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Pumpkin Patch 2011 On Saturday, October 15th hundreds of Barnard families attended the 4th annual Pumpkin Patch event at Amy’s Greenhouse. Under sunny skies and with warm fall weather, children arrived in Halloween costumes and selected pumpkins from the green sloping front lawn at Barnard Elementary School. After picking their pumpkins, they decorated them with colorful paints at long picnic tables, with the help of friendly Barnard PTA members, including Nadine Southwell and Tricia Olmo. Local artist, Gene Pinto, drew faces on pumpkins for children. The children could easily select a face to paint or recommend features on their own. Artist Pinto is an accomplished oil painter that specializes in outdoor landscapes, portraiture and still life.
After painting their pumpkins, children lined them up to dry on paper plates along the low stone wall surrounding the patio at Amy’s Greenhouse. Behind Amy’s Greenhouse other picnic tables were manned by more PTA members, including Christa Lauri and Wendy Portnoff and Teresa Maldonado, who helped children do fall crafts including Halloween picture frames. The children enjoyed practicing their creativity and dexterity with the materials. Parents wandered throughout the greenhouse admiring different projects and plants, learning more about Amy’s Greenhouse and the mission of Amy’s Greenhouse. Children could be seen eagerly leading their parents to their class pumpkin and explaining how they weighed and measured it. In front of the gazebo on the patio, Barnard PTA co-president Liz Smith and her family sold apple cider and cinnamon donuts to happy crowds. Our other enthusiastic co-president, Jen McFarland, could be seen wearing a dramatic black witch costume and leading a very large costume parade around Barnard School at 10:30am. All in all it was a wonderful event. Thank you Michelle, Liz and Millie who organized another great Pumpkin patch!! Thanks to those who arrived early to arrange the pumpkins on the lawn. Thanks to "the volunteers" who made early morning runs to Stew Leonards for the cider and donuts. Thank you for our PTA crafters, who assisted children throughout the event. Thanks to painter who shared his skills with our community for the third year in a row. Thanks to Ms. Paradot who helped "drew" faces on pumpkins. Thanks to our staff and faculty who could be seen with their families. Best wishes to all for a happy and healthy Autumn season.
9-11-11 - 10th Memorial Ceremony A large crowd of family, friends and the Barnard community attended Sunday's 9-11 ceremony at Amy's Greenhouse at Barnard Elementary in New Rochelle, New York. New Rochelle firemen arrived in two shiny red fire engines and attended the ceremony. Numerous Barnard students, past and present, dressed in red, white and blue were seated on the patio, in the audience and on the hill that overlooked the event. Amy's Greenhouse is a greenhouse at Barnard Elementary School. The greenhouse is a living memorial to Amy O'Doherty, a 23 year old daughter to a since-retired Barnard teacher. Tragically Amy O'Doherty was killed in the 9-11 Twin Towers terrorist attack on New York City in 2001. Millie Radonjic, project chairwoman, led the ceremony, introducing speakers including Mayor Bramson, Police Commissioner Patrick Carroll, School Superintendent Richard Organisciak, Barnard Principal Patricia Lambert and, Brother Kevin Devlin. In full dress uniform, Iraq veteran and United States Marine reservist, Corporal David Patrick Mahoney (Infantry Unit, Fox Company 2/25), led a group of children in the pledge of allegiance.
Young singer, Rachel Rossello, sang four songs including God Bless America and the Star Spangled Banner. School nurse, Anna Summa, read an original poem. Millie thanked all who have supported the Amy's Greenhouse since its inception. She acknowledged many in the audience who made the greenhouse possible; include Amy O'Doherty's close friends who raised money for the greenhouse ten years ago. Now close friends Elizabeth Gallello, Maria Gallello-Costa, Melissa Vigue, Carla Caccavale-Reynolds and Claudia Trevor-Wright are married with children and serve as a reminder of where Amy's life could have been, had it not ended so young.
Some of the children of Amy's friends now attend Barnard school. Millie reflected that this brought the story 'full circle'. Geraldine Davie, Amy O'Doherty's mother, spoke at length at the ceremony. She described her day at Ground Zero and at the new memorial downtown. When she read her daughter's name during the downtown ceremony, she added "God Bless Amy's Greenhouse and Millie" for the entire world to hear. She showed a red, white and blue quilt that she received and thanked all that made Amy's Greenhouse possible and who continue to provide activities within the greenhouse. At times Geraldine Davie almost cried, at other times she seemed exuberant. She acknowledged the many family members in the audience including sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles, friends and neighbors and more. She introduced with pride her other daughter Maura and her new husband and happily hoped, publicly, for grandchildren. She laughed and related happy memories of Amy and how she would have liked the greenhouse herself. Ms. Davie held up a pencil etching she made of Amy O'Doherty's engraving on the new monument downtown.
Millie invited her “Kiwanis Family’ to the Memorial Ceremony. Daniel Ilich past Lt. Governor and president of Parkchester Kiwanis Foundation presented an oversized check in the amount of $1000 to Barnard PTA co-president Liz Smith. Through the years the Kiwanis Club has been a generous supporter of Amy’s Greenhouse and the Barnard community is grateful. Many people were thanked publicly, including those who provided signage, plant material and services. Millie personally thanked former School Superintendent, Linda Kelly, for her support of Amy's Greenhouse, even during the formative and questionable viability of the project. Frank Miceli of Sammarco Stone & Supply was thanked for donating the large and beautiful patio surrounding the greenhouse and Carl Calo for all the banners.
She also recognized Elizabeth and Paul Scarpelli for their beautiful plant donations, plus benches, plant stands and other gardening supplies from his mother's (Dr. Bella Scarpelli) Greenhouse after she retired and moved away.
As is the custom at this annual event, new engraved bricks were unveiled on the patio http://www.amysgreenhouse.com/GreenhouseFundRaising.asp then the guests were invited into the greenhouse for refreshments, including fresh raspberries, black and white cookies, chicken appetizers and Italian delicacies, courtesy of Baldor Specialty Foods and Galito’s restaurant from Mt. Vernon. Faculty and PTA parents also thoughtfully donated baked goods.
The PTA-sponsored collection of care items was a huge success at this event! "Operation Support our Troops" collected enough care items to fill over 25 packages for our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and we also collected over $400 in funds to help pay for shipping. A big thank you to Millie for allowing us to be a part of this special event and also to all the generous people in our community who donated yesterday. Our collection box will be in the front foyer of the school for the rest of this week if people would still like to make donations. After the event and as the adults mingled pleasantly, the children dashed to the playgrounds and enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine. News 12 covered the event. For more information about Amy's Greenhouse visit amysgreenhouse.com. Here is a slideshow for more photos -- http://www.amysgreenhouse.com/9112011slideshow.asp Mother's Day Fair Saturday, May 7th was a beautiful, sunny Spring day and scores of Barnard families, neighbors and alumni came to the first PTA ‘Mother’s Day Fair’.
Millie working on the final touches before the fair. Thank you Millie for assembling the plants. Mrs. Winter's class spends time admiring flower arrangements for the Mother's Day Fair and Sale. Families arrive to pick out their favorite flowers to plant for that special someone. Moms witnessed their children carefully select a pot, then plant and assemble them into Mother’s Day gifts.
Dozens of children could be seen experiencing gardening at Amy’s Greenhouse. Other activities included the children creating sand art bracelets, glittered frames and Mother’s Day cards at picnic tables on the Amy’s Greenhouse patio. Ella and Guiliana spend time creating a special Mother's Day card. PTA member Liz Aiello manned the ‘Plants for Sale’ table, which featured Herb pots, gift geranium planters, and perennials. Parents and teachers came throughout the day to pick up their hanging plants, purchased on a pre-order basis. Our friend, Virginia stood at the shiny hot dog cart to serve up lunch as Ana sold juices and other beverages to event attendees. The McFarland family spend a day at the fair. Special thanks to all volunteers who manned the potting shed area of the event, helping scores of children plant their purchases. Thank you to all who helped promote the event, sell tickets, help children with art projects, sell plants and food, and keep the event organized. Thanks to our teachers who helped out and also who brought their own children to participate in the event. Mrs. Connolly (first grade teacher) wrote: Dear Millie,
It is altogether appropriate that we celebrate Mother’s Day at Amy’s Greenhouse because the greenhouse itself was created by a mother for her daughter, and this we celebrate, too.
Pumpkin Patch 2010 On Saturday, October 16th hundreds of Barnard families, past and present, faculty, neighbors and friends came to Amy's Greenhouse and patio for the 2nd annual Barnard PTA Pumpkin Patch. In the beautiful and warm weather, families selected pumpkins from large and small samples on the grassy hill near the school. Children could then paint the pumpkins with a visiting artist, Mr. Gene Pinto. Other seasonal crafts were hosted by friendly PTA members. Children made fall centerpieces out of acorns and fall leaves and decorated pictures friends. On the patio face painters decorated the smiling children's faces. Hot chocolate and donuts in addition to a huge variety of donated baked goods tempted the visitors. A nice sampling of donated coats was available for very reasonable prices. All in all it was a wonderful event to welcome new families, catch up with returning families and visit with the Barnard teachers and friends. Great job to all! Families selecting pumpkins from the pumkin patch Children doing season crafts near school and waiting to get their faces painted on the patio. PTA members offering baked goods for sale PTA executive board members selling pumpkins and tickets for crafts Juliette Thomas selecting a pumpkin Ella working with visiting artist Gene Pinto
It is so nice to see Barnard student coming back like Iva!
Jason & Grace Costa ..
Thank you Mr.Pinto. Thank you FACE PAINTING TEAM: Ms. Debbie Rosario & Ms. Piko Lowenstein Thank you PTA & Pampkin Patch committee..... and PTA Volunteers Tod Ziogas and his daughter Grace
9-11 Commemoration Ceremony 2010 On Saturday September 11th from 6:00pm-7:30pm the Amy's Greenhouse committee had a patriotic brick unveiling ceremony to over 150 attendees on the patio at Barnard Elementary. The patio, gazebo and greenhouse were decorated with fall potted plants and miniature American flags. Attendees were handed flag pins and mini flags by Barnard students, many of whom were wearing Amy's Greenhouse t-shirts. The weather was perfect and allowed that the event be held on the patio. Rows of chairs, in both adult and child-sized were arranged in rings around the patio. Many Barnard teachers and staff, past and present, arrived carrying gift desserts for the event. These included gourmet cupcakes, lemon bars, and other treats. Barnard parents and students, past and present, also carrying donated goodies, attended. In attendance were: Geraldine Davie and Maura O'Doherty, mother and sister of Amy O'Doherty; Friends of Amy O'Doherty; Maria Costa, Elizabeth Gallella; and Melissa Vigue; Mayor Bramson; Principal Ms. Patricia Lambert; New Rochelle firemen, including Lt. James Sheridan; Kiwanis members, including president Daniel Ilich; Board of Ed members, including Mary Jane Reddington and Deidre Polow; PTA co-president, Suzanne Camerini; PTA treasurer, Shana Leutcher; Amy's Greenhouse committee members; former Superintendent of Schools, Linda Kelly and her husband Dr. Peter Fauci; Executive Director of New Rochelle opera, Camille Copolla; former councilwoman, Chris Selin; President of New Rochelle police foundation, Mr. Charles McCabe and his wife Lynn; and other guests.
Elizabeth Gallella and Melissa Vigue- Amy's best friends. The event was hosted by Millie Radonjic, Amy's Greenhouse chairwoman and organizer of the event. She invited all Barnard students past and present to lead in the pledge of allegiance. The children clamored up to the microphone located at the entrance of the gazebo. They carried their small American flags and eagerly participated. Camille Copolla, Executive Director of New Rochelle opera, sang her stirring soprano rendition of the Star Spangled Banner as the children listened by her side. 
Brother Kevin Devlin of Iona College, and major advocate for Abraham House in the Bronx, spoke eloquently about Amy, the 9-11 anniversary, and how the Amy's Greenhouse project . The theme of his speech was 'Peace'. He said "Let us remember our brothers and sisters who fight for our freedom throughout the world every day". He said "As we experience this wonderful space of Amy's Greenhouse … let us always be mindful of the great gift Amy was to all who encountered her generosity of spirit" and "We are resolved to do what is good and right and just." He ended with "Deep peace of the quiet earth to us! Deep peace of the flowing air to us! Deep peace of the shining stars to us! Deep peace of the running wave to us!" Millie gave Geraldine Davie a framed photograph of the greenhouse complex with Millie holding open the door of the greenhouse. She promised to continue to keep the door open to children for gardening projects. Millie invited the children to help Mary Jane Reddington remove the stones and fabric that covered the area of the patio with the new bricks. Mary Jane Reddington said a few words and unveiled the bricks with the children. Mayor Bramson then spoke about 9-11 and Amy's Greenhouse. He has been a long time supporter of the Amy's Greenhouse project and even recently met with children as they planted white pine saplings on Earth Day. The Parkchester Kiwani's gave a $1,000 check to the Barnard PTA to pay for the t-shirts that are being sold. PTA President Suzanne Camerini and PTA Treasurer Shanna Leutcher accepted the large cardboard check. The children were in awe of the large check and wanted to hold it. Teacher and Amy's Greenhouse committee member, Trish Calo read a poem written by Barnard nurse Anna Summa. Anna Summa lost her brother-in-law fireman during the 9-11 attacks. In her poem, titled simply "9-11-10" she compares the sunflower to a patriot. "The struggle makes us strong, sane. Though we cannot bear the sorrow. We will not break or bend. We are patriots this day!" Barnard principal, Patricia Lambert, spoke. She personally thanked each committee member for their help on the project. She said: "Today we continue to remember and rebuild. Each day that I see a child of Barnard inside of Amy's Greenhouse it is a reminder that out of tragedy can come goodness. It reminds me that we as a community and as a country must keep our focus on those youngsters who are our future. That our job is to teach them compassion, tolerance and to develop their intellectual skills in a manner that assists them in making this a world in which we all want to live."She presented Millie with a "Flag of Honor" which contains the names of those lost on 9-11-01. Below, Geraldine Davie helps Millie and Ms. Lambert find Amy O'Doherty's name on the flag. Mother Speaks Geraldine also spoke about how the DVD of "The Story of Amy's Greenhouse" was going to become a part of a large 9-11 Smithsonian project. She gave Millie a special ribbon pin that was given to the victim's families that morning at Ground Zero. Event Conclusion Millie invited everyone into the greenhouse for refreshments donated by Baldor's Specialty Foods, Inc. (www.baldorfood.com) and Manny Lopes. Beautiful platters of mozzarella and tomatoes; Greek specialties; cheese platter; fruit platter with figs; salsas and chips and more. Thank you Baldor's! How fitting that four children of Amy's best friends are now Barnard students and will be participating in Amy's Greenhouse projects! After the event, mom Geraldine Davie and sister Maura O'Doherty, related that the Amy's Greenhouse event revived them. They attended the somber and sad ground zero ceremony, which, though beautiful, was quiet and solemn. They had lunch together in New York City in silence. At Amy's Greenhouse they found "joy" and "vibrancy". They loved having lively children present. It is what the project was meant to be for them. They appreciated all who attended, the beautiful food, plants and music. They were deeply touched and, also, pleased and happy. They were revived and said that they were "leaving will full hearts".
In a thank you, the mother and sister wrote:
"Amy’s Greenhouse has become a sanctuary for the Barnard children, their families, and the New Rochelle Community. They plant trees, grow flowers, and learn how to interact with one another under an umbrella of joy and caring. Amy’s Greenhouse is a symbol of America at its best. Our way of life will continue to thrive under the principles our nation was built. We can look into the eyes of the children and the young families who attended last Saturday’s ceremony and see a bright future."
Earth Day 2010 On Thursday, April 22nd and Friday, April 23rd Barnard celebrated Earth Day by planting 50 White Pine saplings on school grounds. On Thursday, each Pre-K class planted a sapling with the assistance of their teachers. On Friday, Ken Almstead and Chris Busak from Almstead Tree Company gave a wonderful and age appropriate presentation about trees. The 30 minute sessions consisted of two classes assembling on the patio for a 15 minute presentation with question and answer session followed by the tree planting. PTA volunteers had pre-dug the planting areas and filled the holes with new soil.
See above where two classes are preparing to plant their saplings on the hill in front of Amy's Greenhouse.
Above, Ken Almstead is showing photos representing the tallest tree, the oldest tree, and the widest tree. The children are answering his questions.
Above, a class is following PTA volunteer Sue Russon behind the greenhouse for additional planting locations.
Above, PTA volunteer Karen Hessel works with two students as they dig a hole for a sapling.
Above, three girls dig out a hole for a sapling. The children really enjoy digging.
Above, Mrs. Staropoli's first grade class in front of their planted sapling. Mayor Bramson is on right. Ken Almstead is on the left. PTA volunteer, Karen Hessel is to Ken Almstead's right, with Mrs. Staropoli to her right.
Above is the planted sapling of Mrs. Coronios PM Pre-K class. Classes are required to water and maintain their saplings.
Above, two children digging.
Above, arborist Chris Busak explains to the children tree decay as they study the stump of a fallen tree on the Barnard school grounds. He showed the children the acorn saplings within the sawdust.
Above Mrs. Ingram/Ms. Emily's 2nd grade class, learns about tree propagation.
Above, a first grade class eagerly answers the arborists questions. Note the saplings in the pitchers and green and brown glazed pot in the foreground. That is approximately 20 saplings. The saplings were roughly 12" tall, including their roots. The white pine can grow to be 100' tall.
Above, PTA volunteer Maura Galuzzi helps a class dig out a hole for their sapling.
Above, children waiting their turn to dig. Mrs. Pinn and her class are in the background planting their sapling.
Above, PTA volunteers left to right, Sue Russon and Maura Galuzzi.
Above, Sue Russon lining up Mrs. Pinn's first graders. Mrs. Pinn listens.
Above, Geraldine Davie speaks to Mrs. Calo's kindergarten class. She is Amy's mother and is a retired Barnard Pre-K teacher visiting from Virginia.
Above, PTA volunteer Abir helps Mrs. Calo's class water their sapling. Succulent Donations Amy's Greenhouse received a large donation of living plants. These plants previously were kept in the greenhouse at Hudson Park in New Rochelle. The greenhouse is being closed for the winter and perhaps longer. These plants are an amazing collection of succulents, cacti and staghorn ferns. They are fascinating and sculptural plants. Come have a peek! Millie is organizing them. 8th Anniversary of 9-11
Due to the rain and wind, the ceremony was held inside the greenhouse, instead of on the patio as originally planned. The large crowd included:
Millie led the pledge and ackowledged those in attendance.The fact that so many people attended, including those of high rank and authority, and those that travelled a distance shows respect for Amy's memory and the event. The greenhouse was filled to capacity and there were more attendees standing on the patio and in the gazebo. During the ceremony Millie announced the surprise installation of a beautiful mosaic custom made American flag on the patio. Toy wheelbarrows with flowers in them were moved off of a round wooden disk in the middle of the patio. The disk was then removed to reveal the brick flag. In a light drizzle, Barnard children admired the flag in the patio. Eleven new bricks were also revealed at the ceremony. US Airways flight attendant, Marianne Moore, arranged for a large donation to fund the flag. The hero on the Hudson pilot, Sully, also has a brick on the patio. This brick was donated by US Airways flight attendants in recognition of his landing a plane on the Hudson River recently. Millie Radonjic organized the installation of the bricks and flags. The Kiwanis Foundation trusty, Danny Ilich and K-Club members presented pediatric trauma and oxygen kits to the New Rochelle Fire Commissioner and to the Sound Shore Emergency Room director. These gifts are meant to remember the contributions of the first responders on 9-11-2001 and to now protect our Barnard children and other children in New Rochelle who may one day need emergency medical assistance. The kits contain properly sized equipment to treat infants to teenagers more effectively. The equipment was appreciated by those who received it. Mayor Bramson spoke movingly about how we, as humans grieve and suffer losses and then, somehow, move on with resilience and hope. Principal Lambert spoke about how she appreciates Amy's Greenhouse because it teaches the children history, compassion and to appreciate nature. She recalled Geraldine Davie, Amy's mom and retired Barnard teacher. She thanked the committee members individually. Mayor Bramson said "We measure our character as individuals, and as a community, by our capacity to accept the full burden of grief and memory, and yet not be consumed by despair. Amy's Greenhouse represents an affirmation of life and hope in the face of tragedy." Finally, after all the words had been said and so many people thanked, Maura O'Doherty stood. Maura bears a strong resemblance to her sister Amy and as she stood and spoke, it was easy to think of Amy O'Doherty, lost, at the age of 23, in the twin towers tragedy. She tearfully thanked everyone for remembering her sister and said she knew that her sister would not be forgotten due to the greenhouse at Barnard. She brought thanks from her mom, also, and said even after 8 years, it has not gotten easier. When Millie drove Maura to the train station after the ceremony, Maura was emotional and said just to hear her sister's name spoken so often, by so many people, when they talk about "Amy's Greenhouse" was a simple way to keep her memory alive. She said she is really, really was grateful to Millie, Barnard and those who attended. Click here to view photos of the event. Chanel 12 news: Play now
Mom's Visit Geraldine Davie and Maura O'Doherty, Amy O'Doherty's mother and sister respectively, continue to support the Amy's Greenhouse project. This spring Geraldine Davie visited the greenhouse and spent some time at Barnard meeting with teachers, children and parents. It is always wonderful to see the family and remind us all what the project is about, remembering someone lost too soon, but doing so in a positive way. We hope that Amy's Greenhouse helps the family by thinking of the children planting and learning. Here is an email that she sent about her visit: Hi Millie, Here is a copy of an E mail we sent to our family and friends regarding my last visit to Amy's Greenhouse. Again you brought tears to my eyes as we spoke about the wonders of learning that take place daily at the Greenhouse. Amy's spirit will live forever through this project. We are grateful to you, the PTA, and the Barnard staff for your continued good works in Amy's name. Have a great summer! Geraldine speaking to teacher, Ms. Varela
Geraldine having lunch in gazebo with Millie Earth Day 2009 Arborists Ken Almstead and Chris Busak from Almstead Tree Company (www.almstead.com) the entire day at Barnard teaching children about trees on Earth Day, April 22nd 2009. Children sat on the patio at Amy's Greenhouse in children sized benches and listened and learned all that they could about trees, often glancing up to the treetrops that surrounded them. Ken Almstead talked about tall trees, the Sequoias, and how people join clubs to climb them. They shoot a bow and arrow to launch a rope to reach the first branch at 100', pull up and then it takes all day to reach the top. The climbers sling hammocks high above and sleep the night in the trees, dangling hundreds of feet in the air. Chris Busak showed the kids a tool called a Resistograph, it is a drill with a drill bit 16” long and 1/8” wide that measures the resistance of wood as it is drilling into a tree. It is a wonderful tool to find hidden pockets of decay, cracks, cavities, etc in trees. They get a print out of the results as it is working; getting a chance to look inside the tree to see what is going on. Children arrived well prepared, some knowing about the xylem and phloem layers of the tree and how trees produce oxygen that benefits all living things. Their teachers taught them about the structure of trees prior to attending. They counted rings on a tree cookie in their classrooms. Ken and Chris patiently answered question after question about the tallest tree, the oldest tree, the most popular tree, and why don't palm trees grow in New Rochelle. Ken plucked leaves out of his pocket and off the patio to explain how to identify different types of trees and offered hardcover age appropriate books to identify trees (I Can Name 50 Trees Today by Bonnie Worth). At one point Ken noted that the Cyprus trees that ring the Barnard building on the greenhouse side dispersed their seeds on the patio and stooped to show the children. Spontaneously the children leapt to collect the seeds to keep, as if a piñata was just broken open. During the talk Almstead workers delivered a Redbud (Cerces Canadensis) tree in a specialized wheeled cart that they rolled down the hill from their truck. The children watched as the workers jimmied the root ball into position. Later children raked wood chips around the tree. The tree already has its unusual pink flowers that bloom along the branches rather than at the tips. Thank you Almstead for giving Barnard this beautiful tree! It was a 30 minute science lesson for each of the eight groups of two classes per as the children learned about trees. The event also provided a window into a career and showed children that there is a depth of information in trees that is interesting, fun and worthwhile. Thank you Alstead for sharing your knowledge and time. Barnard really appreciates it! Here is an interesting website recommended by Almstead about trees for children (www.treetures.com). Here are two worksheets from Almstead about trees: Tree Parts, Tree Age Thank you to Superintendent Organisciak and Principal Lambert for participating and for their continued support of Amy's Greenhouse projects. You are invited to view photos from the event: View Album Play slideshow Barnard's First Annual Fall Festival On Saturday, October 18th the Barnard PTA sponsored their first annual Fall Festival. The weather was cool and crisp, the sky was sunny. Fall foliage was all around.
Over one hundred pumpkins cheerfully decorated the hill near the greenhouse. Barnard families happily selected their favorites.
After purchasing their pumpkins, they brought them to tables near the greenhouse and the children painted them and applied glitter. Local artist, Eugene Pinto, helped the children decorate them and demonstrated his techniques. The finished pumpkins graced the low walls around the patio as they dried.
PTA moms sold cider, hot chocolate and delicious donuts. Children could bob for apples with a large ladle. They collected free lollipops from a real scarecrow that looked suspiciously like Danny Vasapolli’s dad. Annie Hessel and her mom sponsored a popular fishing booth, where children would cast their fishing poles and pull out a brown paper bag with fake mustaches or American flag key rings in it. Once even a Barnard alumni’s sneaker was pulled out of the “lake”! Three racks of gently used coats were offered for sale at budget friendly prices. Overall the event was a wonderful way to spend a fall afternoon, meet new Barnard families, and appreciate our own friends and families even more. Thanks to all who made the event a success! You are invited to view photos from the event: View Album Play slideshow To see previous events, click here. |
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