MOS

Official Newsletter of the Michiana Orchid Society

December, 2005   

Editor Shirley Keim sak12000@aol.com

 

Holiday Party at Sherry’s New Home!

 

          The December 10, 2005 meeting of the Michiana Orchid Society will be held at the new home of Sherry Burtchett at 1:30 PM.  That’s 1:30 Eastern Standard Time in Michigan and most of Indiana, but 12:30 Central Time if you live in LaPorte County or farther west.  Please bring a dish for our holiday potluck and plan to graze through all the holiday goodies. 

          We’ll have our holiday plant exchange, so bring a division, seedling or the plant that refuses to grow under your conditions.  If you don’t have a plant for the exchange, don’t worry, some members always bring several plants to share.  It’s fun to see how these orchid plants do in the care of other orchid growers---sometimes it’s surprising how well they grow under different conditions.

         Please see below for directions to Sherry’s new home.

To get to Sherry’s place

Take Rt. 94 toward Detroit

Take Hartford exit

Turn toward Hartford

At first stop light (Main Street) turn Right

This turns into Red Arrow Hwy. Which goes past the fairgrounds.

At the far end of the fairgrounds turn Rt. onto CR 681

Follow C.R. 681 until 60th Ave turn Lt.

Follow 60th Ave. till Sherry’s which will be on right.

See below if you need more direction help

Sherry & Henry Burtchett

55677 60th Ave.

Lawrence, MI 49065

phone: 269 674-8984

cell: 921-3959

 

 

MOS Fall Show at HCC a Success!

 

          A big round of applause for all the MOS members who volunteered their time and talents to make our fall show a success!  Our society put in one large and two small displays, artwork, collections and arrangements, and earned many ribbons and a few trophies.  Thanks go to our set-up and take-down crews who not only worked on the Michiana projects but also helped our guest societies and vendors with their plants and displays.

         Our sales crew sold lots of members’ plants and gave away bushels of canna tubers!  And everyone loved our hospitality committee for their great food service---thanks to all who brought goodies for breakfasts and lunches!

A special thank you to those hardy souls who got up early to help with judging and clerking.  Even at that early hour you managed to step up to the challenge!  With our new signs, extensive publicity and live TV coverage, it was a very successful show.  Thanks a bunch, everyone! 

One of the winners of a Paph. donated by Rob at the Show, was won by a little five year old girl. The plant she won was a Paph Jolly Roger x Blood Clot.

She was at the show with her Dad since her Mother had to work. She enjoyed the show and was excited when she won. Harry and I delivered the plant to her Mom at work in Jimtown, which is near us. Jean Moskowitz

 

Calypso Art Glass Closes Greenhouse

 

      Larry Galdes, of Calypso Art Glass in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is closing his greenhouse.  The rising fuel costs and his neighbor’s shade trees are forcing Larry to suspend his orchid plant business until he can move to a better location.  Larry has been a friend and orchid vendor at our shows for many years, and we regret that he has had to make this decision. 

          Larry is selling all of the orchids that he can’t fit into his basement light area---great plants, dirt cheap.  He’ll be turning off the heat after Christmas, so if you want to drive up to check out the plants, call him to schedule a time to visit as soon as possible---his phone number is 269.382.4940.   Many of us have made one or two forays to his greenhouse already, coming back with cars stuffed to bursting with orchid plants, and silly grins on our faces.    

 

Mid-America Orchid Congress

 

          The Mid-America Orchid Congress was held at King’s Island near Cincinnati, Ohio, on October 21-23, and several Michiana Orchid Society members made the trip to enjoy the exhibits, lectures, judging and sales.

Ron and Katie visited daughter Brittany in Bloomington, Indiana, and then all three new orchid addicts made the trip south to the Mid-America.  Deb and Sandy registered for the lectures and meetings, and participated in judging the beautiful show.  The highlight of judging was definitely the all-red phrag exhibit by the Eric Young Orchid Foundation.  MAOC guest speaker Chris Purver brought eleven cut inflorescences of Jason Fischer and another large bright red phrag---it was amazing to see the quality of these blooms.  Two of the eleven received FCC awards, the highest award given by the American Orchid Society. 

          Deb and Sandy also attended the Odontoglossum Alliance dinner and presentation, inspired by our October speaker Russ Vernon.  They plan to become members of the Odontoglossum Alliance in order to learn more about these cooler-growing and beautiful orchids.  A bonus side-trip took them to the home and greenhouse of Larry Sanford, an excellent grower of odontoglossums.  There they learned how Larry grows his wonderful plants, and vowed to try to create those conditions in their own greenhouses. 

 

Minutes for November

The November meeting was called to order by President Sandy Ohlund at 1:35 at the library. Fifteen were present including three new members. Both the secretary's and treasurer's report were accepted as printed in the Newsletter. Dues are due for next year. Bring them to the December meeting which will be at Sherry's new house. Plan to bring snack food and a plant for exchange. If you do not have a plant, don't worry, there will be extras. We always have enough plants for all.

Sylvia reported on the Nominating Committee. Officers nominated for next year are: President, Sandy Ohlund; Co-Vice Presidents, Katie Payeur and Rick Rydzynski; Co-Secretary's, Shirley Keim and Barbara Wich; Treasurer, Deb Longworth.

Volunteers and nominations from the floor will be accepted at the December meeting. A co-president would be welcomed too.

Show business:

We had many positive comments from the vendors. Dot of Porter's wrote a nice note that they appreciated the help and assistance of the members. Also her husband was "thrilled with the food." Dick Wells phoned to say it was "a wonderful show." Also his sales were up 31% over last year. Both Green Acres and Larry Galdez reported their sales were good.

Next year we plan to set up classes. Shirley volunteered to organized speakers, videos, but suggested we need a room to use. Perhaps the AOS judging room could be used after the judging has ended.

Many good comments were heard at the show. Signage was good. Live TV coverage on Sat. morning brought in many. Publicity went well. Several mentioned they waited all year for the show and were watching for the publicity. We do need a contact at the South Bend Tribune. Anyone know someone there?

A motion was made donate $200.00 toward the Holy Cross College Development Fund which will be matched by Lilly. It was seconded and voted upon, and the treasurer will send a check to the college. The college does not charge us for having the orchid show on their campus.

New Business:

Sylvia suggested putting together a packet for new members. Culture sheets, bag of mix, orchid pin, the booklet on growing orchids could all be included. Any other ideas for a new member packet?

We need topics for program for next year. Orchid Digest has a list of videos. What speakers would you like to hear? Do you want programs on culture? Types of orchids? Setting up a show? Hands on workshops i.e. re-potting. Bring your ideas of what YOU would like to have on a program to the December meeting.

Bring 'n Brag brought forth lovely plants shown by Betty Kersey, Rick Hendrickson, Sylvia Groat, Katie Payeur, Shirley Keim.

Plants to sell were brought by Katie and Barbara. Katie also mention, if you get a plant with a number on its tag, you can go on line and get the parentage of that orchid.

We adjourned at 2:00 for refreshments. Then a slide show on Paphiopedilums was shown with Sandy commenting.

Shows for 2006

January 28-29 - Grand Valley at Meijer Gardens. Sylvia will set up.

February 25-26 - Greater Lansing Rick will help set up.

March - Ann Arbor

April -Ft. Wayne Near the zoo where there is more parking.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Wich co-secretary

 

Apple Cake (delicious!)

Couple of people asked for the recipe for the apple cake I brought to the last meeting. Here it is:


Nobby Apple Cake

3 Tbs. butter 1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 egg 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. vanilla 3 c. diced peeled apples
1 c. flour 1/4 c. chopped nuts (optional)
1 tsp. baking powder

Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and mix well. Stir in vanilla. Sift together dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture. Stir in apples and nuts. Pour into greased 8 inch square pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes. Serve hot or cold, plain or with whipped cream or ice cream topping.


Ann

 

REPORT TO MID-AMERICA AFFILIATED SOCIETIES

MID-AMERICA ORCHID CONGRESS

OCTOBER 21-23, 2005

MASON, OHIO

 

            The Fall 2005 Mid-America Orchid Congress was held October 21-23, 2005 at King’s Island Resort & Conference Center in Mason, Ohio.  The 112 registrants were hosted to a well planned weekend of exceptional speakers, interesting exhibits and gracious hospitality.  The 20 vendors brought a wide selection of plants.

            The speakers included Lynn O’Shaughnessy-“Hybridizing with Pleurothallids”; Bob Burkey-“Odontoglossums”;  Chris Purver-“History & Future of Phrags”;  Francisco Miranda-“Brazilian Orchid Habitats.”  Eric Michel delivered Dr. George Carr’s presentation “Cycnoches.”  Dr. Carr was unable to attend due to the threat to his Florida home of the approaching Hurricane Wilma.

            The show-stopper was a spectacular exhibit of 11 Phrag. Jason Fischer exhibited by Chris Purver, curator of the Eric Young Foundation - two of these flaming red beauties received FCC’s during judging.  Attending an MAOC is an opportunity to see genera not grown by members in your local society. The winners of special awards were the following:

 

AOS Show Trophy: Hoosier Orchid Company, Indianapolis

 

Mid America Perpetual Trophy: Central Kentucky Orchid Society exhibit, set up by Jordan Hawley of Lexington

 Raymond McCullough Award (for best epidendrum or encyclia): Enc. cerastites (Hoosier Orchid Company)

Clifford and Vivian Walters Trophy (for best oncidium): Ornithophoro radicans (Malcolm Siegel from Central Kentucky Orchid Society)

12 AOS Awards:

- Phrag Jason Fischer 'La Hougue Bie'  (Phrag besseae X Phrag. Mem. Dick Clements)  FCC 97  Owner: Eric Young Foundation

- Phrag Jason Fischer 'Corbierel' (Phrag besseae X Phrag. Mem. Dick Clements)  FCC 93  Owner: Eric Young Foundation

- Vasco. Five Friendships 'Summerfield Elegance' (Vasco Seng X Vasco Prapin) CCM 83 / HCC 79  Owner:Summerfield Orchids

- Masd. erinacea 'Hannah Bologna' Species      AM 81   Owner: Jordan Hawley

- Onc. lanceanum 'Peruvian Princess' Species    CCM 80 / AM 82 Owner: Summerfield Orchids

- Cirr. Marilyn LeDoux 'Harrison' (Doris Dukes X Elizabeth Ann Buckleberry) HCC 78   Owner: Malcolm Siegel

- Paph Sierra Bell 'Red Pepper' (Paph Sierra Lace X Paph bellatulum) HCC 76 Owner: Orchid Inn

- Enc. cerastistes 'Luke' Species  CCM 84 Owner: Erich Michel

- Isochilus linearis 'Joyce Bevin Dowd' Species AM 81/CCM 81  Owner: Sandy Denman

 

            A special feature of any MAOC is the auction which precedes the banquet.  Wit & laughter bounced off the walls as the Ways & Means Committee raised $4139.  Fantastic floral centerpieces set the atmosphere for a wonderful banquet.  Barry Rhinehart at the piano & Jeanne Harmon, flutist, provided entertainment.

            “Communication Within Your Society” was the topic for the Affiliated Societies Breakfast.  Representatives of many societies exchanged ideas on communication using newsletters, technology & social functions.  On-line registration of plants for orchid shows is encouraged. Societies should consider distribution of local newsletters & The Mid-American by email.

            ACTION TAKEN BY MAOC COMMITTEES

1        Officers for 2006-07:   President:  Beth Martin; Vice-President: Russ Vernon; Vice-President: Mark Van der Woerd; Secretary:  Doris Asher;  Treasurer:  Jan Yates.

2        The Education Committee has released the updated CD “A Pronunciation  Guide   to Orchid Names” by Gerda Ferrington.  It is available for $10.

3        The Conservation Committee has approved funding for the Cleveland Botanical Garden $400;  Ball State University $500;  Como Park $400 and Native Orchid Garden, Green Bay Wisconsin $400.

4        Doris Asher was named Orchidist of the Year.

5        Affiliated societies should send historical records & memorabilia to the AOS archives.

6        The Mid-American will be published 4 times per year; the new editor is Barry Rhinehart (rlyrrrab@earthlink.net)

7        All societies should consider hosting an MAOC as an individual society or as a partner as the Greater Cincinnati Orchid Society & the Miami Valley Orchid Society did so well in Mason.

 

THE NEXT MAOC WILL BE HELD MAY 24-26, 2006 IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA.  Information can be obtained by email:ginavan@verizon.net or www.omaha-orchid-society.org.    Plan to attend. Remember to sign up for the breakfast hosted by the Affiliated Societies Committee on Sunday morning.  Our discussion topic will be “Specialty Groups Within Your Local Society”.

 

If the Affiliated Societies Committee specifically or the Mid-America Orchid Congress in general can help your society in any way, I hope you’ll contact us.  Remember, too, to access the Congress’s web site often to stay abreast of Congress activities (www.midamericanorchids.org).  If we can’t solve your problem directly, we’ll refer it to someone who can!

 

Doris Asher, Chair, Affiliated Societies Committee

277 N Hagadorn Road

E Lansing, MI 48823

Phone: 517-332-0004

E-mail: asherdoris@juno.com

 

 

 

Refreshments

 

December Sherry’s House

January 2006