Newsletter of The Port St. Lucie Orchid Society February 2018 Volume XXX Issue 6 Editor: Anne Menassian email: amorchidnews@gmail.com Tel: 772-497-4371 Editorial Assistant: Karen Rutkowski Email: karenrutkowski1@gmail.com Tel: (772) 446-9350 Visit us on the Web at: www.pslos.org Join our Facebook group! President s Message ~ NEED GIFT BASKETS AND GIFT CERTIFI- CATES FOR SHOW! Raffles will be our primary way to raise money at our show. You ve been challenged to donate a gift basket and here are some theme ideas: Family Game Night, Spa Items, Grilling, Chocolate, Car Care, Fun in the Sun, Health Foods, Mother and Baby Basket, Regional, Wines, Pet Lovers, Movie Night, Hair Care, Golfing, Emergency Essentials, Food Themed.well you get the idea. The possibilities are endless. Also gift certificates will be needed. Talk to everyone you do business with and ask them if they can participate in some way. No gift certificate is too small. We can combine certificates to make an awesome prize! Bring your baskets and certificates to the February meeting or set up on Friday, Feb 16 th. It is essential to let our show chair, Claudia Young, know what you have ahead of time. She will be making up signs with the donor s name to display with the gifts. Oma.young@ymail.com So let your imagine inspire you and let s make this the best show ever! Dana DeMarco Your President Need PSLOS Help at Botanica Botanica offers us a unique opportunity to promote our PSLOS Orchid Show which will be held on the following weekend (2/17-2/18.) We will have a booth with show flyers and orchid care sheets. I have set up a schedule of 2 1/2 hour shifts for the two days. Need some more volunteers. Need two volunteers for : Saturday - Feb 10 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm Sunday - Feb 11 8:30 am - 11:00 am Come on it will be fun! Call or e-mail Dana 772-971- 3555 or danademarco@bellsouth.net Membership Corner Chairperson Lillian Cruz DUES FOR 2018 are now due Annual dues are $20 individual, $25 family Please remember to wear your name tags at meetings! If you are interested in becoming a member, email lillynabel@yahoo.com or call (772) 834-0750.
Port St Lucie Orchid Society Orchid Show February 17-18 2018 Anyone who signed up to be a trophy sponsor, please make sure you are bringing a check for $30.00 to the February PSLOS meeting. If you haven't signed up for it, you can still bring a check and be a sponsor. I also need to know who gave gift certificates and gift baskets for the raffle. I have to make up signs and can not do it all last minute. We need people for workshops. It could be on repotting, fertilizing, watering, light conditions, diseases and cures, insects and insecticides etc. It could be a workshop on a specific type of orchid or orchids in general. Please, please, pretty please, step up. We have a lot of knowledgeable folks and it would be great if you could share that knowledge. We still have a lot of volunteer positions open. Sign up sheets will be at the February meeting. The show is a group effort. We need every one of you. Thank you to all who are willing to help. Port St. Lucie Orchid Society Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament Saturday, April 7, 2018 Gator Trace Golf & Country Club Entry 4-person Scramble $300.00 Includes: Green fees cart, continental breakfast, and lunch Registration and Breakfast at 7:30 am Shotgun Start 8:30am Sign Sponsorship $50.00 ea Individual Player Fee $75.00 Those who can t attend can still support the PSLOS Scholarship Fund with a donation. Contact Barb Lynn: 772-873-9098 Orchid Show Photo Contest Rules As many of you know, we hold a photo contest at our annual show. Pictures of orchids only, please, and here are the rules: 1. Must be 8x10 or larger, matted or framed. 2. Must be your photo, no Internet orchids please. 3. Maximum of 3 photos per membership. 4. Must have your name, address, and phone number on back of photo. Address labels work best. 5. Please bring your photos to the February meeting or to the Botanical Gardens on setup day, Friday, February 16th, from 11 AM until noon. Photos will be judged. In the event we have too many photos, those who have submitted 3 photos will be reduced to their 2 best, so everyone will have a chance to enter. Thanks you all, and here s to many blue ribbons! To all members: Martin County Orchid Society Orchid Show PSLOS is invited by Martin County Orchid Society to put up a display at their Orchid Show Friday March 2nd - Sunday March 4 Set up is Thursday, March 1st. The theme of the show is: "Orchids of the Wild, Wild West" Society tables will consist of 6' round tables to provide patrons with a 360 degree view. We need someone to step up and take charge and some folks to help out. It's a lot of fun. And if you need practice, you can put up an individual display at out show!!!!! For more information you can contact Dana De- Marco at danademarco@bellsouth.net Last year PSLOS won a blue ribbon and trophy for Best Orchid Society Display!
February Monthly Meeting Program Noon Early Class: Maureen Kerr ( in charge of our orchid exchange) and Jamie Lawson are teaming up on how to divide an overgrown Cattleya so you too can expand your collection and participate in the monthly exchange. Jessica Beneford Hi orchid friends When I moved to Florida in 2000, I felt like my dream came to life: outside gardens all year long!! Eventually, my collection increased. I built a small greenhouse with about 200 orchids. A couple hurricanes later, having lost the greenhouse, I decided to just leave the surviving orchids under my oak tree and around pool. Dendrobiums seem to thrive on neglect thus became my favorite type of orchid. As a Master Gardener, I use natural or non-toxic methods of fertilizing and disease or pest control. My collection is happy with the arrangement. 1 pm General Meeting Speaker: Jamie Lawson Topic: "Microclimate Niches for Maximizing Orchidization" or How to Grow 2000 Orchids in Your Back Yard Early in my orchid adventures, while working at the local hospital, one of my patients talked me into joining the Port St. Lucie Orchid Society. I jumped in head first. I went to 19th World Orchid Conference and Show in Miami in 2008 not knowing a weed from an orchid. It was one of the best orchid experiences of my life and a prime reason that I always encourage new PSLOS members to volunteer in any of the many society sponsored activities. Our small society increased in members who evolved into good friends. The Port St Lucie Botanical Gardens offered us the Orchid room to develop in exchange for a free meeting place. As usual, I jumped in head first. Working with my awesome orchid gurus: Robbie Robinson and the late Mike Bond, our members came out and gave donations and time. We have had some hiccups along the way but now our garden is one of the favorite spots for wedding and garden pictures at the Gardens. I encourage everyone to get involved in the PSLOS activities. Your orchid collection will probably benefit from your experiences Tasks for February February Climate Data Two of my favorite dendrobiums on loan to the Orchid Room. Orchids love it by the pool Average high: 77.7 Average low: 60.7 Average mean: 69.1 Average rainfall: 2.07" Spread snail bait lightly and frequently. (every 7-10 days for several applications.) Morning dew and fog can lead to Botrytis. Spray using Fla. recommended fungicides or Bicarbonate of soda. Time to start Spring potting. Treat for Mites if necessary (per Dr Martin Motes monthly newsletter and book, Florida Orchid Growing Month by Month)
Blooming in the PSL Botanical Gardens Orchid Room Ask Dr. Laurie Dear Dr. Laurie: This is the first Orchid Show that I will participate in. What do I need to do to register a plant for judging? I can remember the first show n which I participated. I knew very little and was nervous. I soon discovered that 99.9% of the participants are helpful and pleasant. So get ready to relax, learn and enjoy the weekend. Set-up is very important and this year since we have a new venue it will be a first time for all of us. I have been participating in the shows since 2000 and have found them fun and an excellent learning experience. Jamie Lawson is our registering agent and he knows his stuff.. but he does need a few things from each participant. First you need to know the name of the plant. An official black label name tag will be made for each plant at the time of registration with the help of a registering assistant. Each plant will be checked for bugs!!! I know none of your plant are infested but do check closely. The judges will automatically reject any plant with vermin. It is removed from the displayed table and placed in shame in the back room. I know no one intentionally brings in an infested plant but check your plant three times before it is registered. I have found neem oil an excellent method of pest control and it will not hurt you or your plant. Neem oil comes from the neem tree which produces seeds that produce the oil. The oil suffocates the bugs and you re not exposed to toxic material. It also makes the leaves look great. I do suggest that you prepare your plant a day or two before the show and check it each day that all insects have left the area. I grow most of my plants outside and bugs can be a definite factor. When you have registered your plant or plants, come join the excitement of setting up by helping societies and vendors bring in their plants, putting cloths on setup tables, getting break treats ready, and setting up awards table. Organizers will also need help setting up the table for the raffles. Thanks to the efforts of members of the Treasure Coast High School Key Club working under the direction of PSLOS member John Erickson, the Orchid room will soon be sporting a new path made of paver stones. The path is an ongoing project that will not only beautify the garden but will hopefully prevent visitors from inadvertently stepping on garden ground plants. John, who is a regular and tireless worker in the Orchid Room, has been spearheading this project for months. It is a busy but fun weekend and true friendships will develop. You will also have the opportunity to interact with the very knowledgeable judges who are all very nice and enjoy sharing their knowledge with volunteers. So get ready for a wonderful, educational weekend that will make you proud for doing something very special for our city of PSL.
Proposed bylaw changes required by changes to PSLOS fiscal year dates that were voted in during the January General Meeting The red highlighted changes (inserted below the original article) will be voted on at the February General meeting. Bylaws of the Port St. Lucie Orchid Society, Inc. Article I Name This organization shall be named The Port St. Lucie Orchid Society, Inc., a not-for-profit organization. The Port St. Lucie Orchid Society, Inc. may be referred to herein as the PSLOS. Article II Purpose (A) The Port St. Lucie Orchid Society, Inc. shall be an agricultural, horticultural and scientific not for profit corporation for the preservation of orchids and education about orchids by the extension of knowledge concerning the ecology, conservation, preservation, science, cultivation and uses of orchids. The specific purposes of the Port St. Lucie Orchid Society, Inc. are to promote and aid in the development, improvement and preservation of all orchids; to collect information relating to the growing and development of orchids; to disseminate information concerning the culture, hybridization or development of orchids by means of exhibitions, lectures and publications or otherwise; to assist those engaged in the growing of orchids by such research and dissemination; to increase public interest in the growing of orchids and generally to foster the knowledge, production, use and appreciation of orchids. (B) The Port St. Lucie Orchid Society, Inc., shall at all times be operated for the purposes stated above. No part of the net income of the Society may under any circumstances inure to the benefit of any private individual. No substantial part of the activities of the PSLOS shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Port St. Lucie Orchid Society shall not participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. (C) The Port St. Lucie Orchid Society, Inc. shall not participate in any transaction resulting in a diversion of its income or assets to any officer, director, member, employee or contributor, other than the usual and conventional speaker honorarium or reimbursement of reasonable out of pocket expenses for supplies or services actually rendered to the PSLOS and approved by the Executive Board. Notwithstanding any other provision of these bylaws, the PSLOS shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from federal tax, contributions to which are deductible. The Society shall conduct an annual Orchid Show and Sale, sanctioned and judged by the American Orchid Society. The Society may conduct an annual Orchid Show and Sale, sanctioned and judged by the American Orchid Society. Article III Affiliation The Port St. Lucie Orchid Society shall maintain active membership in and affiliation with the American Orchid Society. The President shall appoint a Representative to serve as liaison between the PSLOS and the American Orchid Society. Said Representative shall attend meetings of the South Florida Leadership Council as required, and shall report to the PSLOS the results of such meetings and share information regarding events or changes at the American Orchid Society. Article III Affiliation The Port St. Lucie Orchid Society shall maintain active membership in and affiliation with the American Orchid Society. Article IV Membership (A) Membership is open to anyone who has an interest in orchids and the mission of the Port St. Lucie Orchid Society. Members are encouraged to participate in all Society activities. Members are expected to aid other members and to strive to increase their knowledge of orchids. Membership lists will be made available to all new members, along with a copy of these bylaws. Additionally, updated membership lists will be made available periodically. Membership is not transferable. (B) ACTION ON BEHALF OF THE SOCIETY: No member may perform any act on behalf of the PSLOS without prior consent of the Executive Board. Article V Dues Dues are set by the membership and may be amended by a two thirds vote of members present at a general meeting. Dues are payable in June and will be considered past due if not paid by the scheduled meeting in September. If dues are not received by October 31st, membership will be terminated. Article V Dues Dues are set by the membership and may be amended by a two thirds vote of members present at a general meeting. Dues are payable in January and will be considered past due if not paid by the scheduled meeting in February. If dues are not received by February 28th, membership will be terminated.
Article VI Society Meetings Society meetings shall be held on the second Tuesday of each month from September through June, with no meetings scheduled in July and August. In the event that a venue is not available for a scheduled date, the meeting may be rescheduled at the discretion of the Executive Board with notice to Members. Meetings shall begin at 1:00 PM unless otherwise announced. Meetings shall have the purpose of providing educational opportunities for members through presentations and speakers. Guests are welcome at meetings. The December meeting will be supplanted by an annual recognition luncheon, and the May meeting will be an awards retreat. If votes are necessary at a general meeting, a quorum shall consist of 51% of members present. Article VII Duties and Terms of Officers (A) Each Officer s term shall be one year. (See Article VIII.4 regarding Trustees terms.) Officers may be nominated to an additional term. With the exception of the President, who may not serve more than two consecutive terms, Officers may be nominated to more than two terms at the discretion of the Nominating Committee. (B) In the event of a vacancy on the Executive Board, the President, with the approval of the remaining members of the Executive Board, shall appoint a member to fill the vacancy until the end of the term. (C) Order of ascendancy: In the event that the President is unable to serve and/or resigns, the First Vice President shall automatically ascend to the Presidency. In the event that neither the President nor the First Vice President is able to serve, the Second Vice President shall automatically ascend to the Presidency. However, if none of those three officers are available to serve as President, the Executive Board shall hold an emergency meeting, called by the Trustees, to identify and agree upon candidates to serve as President. Said meeting shall take place prior to approaching a member about serving. (D) The President shall preside over all meetings of the Society and Executive Board and shall appoint the Chairpersons of standing and special committees. The President shall schedule additional meetings as necessary. (E) The First Vice President shall assist the President and preside over Society and Executive Board meetings in the absence of the President. Planning and presentation of all programs for monthly general meetings of the Society shall be the responsibility of the Vice President. (F) The Second Vice President shall preside over Society and Executive Board meetings in the absence of both the President and First Vice President. The Second Vice President shall plan and carry out periodic auctions as scheduled by the Executive Board and shall serve as Chairperson of committees designated by the President. The Second Vice President shall maintain contact with the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, and shall serve as liaison between the Botanical Gardens and the PSLOS. (G) The Recording Secretary shall record and maintain the minutes of Society and Executive Board meetings and shall present the minutes for approval at the next scheduled meeting unless they are otherwise distributed to the appropriate members. (H) The Treasurer shall maintain financial records of the Society, including but not limited to receipts and expenditures. The Treasurer shall have charge of all finances of the Society. The Treasurer shall deposit Society funds in the banking institution(s) designated by the Executive Board. All disbursements of less than $500 must be approved by the President and/or the Treasurer, who are empowered to sign checks. Expenditures of more than $500 must be approved by the Executive Board. Regular expenditures, such as rent, the annual fee to maintain storage space or previously approved donations, are excluded from the aforementioned requirement. The Treasurer shall report to the Executive Board each month, and to the general membership at least annually at a meeting designated by the Executive Board, usually in June. Said reports shall be filed with the Recording Secretary to be included with the minutes. (I) The Corresponding Secretary shall write letters on behalf of the Society as required and correspond with members and family members as necessary. (J) The Membership Chairperson shall be responsible for taking attendance at meetings, maintaining a list of members, signing up new members, and collecting dues. (K) The three Trustees shall attend all Executive Board meetings as called by the President. Their duties shall be varied, depending upon the immediate and/or long term needs of the Society. Article VIII Election of Officers (A) The President shall appoint a nominating committee consisting of a Chairperson and two members. This committee shall prepare a single slate of Officers to be presented at the March general meeting. (A) The President shall appoint a nominating committee consisting of a Chairperson and two members. This committee shall prepare a single slate of Officers to be presented at the October general meeting. (B) Election of Officers shall be held at the April general meeting. Officers shall be installed during the June general meeting. Officers shall serve from July 1st through June 30th. (B) Election of Officers shall be held at the November general meeting. Officers shall be installed during the December recognition luncheon. Officers shall serve from January 1st through December 31th. Nominations may be made from the floor at the March general meeting provided that the individual being nominated has agreed in advance to run for office. If there are no nominations from the floor, the slate presented by the nominating committee may be elected by acclamation. If there is more than one candidate for any office the election shall be accomplished by a written ballot, and the majority vote shall prevail. (C) Nominations may be made from the floor at the October general meeting provided that the individual being nominated has agreed in advance to run for office. If there are no nominations from the floor, the slate presented by the nominating committee may be elected by acclamation. If there is more than one candidate for any office the election shall be accomplished by a written ballot, and the majority vote shall prevail. (D) The Trustees shall be elected to three year terms on a rotating basis, with one to be elected each year. Trustees may be elected to a second term. Article IX Executive Board The Executive Board shall consist of the Officers (the President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Corresponding Secretary) together with the Membership Chairperson, the Immediate Past President and three Trustees. Officers of the Society, plus the Immediate Past President, are also Trustees, ex officio (by virtue of their offices). The Executive Board shall be responsible for all Society business and have oversight of the activities of the Committees. Article X Meetings of the Executive Board The Executive Board shall meet on the third Tuesday of each month from September through June. In order to execute Board business requiring a vote, a quorum shall be required. A quorum shall consist of at least seven members of the Executive Board. Board meetings are open to any Society member who wishes to attend. Article XI Fiscal Year The fiscal year of the Society shall run from January 1st through December 31st, at which time the Treasurer s records shall be audited. Article XII Parliamentary Procedure All Membership, Executive Board and Committee meetings shall be governed by Robert s Rules of Order. Article XIII Dissolution of Corporation In the event of dissolution of the Port St. Lucie Orchid Society, all assets shall be distributed to the not-for-profit American Orchid Society to be used for tax exempt purposes. The current address of the American Orchid Society is: 16700 AOS Lane, Delray Beach, FL 33446. Article IX Amendments These bylaws may be amended at any general membership meeting by a two thirds vote of those present, provided that any amendment(s) have been presented in advance and in writing to all active members for review. Amended February 2018
Port St Lucie Orchid Society 2017 2018 Officers and Volunteers: Robinson s Collection Orchids & other Exotic Plants President Dana DeMarco Vice President Jamie Lawson 2 nd Vice President Nan Rothschild Recording Secretary Diana Lenartiene Corresponding Secretary Carol Farmer Treasurer Stu Schechter Membership Lillian Cruz Membership Apprentice Darla Carter Trustee Jessica Benford 2020 Ena Vilabrera 2018 Barbara Lynn 2019 Show Chairperson Claudia Young Picnic, Christmas Party & Bus Trip Hellen Wagner Food Dorothy Moore Newsletter Anne Menassian Orchid Exchange Maureen Kerr Vivian (Robbie) & Barbara Robinson Port St. Lucie (772) 871-2841 February 10 Feb 10 11 February 13 Coming Events February 2018 Boca Raton Orchid Society Annual Show Safe Schools Institute, 1790 NW Spanish River Blvd., Boca Raton, FL Botanica Garden Festival PSL Botanical Gardens PSLOS February General Meeting PSL Botanical Gardens Important Links for the Orchid Lover Our Society: http://pslos.org/ Our Facebook Page http://www/facebook.com/groups/pslos Florida Orchid Growers https://www.facebook.com/groups/fl.orchid American Orchid Society http://www.aos.org http://angraecums.blogspot.com/p/behindclonal-names.html Martin Motes FL Orchid Care Website https://www.motesorchids.com February 17-18 February 20 March 2-4 PSLOS Annual Orchid Show Orchids are for Lovers PSL Botanical Gardens PSLOS Executive Board Meeting PSL Police Station, corner of Airoso Blvd and PSL Blvd Martin County Orchid Society Show Orchids of the Wild Wild West Martin County Fairgrounds, Building G, 2616 SE Dixie Hwy., Stuart, FL Join us for Monthly Meetings September June General Meeting 2nd Tuesday of the month, 1 PM Port Saint Lucie Botanical Garden Speakers, Classes, Show and Tell, Raffles, Orchid Exchange, Refreshments and more Board Meeting 3rd Tuesday of the month, 12:30 PM PSL Police Station, PSL Municipal Complex, corner of Airoso Blvd. and Port St. Lucie Blvd. All members are welcome at Board Meetings.