1. Call to order by President Mike Friday at 1:00 pm
2. Introduction of guests and new members since last meeting. Number present: 32 current members and 3 guests. Welcome new members and guests!
3. The January meeting minutes were not published for viewing at the time of the February meeting. The minutes will be updated and available on the website for viewing with the February minutes.
5. Old business:
a. President Friday asked all members to renew your membership if you have not already done so.
6. New business:
a. The Kansas Orchid Society has extended an invitation to the OOS to join them on April 21st for a picnic and tour of the greenhouses in Winfield Kansas. The Tulsa Orchid Society has also been invited and may be joining us for the festivities. President Friday proposed the April 21st joint event replace the usual monthly business meeting. Doug Needham motioned, and John Spencer seconded the April 21st joint Kansas-Oklahoma picnic and greenhouse tour. Motion was approved by all in attendance.
7. Treasurer’s report: Carol Ash and Doug Needham implemented a great accounting program during their tenure. As Jessica Nelson transitions into her new role as Treasurer and while she is in training during these early months of 2024, the treasurer’s report will be posted on the okorchidsociety.org website.
8. Committee Chair Reports:
a. Membership – Jessica Nelson: There was no formal membership report during the February 18, 2024 meeting. However, it should be noted that 3 visitors attended this month’s meeting with hopes of joining the Society during their visit. Welcome to our new members!
b. Programming – John Spencer: John reported that scheduling of speakers and topics is going well and nearly complete.
c. Show & Sale – Jana Butcher, Bridget Andoe, and Marinel Kelley: Co-chairs have broadened advertising of the annual OOS Show and Sale to encompass area senior living centers and Jana Butcher gave a summary of volunteer commitment for the May show. Volunteer slots are filling up but there are needs for
i. 2-4 people to help at the cashier’s spot during the day. Training to use the card reader and software will be needed, so if you are interested in helping at the cashier’s spot, please let one of the co-chairs know as soon as possible.
ii. someone is needed to oversee the silent auction area during the setup and the two days of the show.
iii. a volunteer to oversee the bench exhibits during setup and the show
iv. 4-5 volunteers are needed to set up tables, etc. prior to the show. If you can help Thursday or Friday please consider signing up. Tentative times are May 2 at 3 pm – 5:30pm or so for table setup then tabletop, bench and other items can begin afterward.
d. Investment – Jana Butcher: No report given this month.
e. Conservation – Mike Friday: President Friday brought a native orchid from his own yard to show today. The orchid is a Sporanthes species, common to the woodlands and temperate forests in eastern and southeastern regions of of Oklahoma. This species may be in your yard too, be on the look out.
f. Website – Doug Needham: Doug Needham has reorganized the navigation bar to add the OOS scholarship link and a “join now” widget.
9. Affiliate Reports:
a. Great Plains Judging Center (GPJC)- Catherine Chance and Jana Butcher: Catherine Chance relayed that 15 orchids were judged, with 5 of the plants receiving awards during the first meeting of 2024. If you have an orchid you would like to have judged, please contact Jana to arrange for transport to GPJC.
Because there were several new members and guests, Jana Butcher gave a brief overview of judging at the GPJC and invited anyone interested in judging to ride along on the 3rd Saturday of every month to see what is involved.
b. AOS Representative – Gerry Hollland: There are many orchid shows occurring this time of year. A list of many of these shows and dates can be found in the AOS journals, received if a member of AOS, and on the AOS website.
c. SWROGA – Mike Friday or Bill Parker: Bill Parker reminded all that the SWROGA is hosting the Houston Orchid Society Show and Sale, March 9th – 10th, 2024 at the Memorial City Mall. Judging will take place the evening of March 8th. With the new members and guests at this meeting, Bill Parker let all know that as a member of OOS you are also a member of SWROGA or Southwest Regional Orchid Growers Association.
d. Orchid Digest Representative – Bill Parker: No report given this month.
e. OKC Council of Garden Clubs – Jana Butcher: Our representative, Jana Butcher, announce the May 18th date for Festival in the Park at Will Rogers Gardens. The event will have booths full of gardening items & ideas, horticultural guides, and food vendors and is fun to attend, though this is not a volunteer opportunity for the OOS. The Will Rogers Garden Flower show is going to be held February 24th, 2024.
10. Other Reports:
a. Doug Needham presented “Greenhouse Inspiration, Design, & Construction for Energy Efficiency.” At Will Rogers Garden Center February 17, 2024. Interest in greenhouse design was high and the event was well attended. For all that are interested, more information on greenhouse design can be found on the OOS website at https://okorchidsociety.org/greenhouse-design-construction/.
b. The Tulsa Orchid Show is scheduled the weekend prior to the OOS show, April 27th – 28th. It is the Tulsa Society’s 70th Anniversary and fitting that the theme is “Orchid’s Platinum Jubilee! Jana Butcher will be attending the show and indicated she would take orchids if you would like yours to be a part of the show. Please contact Jana if you would like an orchid to be shown in Tulsa.
c. The Myriad Botanical Gardens is featuring “The Curious World of Orchids February 16th – March 17th, 2024. A table with OOS information has been setup at the exhibit to advertise the Society in return for advertising in kind during the annual show.
11. Adjourn Business Meeting at 1:45pm
12. Refreshment Break — Thank you, Hospitality Hosts!
13. Program /Presentation – Vice President John Spencer introduced Jana Butcher and “The Sweet Scent of Orchids” program. The role of scent
14. Show and Tell Table – Many beautiful blooming orchids were brought to today’s meeting. Thank you to those who showed their plants and described the plants’ culture.
15. Bridget Andoe raffled off an array of plants brought by OOS members. Thank you to all who donated plants for today’s auction and raffle.
16. Adjourn – Mike Friday adjourned meeting at 3:10 pm.