I was commenting to a friend over the holidays about my new role in MOS in 2008. I had a glass of champagne, and then suddenly, it was 2008!! I thought I would have more time to get my brain straight before faced with getting up in front of you and leading the first auction. We ended 2007 with questions of how to grow the society, how to fund the growth, where to meet, where to show, who to speak, and the list goes on… We are fortunate to have a very strong core of dedicated members , but as always in a society, fresh blood is needed and required for a healthy future. That should be our primary focus this year. Otherwise we become as some of the orchids ( inbred with funny looking flowers and susceptible to rot or worse, headed for the mulch pile).

While to many typical consumers orchids have become a commonplace decorative item, there must be many more devotees, just like us, that want to learn how to grow, bloom, and show. Even if the orchid has Home Depot as its country of origin, it deserves an owner with a little finesse in making sure it lives to see another bloom. It should be our goal this year to attract those owners and pull them in, and put them to work helping to build our society.

As a reminder, it is not too late to donate - for the Special LCD Projector Fund established last year by Alex. We are up to $323.50 which is about half of what we need. Your generosity is appreciated.
Debra can take your donations at the next meeting!

I look forward to 2008. Alex will do us well as the show chair, Chuck already has some great plans for programs as well as keep us informed, Charles and Susan will bring your winning show ribbons and trophies, Debra will continue Adrian's tradition of helping our dollars grow, Laura will style as only she can, and Allie will organize keeping us fat and happy. I don't know what is left for me to do, except make the first bid. $2.00 for that beautiful orchid!! See you at the meeting! Barbara

   Get your orchids ready! Memphis Orchid Society will be sending an exhibit to the Gulf Coast Orchid Soceity Show in Gautier, MS. Orchids need to be to Fenwick Chappell (call him at 327-0970 to make arrangements for dropoffs to 11 North Century) no later than 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, 13 February. Orchids should be available for pick up Monday evening.