Sally moved permanently to Lake Placid more than 17 years ago. Her first glimpse of the village was at age 12 to participate in the Teen Skating Program. She met her future husband Stan, who was also a skater. After their skating time together, which included several national and international awards and medals for ice dancing, the Urbans lived in a variety of states from the West to East, North to South and in between. Sally got into her gardening techniques, including learning what grows best in different climates. They decided to retire in Lake Placid and for sure Sally knew what grows in Zone 3.

“We loved it here and wanted to return to live the good life,” Sally said.

As soon as they bought their home in Lake Placid, Sally began her gardening magic. She saw the possibility for their own property and was skillful and tenacious enough to implement it. When Conni Cross, founder of Lake Placid Community Beautification, saw the results of Sally’s efforts, she quickly enlisted her help, which spilled over to benefit our club as well. The rest is history.

Sally joined Garden Club and became involved with all the club’s floral needs. In addition, she became one of the “St. Agnes Flower Ladies” when she was asked to join in the arranging of flowers for the church.

Sally enjoys the gatherings of the Garden Club, particularly the Master Gardeners Talks, area florists design ideas, environmental issues, flora and fauna of the area, field trips to area gardens and, of course, working on renovating the garden at the fountain in Lake Placid village (across from the post office). Sally chaired this project for more than six years along with help from Christine Shampeny. This small garden has become an attractive area to sit in the shade and watch — a beautiful spot made charming with Sally and Christine’s gardening expertise. You can find this garden near the entrance of the municipal parking lot on Main Street.

Sally was a board member on Lake Placid Community Beautification for at least 10 years and held the office of vice president of the Garden Club in 2014 and 2015). But she will always be known for her outstanding arrangements for our monthly raffle item. Often working next to her, I saw how she created order and beauty from a bunch of stems. I learned so much about floral arrangement as we made centerpieces for various club events. In addition I will remember Sally having a small pair gardening clippers always at the ready to deadhead whatever needed it, wherever she was. I’m asking for one for my next birthday, and I will call it “The Sally”!