August 9th, 2008

Minutes of the August 9, 2008 meeting of the Rochester Dahlia Society

The meeting was preceded by 2 garden tours and followed by a third. The first was to Gerry’s Kloc’s great backyard garden and also his garden in an abandoned city lot nearby. We all then “caravanned” to Diane Johanson’s garden. After viewing her lovely garden we had lunch of sandwiches which we had brought from home and great desserts provided by Libbie Rosati and beverages brought by Mary Barrett. After lunch the meeting was convened by President Kathleen Doell in Diane Johanson’s lovely back yard. Those who could stay after the meeting then toured Libbie Rosati’s extensive garden.

The Treasurer’s Report was submitted by Treasurer Margaret McMaster. Recently paid was $285 for vases, posters and room rental. Show expenses are upcoming. There was discussion of how much we should pay for each blue and for the court of honor. A motion was made to reduce the court awards from $25 to $15. The motion was passed unanimously. We will hold off on any changes to awards for blue ribbons until we have all the figures.

Old Business:

Tax exempt status was discussed again. The ideas of doing community service were:
a) taking flowers to nursing homes, and
b) teaching opportunities. No decisions were made.

New Business:

1. Current upcoming dahlia shows are Friday, August 15th at Palmyra, several members to attend, and Tuesday, August 12th at Bath; Gerry & Sue Kloc, Libbie and Sue are planning to attend.
2. There was a discussion of judging candidates and when they can take their tests.
3. There was a discussion of the status of judges for our show. Mary is firming this up. Whether Bill Shakespeare will attend is not known, as is Asa’s attendance.
4. The planning for our show in September was discussed. Several of the problems were brought up as well as a suggestion of having nametags for judges and clerks identifying their position. Set-up time for the show is 1 pm on Friday, September 12. There was a question as to whether we can bring flowers Friday. This will have to be decided. Exhibitor should be aware that the mall is not air conditioned at night. On Saturday there will be a short clerk training at 11 am.

It was emphasised that members should be encouraged to come even if they are not showing any of their flowers.

Respectfully submitted by Recording Secretary Sue Webster.

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