April Activities

On April 6th many members of GMGC set out with 53 passengers aboard a BUDGET CHARTERS INC. bus for Washington, D.C.:  Destination--Cherry Blossom Festival.  A smooth ride and a stop for breakfast permitted us to arrive at our destination by noon, with an hour in the fabulous Smithsonian Freer Art Gallery before picking up our personal tour guide.  What a relief to find the sky overcast, but no sign of the tornado that had been predicted for the area.
 

Janet confirming all seats with the driver at 7:30 AM

Many of the ladies awaiting the bus after walking through
the Freer Art Gallery of the Smithsonian Institute
and other spots around the Smithsonian.

Donna Sprandle in the interior courtyard of the Freer Art Gallery		Flowers outside the gallery

At 1:00 our guide (Dillon) boarded the bus and directed the driver to the tidal basin area where we disembarked for a walk among the Cherry Blossoms.  The trees outline the area with their gossamer blossoms of pink.  It was a vision that must be witnessed to be fully appreciated.

Dillon shared the following story:   A few years ago the city Officials noticed that someone was damaging the trees.  The damage appeared intentional.  The FBI was called in to investigate.  Routine surveillance provided no clues to the source of this dastardly act.  The Men in Black pushed their surveillance to 24 hours.  The perpetrators were caught in the act---a family of beavers was gnawing on the tree trunks in an effort to obtain material for their dens.  To prevent further damage, the trunks of the tree are now fitted with a metal cuff that prevents the culprits from gnawing.

Jefferson Monument (in the background) at the tidal basin
(from inside the bus right after a light shower)

Jefferson Monument and the Washington Monument
below the cloudy skies

Washington Monument in the background
……Cherry Blossoms in the foreground

We continued our tour to the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Memorial, and the Capital building.  Along the way we were treated to the many programs of music and dancing that were part of the Cherry Blossom Festival.  We also took advantage of a program sponsored by State Farm--Mailing a postcard (no charge) to a soldier stationed in the war zone.  We all hoped that our message would bring some gladness to those soldiers and let them know we love them and keep them in our prayers.

Scarlet Baxter stops to pose in front of the Jefferson Memorial

		Linda Glover and Linda Capuzzi walk back to the bus from the Jefferson Memorial.

Mounted Police officer beside the magnolia trees
across from the bus parking at Jefferson Memorial

The most gorgeous cherry blossoms were at the F. D. Roosevelt Memorial.

One little boy was imitating the bronze “Bread Line”
statues inside the FDR Memorial Park.

Beautiful waterfall setting in the FDR Memorial Park

View of the Washington Monument through the cherry blossoms
at the FDR Memorial

Zoomed view of the Washington Monument
amongst the cherry blossoms taken from the F.D.R. Memorial walkways
 

Bronze statues of Franklin D. Roosevelt and his famous dog Fala

Bench warmers:  Anita and Gene Rotonto		Dolores, Shirley Flosnik, and Darla Wasko

Korean War Memorial

Lincoln Memorial during a sudden shower….we all ran inside
for cover and saw Abe beneath his beautiful lighted rotunda.

Fabulous view of the sunlit Capital (in the background)
and Washington Monument from atop the steps of the Lincoln Memorial

Visitors at the Viet Nam War Memorial

The Capitol Building

Flowers in front of the Capitol Building
 

J. F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on the Potomac River

Like they say, "Tempest Fugit."  It was time to leave D.C.  Dillon suggested Georgetown for dinner.  He offered reservations at Tony & Joes' Restaurant or we could be on our own in the area.  Many of us went to Tony and Joes'.  We were happy with our choice.  The floor-to-ceiling windows permitted an excellent view of the Potomac River.  The food made our taste buds sing, and the wine took us from middle C to High C.  Thank you Dillon!
 
 

Beautiful courtyard outside Tony & Joe’s Seafood Restaurant
at the Georgetown waterfront on the Potomac
 

We were back on the bus by 7:00 PM and arrived at the first stop, Curt’s Family Restaurant in Markleysburg, Pa. at 10:00 PM.  Next stop was J.C. Penney’s in Uniontown, Pa.
 
We are grateful to Janet Knight for arranging this trip and for convincing the bus line to provide a tour guide (with no increase in price).

STATE CONVENTION: 

Since our State Convention was being held on April 19-23, we had no April GMGC monthly meeting, in hopes that many would travel to the Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford, Pa.   A dozen members traveled to Bedford Resort.  The resort has been restored to its original elegance and stands as an historical landmark.  It was interesting to read the old ledgers and find the signature of prominent people, e.g., President Buchanan (any relation to Ruthie?).  It was also impressive to read the costs of meals and lodging; of course this was in the 1800's.

Some photos taken at the State Convention:

Circlular entrance to Bedford Springs Resort		Denise Rosenberger, Pat Raymond, and Wilma Wilson arriving at the convention.

Linda Capuzzi and Linda Glover
admiring tulips on resort grounds

Beautiful arrangements created by the luncheon speaker

Part of the motley crew…Marian Jarina, Angie Raitano our new GCFP President,
Linda Glover, Marlene Leslie, Janet Knight, Linda Capuzzi, Darla Wasko,
and seated is Shirley Flosnik.

Cocktail party before dinner:  Janet Knight, Linda Glover,
Linda Capuzzi, and Mary Ann Schmunk in the background.

Getting reading for cocktails:  Marlene Leslie, Shirley Strohm,
Kathy Gerke, and seated Shirley Flosnik.

Dorothy Yard, outgoing GCFP President

Angie Raitano - newly elected GCFP President

GMGC was happy to accept NINE AWARDS:  three 1st-place, four 2nd-place, The Presidential Garden Club Growth Award, and $100 $eed Money.  GMGC also hosted a wine/snack reception for Angie and presented her with a tasteful gift of jewelry and a scarf; Angie was most appreciative.

  April 2009 Gardening Tips