The Tucson Orchid Society is dedicated to the culture, protection, and appreciation of orchids from all over the world. Our society brings together orchid enthusiasts in and around Southern Arizona who are interested in the culture, propagation, and pure enjoyment of owning orchids. Here you will find friendly forums, member’s photo galleries, and updates regarding society and local orchid events. Enjoy!

Tucson Orchid Society

July 2008
Meeting Date and Time
Wednesday, July 16th, 7:30pm
Adobe Bridge Club
3727 E. Blacklidge, Tucson, AZ.

Orchid Forums!
The TOS forums have been established on www.OrchidForums.com , a brand new site dedicated to orchid enthusiasts just like us. Click the "Forums" navigation button on the left to access the forums. We have our very own society forum in the "Orchid Societies" sub-forum located about middle of the page. See you there!

June Meeting
Our speaker for July will be Howard Gunn. Howard got into orchids in 1965. He soon developed a fascination for species. He and his species have thrived and he has amassed 40 AOS awards, including eight CCMs and one CCE (cultural excellence) and 7 or 8 Awards of Merit. When the collection grew beyond what he and his wife could handle, the family gifted him with a camera, tripod, etc. and he added slide photography of orchids to his interests. His interest in orchid species led to deepening friendships with various commercial growers, one of whom asked him to prepare and give his first orchid program. This too has grown to where he now gives 6 - 10 programs per year on 10 different subjects. He has spread his love of species to many societies. It's nice to be asked back and to see the results. Giving programs has enriched their lives as he has been invited to speak from San Francisco to San Diego, from Portland to Salt Lake City, from New York City to Atlanta, Georgia and even four programs in Australia. His expertise with specific genera has been recognized and resulted in contacts from Germany, Holland, England, Thailand and our many friends in Australia. Roy Togonaka from H & R Orchids gave him the most memorable accolade when he said, 'of all the collections I've seen, including large commercials, this man knows how to grow more different species well, than any other. He will be bringing some wonderful plants to sell.

President’s Corner by Mike Barretti
As I assume leadership of the Tucson Orchid Society, I have entertained some ideas to make our society both more current and more effective. I am open to all suggestions from the membership. If there is something you want from the society or need from it, it is really important that you let me know, so contact me in whatever way works for you. Every one of our members is invited to bring their valuable and important ideas, needs, and concerns to our attention. I want to have an open, on-going dialog between our members and the board. Any suggestions, interests, or problems that you bring to me will be addressed.
I am including my telephone number and my e-mail address in this message. Please feel free to contact me with anything relevant to orchid enthusiasts. We are all amateurs in the orchid world. The definition of an amateur is one who loves or has passion about something. For us it is orchids.
Mike Barretti
625-4339
[ Email ]

Annual Dues
$7 for a single and $10 for families – what a deal! In order to keep our membership list current we will be dropping members that have not paid for the last 2 years. Sheri Musil will have an up to date list available at the next meeting. She is located at the table where the name tags are.
Dues can be paid at the meeting or mailed directly to Sheri. Dues are $7 for single membership or $10 for families. If you write a check, please make it out to the TUCSON ORCHID SOCIETY.
It can be mailed to Sheri Musil, 8408 E. Salinas Dr. Tucson, AZ. 85721

Cookies
David Hirt and Marie Hirsch have volunteered to provide the treats for the July meeting; thank you in advance.

Show & Tell Table
Bring your plants for the show table. Everyone will enjoy them. Even if it's only one plant, if the plant is blooming, it?s worth showing!

*** Upcoming Events ***

TOS Speakers
August 20 - Jason Fisher Orchids Ltd./Species of Japan
September 17 - Eric Christensen/Orchids of New Guinea
October 15 - Terry Root/Orchid Zone
November 19 - Auction
December - Holiday Pot Luck

TOS Cookie Volunteers
August - Mark Dimmitt, Nancy & Walter Miller
September - Dean & Angela Stith
October - Joyce Walsh