Out & About: Greensburg Garden Center spring tea defies last wintry blast

Shirley McMarlin
Saturday, March 26, 2022 3:32 p.m. | Saturday, March 26, 2022 3:32 p.m.

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Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Table hostesses Tiffany Horvat (left) and Joan Stairs at the Greensburg Garden Center Spring Tea, March 26 at Maplewood Presbyterian Church in Hempfield.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Event chairwoman Angie Raitano (center) with Greensburg Garden Center co-presidents Diane Dale and Carla Rusnica at the center’s Spring Tea, March 26 at Maplewood Presbyterian Church in Hempfield.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

From left: Pat Parsons, Mary Ann Calabrase, Peggy Kauffman and Mary Ann Curley at the Greensburg Garden Center Spring Tea, March 26 at Maplewood Presbyterian Church in Hempfield.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Place setting for "Jardin d’Hiver," a table hosted by Diane Dale and Carla Rusnica at the Greensburg Garden Center Spring Tea, March 26 at Maplewood Presbyterian Church in Hempfield.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

From left: Florence Whetsel, Bobbie Johns and Donna Miller at the center’s Spring Tea, March 26 at Maplewood Presbyterian Church in Hempfield.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

“Birds,” a table hosted by J.D. Peterson at the Greensburg Garden Center Spring Tea, March 26 at Maplewood Presbyterian Church in Hempfield.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

From left: Susan O’Donnell, Rita Petrovich and Theresa Miedel at the Greensburg Garden Center Spring Tea, March 26 at Maplewood Presbyterian Church in Hempfield.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Treats served at the Greensburg Garden Center Spring Tea, March 26 at Maplewood Presbyterian Church in Hempfield.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Leeanna Ryva (left) and Elfrieda Saylor traveled from Lower Burrell for the Greensburg Garden Center Spring Tea, March 26 at Maplewood Presbyterian Church in Hempfield.

Winter tried to make a last stand, but flowers were blooming as the Greensburg Garden Center hosted its annual Spring Tea.

Back from a two-year pandemic hiatus, the event was held Saturday at Maplewood Presbyterian Church in Hempfield.

“There’s a snowstorm outside, but the atmosphere in here is spring,” said event chairwoman Angie Raitano.

About 80 guests gathered to enjoy a traditional high tea repast and — of course — cups of the featured beverage at 10 colorful tables decorated in a variety of seasonally appropriate themes.

Table themes and hostesses included “Bunnies & Butterflies,” by Elaine Harmon and Bonnie Kramer; “Jardin d’Hiver,” by center co-presidents Diane Dale and Carla Rusnica; “Low Tide, High Tea,” by Terry Rodgers and Andrea Nelson; “Tee mit Freunden,” by Nadine Mason and Judy Geary; and “Birds,” by J.D. Peterson.

Also, “Botanical Inspiration,” by Mary Ann Artman; “Ring Around the Roses” and “Freedom Rings,” both by Angie Raitano; “A Cup of Tea,” by Joan Stairs; and “Azaleas,” by Tiffany Horvat.

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The center’s last tea, in 2020, barely squeaked in under the pandemic shutdown. Rusnica was pleased to see the room full again.

“Everyone wants to get out. It’s time,” she said.

Summer Woodrow of Harrison City provided background music on keyboard, as twin sister Sonnet Woodrow sat nearby.

The center also offered take-home tea packages for those who couldn’t attend in person. The menu included finger sandwiches, scones, cookies, lemon curd and jam, sugared pecans and an assortment of Twinings teas. The package also included a vintage tea cup and saucer.

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Seen at tea: Elizabeth Pesci, Mary Ellen Leslie, Charlene Mahu, Betty Palko, Iris Cisarik, Joyce Peterson, Linda Phelps, Marie Rossi, Anna Zamule, Penny Manges, Lynn Staab, Amy Betler, Leeanna Ryva, Elfrieda Saylor, Pat Parsons, Mary Ann Calabrase, Peggy Kauffman, Mary Ann Curley, Susan O’Donnell, Rita Petrovich, Theresa Miedel, Florence Whetsel, Bobbie Johns and Donna Miller.