On Tuesday, July 7, 2009, First State Chapter held a Garden Party/New Member Orientation at the home of Associate Member, Monica Kulesa MAS. The event was attended by 16 members and Division President, Sandy Ratke CPS/CAP.
The evening began with a surprise recognition of Jean Bracken’s 70th birthday– complete with cake and song. An added recognition came from Division President Ratke CPS/CAP when she presented Jean with a certificate of recognition from the Division. Jean is FSC’s Civic Chair and also this year’s recipient of its Member of the Year award.
Following a dinner of salad bar and desserts, a brief orientation was presented by Deb Turner CPS/CAP about IAAP and how our chapter fits into the organization. Division President Ratke CPS/CAP then provided the assembly with a calendar of Division events for the coming year and a brief discussion followed.
The evening concluded with everyone enjoying Monica’s beautiful eclectic garden filled with interesting decorations such as old records, plates, chandeliers, colorful parlor furniture and even an outhouse! Her garden is home to many different varieties of plants and flowers, such as bee balm, hibiscus, passion vine, sedum, coreopsis, spiderwort, Stargazer lilies, lilies, clematis, portulaca, daisies and loose neck strife. The flowers attract cardinals, finches, hummingbirds, doves, bees, butterflies and other winged creatures who feast from the numerous bird feeders scattered through the garden. It was the perfect way to spend a lovely summer evening.
