Shiva Moshtael, Chair for the Annual Friends of Robinson Gardens Membership Luncheon, was nervous the night before. Would the Gardens be wet or dry on September 21st? Taking precautions, she astutely moved the location from the Great Lawn to our glorious Observation Rose Garden. The weather cooperated by leaving thin clouds overhead to make the temperature perfect. The Rose Garden was the perfect setting for the more than 50 Friends who gathered to unite with old Friends and meet our newest Friends.
Guests were immediately greeted by the festive tables dressed in fall colors. Each was centered with a marvelous fall floral centerpiece in colors of red, yellow, orange, and cream, created by our very own talented floral designers, Patti Reinstein and Kerstin Royce. Patti and Kerstin used a variety of small blooming plants to create the beautiful displays. At each place setting was an orange chocolate pumpkin table favor, compliments of Shiva.
Everyone soon moved to the buffet table catered by the Kitchen for Exploring Foods. Shiva with a nod of approval from Friends President, Lynn Whitaker, selected an exceptionally tasty and diverse array of dishes including a grilled chicken entree, harvest chopped salad, charred raw corn salad, orzo salad, bread, and longtime Friends favorite Parmesan cheese toast. While guests thought the meal could not get any better, the dessert selections including lemon iced madeleines, ginger cream cookie sandwiches, mini pumpkin tartlets, and whipped cream chocolate-covered gooseberry pumpkin brittle were incredible.
Lynn welcomed everyone to the Membership Luncheon. While all were enjoying the marvelous lunch, Lynn introduced our newest Friends, Helaine Blatt, Constance Lawton, Marcia Lewis Smith, Tania Ferris, Merri Lee Marks, and our long-time friend and Superintendent Emeritus Tim Lindsay who is now a Friend. The latter three were happily able to attend the luncheon. Lynn shared information about exciting events that await us in the upcoming year including the return of the lovely, always popular December Holiday Party. The estate will be decked out in its holiday finest for this event. Lynn also discussed a major revamp of the Society membership category intended to boost Society membership. She thanked all for their support this past year and looks forward to a wonderful upcoming year, filled with exceptional events.
Everyone had something lovely to share about how very special the day was. Here are just a few:
Sharon Gart commented on “the beauty of the crisp, pre-fall day. The air was buzzing with excitement at seeing old Friends and meeting new ones. It was just a beautiful, perfectly orchestrated, warm, and welcoming day at the Gardens, not to mention delicious!”
Ellisa Bregman agreed that “the Membership Luncheon was a wonderful day. It was so nice to see everyone and of course, welcome the new members! I know it was enjoyed by all. Many thanks to everyone who made it possible.”
Krista Everage summed it all up by saying, “So many delights at the lunch — such a warm welcome from our new President Lynn to our new members (including Tim Lindsay!) in the beautiful Rose Garden while enjoying Shiva’s well-orchestrated and delicious luncheon selections and Patti and Kerstin’s lovely autumnal florals. A perfect afternoon with a lovely breeze.”
Special thanks to Barbara Remedios and April Walton for all their hard work and assistance they provided to make the day so fabulous.
Post by Clare Wagner
Friends of Robinson Gardens Board Member
Photos by Elaine Stein
Friends of Robinson Gardens Executive Board Member
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