Special Flower Arranging Class for New VRG Members Delights Participants
It was obvious from the smiles on their faces as they walked through the Pavilion door, that the Flower Arranging class for new members on October 25, 2019, was going to be a big success. How could one not be affected by the riot of fall flowers in gold, rusts, and oranges that Jeanne Anderson placed in white buckets around the room. As if that were not enough to get your creative juices going, one miniature orange pumpkin and one miniature white pumpkin was placed by each bunch of flowers ready to be decorated. Jeanne, master floral designer and inspirational leader of the Friends, stood at the front of the room. She demonstrated, as others followed making their own arrangements. Slowly spinning the turntable, Jeanne cautioned, “Put the leaves in the vase first, but be sure that there are no leaves below the water line because they will…
A Wonderful Lecture by Madeline Stuart
An exceptional speaker, ultra-talented interior designer Madeline Stuart give a fascinating talk that kept her audience spellbound on October 18, 2019 at the Virginia Robinson Gardens. Her lecture was based on her new book, No Place Like Home: Interiors by Madeline Stuart. Education co-chair Cindy Fields introduced Madeline saying that since 2010, Elle Decor has included Madeline on its A-List as one of the top designers in the country. Madeline Stuart and Associates has also been distinguished by its inclusion on the AD100, Architectural Digest‘s prestigious list of the top 100 design and architecture firms. Madeline said, “Virginia Robinson Gardens is one of my favorite places in Los Angeles. I revere old homes. Everyone has taken such good care of this extraordinary place and has worked to maintain and restore it, allowing future generations to appreciate it. I am very grateful to be here. Everyone is so elegant, dressed-up, and…
Spotlight on Ellisa Bregman
Each month we spotlight a volunteer, staff member, docent, donor, or sponsor of Virginia Robinson Gardens (VRG) — those that have made an impact on the organization. We want to let you know about these wonderful people and corporations that give so much to the Virginia Robinson Gardens and to the community, and what they do that is so impactful. This month, we spotlight Ellisa Lanza Bregman, a dedicated Friend of Robinson Gardens Board Member. Ellisa was honored with the Camellia Award at the 2017 VRG Patron Gala for her much appreciated, deep and long-time commitment to the Gardens. Board member and Fellows Chair Jeanne Anderson added that something she finds extra special about Ellisa is that she has been an active participant yearly since she got involved with Robinson Gardens back in 1994. Ellisa is the daughter of famed opera tenor Mario Lanza. She has taken on the responsibility…
A Special Day at the VRG Membership Luncheon
It was a happy, sunny day on October 11th, 2019, at the Virginia Robinson Gardens where the Friends warmly welcomed 11 of the 19 new members at the very well-attended annual Membership Luncheon. A terrific addition to the Friends, the new members are: Antonieta Arango, Bernice Balson, Robin Carmichael, Mary Donkersloot, Sharon Gart, Kelley Jackson, Donielle Kaufman, Kennon Klein, Miryam Knutson, Andrea Layne, Melanie Lock, Katherine Marsano, Meg Ostrow, Kirith Prady, Juliana Ricks, Deborah Sawaf, Miranda Schultz, Roberta White, and Yasmine Zodeh. Co-chairs Luke Anderson, CC Pulitzer-Lemann and Mary Hampson arranged a splendid day for all. Superintendent Timothy Lindsay gave the new members a tour of the Gardens including our new Children’s Wildlife Pond in the King Palm Forest. President Patti Reinstein, Founding President Joan Selwyn and the FRG Committee Chairs gave a presentation on the history of Robinson Gardens and various activities for which one can volunteer. Out on…
Virginia Robinson Gardens Annual Patron Gala Delights the Senses
Virginia Robinson Gardens reinvented itself once again at this year’s Patron’s Gala, which honored longtime Friends member and past president Julia Klein and her husband, Dr. Andrew Klein, with the Spirit of Beverly Hills Award. “The fact that I can be a part of this incredible organization and part of this incredible group of women, I’m so honored and it inspires me,” Julia said when accepting the award. “We have made so much of an impact on so many people, especially the children. When you become a part of this organization, what you get is so incredibly special.” Held on the warm Saturday evening of September 14, 2019, this perfect summer soiree began with a fabulous cocktail hour, the magical rays of the setting sun adding a golden hue to the glorious gardens. Beautifully attired attendees, who seemed straight out of Hollywood’s Golden Age, looked extra dazzling during the magic…