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!
- Here I am with my good friend, Phillis Warden – Acorn Award Reception Co-Chair.
- Pianist Marilyn Brandt provided lovely music for the evening.
- One of the beautiful and cozy rooms in Nine Gables
- Ron Gushue – architect of Nine Gables, me, and my friend Laura Blau – another Co-Chair of the Acorn Award Reception
- Here I am with this years Acorn Award Recipient, Gregory Long – President and CEO of the New York Botanical Garden.
- Michael Citro (Laura Blau’s husband) and me
- My neighbor, Tink Callahan and me
- Grace Marie Dell’ Angelo, Phillis, Dr. Robert Dell’ Angelo, and me
- Colorful vegetarian spring rolls
- Assorted pizzas – all delicious!
- The silent auction table – wonderful offerings
- I donated VIP tickets to my show, autographed cookbooks, and a cupcake kit.
- I enjoy visiting the kitchen – it reminds me of my own catering days.
- Laura, Todd Forrest – VP of Horticulture at NYBG, and his wife Alison
- An offer of a burrito stuffed with sweet potatoes – really good!
- Little Foxy Warden – forever hopeful for a morsel to drop
- Peter McQuillan, Adam Rose – Board member of NYBG, me, Darrin Duling – Director of Native Plant Center, and Stephen Cirona
- Warming a quesadilla
- Cindy Mooney and Susan Cohen
- Lena Crandall and Robert DelTorto – NPC Steering Committee member
- Leslie Henshaw – NPC Steering Committee member, Laurie Sturz, and Ingrid Connolly
- NPC Steering Committee and Benefit Committee members – Cynthia Brennan and Denise Santomero
- Allison and Laura
- Quesadilla
- A view from above
- The entrance into the party was decorated nicely with some of Phillis’s potted plants.
- At the door, there was a sign-in table with information regarding The Native Plant Center.
- Here I am leaving, trying to persuade Rascal Warden to go back inside.