Howdy,

   If you attended last month’s meeting, I’m sure you were impressed with the quality of the slides and the presentation "Native Orchids of Tennessee" given by Dennis Horn. I have not seen such high quality pictures for a very long time. If you’re interested in learning more about our native orchids talk to Bart Jones, our own native orchid guru.
   This month I strongly encourage you to attend our upcoming presentation which will be given by our longtime friend Marilyn LeDoux, AOS judge and co-owner of Windy Hill Orchids. The subject of Marilyn’s presentation is slipper orchids of the New World – Phragmipediums. I personally started to venture into Phrags just a couple years ago, and my first couple of Phrag seedlings were purchased from Marilyn. She always brings extremely well grown adult plants and seedlings for our show, and as you know well grown seedlings are usually a good start for future well grown and possibly awardable plants.
   I hope you’re enjoying this time of the year with a lot of orchids in bloom, but if you’re having trouble, please bring your plant and ask questions. We have many experts ready to help you. This is especially true for beginner orchid growers.
   As usual we will be looking for volunteers and award sponsors for our upcoming orchid show in May. Think ahead and let our Show Chair, Michael Rowland, know how you can help (physically and financially). And speaking of shows, get your orchids ready! We have two shows over the next two weekends - Heart of Dixie in Alabama and Pensacola in Florida. Check the calendar below for specifics on when and where to bring your orchids (members send them for free). Are your orchids good enough for showing? Let the judges decide!
   This is the last newsletter edited and produced by Charles & Susan Wilson; they will be transferring these responsibilities to Trisha Olson. On behalf of all of the MOS members, I would like to express our appreciation for the great job they’ve done as editors for many years. Thank you Charles & Susan!!!
   I’m going to bring the latest list, compiled by treasurer Adrian Giles, for members who have paid their dues. If your name is not on it – pay ASAP or you risk not receiving our newsletter and enjoying the other benefits of being a member of MOS.
   If you haven’t renewed your dues for the year, you really need to do so now. Dues are only $25 per year and checks should be sent payable to MOS to Adrian Giles, Treasurer, 6712 Arnette Rd, Millington, TN 38053 (or you can bring them to the meeting this Sunday). See you soon,  

Alex Kumok, MOS President

   The MOS board met early on Feb. 28 to go over the budget before proposing it to the membership in attendance. Treasurer Adrian Gile's budget report will hopefully be in the next newsletter. The official meeting began and the budget for 2006 was approved. . The important thing to remember is that we can offset significant expenses by volunteering here at the Memphis Botanic Gardens. Be sure you sign the log book at the main reception desk, mention that your hours should be credited to MOS, and keep a personal record the time yourself (Eric Kuhnel has asked that you also let him know of your volunteer hours so he can maintain a master record for MOS).