The Venice Area Orchid Society (VAOS) will be celebrating its 50th anniversary at its April 4, 2012 meeting at the Venice Community Center with Mayor John Holic in attendance.
The celebration will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will include a special tribute honoring VAOS’ first president, the late Dr. Jack Severson. In his honor, the VAOS’ current president, Mrs. Cynthia Vance, will announce the establishment of a new award named the “Dr. Jack Severson Orchid Award” which will be awarded annually at the Venice Area Orchid Society Annual Show beginning February 2, 2013.
Mrs. Vance will also present a new orchid hybrid named “Mem. Jack Severson” to Dr. Severson’s widow Nancy in honor of his dedication and passion for the cultivation and exhibition of orchids. An archive table will showcase many of the photos and documents of the VAOS’ early years. The Venice Area Orchid Society has grown into one of the largest orchid societies on the west coast of Florida.
For more information on VAOS meetings and membership, visit the VAOS website at www.vaos.org.