Sept. 15th 2024

  1. Call to order by Pres. Mike Friday at 1:05 pm
  2. Introduction of guests and new members since last meeting.  Number present: 24 current members attended. Welcome to our new members and guests!
  3. Approval of meeting minutes: Marinel Kelley motioned, and Doug Needham seconded to approve both the June and August minutes. Approval was unanimous to accept.
  4. Treasurer’s Report: Carol Ash indicated the information will be posted on the OOS website for all to view. 
  5. Committee Chair Reports:
    • Membership – No Chair: No Report.
    • Programming – John Spencer, Chair: Mike Friday indicated the Programming team is looking for a greenhouse and meeting room for the November meeting. Mike Friday asked to let either John Spencer or he know if you have an idea for November’s meeting. 
    • Show & Sale – Jana Butcher, Bridget Andoe and Marinel Kelley, co-Chairs: The OOS 75th Anniversary Show and Sale is the theme of the Spring show and sale. Jana Butcher, stated only one entry has been made for the show’s postcard competition. The competition will be extended to four days before the October meeting and winner voted on during the monthly meeting.  The theme is the 75th Anniversary of OOS, a diamond jubilee! More information pertaining to the layout or theme may be found on the OOS website.
    • Investment – Jana Butcher, Chair: There is no report this month.
    • Conservation– Mike Friday, Chair: The Spiranthes, native to Oklahoma will be coming up as the weather cools. Look for small, white flowers that spiral around the stalk toward the tip. These orchids can be found in your front or back yard if conditions permit.
    • Website – Doug Needham, Chair: Doug Needham indicated the necessary security changes have been made to the website to patch a weak area of access.  

6. Affiliate Reports:

a. Great Plains Judging Center – Catherine Chance and Jana Butcher: Catherine Chance stated that judging will follow the OOS meeting this September. A report for the September judging will be presented along with the October judging events during the October OOS meeting.

b. AOS Representative – Gerry Holland: Gerry Holland stated the current issue of Orchid Magazine has a wonderful article showing colorful blooming orchids and is full of valuable information for orchid growers.  OOS’s Jana Butcher has two orchids featured in the current issue, images are located on page 725. OOS member, Claire Garrett, alerted all to an article she has written for the supplement accompanying next month’s issue of the Orchid Magazine. The supplement’s topic is fragrant orchids and Claire’s article describes how to build a fragrant orchid collection.

c. SWROGA – Jana Butcher, Bill Parker and Catherine Chance: Jana Butcher reminded members of the Fall SWROGA show. This is a one day bench show in association with the Kansas Orchid Society, October 5th, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

d. Orchid Digest Representative – Bill Parker: Bill Parker brought the newest issue of Orchid Digest of any member to peruse.

e. Oklahoma City Council of Garden Clubs – Jana Butcher: September was an important meeting for the Council, reported Jana Butcher.The topic of discussion during the September Council meeting was the renewal  of three-year rental contracts between the Oklahoma City Council and City Parks and the societies/clubs using park facilities. The Oklahoma City Council and Parks wishes to mainstream regulations regarding how volunteer hours are accrued over the year. Jana B. indicated this action would be problematic for elderly members as well as societies/clubs that contribute most hours during the Christmas holiday season.  Thank you for speaking up for OOS Jana!

There are several volunteer opportunities coming up at Will Rogers Park, Halloween on the Green, October 26th  and November 21st the atrium Christmas Tree decorating are two volunteer events along with the Christmas light decorating and dismantling each year. Please take a picture of your hours when signing out to ensure accuracy.

7. Old Business:

  1. The newly formed Nominations Committee has only one member, Bill Parker. At least two more members are needed for the committee, Mike Friday indicated.  Catherine Chance, Barbara Alexander and Angela Hartman volunteered to serve on the committee. Thank you for volunteering!     

8. New Business: No new business to discuss this month.

9. Adjourn Business Meeting at 1:41 pm.

10. Refreshment Break – Thank you, Hospitality Hosts!

11. Program/Presentation – Mike Friday  introduced this month’s speaker, Doug Needham who gave a wonderful presentation of his experience at this year’s 20th Taiwan International Orchid Show and 23rd World Orchid Conference. Thank you for delivering a beautiful overview of the events!

12. Show and Tell Table – Many beautiful blooming orchids were brought to today’s meeting. Thank you to those who showed their plants and described their culture.

13. Auction and Raffle – Doug Needham auctioned one plant donated by members and Catherine Chance followed with the raffling of additional plants brought by OOS members. Thank you to all who donated plants for today’s auction and raffle!

14. Meeting Adjourned – Mike Friday adjourned the meeting at 3:00 pm.