Wellsville ladies group have gathered at the David A. Howe Library since 1893
From the Monday Club Publicist Nora Burdick,
After surviving winter of 2026 and its frigid cold days and gray skies, the Monday Club members welcomed Amanda Khodorkovskaya’s colorful presentation on Living Acres Farm. Amanda, along with her husband and two daughters, runs Living Acres Farm located in Alfred, New York. She began her presentation with a brief overview of changes implemented at their farm after Amanda stepped away from her career at Alfred University. Amanda touched on Living Acres’s approach to holistic and regenerative agriculture with a focus on nutrient dense produce.
The Khodorkovskayas have marketed fresh produce by selling subscriptions for seasonally grown products. Initially, produce was the primary focus of the family’s business plan, but flowers are now grown too.
With additional time to devote to the growing summer season, Amanda leaned into exploring the possibility of extending the use and sale of excess blooms available at the end of the season. Amanda researched the process of drying, preserving, and storing surplus blooms for dried flower creations. Blooms, fresh dried and everything in between, have enhanced the lives of humans for 1000’s of years. In her work with dried flowers, Amanda has found there are endless combinations to explore.
Living Acres is committed to clean and organic growing. Flowers are not treated with preservatives or other chemicals. Naturally, Amanda preserves flowers through traditional measures and does not treat them through artificial means. The blooms maintain their colors for several years as a result.
As Amanda continued her presentation, she shared the benefits of caring for blooms and creating art with the dried flowers. She described the awakening of her senses as vibrant colors and floral scents became part of her daily experience. Truly, there is something to be gained by taking time to smell the roses.
In closing, Amanda reminded us that even in the depths of winter, the vibrant colors of a floral arrangement can lift the spirit and serve as a promise that spring in all her glory will return.
*Editors note: Amanda is the grand daughter of longtime Wellsville Mayor Robert Gardner.
Spring Tea
The Monday Club was formed in 1893 and serves as a study club for women. The calendar year is divided into two parts and features a fall and a spring schedule of speakers, presentations and field trips. In short, Monday Club members explore a roster of both new and familiar experiences.
An integral part of the Monday Club is the preservation of memories and traditions passed down from the generations of women who paved the way and took time to record the shared history. Though bylaws have been amended over the years, the essence of the Club remains the same.
Each half of the calendar year’s program is marked by a “Silver Tea.” The bi-annual tea allows the women to share conversation and fellowship while enjoying a cup of hot tea and sweet confections. Members use vintage China and silver service from years past. Though this may seem like an antiquated tradition, it serves as reminder of our rich past and a celebration of what women, and people in general, can accomplish together.”
This year’s spring tea was held on May 4th. Chairwoman Winnie Burt added several personal touches including floral arrangements and favors. Committee members organizing the spring event include Alice Stevens, Dawn Richard, Tracy Walker, Karen Copp, Karol Marciano, Nancy Levitt, and Bev Sweet. Carol Aldrich, a local legend and friend to many, provided familiar classic piano pieces in her masterful way. In Carol’s words, music is a gift enjoyed by all.
A special thank you to the Silver Tea Committee members for organizing this year’s spring event.
