1. The Society met at 1:00 pm to tour the recently renovated and reimagined Crystal Bridge Conservatory in Oklahoma City, and had a private tour with Nate Tschaenn, Director of Horticulture, Myriad Botanical Gardens. Following the tour, the Society met with Nate for a discussion about the Myriad Botanical Gardens revision, future plans, and questions from members.
  2. Business meeting called to order by President Doug Needham at 2:00 pm.
  3. Introduction of new members since last meeting — Ruth Delgado and Lori Lockhart — and first-time attendee member Raymond Rogers II. Number present: 31 current members. Welcome new members and society members present!
  4. Grower Tips: Doug provided an overview and congratulations for recent awards.

    At the AOS Fall Members Meeting on October 28, 2022, Max Thompson and Bryon Rinke of Kansas Orchid Society were awarded “The Walter Off Exhibit Award” for their exhibit at OOS’s “Bewitched by Orchids” Show in October 2021. This award is given to an AOS Show Trophy Award, Silver Certificate, Gold Certificate or Educational Award, recognized as the most outstanding example of these types of awards given at an AOS-sanctioned orchid show during the previous calendar year. Doug Needham was awarded “The Benjamin C. Berliner Award” for his Anguloa eburnea ‘Lisse’ AM/AOS. This award is given by the AOS Trustees to the grower of the most outstanding example of the genus Lycaste or its closely allied genera to have been awarded during the preceding calendar year. Congratulations, Max, Bryon, and Doug!

    At the Ft. Worth Orchid Society Show on November 11 & 12, 2022, OOS’s exhibit was awarded the “Burrel Gambel Trophy” for Best Society Tabletop Exhibit and the “Catherine & M.C. Porter Trophy” for Best Tabletop Exhibit. Doug thanked and congratulated OOS’s exhibit team — Catherine Chance, Bill Parker, Janice Wiechman, and Doug— and plant contributors — Catherine, Bill, Jana Butcher, Brian Truong, and Doug. Doug presented the trophies to Bill and Catherine. Additionally, Doug congratulated Jana for her award-winning exhibit and floral design. She won “Best Amateur Exhibit,” “Best Grown Plant in Cypripedium Alliance,” “Best Flower in Phalaenopsoid Section,” and “Best Arrangement.”
  5. Approval of October’s meeting minutes: John Spencer motioned, Barb Millwee seconded; unanimous approval.
  6. Treasurer’s Report: Carol Ash gave end-of-month October 31st, 2022 Treasurer’s Report with total monies reported as $26,296.53. Visuals were presented of the finances. Motion for approval by John Spencer and second by Bill Parker; unanimous approval.
  7. Old business: Doug gave an excellent review of the society’s accomplishments in 2022, and thanked the 2022 Trustees — Carol Ash, Jana Butcher, Gerry Holland, Bill Parker, John Spencer, and Doug — for a very successful year. 2022 major accomplishments included:
    • Aligned the Society with its mission.
    • Formalized the Society’s financial accounting and provided transparent Treasurer’s Reports.
    • Secured 501(c)(3) status for the Society and registered charity status in the State of Oklahoma.
    • Provided engaging programming with speakers from across the U.S.
    • Communicated with a unified voice through our Business Meetings and OOS Minutes.
    • Grew our membership from 54 to 76 active members. That’s a 41% increase!
    • Annualized our membership, so members receive a full 12-months’ membership.
    • Added value to membership via members-only web content.
    • Conducted a very successful one-day Show & Sale, engaging 410 attendees.
    • Exhibited at three other societies’ shows.
  8. New business:
    a. Doug introduced the slate of OOS officers and elected trustees for 2023. President Doug Needham, Vice president John Spencer, Treaurer Carol Ash, Secretary Kim Kyker, and elected trustees Gerry Holland (one-year term) and Mike Friday (two-year term). Bill Parker motioned election by acclamation, and Barb Millwee seconded; unanimous approval.
  9. Other reports: Christmas party on December 3rd, 2022 at JohnitaTurner’s home. Time changed to 1–4 pm due to recommendations from membership.
  10. Adjourn Business Meeting at 2:30 pm for refreshments and fellowship.