The Firestone Park Home & Garden Club isn’t just another casual group of gardeners with dirty fingernails. The club, established in 2001, is a social group that places importance on camaraderie as well as chrysanthemums. Club President Linda Benson emphasized that "home" is an important part of both the name of the club and the underlying focus of activities. Under the direction of Hospitality Coordinator Teresa Alexoff, the refreshment table became a smorgasbord of home cooking. Hot shredded beef with noodles and homemade strawberry fudge were just two of the tasty choices generous members made available this month.
The tinkle of a ceramic bell signaled the meeting to order as Benson welcomed some new faces to the group of nearly two dozen regulars who braved the freezing weather to plan for greener days ahead. The group discussed the merits of visiting the big Home & Garden shows that occur this time of year and began the process to select potential field trip locations for later in the season. The newly restored gardens at Stan Hywet are one "must see" destination that will be well attended by many of the 40 current club members. A traditional group gardening activity will be the planting and care of the Peace Garden, a Keep Akron Beautiful site near the west end of Firestone Park.
At every meeting the club has a group activity or guest speaker. Marge Klein, second generation owner of the legendary Peanut Shoppe in downtown Akron, held everyone’s attention with her unique presentation this month. She entertainingly told the story of the evolution of one of Akron’s oldest small businesses and shared some "nutty" stories about doing business on Main Street. The Peanut Shoppe (www.AkronPeanuts.com) has been a fund raising partner with the FPH&GC for several years so this was a good chance for the club members to learn how their fund raising activities also benefit local business.
The club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month in the modern Firestone Park Community Center at 1480 Girard St. Club Board member Donnie Kammer mentioned there is usually at least one meeting held at a member’s home sometime during the summer. While most members live in or near “The Park," Kammer stated that local residency is not required. Club Board members Mike and Diana Herhold joined because there was no similar organization close to their home in Goodyear Heights. According to a recent club newsletter, the nominal annual dues are $12 ($10 for seniors) and membership qualifies for a small member discount on purchases at two Akron area Garden Centers.
If you enjoy both gardening and socializing with friendly neighbors, this may be the group for you. The next meeting is Feb. 28 at the FPCC where, rumor has it, members will create Leprechaun planters. Contact Teresa Alexoff at with any questions. She looks forward to welcoming potential new members at the next meeting. Really, she does!
