Howdy,

   If you attended last month’s meeting, I hope you enjoyed, as I did, the wonderful presentation given by our longtime friend and Phrag aficionado, Marilyn LeDoux. It was one of the best presentations given in recent years, fully oriented towards hobby growers like you and I, not too scientific, but at the same time full of historical details and interesting facts about the slipper orchids of South America. I also enjoyed the high quality slides of species and hybrids, as well as spending a small fortune on the orchids that Marilyn generously brought in. However, explaining to Vicky about my little “shopping spree” – that was another matter. Thumbs up Marilyn! I hope to see her very soon at our upcoming show in May.
   While I’m on the subject, please don’t forget our upcoming meeting on April 30th, which is the 5th (not 4th) Sunday of the month. It is going to be your last opportunity to sign up with Michael Rowland our Show Chair, this year, to help us set up show exhibits or to help with any other show-related activity you think you can help with. We’re also still accepting donations to help defray the cost. Don’t forget to sign up for a dish if you have not done so yet with our Hospitality Chair, Susan Wilson.
   Spring is in the air, and this is the busiest season for orchid growers. With new growths on many orchids, don’t forget this is the best time to repot them. Of course you also should remember, as a general rule, to not touch your orchid while it’s in bloom.
   I would like to encourage you to attend our upcoming meeting because this is our last meeting before the show, and we will hear reports from Michael Rowland about expected attendance. Don’t forget, our Program Magician, Doug Mallory, usually has some presentation up his sleeve, making this the most interesting part of the meeting.

See you soon,  

Alex Kumok, MOS President

   WOW! There were more plants than people in the meeting room when I arrived on March 26th. Rest assured I took my share home when I left. Plants, that is. :-) Seriously, buy 5 get the cheapest one free is a good deal! Many thanks to Marilyn and Windy Hill for the fine plants and the retail "buzz" we all enjoyed even before her wonderful program. Let's begin by giving proper credit to our new Newsletter Editor, Tricia Olson! No one sympathizes with her more than Charles & Susan Wilson I'm sure, but we all appreciate the Herculean effort! Thank you Trish, I know you're anxiously waiting as I push this deadline so I'll try to focus, but again THANKS! Alex Kumok brought the society to order with a Show Report from Michael Rowland: All the judges have been arranged. Hooray! 60 societies have been invited. We need sponsors for trophies! Susan Wilson will be in touch about hospitality. We'll need "strong backs with weak minds" to help tote stuff Friday and Sunday. It's looking like we will make a happy return to our traditional 'Memphis in May' weekend.