FNGLA Broward Party Hits "Home" Run!

It was obvious why Vickie and Wes Parrish’s home is the favorite for the Broward Chapter holiday party. Vickie had their home beautifully decorated for Christmas, complete with a Christmas tree so tall even 6’3” Wes had to use a tall ladder to decorate the tree top.

Wes is a very serious plantsman and has some very unique palms and orchids in his home landscape. Although it was dark, we all grabbed flashlights and Wes gave us a personal tour of his garden. Linda Butterfield and I felt like we were listening to another language as Billy and Wes talked in botanical names. You’d think after 25 years at FNGLA I would be fluent in Latin plant names.

I was happy to see two of my long-time FNGLA friends, Roger and Janice Brooks, at the party. Roger shared they are officially retiring in early 2010. Although they’ve been RV travelling across the country for the past few years, now they can go all year instead of only a few months. I did tell them I expected to see them at The Landscape Show whether they are retired or not!

The Broward Chapter has such a great mix of members. There were people from IFAS, college and high school ag educators, nursery people, landscape contractors, municipality people and suppliers. And, hanger ons, like me. Add to that mix, a combination of family and friends, as several parties were made up of moms, dads, husbands, wives, sisters. I think the Levin’s had the biggest family turnout – Mom and Dad, 3 daughters and a son-in-law. They should have won a prize!

Vickie and her chef elves had a wonderful array of homemade appetizers and desserts, with a wonderful selection of Italian-style entrees. A bar was available by the pool with lots of tables set up poolside. Another beautiful night to dine under the stars of south Florida.

While we didn’t rush through dinner, I could tell the veteran Broward Christmas party people were anxious to get the gift exchange going. This group takes this crazy gift giving (and taking) very seriously, counting exactly how many times a gift is passed and even bringing back gag gifts from previous years. Wes served as master of ceremonies, with his daughter, Jennifer Parrish, keeping count of the “taking” of the gifts. Gifts could not be taken more than 3 times. I started out with an early gift of a chocolate fondue kit. Lenore Cialone told me I wouldn’t have it very long and she was right!
And who would have thought Snuggies would be so popular! Good thing there were 2 of them in the stack of presents or there may have been some serious Snuggie fights! Rob Shoelson, FCLC, said he wanted the Snuggie for his son, but it didn’t take him long to get it out of the box and model it for everyone.

We had been warned that the gift exchange would last late into the evening, and it did. It was nearly midnight before we left the party – Billy and Linda headed for their hotel and I had the distinct honor of being the house guest of Joe and Lenore Cialone. Like Billy, Linda and me, they were chapter party hopping and we would all be attending the Palm Beach party the following night.

Having its holiday party in a home setting seemed just right for the Broward Chapter. It’s obvious they are a close knit group and the intimacy and comfort of the Parrish home certainly matched the personality of these friends and FNGLA members.