TIDEWATER ORCHID SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER 2008

Next Meeting: September 7, 2:00PM, Webb Center North Café, Old Dominion University.

Thomas Mirenda of the Smithsonian is speaking about their orchid collection. Webb Center is on 49th at ODU. Parking is available and carts will be provided for transport of plants and other supplies.

President’s Message

September is upon us and our first TOS meeting is just around the corner. I hope everyone had a restful summer break. We will be meeting the Sunday after Labor Day weekend September 7th.  This will be at the Webb Center, ODU, in the North Cafeteria at 2:00 PM.  Our speaker will be Thomas Mirenda from the Smithsonian. 

Some of our members have been hard at work for our society this summer.  Dr. Arthur Kaplan has been negotiating with ODU for a continuation of a meeting place for TOS at ODU.  With the help of Charles Scott we will have a meeting place at no charge at the Webb Center in the north cafeteria.  Dave and Joanne Bryan have also been meeting with the Biology/Botany department as an interface between ODU and TOS to try to create an overall mutually beneficial and supportive relationship.  The TOS Board met this summer, discussed and approved support for a speakers fund for ODU and a scholarship for a student/grad student.  These would be a maximum of $500 each and would incorporate our budgeted $250 scholarship money. This is still in the discussion stages with ODU. Unfortunately our field trip for early August was cancelled, but we look forward to future expeditions.  Ken Peterson has also been working on our operational guidelines and bylaws this summer.  So thank you to the people behind the scenes who have been working for our society.

The Master Gardeners will be having a Community Gardening Festival Saturday, September 13th at the Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center on Diamond Springs Road.  This will be from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  I think this may be a place to get exposure to possible new members.  We will have an information table.  I will be available that day to man the booth, and anyone who wishes to help, let me know.

We have also been invited to participate in the Blue Ridge Orchid Society’s October Show “Harvest of Orchids”.  This may be an opportunity to get involved in more shows and to also draw others to our symposium and any future shows.  This would be setting up on Thursday October 9th at 9:00 AM.  Judging would be on Friday with the exhibit closing on Saturday at 5:00 PM. 

I hope everyone can make it to our next meeting.  Unfortunately I will be out of town, and will see you either at the Community Gardening Festival or in October.

Thanks

Ruta Mah

Programs

Oct. 5, 2008: Member donated auction. All proceeds benefit the society.

Nov. 2, 2008: Ken Peterson and Tom Ward are giving a program on AOS Judging

Dec. 7, 2008: Annual Awards Banquet at Hits at the Park.

Jan. 4, 2009: Pending

Feb. 1, 2009: Fred Clarke of Sunset Valley Orchids, California, on mini- and midsized Cattleyas and their culture.

Membership

NEW: Jock & Bonni Wheeler, 801 Gilbert Cir. Va.Beach 23454 757-481-0881, email jocksr@yahoo.com

Address change: Adli and Carolyn Alliss 3900 Windsor Hall Dr. Apt. 218 Williamsburg, VA 23188, 757/564-0432 email       carolyn.alliss@windsormeade.org

Its renew Membership time. Dues are $12.00 single, $18.00 couple. Please renew in Sept so we can get to work on a new roster. Also let the Membership Chairman know of any address changes or incorrect addresses, phone numbers, new email addresses so we can make the changes in the new roster. Email me mitzi1036@att.net

If a basic orchid class would be of help to you, you'll be able to sign up in Sept.  New classes will start in Oct. if enough have signed up. I can't take but 15 so get your name on the list at the Sept. meeting. Classes will be once a month in the Arthur and Phyllis Kaplan Conservatory for 6 months, skipping Dec. You'll be taught by the very best!

Thanks,

Mitzi  

Library

            The TOS library is now available at the Kaplan Conservatory. We have many fine and informative books for your use. Now that it’s more convenient to check out a book take the time to come and browse. The library, as planned now, will be available during the tours an hour before meeting time. They have a monthly checkout, but the librarian, Patsy, may let you keep them longer if no one else needs it. We’re working on an inventory to place online so you can explore books you may want to check out. There maybe times during the week when you may look at them, also, if arranged with Arthur Kaplan and the volunteers.

October Auction

            The October Auction is a time to get interesting plants at affordable prices. These are plants that members have divided and grown and they can tell you all about the culture. All proceeds benefit the society. You may even get the opportunity to get groupings at one low price, if enough plants are donated.

            If you wish to donate all plants are acceptable, even some non-orchid companion plants. Please be ready to answer questions about your plants. Donate as many as you want.