Shirley, for the newsletter:

Michiana Orchid Society

April 2008 Newsletter

Editor Shirley Keim sak12000@aol.com

Refreshments: Barbara

APRIL MEETING TO BE HELD AT NEW LOCATION

The River Park Library Branch will be closed for the next six to eight months for remodeling. Meanwhile, we have reserved the meeting room for April and May at the Virginia Tutt Branch at 2223 Miami Street, South Bend (the northwest corner of Miami and Ewing). To see its location relative to River Park's, click on Map of Library Locations at http://www.sjcpl.org/aboutsjcpl/aboutsjcpl.html.

FUN AT THE MID-AMERICA

First Place for Sherry First Place for MOS Exhibit First Place for Don

Sandy and Deb, after gathering plants from Don Keim, Sylvia Groat, Sherry Burtchett and Katie Payeur, traveled to Detroit for the Michigan Orchid Society Palm Sunday Show and Mid-America Orchid Congress meeting. We organized a 25 sq. ft. exhibit at the last minute and found space for all 33 plants in a corner space (thank goodness for the two open sides.) We had an interesting mix of plants and received 13 ribbons on the plants and a first place for our exhibit. Sherry got a blue ribbon on Masd. Aquinus topping masdevallias shown by a commercial grower from Indiana who happened to win many awards and trophies at the WOC. Besides plants, several members sent artwork. Don, Rebecca Wong, Brittany, Ron and Katie Payeur had 13 entries with ribbons going to 9. Don showed colored pencil drawings, Rebecca a dried two-dimensional arrangement and the Payeurs filled out the photo entries. It was a large show with a lot of competition and a large number of commercial growers. The talks on Saturday were delightfully interesting. Terrrestrials? Blah. Not at all! Eric Michael spoke about conservation of terrestrial species and it was captivating, not dry. Ron McHatton from the AOS spoke about growing tropical terrestrials and gave much interest to a topic that recieves little excitement. Russ Vernon also gave his talk about how not to grow Phals. The Mid-America Congress meeting on Sunday morning was well represented by our MOS delegates, Sandy and Deb. The meeting was as usual, informative, congenial and efficient

MICHIANA GOES TO TROY

---MICHIGAN, THAT IS---

TO THE SPRING 2008 MID-AMERICA!

Deb and Sandy put out the word that they would be taking Deb’s Orchidmobile to Troy, Michigan, for the “Palm Sunday Show” of the Michigan Orchid Society, which also hosted the Spring 2008 Mid-America Orchid Congress. Members responded to the call with plants and photos and artwork. Items were gathered at various points, and on Friday, March 14, Deb and Sandy set out for the long trip past Detroit. The weather was crisp

but not snowy, and we made good time. Then, however, all the boxes of plants and props and three suitcases (!) of art and photography had to be brought in and the display set up. We didn’t think we would have very many plants so we requested a 25 sq ft tabletop, but as usual, we had more than we expected. Luckily, our tabletop was at the end of the row, so we had a corner and more space than others of its size. After some inventive bump-outs and prop-ups, we were very pleased that our display won the blue ribbon for our class! Individual plants brought ribbons, too---a special congrats to Sherry whose masdevallia got the blue ribbon in its class, beating out lots of competition. Our large display of photos, photo art, drawings and crafts garnered many ribbons and positive comments from our hosts and the public.

Ron, Katie and Brittany came for ribbon and AOS judging Saturday morning, where we were all treated to the sight of an entire basket of blooming Paph Fanaticum, exhibited by Sam Tsui of the Orchid Inn. It won an Award of Quality for the cross (malipoense x micranthum) plus three individual flower quality awards.

Award of Quality (AQ) for the cross Paph. Fanaticum (malipoense x micranthum)

plus three individual flower quality awards

Since the Mid-America always sponsors conferences, we were treated to talks by Erich Michel on “Conservation of Terrestrial Orchids”, Russ Vernon on “How Not to Grow a Phalaenopsis”, and AOS Director of Education Ron McHatton on “Terrestrial Orchids, Not Just the Family’s Jewels”. In the evening, we attended the MAOC dinner where our friend Karen Muir gave a lovely digital slideshow and spoke of her experiences at the Japan Grand Prix Orchid Show.

Deb and Sandy had signed up for the 7:00 AM Sunday Affiliated Societies’ Breakfast and discussion, but the decision was made to sleep later, instead. We did attend the Mid-America Orchid Congress meeting, representing Michiana Orchid Society. The meeting ended in time to enjoy our lovely breakfast buffet, which was included with our reservation.

Sunday afternoon we cruised through the displays and sales areas, and finally sat down and chatted until it was time to take down our exhibit. We packed up the suitcases and boxes and crates and headed home. By 10:30 PM we were at Sandy’s, where most of the boxes and other items were transferred, awaiting distribution on Monday. Exhausted, but happy for another great Mid-America, we anticipate the fall extravaganza in Cincinnati in early September!

EARLY PUBLICITY FOR MOS AND 2008 SHOW PUT OUT BY SHERRY

Palm Sunday Weekend Sherry and Henry had an opportunity to participate in a local craft show. In addition to selling the Streptocrapus that Sherry is so well known for, Sherry set up a small orchid exhibit informing the public of our existence as a society. She also handed out flyers along with our business cards.

Thank You Sherry!

FLYER AND BUSSINESS CARDS READY TO GO

The Show Flyer for our upcoming November show is ready to go. Don will be putting it on our website in two formats. The first format is for a full size page flyer. The second format is for two flyers per page. (These will need to be cut in half.) All the suggestions members made toward improving the flyer have been incorporated into the new flyer.

The flyer is being posting to our website to make sure anyone visiting our site will have access to the information it contains. It is also being put there so that YOU may START printing flyers and distributing them as you find opportunities to do so. The new society “business” cards are also ready to go. The new cards include the date of our upcoming show. We will try to have extras at each meeting. If at any time you need more, let Katie know. Copies of the two formats are included at the end of this newsletter.

NEWSLETTER FORMAT AND WEBSITE UPDATES

As you have may have noticed, the newsletter format seems to be a bit different each month. Slowly, Katie, Shirley and Ron, along with Don on the webpage, have been working on little things such as the inclusion of pictures, consistency in margins, spacing, font type and size. These changes have been requested by a number of our members. If you have any further suggestions as what you might like to see in our newsletters, send those suggestions to Shirley.

STATE FAIR ORCHID SHOW

Put August 7-10 on your calendar. This is a collective effort by all of the orchid societies of Indiana and it is really nice to have our society represented at the State Fair. Set-up begins early Thursday morning and judging is that evening. During the weekend volunteers staff the information table to answer questions about orchids and societies. You can sign up to help set-up and clerk on Thursday or staff the information area for a three hour shift on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. If you volunteer, you get a parking pass plus free entry tickets. Let Deb know if you would like to help--she will send your choice of times and request tickets for those interested. E-mail Deb at timmboys@aol.com or call her at (574)654-3449

BOTANI-WIPES ARE IN

The first shipment of the neem oil wipes are in! Deb would like to say that they will be available at the next meeting, but a couple of shows are happening on the 12th too, so....? The cost per box of 50 wipes is $7.00, which covers shipping plus 20% for our favorite orchid society.

ORCHIDWIZ AT 50% OFF

For a limited time, enjoy a 50% discount when you purchase 10 new licenses of OrchidWiz Encyclopedia, or a 40% discount when you purchase 5 licenses. Each license allows one user to install the program on two computers.

After software delivery, each separate user may register his or her name and address and other information with OrchidWiz for individual customer support and future updates.
Orchid societies, clubs and other organizations are welcome to take advantage of this offer. This offer expires April 30, 2008.

Deb's Notes: The individual price for Orchid Wiz is $245.00, if 5 members get it as a MOS purchase, it would be $149 per person, a much more affordable cost. The OrchidWiz website has many testimonials proclaiming the virtues of the software--good, but from judges. For me, yeah the breeding information and pictures are great but I will always go to OrchidWiz for its cultural information. It tells me what plant in a genus needs a rest period, what type of light it needs, temperature requirements etc. The details are better for some genera than others--some have no information. Sometimes geographic information will be given which also helps you understand the cultural requirements. I hope that more cultural information will be added with future updates.

IF YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR ORCHIDS AND LEARNING MORE ABOUT THEM, THIS IS A FANTASTIC DEAL. THE INFORMATION, PICTURES, AWARDS, CHARTS, CULTURAL INFORMATION, REFERENCES TO ARTICLES, PICTURES, ETC. IS PHENOMENAL.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE PROGRAM IN ACTION, ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT IT OR TRY USING IT, RON AND KATIE INVITE YOU TO CALL THEM AND SET UP A TIME IN WHICH THEY CAN SHOW YOU WHAT IT DOES AND HOW IT OPERATES.

THE PURCHASER OF THIS PROGRAM IS ENTITLED TO DOWNLOAD IT TO TWO COMPUTERS.

REMEMBER, WE NEED TO KNOW BEFORE APRIL 30. LETS SAY BY APRIL 20. THAT GIVES US TIME TO FIND AND GO IN WITH ANOTHER GROUP TO MAKE IT TEN ORDERS AT 50% OFF($123 VS. $245).

MINUTES FOR THE MARCH MEETING

The meeting was called to order by vice-president Don at 1:30. Minutes and Treasures report were approved as printed in the newsletter. Web page is being worked on by Don and Greg. Deb is working on the membership list. Please inform her of any changes to addresses etc. Green house across the street is doing well. Sandy showed her baby for my favorite orchid. We received a thank letter from the Lansing show. Sheets with information help with registration process at shows. Plants will be needed for Mid-America. Ron and Katie will set up for the Ann Arbor show. Garfield Park show is coming up. Green Acres will have a blow out sale in June because they will no longer be selling orchids. Next meeting will take place at another library due to remolding to present meeting place. Ann has made arrangements and will post directions in the newsletter. Meeting was adjourned for slide show from World Orchid Show and refreshments.

Respectfully submitted,

Shirley Keim

Co-secretary

TREASURER'S REPORT

April 2, 2008

Beginning Balance $869.53

Income

Dues $30.00

Donation towards speaker $25.00

Botani-Wipes sales $ 7.00

Total Income $62.00

Expenses

Books, library $36.24

Show travel $25.00

Fundraiser, Botani-Wipes $69.78

Total Expenses $131.02

Ending Balance $800.51

Amount in Savings $2,958.76

Respectfully Submitted,

Deb Longworth, treasurer

DUES REMINDER

Speaking of our favorite orchid society--yes there is still time to pay dues if you haven't done so yet. (Just not sure if your treasurer will be at a show or at the meeting.) In any case, they are $10 for individuals and $15 for families, checks payable to Michiana Orchid Society and they can be sent to Deb Longworth, treasurer, at 7451 E 900 N, New Carlisle IN 46552.

OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE YOUR ORCHIDS AOS JUDGED AND AWARDED

If you are the proud owner of an orchid in bloom that you think may be worthy of an AOS award contact Sandy or the Payeurs. Sandy, as a certified judge, and Ron, Katie, and Brittany, as student judges -- are required to attend a certain number of AOS judging sessions at the Great Lakes Judging Center in Ann Arbor Michigan. These sessions are held the third Saturday of each month. If any of the above is going to a session at the time your orchid is in bloom, they are willing to take your plant with them to be judged according to AOS standards.

UPCOMING SHOWS AND EVENTS

April 12-13 Ann Arbor Orchid Society Show and Sale, Mathei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

April 12-13 Garfield Conservatory, Indianapolis, Indiana

We will be doing both of the above shows. Plants going to Indy…contact Sandy. Anyone sending plant/photos, art, etc. please download & fill out Orchid Show Entries form found on our website and include it with all items being sent to the show.

May 17-18 May Seminar (Phalaenopsis), Great Lakes Judging Center. Free seminars. Road trip?

Aug 8-10 State Fair, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Sept 5-7 Mid-America Orchid Congress, Kings Island Resort (Near Cincinnati)

Sept 26-28 Chicagoland Orchid Fest.

Oct 11-12 Three Rivers, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Nov 1-2 MOS (Michiana Orchid Society) show. OUR SHOW. Holy Cross College, Notre Dame, Indiana

2008 Refreshments Program*

Jan Sherry Don Garling-Orchid Pests & Diseases

Feb Shirley Orchid Video (Orchid Obsession)

Mar Lisa World Orchid Conference Slide Presentation

Apr Barbara New Location – Many Things to Discuss

May Bessie Rob Halgren (Speaker & Orchids for Sale)

Jun BYO Last Green Acres Road Trip

July In Home Greenhouse/Orchid Swap

Aug BYO Little Frog Farm/Porters Road trip

Sept ? Suphattra's Clay Flowers

Oct ? MOS Business

Nov ? TBA

Dec In Home At Sherry’s - Christmas Party/Elections

*Programs may change due to unforeseen circumstances. Watch newsletter for changes.

HI FROM MARK WASYLENKP

I just received this greeting from former Michiana member Mark Wasylenko, who now lives with his family in South Carolina:

Hi, Sandy---

I did not make it to Miami as you know. I just rediscovered your email address.

We are loving it here near Greenville, SC. I have gone to Carter and Holmes twice. Prices are reasonable.

I have after two years, learned how to grow orchids in the heat: not too hot!! Grow lights and a south facing porch with an automatic high volume fan. Right now I have SLC Jewel box, seven phals, one non Nobile dendrobium, and a gigantic Sharry Baby (bought from C and H with three spikes), just perfuming up the entire house. Many Phals have double spikes. I have one Doritanopsis, that has been in almost continuous bloom since I bought it at Lowe's for ten dollars with three flowers open on it. Yes, a purple color.

Write and let me know your recent successes. Mark Wasylenkp

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