Explore Lehigh Valley Humane Society’s Garden Paw-ty at Domaine Pterion Vineyard
Pretty invitation design!
Because of a dog’s joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as well as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born. What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would the world be like without dogs? — Mary Oliver
I went to collect the few personal belongings which … I held to be invaluable: my cat, my resolve to travel, and my solitude. — Collette
Story, photos by Sharon Kozden
Although I no longer live in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley (and have not for some time), my ties there are significant.
It’s the location of my parents’ final resting place (St. Joseph Calvary Cemetery). I attended high school there (Southern Lehigh). Trained for many a marathon in the beautiful Lehigh Valley Parkway. Proudly wore my peppermint-striped candy striper’s uniform—at the tender age of fifteen—at Lehigh Valley Health Network (then Lehigh Valley Hospital). Ties galore.
It would be nice to visit more frequently; however, work and life in general keep me planted some 45 minutes away in Gladwyne. There are, however, particular occasions for which I make a concerted effort to hop onto the PA Turnpike (with its oft-spiking tolls) for a roots-revival road trip of sorts. My brother lives there still. I’ve kept the same wonderful GP all these years and see him for my annuals. Of course, the gravesite visits. In recent years, I developed a very special tie and reason to return! Read on …
Anyone even remotely acquainted with me knows how pronounced is my love for animals. Which is why some four years ago, I reached out to Lehigh Valley Humane Society with a request to cover on assignment for Explore with Cassie their inaugural springtime Garden Party.
Happily, my writing samples and email reach-out were met with a resounding welcome by my both then (and now) gracious hosts. I loved them; they loved my end-result article. Consequently, we embarked on a mutually rewarding relationship born of the love of animals. On May 19th, I road-tripped to Macungie, Pennsylvania and met human and canine friends alike at Lehigh Valley Humane Society’s Fourth Annual Garden Party presented by Kay Builders.
Sadly, I missed 2023’s party. My mom died in late January of that year; my social calendar stalled with skid marks and, if I’m now being honest, never recovered. But if you know about grief, you know that of which I speak. But I digress …
This wonderful organization, Lehigh Valley Humane Society, whose dedication, commitment and compassion for our animal brethren was actually founded as the Lehigh County Humane Society in 1906 to “provide a haven for homeless animals and to prevent cruelty to both animals and children.”
In July 2022, they re-introduced themselves as Lehigh Valley Humane Society with a determined and compelling vision. To wit: “We strive to become the best animal welfare organization in the Lehigh Valley. We seek to break down any and all financial barriers for those who seek to become forever companions for the animals in our care. We will work to reduce the number of homeless animals in the Lehigh Valley by educating the community, offering low-cost medical services and through our adoption processes. We will continue to support prosecution of any and all reported animal cruelty cases and rescue and rehabilitate all animals that suffer from cruelty situations.”
But wait … there’s more. LVHS is 24-7 available! How paw-some is that (rhetorical question)?!
From their exceptionally designed and informative website, I gleaned the following … “We expect that 2024 will be another challenging year for Lehigh Valley Humane Society as the only remaining shelter in the area providing essential animal control services and responding to rescue calls at all hours of the day or night. Additionally, we remain the only agency enforcing animal cruelty laws in Lehigh County through our dedicated Humane Society Police Officer. Too, we will continue to actively collaborate with our local government officials to advocate for changes to archaic laws and policies to improve animal welfare in our community.”
With this incredible curriculum vitae … or, rather, purr-riculum vitae (oh, c’mon … you had to see that coming!), I wished nothing more than to do whatever I could to help. I asked LVHS Community Event Coordinator Stephanie Skyriotis to connect me with some volunteer opportunity. To this day, I remembered her response. She told me that my photojournalist work at each year’s garden-party fundraising event was, in fact, my contributary purpose. Love this lady!
Sadly, I missed the 2023 event. My mom died on January 17th, and I just couldn’t, you know? If you know, you know. If you don’t, you will one day, and I’m so very, very sorry to remind you of such.
Basically, I’m a three-year attendee in a four-year event history of said annual garden parties. Please see this article’s end for links to my coverage of the events’ first two years.
The 2024 garden party was held in a new location than were the previous two I’d attended at Bell Gate Farm in Coopersburg, PA. Both sites were equally lovely with similar settings that included plentiful and spacious seating and gathering areas, restored barns, tons of green expanse, many of the same attendees and always with the peerless Diana’s Cafe, Inc. holding food court throughout four years.
By the way and arguably by the time you read this, Diana’s will have re-introduced their business name (and new format) to Diana’s Catering and Gourmet Market. Change is the only certainty, n’est-ce pas?
And let’s not forget the reason for the season (so-to-speak) and the real showstoppers, the adoptable dogs! Alas, when I arrived a bit later to the party than anticipated, said sweet adoptables had been given a break from their mingling and schmoozing with the humes; however, Diplo, Fefetia, Nikita and Lulu had their sweet selves (and charmingly descriptive bios) writ large and in color on a board emblazoned with “Our Special Guests” for all other guests to peruse and admire. Note to self and Maker-willing for 2025: leave early and/or allow for traffic because these bundles of woof-woof and mew-mew joy deserve their just attention rewards.
Of course, other showstoppers also were out in force, namely Lehigh Valley Humane Society’s board members, staff, volunteers, guests who generously opened their proverbial pocketbooks at the auction table, event host, event caterer, vendors and more. Of course, many thanks are extended as always to the sponsors, for as we all know, these events really aren’t possible without ’em.
On party arrival, I loved the long and winding road leading to the fifteen-acres that is Domaine Pterion Vineyard & Winery. So picturesque and exciting to be wending my way on a pretty and temperate spring day toward a garden party replete with such sublime connotations. Elegance. Folks decked out in floral-themed finery. Seersuckers on the men. Swishy and delicate frocks donned by the ladies. Tinkling glasses. Tasty light bites. Mellifluous voices in conversational tones with occasional outbursts of joyous laughter. So very Gatsby-like. Maybe there was a parasol or two among the crowd?
I wore a festive hat and a brightly colored dress. That hat had form but function, with its brim as my photographer role demanded, was non-existent. At some point, I doffed the annoyance.
The party’s entrance area off the parking lot was just before the main entry way that is a massive, renovated barn. A friendly trio of ladies checked me in, offered bidding material and a choice of some very cool swag from none other than LUSH of fresh handmade cosmetics fame. I chose a far-out and groovy spiral swirl that is a large bath bomb. One cool evening months on, I’ll tub-soak and recall this event.
There was a second group (or duo, rather) of greeters in the form of cute statuary of a St. Bernard dog and a yellow cat, both of which were festively festooned. I’d arrived! It was time to mingle and use my trained eye to espy camera-worthy moments. I captured shots of attendees while lounging and enjoying the live entertainment provided by the exceptional The Hannah Violet Trio.
Moving into the rustic renovated barn, I scoured a plethora of auction items. So many unique opportunities for bidders! I paused to sip offerings from Domaine Pterion’s vino collection and plated some tasty and flavorful foodstuffs hot and cold from Diana’s Cafe.
I can’t find enough exceptional descriptors to heap laudatorily on Miss Diana and her professional staff. She has been a Lehigh Valley foodie fixture for as long as I can remember. My mom often took me to Diana’s restaurant located along on route 309 in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. Good times, great eats.
After guests were fed and watered, LVHS principals took to the mic to discuss the challenges facing them throughout 2024 after a considerably demanding (yet successful!) 2023.
On the amazing front, 2023 saw the completion of a four-million-dollar renovation and expansion that resulted in some 90 ultramodern dog kennels, a contemporary rescue and trauma center and significantly more spacious environs for cats to explore. Moreover, a grooming atelier and the Lehigh Valley’s inaugural Community Vet Clinic were unveiled.
The aforementioned signals some serious victories for both LVHS animals along with owned pets in the Valley’s community. On the flip side, 2023 also saw a 34% need increase of homeless animals.
To lift from their web site a more specifically shocking statistic, “3,340 stray, abandoned or surrendered animals” entered LVHS in 2023. And by entered, I mean these animals were often found “dumped in the street to fend for themselves, tied to trees or poles or left behind in empty apartments.” Bleak, indeed. Which is why this organization needs its Humane Police Office to enforce animal cruelty laws as well as the community’s support and attendance at events and in other giving ways.
While these stats and realities are harrowing to contemplate and process, they only make me want to do more … to continue writing myself home for the love of animals and for this extraordinary organization that does such meaningful and essential work 24-7 and 365. LVHS is grateful for all we do to help and support them.
I glanced at the website to see what’s up and could not believe (in the best way!) just how prolific and varied is their event calendar.
There was Cat & Kitten Yoga, Take Meow’t to the Ballgame (Lehigh Valley IronPigs minor league baseball) and a Michael Kors & Coach Purse Bingo listed as past events. Upcoming ones include Dine to Donate at Copperhead Grille and the Fifth Annual Addie’s Golf Club Tournament.
Something is always going on at LVHS, and that’s great news for the Valley’s creatures of our Maker, who sorely need our love and generosity.
I am suffused with pride and gratitude to play whatever minor a role I do to help spread the word about the successes and efforts of LVHS!
My dog Tillie Rose and cats Mister Kai-Kai (Kaiaulait) and Belle du Joule (Bushy Cat) bring me joy on the daily; I can’t imagine life without them. Are you ready to find your next best friend?
For more information on upcoming events and all things LVHS, visit lehighvalleyhumanesociety.org
Here are links to my articles from two previous LVHS Garden Party events, and please enjoy …
Lehigh Valley Humane Society Hosts Second Annual Garden Party – Explore With Cassie
Lehigh County Humane Society Holds First Annual Garden Party at Bell Gate Farm – Explore With Cassie
See you, Maker-willing, in 2025! Woof, mew, neigh and more …
Posterboard displays bios of the adoptable dogs in attendance at the party.
Domaine Pterion Vineyard & Winery boasts a tree-lined entrance road that is a study in bucolic natural beauty.
Domaine Pterion is a 60-acre farm in Macungie, PA that has been a family farm for 283 years. Daniel and Elizabeth O’Rourke purchased it in 2014.
A birdhouse and garden-boat planter add a touch of charm and naturistic whimsy.
The vineyard and winery’s 15 acres are magnificent: lush, verdant and hilly.
Checking in, I was met by the lovely trio pictured here. The serious statement-making tees were aplenty available for purchase.
Does it get any better than LUSH swag? Love LUSH. Visiting one of their stores is such a treat. Plus … they’re not stingy with samples.
LUSH bath bombs have long graced my soaks. Can’t wait to try this groovy Intergalactic Bubble Bar!
Check out these adorbs “greeters.’ Too cute with the floral crown and the bow tie.
Guests hang out at the big barn’s entrance area; entertainment performs stage left.
Chill vibe here. Gathering is a good thing.
Guests pose in garden-party finery.
More gatherers gather … and enjoy!
Sure shot!
Cheerful couple is garden-party outfitted in sunflowers and palm tree prints.
All this for me? Yes, Dear!
Guests claim a stairstep as their spot.
A couple in casual chic outfits with their sunnies stationed head top pose before stunning vineyard as backdrop.
LVHS Director of Development Jackie Folsom is all smiles with cute girl and sweet pup.
All attendees got the memo re: attire. I loved photographing men and women in the casual garden-party best threads. Fascinator-ing!
This foursome enjoys the afternoons’ activities in laidback style and with a mellow vibe.
Easily one of my favorite shots from the LVHS Garden Party … for so many reasons. At Right, Bethany Bankovich displays her Hope Award for Outstanding Volunteerism. Congrats, Lady! Kudos and well done.
Mark Smith addresses an attentive crowd. Smith is the father of Board Member Lauren Smith Matthews.
The Hannah Violet Trio was the featured live entertainment, performing with acoustic guitar, fiddle and mandolin. Sweet music on an even sweeter afternoon.
Bandleader Hannah Violet (Right) has been performing for twenty years throughout eastern Pennsylvania. She also is a Hospice Music Therapist and full-time Realtor. Now that a well-rounded CV!
All they want is to please and love us. This lad reaches for some daddy love, while his sibling sniffs out a scent or two billion. Dogs’ sniffers are uber-heightened.
I work part-time in a dog-grooming shop and can never understand why a client doesn’t consider it a compliment of the highest order when I tell him or her that they favor their dogs in certain features–some more than others. Case in point is herewith in above snap. C’mon … you gotta see it, however vague. Both are handsome as all get out.
Gathering, coming together, especially for an immensely important cause, is a beautiful thing, and gather we all did do!
Big ol’ shot of the big barn’s interior. The rustic, naturistic beauty is simply breathtaking.
The barn restoration yielded pure elegance worthy of any event.
Gentlemen pose with Steve Martucci at Right, displaying his Hope Award for Outstanding Volunteerism. Steve told me his companion was his mentor. Kudos!
Guests view the many amazing auction items and place their bids.
Adoptable dogs were on hand to charm the pants off guests in show-stopping and scene-stealing style.
Here’s a lengthy glimpse of the fabulous auction items up for bid.
It was such a joy to photograph the incredible array of guests’ versions of garden-party attire!
At Left, LVHS President and CEO Hal Warner and guest honor my photo-please request.
From Left, LVHS Director of Development Jackie Folsom, writer Sharon Kozden and LVHS Community Event Coordinator Stephanie Skyriotis reprise their annual Garden Party trio pose three years running now!
This cheerful foursome exhibits the garden party’s popular casual vibe and attire.
A picture truly is worth a thousand words.
Another foursome makes the garden-party scene in typical breezy style and with easy smiles.
Painting for the Paws featured for purchase colorful 8×10 canvas paintings in a cheerful assortment of subjects.
Directional signage points the way to the bar.
Lemonade and iced tea were plentiful and look so refreshing in their dispensers.
This 2018 Semi-Sweet Rhone Valley varietal is light-bodied and contains notes of honeysuckle, mango, peach and a hint of rose petal.
This is one poised, confident and stylish-looking trio. So very many smart, chic and sleek styles were evident in the crowd; no dress-code misinterpretation in this crowd.
Sunny smiles by this duo from The Hartford Group serve up shirt sales–life-saving ones to boot.
From Left, LVHS’s Community Event Coordinator poses with a partygoer.
Hey Dad and Mom, I’m obscuring your faces, but that’s how I roll; I am adorable bay-bee!
Light bites aplenty are always artfully and beautifully displayed by Diana’s Catering.
The LVHS garden party may change locations; however, I pray they always stay with Lady Diana and her consistent fabulous work. Crudites!
Savory tapioca pearls with sprouts with microgreen sprouts, cuke- and tomato bites hit it out of the hors d’oeuvres ballpark.
Scallops wrapped in bacon and cooked until crispy and tender were a divine treat for the senses.
I shot a serious close-up of one of my now-favorite light bites. I’m no cook, but I’ve got to attempt this easy-peasy delight.
Cold sandwich trays featured a variety of breads as well as assorted stuffings.
More from the tasty cold-sandwich front …
Bourbon-glazed meatballs were packed with flavor and the perfect pop ’em appetizers.
Such a gorgeous spread tastes as great as it looks.
This whipped pink concoction topped with fresh raspberries tantalized my sweet tooth in the lightest way.
Dog bone-shaped sugar cookies with icing were a hit with the humans. Give this gal a bone!
Diana Hall-Yurasits of Diana’s Catering and Gourmet Market (new name come late July!) honors my request for a pose.
Lehigh Valley Human Society President and CEO Hal Warner addresses an attentive audience.
From Left, LVHS President and Ceo Hal Warner, LVHS Chief Development Office Jackie Folsom, LVHS Community Event Coordinator Stephanie Skyriotis and LVHS Development Manager Madison Xander strike a most excellent pose here–love this shot of TEAM LVHS!
LVHS board member and volunteer Anthony Knapp makes his point.
From Left, LVHS’s Lee Robinson, Stephanie Skyriotis and Madison Xander–a triple threat for the love of animals.
LVHS Volunteer Coordinator Lee Ferguson gathers the party’s featured adoptable dogs’ floral collar garlands.
On my way to the parking lot post-event, I by-chance discovered this beautiful patio area alongside the entrance road. Clearly, I wasn’t the first to spot it. Guest enjoy!
I was about to pack in my camera and head out when I saw this sunny sextet and just knew I needed the shot, which is just so representative of the festive and fun vibes that marked LVHS Garden Party, circa 2024.
Mod Metal Works made the vendor scene and is described as “permanent and clasp-less, assembled with a tiny weld to ensure a perfect fit.”
Find unique and not always easy to acquire plants and accessories at The Wicked Botanist.
Embodying the essence of garden-party glam …
Kendra Scott jewelry and gifts set up shop at the party and was a popular vendor spot.
It’s a wrap on yet another successful fundraiser that is Lehigh Valley Humane Society’s annual Garden Party. Maker-willing, I’m invited to year number five in 2025! It’s always a pleasure as well as an honor for me to cover this event–for the love of animals.
