CVIOS FEBRUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER

President’s Message

As I sit here sipping my coffee and staring out into the yard, blank computer screen in front of me, contemplating on what to write, my attention is drawn to the humming birds darting back and forth from the tree to the feeder while others fight to gain access to the seed feeder nearby and, our resident woodpecker doing his best to deplete the suet cake. The sun is out, my coffee is hot, what more can I ask for……inspiration, I guess.

February, that short month between winter and spring where days start to get longer and the temperatures begin to warm up, the sun making more frequently appearances, it’s a time of transition and renewal.

February, a time to take stock of what worked in the garden last year and what didn’t, to plan out new landscaping projects, and to get rid of any lingering clutter from the winter months, a time to open up the windows, let in some fresh air, and start getting back into the swing of things after the slower pace of winter. So, as we navigate through February, let’s embrace this month of transition and renewal, and use it as an opportunity to prepare for the changes, challenges, and growth that spring will bring.

My orchids, those requiring that winter rest, are starting to show signs of new growth and buds telling me it’s time to slowly transition back to their regular summer schedule while others like my Bulbophyllums and Paphiopedilums continue to bloom and let’s not forget all those Phalaenopsis that seem to bloom throughout the year for months at a time, and then, there’s my Brassavola with its tantalizing fragrance, after the lights go out, (hence the name ‘Lady of the Night’), fills the room with a pleasant fragrance that lingers till early morning, all of which have made the winter more bearable.

IMPORTANT NOTE: due to a scheduled water line upgrade in the Legion kitchen a portion of the lounge will be dug up and this is to take place during the month of February. The Legion has made arrangements for us to meet in the small auditorium, however, our meeting will have to start at 10:30 am NOT 11:00 am and we must be out no later than 1:30 pm. Chairs, tables and coffee machine will be supplied. If there are changes to this scenario I will send out an email prior to the meeting, so keep an eye out for any correspondence from me. Access to the auditorium is through the main entrance under the drive through canopy and it’s straight through to the first door you see.

Justin Dunning will be our February speaker and his presentation will be on Disa Orchids and he is planning to bring plants to sell. Hope to see you all on the 25th.

Warm regards,

Bernard Kespe

Upcoming Events:

February 25th - February General Meeting with guest speaker Justin Dunning. Topic: Disas! Justin will be bring plants to sell. This is a wonderful opportunity to find out how to grow this wonderful orchid. ***This meeting will be held at the same location but a different room of the building. As well, doors will open at 10:30 instead of 11:00 and we will have to leave by 1:30. These changes are to accommodate some renovations at the Legion.***

March 7 - March 10th, 2024 - CVIOS Orchid Show and Sale at Nanaimo North Town Centre **Save the date**. Our biggest event of the year - volunteers will be needed to make the show a success. See info below.

Mar 24 - March General Meeting - We look forward to welcoming new members from the show - repotting demonstrations plus TBA.

Remaining Meetings - Apr 28, May 26, June 30

CVIOS Minutes of General Meeting January 28, 2024

Meeting called to order by President, Bernie, at 11:34 AM, 22 members present.

1. Washroom locations – Bernie pointed out the facilities locations.

2. February Meeting – The Legion Lounge is being renovated in February and we cannot use it for our meeting. Bernie will look into whether an alternate location at the Legion or elsewhere is possible.

   Watch for an email with further information.

3. New members and guests – no new members or guests present.

4. December 2023 meeting minutes, Motion to approve by Ken, Seconded by Gary, Carried

5. Membership 2023/2024 now past due, see Ken. Membership form needs to be filled out. Currently, we have 53 members.

6. Treasurers report presented by Leslie. Motion to accept by Donna, Seconded by Dora, Carried.

7. Executive Council Report: Speakers – Bernie recapped the situation re: bringing in, with other clubs, speakers from abroad like Fred Clarke or Wenqing Perner. Costs have become very high. Lynne spoke re: setting up a Speaker Fund. We could start one and put in money from time to time from plant draws and such, with the aim, in future, of having an annual or biennial special speaker. Now Zoom is also a possibility. There was much discussion of how to finance such a fund – raffle tickets, plant sales, or portion of 50/50 tickets, all ideas mentioned. Sent back to Executive for further thought & proposal. Ideas for speakers appreciated by Bernie. We have Justin Dunning booked for February but may need to change that due to #3 above.

8. Old Business:
   (a) Library books to be sold at the Show by donation, book case to be sold if possible. We can no longer store in Bernie’s garage.

9. New Business:

   Orchid Show:

   (a)  Leslie gave update on planning.

   (b)  Volunteer signup sheet to help at the show was passed around.

   (c)  Darlene explained how to fill out the plant registration forms, so that plants can be judged for ribbons.

   (d)  Show Class Sponsorship sheet was available for members to sponsor- $20 per class, $50 for Show Champion, $30 for Reserve Champion

   (e)  Plant Sales at Show- if you are selling plants, you need a sales number. Bernie has a list of members & numbers already in place. Put two tags in each plant – #1 for the customer showing orchid name & growing info, #2 for the treasurer giving your sales number & the price. NB: 15% of sale price goes to the club as commission.

   (f)  Vancouver Orchid Show March 23rd to the 24th, with setup on 22nd – 2 or more volunteers needed to transport plants to Show, do the registration and setup. And at end, take down & return plants. Ferry costs will be covered by club. Overnight arrangements & costs will be up to the volunteers.

   (g)  Constitution and bylaws need to be updated, 3 volunteers required for a committee – Lynne, Ken, Mary, Laurie, Bernie & Leslie volunteered to be on the committee. Any proposed changes will be circulated to the members & a vote will be done at a meeting needing 75% approval for a change.

   (h)  Fir bark preparation prior to use – please soak for 24 hours before use.

   • Meeting ended at 12:36 PM

   • Plants on Show Table presented by Lynne.

   • Lunch Break

   • Most of an AOS Webinar by Ron McHatton was shown on pots and potting mixes. Bernie will distribute link so that those interested can watch the remainder.

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