CVIOS JANUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER

Presidents Message

As we enter the new year, it is a time of reflection and renewal. We look back at the busy days that led up to Christmas, filled with shopping, decorating, and spending time with loved ones. Now, as the winter months continue with their short and rainy days, we find solace in tending to our orchids. Their vibrant colors, and for some, the intoxicating fragrances, remind us that beauty can be found even in the darkest of days. It is a gentle reminder to appreciate the small pleasures in life and to find peace in nature's wonders.

As the days slowly get longer, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring and the rejuvenation it brings. But until then, we will continue to nurture our orchids, finding solace and serenity in their graceful presence.

As we bid farewell to January, it's time to gear up for our much-awaited annual orchid show and sale in early March. With the event rapidly approaching, we are reaching out to our dedicated membership to seek your support in making this year's event a resounding success. We kindly request your consideration in volunteering some of your valuable time and skills to help our club.

Volunteering at the orchid show and sale presents a fantastic opportunity to contribute to our club's vibrant community and share your passion for these enchanting flowers with others. Whether it's assisting in setting up the exhibition, providing guidance to visitors, managing the merchandise stalls, or helping with administrative tasks, your involvement will undoubtedly make a significant impact.

If you are interested and available to lend a helping hand during this spectacular event, kindly let us know. We will do our best to accommodate everyone's schedules and utilize your skills to their fullest potential.

Your support plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of our orchid show and sale. Together, we can create an unforgettable experience for both our visitors and ourselves. We deeply appreciate your dedication and involvement in making our club thrive.

Thank you in advance for considering this volunteering opportunity. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make this year's event the best one yet.

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.

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.

CVIOS Meeting Dates in 2024 - Mar 24, Apr 28, May 26, June 30

CVIOS Minutes of General Meeting December 10, 2023

1. Bernie Kespe called the meeting to order at 11:45. 27 were present.

2. We welcomed one new member.

3. Minutes from the November meeting were approved by Ken, seconded by Gary.

4. People are reminded to renew their memberships NOW or else they will be dropped from the email list. We currently have 54 paid memberships.

5. The Treasurer’s report will be tabled at the January meeting. 6. No old business.

7. New business – AOS show. Leslie advised that invitations have gone out to other groups and businesses for our show in March. Gaming permit is approved. Everything else on track.

8. Orchid Whiz software – this program is up and running on our laptop. Bernie will help anyone who wants to use it.

9. Our February speaker is Justin Dunning.

10. Supplies – Bernie advised new members that fir bark should be soaked for 24 hours before using. Orchiata does not get soaked but needs frequent watering after re-potting. (Orchiata has fertilizer in it and this would be lost in a pre-soak.)

11. Our constitution needs to be updated – to be discussed at January’s meeting. 12. Bernie recognized those who contribute much to the running of our Society:

Dora, who has been a member since day one and has held every position but Treasurer. A real resource of information about orchid growing and the group.

Laurie, who is an invaluable resource, instrumental in organizing our shows, looking after refreshments at meetings. All with unwavering commitment.

Melanie for her talented creativity, growth and development of our webpage.

Susanne, our Secretary for many years, orders our supplies, handles orders from other growers, sets up shows for us.

Sheila, Keith, Alexey, Leslie, Valerie, Darlene, Judy, Ken, and Lynne were also recognized for their continued support and assistance in our club.

Contributors make our club work. New members are encouraged to get involved. 13. The business portion of the meeting was closed at 12:00
14. Michael had books for borrowing.
15. Lynne was the commentator for the members display.

The 50/50 total was $42.00.
We enjoyed a delicious and varied buffet Christmas luncheon.
We made $135.00 on the bag draw and people took home some very nice items.

The Christmas display was won by Annalise of her Catasetum and was presented with a $40.00 gift certificate from Paramount orchids. 2nd place was Valerie on her display of mini orchids and was presented with a $30 gift certificate from Paramount Orchids.

Become a member…

CVIOS