October 2012 President's Message

Dear POS Members and Friends,

It's hard to believe that we are entering into fall, and that the holidays are around the corner.  Just yesterday it was 100 degrees in some parts of San Diego county, but we've now cooled off in many places.  Cymbidiums begin to need some attention going into the end of year and beginning of next year in the peak of their blooming season.  The POS also requires some attention as this time coincides with planning for holiday parties and the election of officers and board members.

Before I talk about this though, I want to thank Debra Funakoshi for her dedication in setting up member and vendor caravans during the entire year.  The caravan to Renate Schmidt and Merle Robboy with a stop at Sunset Valley Orchids was great fun for the members who attended.  Caravan attendance has skyrocketed since Debra began the new format of focusing on members' collections rather than just organizing buying sprees (nothing wrong with orchid buying sprees though).  By combining the two activities, members are hopefully learning something about how others grow orchids and solve common growing problems.

Election time is here again, and the nomination committee consisting of Cher Whelan, Maryanne Kind and Cathy Belt is assembling the slate.  I want to encourage members to talk to them, and if you have a little time to spare each month, consider running for a position.  They will go around the October general meeting talking to members attending the meeting to determine interest and perhaps get some fresh new talent for the board.  Several positions may be vacated this go around.  The slate will be announced at the November meeting for general voting and installation will occur at the holiday party again.

Speaking of the holiday party, planning will occur for this as well.  If the members liked last year's party, then perhaps we can do the same again.  The board will discuss this and set the ticket price including meal, activities and a free plant.  Please voice your opinion at the next meeting on what you would like to see for the holiday event in December.  This is take the place of the regular meeting.

The October meeting brings us our own Alex Nadzan to speak on hybridizing, including an overview and some of the mechanics of how to do it.  I have a personal interest in this myself, wanting to try some, and there may be others out there who want to try as well.  Hybridizing is at the heart of modern orchid growing, so it's important to learn something about how that beautiful hybrid cattleya you bought at the auction was produced.  I'd heard great reviews on this talk, so don't miss it!  See you there.

Happy Growing,
Gil Ho