Garden Beauty Inside & Out At Action Chapter Party

By Linda Adams, FNGLA COO

The one downside of trying to get to lots of chapter meetings in a single month is some of the chapters share the same meeting dates. I loved going to the Manasota Chapter party, but was disappointed that I missed the Northeast Chapter party the same night. Maybe someone from Northeast will post some comments about their party.
The 2nd Tuesday of the month is a popular chapter meeting date. It is shared by Frontrunners, Highland Heartland and Action.

I was torn which to attend, but when I heard Action Chapter was having its party at Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, I couldn’t resist enjoying some Christmas cheer in one of my favorite gardens. In addition, my dear friend and mentor, Katy Moss Warner, (see above with Wayne McKay and me) was planning to be at the party and I didn’t want to miss seeing her while she was in town. Some of you may remember Katy from her days as director of horticulture at Walt Disney World or president of the American Horticulture Society. She’s a dynamo!

Anyone who arrived early (before dark) had a chance to walk through and admire the garden. With this being a local meeting for me and other FNGLA staffers, 3 of my work buddies attended – Amy Dibella, Toni Wise, and Merry Mott. This was Amy’s first visit to Leu Gardens and she was very excited! Carolan and Mr. Carolan (Dennis) Mahr made this one of their party stops as well, and like Amy, this was their first time to Leu. Off we went to see the camellias Leu Gardens is famous for, as well as Florida Garden Select (formerly known as Florida Plants of the Year) plants, the outdoor living garden and the original Leu House, all decorated for the holidays.

While we were walking in the garden the chapter elves were busy decorating the meeting rooms with suitable industry décor – green foliage and red poinsettias around the room. Groupings of poinsettias and garland created centerpieces and ornaments were scattered on the tables. It really was one of the most festive rooms I had seen yet!

The party started with an excellent singer/guitarist who entertained us with Jimmy Buffet-style music. Chapter President Glenn Barnes got things going right on time
which we appreciated as we were all ready to dig into the buffet. I don’t know how many people were in attendance, but it was a large room and a full house. There was a table to the side filled with toys members had brought which were being donated to the local Loaves & Fishes charity.

Robert Bowden, director of Harry P. Leu Gardens and an active member of FNGLA, was asked to speak about the gardens. He took the opportunity to thank industry members for their generosity and support over the years as they’ve improved and expanded the gardens.

Robert told a great story of travelling to an FNGLA member’s business to get some plants. Realizing he wasn’t going to get there until well after the nursery was closed, Robert called the owner to say he’d have to come back another time. The owner told him that wasn’t necessary. Although he couldn’t stay to let Robert in, he gave Robert the code to the security alarm and told him to go in and take what he needed. While some would think that was a rare incident, to me it is another example of not only the generosity this industry is known for, but the genuine fellowship between plant people! And, if you’ve seen Robert, you have to admit, he does have a very honest face!

The evening ended as most Action Chapter meetings end – with a fast and fun raffle! Action Chapter Board member Doug Reichwein is a very entertaining raffleer. There were lots of great prizes and plants being raffled. Unfortunately, once again, I was unlucky for myself, but was checking Doug's tickets for him while he helped with the raffle items and he had a winning ticket! I tried to claim the prize for myself, but since it was $100 of nursery operations consulting fees (something I can’t use since I don’t own a nursery) I decided to be a gracious loser and let Doug claim his rightful prize. Maybe I'll be a winner at the next party!

If You're Ever Invited To A Party At Albritton's - Say Yes!

One of the holiday songs we hear this time of year is “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow.” The evening of the Manasota Christmas party the theme song could have been “Let It Rain, Let It Rain, Let It Rain.” Everyone in Florida knows how much we need any rain we can get, so when it rained all day Friday and into the evening, it was hard to complain about the rain, even if it wasn’t very convenient timing. Hats off to my party sidekick and designated driver, Billy Butterfield, FCLC, who didn’t let the daunting I-4 rush hour traffic and rainy conditions keep us from getting to a great Manasota party at Albritton’s Nursery in Sarasota.

Robert Albritton’s, FCHP, home and nursery share the same location, so you felt like you had the best of both worlds. The party was under a covered packing/loading area.
Robert’s crew had enclosed the area with 3 walls of plastic to protect us from rain and wind. This spot looks over the pool and entertainment area of Robert’s house with the nursery further in the background.

It was an ideal location for the party, especially with all the beautiful holiday decorations Robert and his family had in every area, from the front parking area to the pool to the centerpieces on the tables. A large Christmas tree stood at the rear of the party pavilion where everyone placed the gifts they had brought for the chapter Toys For Tots collection.

Chapter President T. Jay Higgins and Ralph Garrison, past president of the chapter welcomed everyone and made sure we could find the tables of appetizers (including shrimp cocktails and fresh-shucked oysters) as well as the bar.

As the evening went on, Robert and his crew brought out professional size chafing dishes filled with fresh green beans, big, fat baked potates and layers and layers of prime rib which had been in an alto-sham (slow cooker) since 4:30 am. Here's where I have to confess that I'm a semi-vegetarian. I don't eat beef or pork, but everyone else around said this was the best prime rib they have ever had! All the food was such high quality and professionally presented I thought at first the chapter had this party catered. I soon realized Robert Albritton, FCHP, is not only a successful nurseryman, but also has great talent and the right "tools" when it comes to cooking and entertainment. I'm definitely keeping an ear open for the next party at Albritton's!

We found FNGLA President Elect Carolan Mahr and her husband, Dennis, already mixing when we arrived. Carolan had been at the Great Southern Tree Conference in Gainesville earlier in the day, so she had an even longer drive in the rain than we did. As it turned out, I talked to 4 different people who had come direct from GSTC to the chapter party. That takes commitment – or inside info on what a great spread Robert was going to be serving at this party!

If you’re ever at a meeting and have a chance to sit near Dennis Mahr (he currently calls himself Mr. Carolan) I would strongly advise it. Dennis will keep you entertained with his life stories – all true, maybe a little stretched, and very funny. This time we heard about his teenage days of being the store “manager” of the local ice cream store in his small Texas hometown. We learned how he dealt with bullies, first dates and tornadoes using the power of his position in the world of retail ice cream. I never knew so much could be done with 31 flavors of ice cream!

Loosening Up With FNGLA Treasure Coast

Two nights after being with Lake Region Chapter, Billy and I headed south to party with the good people in the Treasure Coast Chapter. This group likes to add glitz to their holiday party. We showed up at the Pelican Yacht Club on Hutchinson Island ready to celebrate! The women were wearing their holiday dresses and the men in coats and ties. A very handsome crowd! Although I did notice many of the coats and ties found themselves on the back of chairs soon after dinner ended.

It was great to catch up with several FNGLA friends during the cocktail hour, as well as meet some new FNGLA members. It was nice to see several friends from the USDA Research Facility and IFAS there. When they all sat together for dinner they were titled the "brainy" table - a smart bunch!

While we mingled, Maddie Williams serenaded us with Christmas music. Maddie’s day job is with the Treasure Coast Builders’ Association where she and FNGLA chapter VP Cindy Hall have worked together on several industry projects. Once again, association networking pays off. When Cindy was put in charge of entertainment for this party, she knew just who to call!

It was easy to see why the planning committee chose the Yacht Club for this event. Beside the being on the water and the nice boats outside, the room was nicely decorated and the dinner served was delicious with plenty of choices. My favorite was the mahi mahi with mango sauce. I realized with this 2nd party, that with 6 more parties to go, I’ll need to work out more if I expect to fit in my clothes by the final party on Dec. 15th. Lots of good food! I also learned on this trip that Billy B. keeps snacks in his truck, so the calorie temptations are not just at the parties but coming and going from the parties! I may be trying those Jenny Craig meals come January!

The highlight of the evening was a tribute Chapter President Terri Pinder, FCHP, gave to Kevin Kraft. Kevin was instrumental in rejuvenating the Treasure Coast Chapter when he relocated Kraft Gardens from Deerfield Beach to Ft. Pierce. Kevin reminded all of us how important it is to meet on a local level, know who your industry neighbors are and to encourage the next generation to get involved.

Speaking of next generations, Alex Fell is a third generation member of Kraft Gardens. He and his wife Diana sat at our table, along with Bud Roberts, FCLT, who is 2nd generation FNGLA member. When Kevin and I noted we have known each other for 25 years via FNGLA, Alex, not so gently, let us know we are OLD! Thanks, Alex. Can't wait for your daughter to call you old!

More music and dancing followed dinner and everyone had a chance to win prizes. It’s always nice to get a beautiful plant as a prize (poinsettias and bromeliads at this meeting), but a couple of lucky people won boxes of tangerines from Kennedy Groves – Nursery Division. Nice to have those citrus connections within FNGLA! I wasn't so lucky with prizes at this meeting - didn't win anything! But I'm still having fun with my Estee Lauder from the Lake Region Chapter so I'm happy.

Before dinner Bud Roberts offered the prayer and it was from the heart! First time I’ve heard a prayer of thanks for the opportunity to “let loose” at a party – but it’s true, with so much economic gloom, these chapter parties are a great time to let loose and enjoy the company of our friends and colleagues. Thank God for chapter members and chapter parties! Amen!

FNGLA Chapter Christmas Party Road Trip

By Linda Adams, FNGLA COO

December 1 started the holiday season and my personal quest to get to as many FNGLA Chapter Holiday parties as possible this year! Why celebrate at just one local party when you can go to 8 different parties around the state? Not all FNGLA chapters meet in December and some chapters share the same meeting date, so 8 (half of FNGLA’s 16 chapters) is a good number for this adventure, especially since they all happen within 2 weeks.

I’m not alone in my craziness to party with FNGLA members around the state. From the very beginning, Billy Butterfield, FCLC, with Ameriscapes Landscape Management Co. in Orlando agreed to be my sidekick. Billy is the immediate past president of the FNGLA Action Chapter and has an interest in seeing how other chapters do things – like Christmas parties. Billy is also on 3 state FNGLA committees and we will be tying in other FNGLA-related visits between party visits – like visiting the new FNGLA Landscape Certification test site in Broward. (Did I mention Billy is on the FNGLA Certification Committee?)

FNGLA President Elect Carolan Mahr and her husband Dennis of the Ted Mahr Co. also have the FNGLA party bug and have joined us at a few of the parties. We have had other FNGLA staff party-hopping to a few of these meetings. It has been great to share in the FNGLA Fellowship across the state as we go from chapter to chapter.

Lake Region Chapter was the first to get the holiday spirits flowing. Their Chapter Christmas party took place Tuesday, December 1 at the Sea Flame Restaurant in Winter Haven. As we entered the private room in the restaurant we were greeted by the beautiful voices of the Tenoroc High School Girls A Cappella Chorus singing Christmas carols. Their performance alone was worth the trip.

With about 30 festive FNGLA members and family seated around the tables, Chapter President Rick Brown with Farm Credit of Central Florida opened the meeting with a prayer and then drinks and dinner started flowing into the room. Howie Peterson, FCHP, with Peterson Garden Center, made everyone feel special when he gave out his handmade Christmas Cards which have become an annual tradition.

Everyone arrived at the party with 2 gifts in hand. The unwrapped gifts went in the stack for a local children’s home. The wrapped gifts were piled in the corner and casually scrutinized as we ate. I had my eye on a beautifully wrapped box with Estee Lauder ribbons. With dinner finally finished (Did I mention Jesse Oliver, FNGLA Trade Show Services Coordinator, had 3 different kinds of pie for dessert?) and our selection numbers in hand, the fun began with the gift exchange. It was the kind that you can select a wrapped gift or take a gift someone else had already opened. The shot glass chess set with the 2 bottles of rum went through 3 different hands, which I can understand. But I still don’t see why the stuffed parrot was so popular!

It’s easy to see the Lake Region Chapter members are not only amiable business colleagues, but also good friends who have fun together. The evening ended with everyone leaving with smiles on their faces, a gift in hand and a happy start to the holiday season! And, guess who has a new Estee Lauder make up travel kit???? Moi, as Miss Piggy would say.