A cocktail reception in my neighborhood
One year ago, I proudly accepted the Native Plant Center's NPC first Acorn Award, a recognition of an individual or group that inspires people to learn about native plants and to grow them in their own environments. NPC was established in 1998 under the auspices of the Westchester Community College Foundation, and soon became the first national affiliate of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas.
This year, NPC chose to honor Gregory Long, the President and CEO of the fantastic New York Botanical Garden. The cocktail reception was held at my friend and neighbor, Phillis Warden's, lovely home, Nine Gables. Food was provided by Steering Committee member, Cynthia Brennan. Cynthia runs Table Local Market in Bedford Hills, NY, a wonderful food establishment that sells artisanal quality goods from the regional area. Please enjoy these photos from the other night and congratulations again to Gregory Long!
1 Here I am with my good friend, Phillis Warden - Acorn Award Reception Co-Chair.
2 At the door, there was a sign-in table with information regarding The Native Plant Center.
3 The entrance into the party was decorated nicely with some of Phillis's potted plants.
4 Little Foxy Warden - forever hopeful for a morsel to drop
5 One of the beautiful and cozy rooms in Nine Gables
6 Pianist Marilyn Brandt provided lovely music for the evening.
7 The silent auction table - wonderful offerings
8 I donated VIP tickets to my show, autographed cookbooks, and a cupcake kit.
9 Assorted pizzas - all delicious!
10 An offer of a burrito stuffed with sweet potatoes - really good!
11 Quesadilla
12 Colorful vegetarian spring rolls
13 NPC Steering Committee and Benefit Committee members - Cynthia Brennan and Denise Santomero
14 I enjoy visiting the kitchen - it reminds me of my own catering days.
15 Warming a quesadilla
16 Here I am with this years Acorn Award Recipient, Gregory Long - President and CEO of the New York Botanical Garden.
17 Ron Gushue - architect of Nine Gables, me, and my friend Laura Blau - another Co-Chair of the Acorn Award Reception
18 Michael Citro (Laura Blau's husband) and me
19 A view from above
20 Peter McQuillan, Adam Rose - Board member of NYBG, me, Darrin Duling - Director of Native Plant Center, and Stephen Cirona
21 My neighbor, Tink Callahan and me
22 Grace Marie Dell' Angelo, Phillis, Dr. Robert Dell' Angelo, and me
23 Laura, Todd Forrest - VP of Horticulture at NYBG, and his wife Alison
24 Lena Crandall and Robert DelTorto - NPC Steering Committee member
25 Leslie Henshaw - NPC Steering Committee member, Laurie Sturz, and Ingrid Connolly
26 Cindy Mooney and Susan Cohen
27 Allison and Laura
28 Here I am leaving, trying to persuade Rascal Warden to go back inside.
Looks like a lovely occasion. If I were there I would've had to bid on your donation, of course
Posted by: Kari | November 9th, 2009 at 12:34 am
Looks like a lovely evening...I remember you won last year
I watched today's show and so wanted to order one of your turkeys, the shipping was 45 dollars on the 12lb !!! I guess I will have to wait until I can pick one up locally. I am really disappointed I really wanted to try it...
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy :) | November 9th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
I just love those flowers at the entrance.
Posted by: Edna/HandmadeDiva | November 9th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Sounds like a great award and lovely evening too.
xo,
cristin
Posted by: cristin @ simplified bee | November 9th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
What creative food. Now I'm hungry for pizza. Thanks for taking us along.
Posted by: Alice Anderson | November 9th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
To look beautiful while preparing these great dishes, visit us at http://www.bakeitbeautiful.weebly.com Thank You.
Posted by: Paula Lee | November 9th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Hi Martha, What a terrific reception for the Native Plant Center of the New York Botanical Garden at Westchester County in your fantastic neighborhood. You certainly have great neighbors and they all looked like they were having a great time at the reception. Loved all of the photos. What a great show today about the Soprano's star and the great ceramic pots from the Mediterranean. Joey Kola sure had fun as usual. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | November 9th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Hey Martha: You always look so amazing at the functions and are photographed with such handsome men; are you dating any of them? You deserve a handsome, well-mannered, respectable mate
I am enjoying your show these days. It is fun, hands-on, informative and entertaining. You always seem to be having a good time! Your laughter is contagious!!!
Posted by: Trixy | November 9th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Martha,
Think you deserve much but certainly not a mate!!
Dating is daunting. Mating is haunting.
Posted by: ann | November 10th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
you made a twitter comment about jamie oliver and gandalf being on a 2 day show. When will this air? I tryed to ask on twitter but not sure if I did it right.
Posted by: Carol | November 10th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Looks like a fun evening. Especially like seeing rooms and decor. Great way to get ideas
Posted by: Tracy @ Hall of Fame Moms | December 19th, 2009 at 12:22 pm