Minutes of the June 8, 2009, Meeting
September 1, 2009
President Bob Cleveland called the meeting to order and welcomed the members. Tonight’s program will include a showing of the slide show, “Orchids of Mexico.”
Treasurer’s Report
Carl Burnham reported that we are “still solvent” and currently have a balance of $2,418.23 in our coffers.
Old Business
Library
Marie Peck pointed out that one member still has a book outstanding from the library. All books should be returned to the library before summer break.
Orchid Sale
Steve Perkins told the attendees that he is moving to a new house which does not have a greenhouse. He is selling plants still and has lots of paphs for sale. He is only able to keep a few plants and still has about 100 left to sell. Please contact him if you are interested. Prices are really good. Contact Steve: by email: sperkins14@myfairpoint.net and by phone: 442-9899 and 730-3262(cell)
New Business
Annual Dues are due again at the September meeting (Monday, September 14th at 7:00 p.m.) Dues are still $15.00 for an individual member and $25.00 for a household membership.
Non-Profit Status
Treasurer, Carl Burnham reported that our annual report has to be filed with the State of Maine. It was due June 1st and we haven’t received the form from the state, so have not filed it. Apparently, due to the budget cuts, the State did not mail them out this year. The state has assessed a $25 penalty for late filing. They now have Carl’s e-mail address and will send the forms via e-mail to him in the future.
Outstanding Bill
Carl Burnham also reported that there is one additional bill still outstanding. It is from one of the vendors who sent us plants for the annual auction. There was an additional fee for shipping because the plants were worth more than had been thought.
Newsletter
Ulla Jurrisen congratulated News Editor Vickie Tottle for the outstanding job she has been doing on the monthly newsletter. She suggested that the meeting date, time and place be added to future newsletters for the convenience of the members.
Show Table
President Bob Cleveland reviewed tonight’s show table and noted that members had brought in a nice variety of plants in full bloom. Among them there was a spectacular masdevallia, several paphiopedilums, and a mini phaleanopsis. John Mattor even brought in a non-orchid from the milkweed family. It was a true oddity and he just had to show it to the group.
Raffle
A quick raffle was held, with several members winning hydroponic pots which were donated by Bob Cleveland. While not suitable for most orchids, he noted that phragmipediums would be appreciative of these pots.
Slide Show
The slide show, “Orchids of Mexico” by the American Orchid Society (AOS) was shown. Even though the slide show was produced many years ago, it was still beautiful and interesting. There are almost 700 species representing 80 genera which come from Mexico. There are 125 species of Mexican epidendrums alone. Among the rich and varied orchids from Mexico, are the beautiful swan orchids, which the group was pleased to learn about.
General Announcements
Last Meeting
Tonight’s meeting was the final meeting of the Maine Orchid Society (MEOS) 2008-2009 year, which runs September through June. We will take a break from meetings during the months of July and August so that we may all spend time outside in our gardens and perhaps do a bit of orchid related travel if we are lucky. The next meeting will be held the second Monday in September at 7:00 p.m.at St. Anne’s Church. Be sure to put it on your calendar now so you don’t forget! And don’t forget to send in your dues or bring them to the next meeting along with a couple of your fabulous blooming orchids for the show table.
On-Line Group
Suzie Massey has a great on-line chat group set up for us. It is up and running through Yahoo. If you need to have your invite re-sent, please contact Suzie at infoATphoenixmassey.com. This orchid chat group is fun and interesting and everyone is encouraged to join in, chat, and post your orchid photos.
Respectfully submitted, Suzanne Hamilton, Secretary