The Rake & Hoe Garden Club recently launched a new project where a small group of members hosted a luncheon and flower design demonstration for a select group of veterans at the Women’s Trauma Unit, Lyons VA Hospital. The women were extremely appreciative of the delicious food, donated in part by Mazella’s (Mountainside) and Trader Joe’s (Westfield). The women were able to make a cheerful flower arrangement to brighten their rooms, guided by the talented hands of Kay Cross and Anna Daurio. The results exceeded their expectations. The ladies also received goodie bags containing useful and fun items.
Since 1952, the Rake and Hoe Club has joyfully fulfilled their mission to provide decorating services to the Lyons Veterans Medical Center, Lyons, NJ.
Four times a year the members provide floral arrangements for dining tables and individual bedside arrangements for the veterans. Also during Spring and December members write thank you cards to the veterans thanking them for their service.
The Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System is comprised of two main campuses, which provide health care to veterans.
Services include long-term care, psychiatric care and a full range of medical and surgical care. Special programs include cancer screening, diabetes education, healthy aging, home based care, post-traumatic stress disorder, war related illnesses and women’s health services. Lyons is affiliated with the University of Medicine and Dentistry and the Trenton State Psychiatric Hospital. On a regular basis Lyons Hospital serves approximately 390 veterans.
To read more about Lyons Veterans Medical Center and the services they provide for our military heroes, please visit http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?id-45. Affiliated with the National Council of State Garden Clubs, and the Garden Club of New Jersey, Rake and Hoe Garden Club has between 50 and 80 members all of whom share in common: a love of flowers, gardening and community service.
To learn more about joining Rake and Hoe Garden Club, please contact Pat Wilson, 908-389-9342 or visit their website at http://www.rakeandhoe.org.
(above l-r) Kathy Ferrier, Therapist; Rake & Hoe Members: Anna Daurio; Kay Cross; Cathy Becker; Lee Perry; Alice Cowell
