Good News

October 6, 2009

Good-looking project

Beautification the focus of women’s clubs in creation of gardens at county rec site.

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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FORTY FORT – Two local chapters of the Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs have joined forces to create perennial and bee pollination gardens on the Luzerne County Recreation Complex in Forty Fort.

The site is located adjacent to the Wyoming Valley Airport on Wyoming Avenue, and Jean Pieczynski, president of the GFWC West Side Women’s Club, said the purpose of the project is to beautify the area. Pieczynski said the GFWC Northeastern Women’s Club is working with the West Side club on the project. Marge Koval is president of the Northeastern club.

“Under the GFWC charter, one of the main departments is conservation,” Pieczynski said. “Conservation has two categories and one is beautification in the community. That’s how we decided on the project.”

Pieczynski said the club raised the money for the project – about $350 – and purchased perennials and shrubs for the garden. Each club has pledged $100 and additional pledges totaled $150 from community businesses.

“The creation of bee pollination gardens is to increase the number of bees pollinating flowers,” Pieczynski said. “By planting a variety of native, perennial wildflowers, the number of honey bees, butterflies and other wildlife will increase.”

She said the project is being done with the approval and cooperation of Andy Gegaris, county director of recreation.

“With the economy, we are having difficulty raising money for this project,” Pieczynski said. “Our other club funds are tied up with other very worthy charitable causes.”

Members of the women’s clubs provided the physical labor and work of planting the gardens.

Pieczynski said Dana Charles Clark, daughter of the late John Charles, former county recreation director for more than 30 years, donated to the project in her father’s memory. Also donating was Forty Fort Lube and Service Inc.

The GFWC West Side and Northeastern clubs are part of GFWC Pennsylvania, and the organization is one of the oldest and largest women’s volunteer service organizations. The club’s objective is to unite the influence of women to promote legislative, civic, educational, moral and social measures.

To Donate

To donate to the GFWC West Side Club, call:

Jean Pieczynski, president, at 570-407-2164

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