President Cynthia Vance called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. She asked any guests in the audience to introduce themselves.
Cynthia praised Jean Terrana for her 15 years of service as PR rep for VAOS.
She also thanked Mary Ann DiGrazia for chairing the Sept. 11th plant sale and Lynne Pedlar for her help that day.
Mary Ann DiGrazia told about the Englewood AOS Plant Sale to be held on Nov 6th at Christ Lutheran Church on 776 in Englewood. Mary Ann showed a lovely bouquet of Brazilian Red Cloak and Dwarf Poinciana and said that there would be other kinds of plants for sale as well as orchids. Besides plants from EAOS members, there will be 6 commercial vendors: Fender’s Flora, Orchids Etc., Joe Hayden Orchids, Amazonia Orchids, Venice Orchids, and OFE.
The VAOS exhibit at the Ridge Show in September took 3rd place. Cynthia praised Bob Wallace and his team of volunteers, stating that it was a tough assignment given the few blooming orchids at that time. Bill Timm was congratulated for the many awards that his Clo. Black Jade ‘Green Back’ plant received.
Cynthia told of the board’s decision to name the 2011 show “Be Dazzled” and asked Ellen Nacinovich to show her shirt which displayed the show logo, designed by Tony Nacinovich.
Attendees were asked about their email and internet usage and what they would like to see on the VAOS website. Answers included: orchid pictures, culture articles, discounted tickets to growers, upcoming events, upcoming sales, past newsletters, famous orchid gardens, and information about meeting days.
Barbara Wagner issued an urgent appeal for 7 more people to sign up for the October 16th bus trip to Krull-Smith and Ritter’s. She also mentioned that the December 1 Christmas party caterer has been hired– more info in the November newsletter.
Jerry Manegold introduced Bill Hill of Orchid Island Orchids in Vero Beach. He spoke about what works for growing Oncidiums in South Florida, his particular varieties and took questions from the audience. He was thanked for his contribution to the raffle.
Cynthia told of the date change of our Autumn Home Greenhouse Tours from Nov. 6 to 13. There are currently 4 members signed up to open their homes that day, between 9 and 1, to show their orchid growing areas. One member, Richard Amos, will be selling off his orchids as he downsizes his collection.
Jeff Higel and Bill Hill presented the plant table. The meeting was adjourned following the raffle.
–Respectfully submitted, Ellen Nacinovich (acting sec’y)