MOS

Official Newsletter of the Michiana Orchid Society

January, 2006

Editor Shirley Keim sak12000@aol.com

 

TROPICAL COLOR IN JANUARY!

 

          Come on out to the January 14, 2006, meeting of the Michiana Orchid Society to bask in the dazzling tropical colors of the Schomburgkias!  We’ll see slides of the species and some of the intergeneric hybrids that have been produced with these New World orchids.  These Cattleya family relatives offer some very interesting dimensions for hybridizing with other members of the Cattleya alliance. 

          The January meeting of the MOS will be held at 1:30 PM Eastern Standard Time at the River Park Branch of the South Bend Public Library on Mishawaka Avenue.  Refreshments will be served.  See you there!

 

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR 2005 OFFICERS…

AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW OFFICERS FOR 2006!

 

          Thanks to our 2005 Michiana Orchid Society officers, Sandy Ohlund, Howard Heines, Barb Wich, Sylvia Groat and Deb Longworth, as well as to newsletter editor Shirley Keim and webmaster Greg Filter, for all their hard work and dedication this past year!  2005 was very successful for MOS, with programs, workshops, guest speakers, orchid displays, a great fall show and several new members.  Our officers provide leadership and direction, working with our enthusiastic members to further the study and enjoyment of our favorite addiction, orchids!

          At the Christmas party at Sherry Burtchett’s new home, the slate of officers for 2006 was approved.  The new officers include:  Co-Presidents John Bannow and Sandy Ohlund; Co-Vice Presidents Rick Rydzynski and Katie Payeur; Co-Secretaries Barbara Wich and Shirley Keim; and Treasurer Deb Longworth.  Newsletter editor Shirley Keim and webmaster Greg Filter will continue to work in their respective areas.  Congratulations!

 

 

CALYPSO ORCHIDS CLOSED FOR NOW…

 

          Many Michiana Orchid Society members carpooled to Kalamazoo to adopt some of Larry Galdes’ surplus orchids.  Prices were fantastic in November, dirt cheap in December, and after Christmas all remaining plants were free!  As Larry’s greenhouse emptied, the orchid-growing areas of many members were filled to overflowing. 

          Larry will grow his remaining collection in his basement under lights until he is able to relocate to a new, sunnier site.  He will still be available for orchid talks and will continue to help with the displays for the Dunes-Kalamazoo Orchid Society. 

 

 

MOS NEW MEMBER INITIATIVE

 

          Our society is only as good as its members---and with our apologies to Dracula, “We need new blood…”  Orchids continue to intrigue the public, and we can offer education, confidence and orchid opportunities to guests and new members.  We must encourage and help those who are just beginning to learn about our fascinating hobby. 

          MOS will be offering some exciting bonuses to guests and new members.  Guests will be given an orchid bookmark, notepad or pin, and new members will receive a membership kit containing the AOS Handbook on Orchids, culture sheets on various genera, a sample of orchid fertilizer and a hobby bag of orchid mix. 

          Entering the world of orchids can be a daunting experience---there’s so much to learn.  Please help make our guests and new members feel welcome! 

 

 

MY FAVORITE ORCHID….

 

          Michiana Orchid Society meetings in 2006 will feature a short report by various members on their favorite orchids.  Be thinking of which of your orchids you would like to mention.  Simply tell us what it is and how you grow it!  We’ll pass around a sign-up sheet so you’ll know when it’s your turn.  Thanks!

 

Rum Balls (36-42 balls)

2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs

2 Tablespoons cocoa

1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar, divided

1 cup pecans, very finely chopped (I substitute walnuts)

2 Tablespoons white corn syrup

1/4 cup rum

Mix well vanilla wafer crumbs, cocoa, 1 cup confectioner's sugar and nuts. Add corn syrup and rum, mix well. Shape into 1 inch balls and roll in remaining confectioner's sugar. Put in tightly covered tin box or other metal container for at least 12 hours before serving. Note: These cookies keep well for 4 or 5 weeks.

From the Williamsburg Cookbook.

Deb

 

Minutes for December

 

The meeting was called to order at 3:15, in Sherry new plant room.  Previous to the meeting we all shared Christmas goodies at the potluck upstairs in Sherry’s new house.  There were 18 people present.  We had 1 guest, Sherry’s daughter Jessica.  Minutes were approved as published in the newsletter and treasurer’s report was approved as stated by Deb.  Slate of officers was approved with the addition of John Bannow as co-president.

It was suggested that a questionnaire should be sent to vendors after the shows to get their input.  Tim Volas has not yet been heard from.  There was discussion of 2 shows next year with possibility of display at Fernwood with vendors, not on Mother’s Day weekend! Possibly participation in Indiana State Fair with Indianapolis Orchid Society was discussed.  Carter and Holmes have finally sent the gift certificate for the door prize from three years ago.  Dennis has been waiting patiently.  The show at Grand Valley is scheduled for January 28-29, 2006.  Sylvia and Sally will set up.  Sherry and Shirley will pick up.  Greater Lansing scheduled for February 25-26, 2006. Rick will set up.  Ann Arbor is scheduled for March 18-19, 2006. Show dates for MOS at Holy Cross are November 11-12, 2006.  Orchid Species.com is in need of donations to maintain website after weather related damage.  It was voted to donate $100.00.  John Bannow did bring and brag.  Meeting was adjourned at 4:15. We all enjoyed the plant exchange after the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Shirley Keim

Co-secretary

 

TREASURER'S REPORT

January 3, 2006

Income--Dues, new member $10.00

Dues, renewals $35.00

Donation $0.56

Total Income $45.56

Expenses--Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia donation $100.00

Ending Balance $1,243.38

Respectfully submitted,

Deb Longworth, treasurer

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

MICHIANA ORCHID SOCIETY SHOW

October 29 & 30, 2005

 

INCOME

            Donation Jar                 $     81.00

            Trophy sponsorships          135.00*

            Sales tables                       800.00*

            Plant sales (20%)               158.80

            Book & sundry sales         109.50

Total Income                            $1,283.80*

 

EXPENSES

            Signs                            $    477.07

            Trophies                             325.00

            Ribbons                              243.50

            Photography                           N/A*

            Judges Gifts                          10.00

            Hospitality & Luncheon      86.70

            Show supplies                      25.56

            Postage                                  7.00

Total Expenses             $1,174.83*

 

Net profit                                 $    108.97*

*final amount not received

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Deb Longworth, treasurer        

 

Refreshments

January Shirley K.

February Nancy

March Sherry

April Katie

May Deb

June

July

August

September Rick & Vicky

October Sylvia

November Show

December