were from Walpole Rent-A-Center, Best Septic, Westminster Fire and Rescue and Kurn Hattin Homes.
Printing and graphics were supported by C & S Wholesale Grocers for printing all garden tour materials; the local businesses who purchased ads in the program, and Amie Walter of Amie Walter Design for design of all promotional materials. Music was provided by Daron Tansley and Martha Mitchell, and photographers were Ira Wilner and Lori Larue.
Plant sales and flower arrangements included those by MorningStar Perennials, Johnson’s Greenhouse, Harlow’s Farmstand, Allen Bros. Farm, and Judi Petry, and Melinda Underwood for table arrangements.
Volunteers and board members worked tirelessly throughout the weekend, served on the garden tour committee and donated their energy, time and effort in planning and executing the garden tour.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.