Moneta garden Club
By Kate Hofstetter
 
     The Moneta Garden Club will welcome spring with its popular annual fashion show and luncheon at Trinity Ecumenical Church, March 21 at noon. The theme for this year’s show is
“Southern Magnolias.”
     In keeping with the theme, “Magnolia blossoms” made from white balloons will be the centerpiece on each table. Servers’ aprons will feature Magnolia appliqués and the food will have a southern “accent.”
     The fashion show spotlights both casual and evening wear, with club members serving as models. A comedy skit is included in the program. Cochairs of the show are Cheryl Trottier and Pam Keaton.
     “Every member takes part,” said Barbara Babiak, president of the club. “Some make aprons, some sell tickets, others work in the kitchen preparing food, some serve as waitresses, others greet guests. Everyone is involved.”
     Babiak, a “Lake transplant” from New Jersey and a club member for the past seven years, said 66 women are currently members in the club, which was organized in 1978. Objectives of the group include education and exchange of horticultural information and ideas, conservation and other environmental concerns. Some members have become accredited landscape design consultants and flower show judges.
     Another event popular with local residents is the club’s annual plant sale, also held at Trinity Ecumenical Church.
This year’s plant sale will take place May 19 from 9 a.m. to noon. Buyers begin lining up for their purchases well before the sale opens, Babiak said, and the plants are usually sold out by or before noon.
     Other community endeavors of the garden club include beautification projects such as the entrance planter and wildflower garden at SML State Park and work with elementary school students on planting projects. The club donates Christmas gifts to the elderly through the Nutrition Center of Central Virginia Center Area Agency on Aging, and they sponsor a monetary award for Best Floral composition at the Smith Mountain Arts Council’s annual art show. The club also holds an annual auction in December with proceeds benefiting Lake Christian Ministries’ “A Child’s Christmas.”

The Moneta Garden Club meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, September through
June. If you are interested in joining, call Barbara Babiak 721-3047.