Susan Caravello of Glen Cove was recently honored for her volunteerism by the NYS Federation of Garden Clubs at the 2nd District Conference held at the Crest Hollow Country Club. She has been a member of the Locust Valley Garden Club since 2003.
LVGC President Janet Doctors said, “Through the years, she has been an active member and always participated in all events. She has volunteered her time whenever needed.”
Caravello said when she was given the award, she was surprised, since she didn’t realize how much she had done over time. “I enjoy the club and I like to help them.”
While she has an outdoor garden, it is her indoor plants that really give her pleasure.
“I have about 150 plants, all kinds: orchids, amaryllis and ferns and more. Some came through the club when people brought in plants to give away, and some at plant sales,” said Caravello.
In the past, Caravello worked as a secretary, which gave her a great skillset that was an asset in her next career of social work, whicch she did for 19 years. She worked at Geriatric Social Work in Sea Cliff and at the Glen Cove Senor Center. Her start in social work was a result of friendship.
“A friend at church needed help; her husband deserted her and left her with two little children and I went with her to get help,” said Caravello. “That is how I ended up with social work…I was always good with paper work and that is what asking for help is all about: documentation and figuring out answers to get help. A lot of people who need help don’t deal well with paper work and reading the directions. It can be overwhelming, especially medical forms.”
She said, “I enjoy the garden club,” but added that her approach to plants is pragmatic. “I say, if it lives it’s fine; if it dies, it was too much work to begin with. It has to be easy to grow and then I will work with it.”
In spite of that, she has many orchids among her collection and they require a commitment to their unique care.
Caravello was LVGC president from 2009 to 2011.
Doctors said, “Under her leadership, the club ran smoothly and I admired her skill running meetings and working up budgets with the treasurer. When I succeeded her as president, she was very helpful to me and made the transition go smoothly.”
Caravello has been the club’s recording secretary since 2011. She gladly stepped into the position when the former recording secretary was forced to resign due to health issues.
“She has done a great job in this position, ensuring that all minutes from both board and general meetings are filed in a timely manner,” noted Doctors, adding,“Perhaps the most important job that Susan has handled is the Chair of the Scholarship Committee.”
The LVGC awards two $1,000 scholarships to Farmingdale State College horticulture students each spring. One scholarship is named after Kathy Pufahl, founder of Beds and Borders; the other is named after Madeline M. Sorrenti, the late LVGC Vice President.
Caravello has been running the club’s annual Bridge Party/Luncheon Fundraiser since 2011. She organizes raffle prizes and a delicious luncheon for this event, which is held where the club meets, at Bailey Arboretum. All funds raised go to the scholarship fund. Current Recording Secretary Dorothy Titus said of the Scholarship Luncheon chaired by Susan, “She has chaired this for several years and she continues to wow.”
Caravello has also been the club’s Meals on Wheels Chair since 2006. Averaging 50 floral arrangements each holiday season, Caravello and the two other ladies on her committee have brightened up the lives of the recipients with their festive holiday floral mugs.
Whenever Caravello is asked to participate or volunteer she is right there. She has won ribbons for both floral arrangements and horticulture in club flower shows. She happily represents the LVGC at other clubs’ luncheons. She always attends the Second District Luncheons and has brought table centerpieces whenever Nassau North is hosting.
Doctors summed up her comments. “Through the years, Susan Caravello exemplifies what it means to be an active garden club member. All her volunteer work has made an impact on the club members as well as members of the community.”
The LVGC is a great group to join to serve the community. Its objectives are to promote conservation, artistic and horticultural education, civic beautification and garden therapy. You can visit them on their website or email info@locustvalleygardenclub.org.
