February Message from the President 2026

This month's message is primarily about the show, but I will quickly highlight a few other items first:

*  We had a great showing at the Amherst Show this year.  We had over 75 plants in our display, and we received 5 Best Of Show awards and 2 AOS awards.  Please see the Kudos section on our website for details and photos.

*  The survey about the bus trip got a very poor response compared to the number of members.  Unfortunately this means no bus trip to the NYBG orchid show this year.  

*  Marissa Mason has volunteered to be our fundraiser table coordinator!  THANK YOU MARISSA!  Marissa and I will work together to transition the process into her capable hands.

*  Elections are coming up in May.  All current board members but one are eligible for a second term and have agreed to run for a second term.  The position of Secretary is up for election this year as Karen is completing her second term.  We have one candidate who has expressed interest, but if anyone else is interested in running for the position please let the board know before the end of March so we can answer any questions you might have and so we can provide the slate of candidates a month prior to the May meeting.

NOW THE SHOW (check email for links to the documents listed below)

At our meeting yesterday we discussed our upcoming show which will take place March 21st & 22nd at the West Hartford Meeting and Conference Center.   Set-up day is that Friday, March 20.   As always our success is dependent upon members volunteering for set-up and/or weekend coverage.  WE NEED YOU!  Below is a link to sign-up sheets showing where we have slots to fill (thank you to those who signed up at yesterday's meeting)   Please look to see where you can help out, and thank you in advance for any shifts you can cover.  

*  We need more folks to sign up for Ribbon Judging Saturday monring...no orchid expertise required!

*  We also need folks for the Admission and Membership tables over the weekend, as well as takedown help when the show closes Sunday at 4pm.

Check your email for a link to the 2026 NSOS Show Volunteer Sign-Ups. Let me know if you have any trouble accessing the sheet.  The link should get you in without a problem and you should be able to add your name to open slots.

And of course Len will need your plants to fill our display, so take good care of your orchid babies!   The registration materials are out on our website now but I will send detailed instructions early next week, after the New Hampshire show this coming weekend.

--

Ginna Plude

President - Nutmeg State Orchid Society (NSOS)