November 5, 2023
November’s meeting was OOS’s annual greenhouse tour, which this year was a tour of Pugh Gardens in Calumet, Oklahoma. Twenty-six members attended the event. President Needham was involved in an auto collision on the way to the meeting, so Vice President John Spencer conducted the meeting, using Needham’s prepared remarks.
New members Polly Black, Donna Leftwich, and Franny Pasternik were welcomed to OOS.
October 15, 2023, Minutes were approved.
Members John, Johnita, Anthony, Alex, JulieYue, and Jessica were thanked for helping with “Halloween on the Green” last weekend. Members were encouraged to help install holiday lights at WRG on Saturday, November 11, 9am–Noon, and to help remove holiday lights on Saturday, January 6, 9am–Noon.
The following major accomplishments for 2023 were highlighted; Trustees, Committee Chairs, and all members involved were thanked.
- Invested OOS monies in three CDs and an Exchange-Traded Fund for greater return.
- Developed OOS Scholarship Application for inaugural use in 2024.
- Provided engaging programming with speakers from across the U.S.
- Continued adding value to membership via members-only web content.
- Hosted Kansas Orchid Society members to a picnic and tour of Needham glasshouse.
- Grew our membership from 76 to 91 active members. That’s a 20% increase!
- Conducted a very successful two-day Show & Sale, engaging 680 attendees, registering 35 new members, and earning over $1000 for the Society.
- Exhibited at three societies’ shows, earning “Best Society Tabletop Exhibit,” “Best Tabletop Exhibit,” and “Orchid Digest Best Exhibit.”
- Contributed over 100 volunteer hours at Will Rogers Gardens.
- Donated $900 to other non-profit organizations.
- Three members received 14 AOS awards, and many members won numerous show ribbons and trophies.
- Two members continued work as AOS Student Judges.
The Nominating Committee announced that they were still seeking a nominee for Treasurer in 2024. Voting on the 2024 ballot of nominees will be held at December’s Christmas party.
Treasurer Carol Ash presented October’s Treasurer’s Report with an ending balance of $32,950.91.
Vice President Spencer adjourned the meeting.
December 2, 2023
Twenty-five members attended OOS’s annual Christmas Holiday Party at Johnita’s lovely, festive home. President Needham thanked Johnita and Anthony for hosting the event.
A very brief business meeting was held to elect the following 2024 Trustees. Catherine Chance made the motion to accept the nominees via acclamation. It was seconded by Marinel Kelley, and approved unanimously.
- President Mike Friday
- Vice President John Spencer
- Treasurer Jessica Nelson
- Secretary Kim Kyker
- Elected Trustee (2-year term: 2024–2025) Gerry Holland
- Elected Trustee (1-year term: 2024) Jana Butcher
Jana Butcher thanked President Needham for his service.
President Needham reminded members to volunteer to remove Christmas holiday lights at WRG on Saturday, January 6, 9am–Noon, and, then, he adjourned the business meeting.