Shades of Green Hosta Society of Southeastern Minnesota

The October 5, 2006 meeting of the Shades of Green Hosta Society of Southeast MN, Inc. (SOGHS) was held in the Fellowship Hall of Good Shepherd Church on 20th St. SW, Rochester. After a brief social time, the meeting was called to order by President Cindy Tomashek at 6:45 pm. Sixty-two members and guests were in attendance for the meeting.

The minutes of April 6, 2006 were reviewed, the name SparroWorks Embroidery was corrected, and the minutes were approved. Cindy reported that SOGHS purchased a liability policy for $275, which will supplement any homeowners' policy in case of an accident during the member tours or other SOGHS events.

Engraved member name tags were distributed at the meeting by Joan Dotzenrod, who coordinated the project. Name tags are free to Charter members; other members can purchase them for $5.25.

Robin Fruth-Dugstad from the RCTC Hort Program told of the need for funding for 13 club members to travel to New Orleans to restore Audubon Park. SOGHS donated $50 to the club for this project.

Committee Reports:

Casey Funk (1st VP-Tours) gave a review of the tours for the year.

Lynn Knott (2nd VP-Programs/Education) was absent, but Cindy reported that the next scheduled educational event is Saturday, October 28th at the Rochester Public Library at 1:00 pm. SOGHS will feature Hans Hansen from Shady Oaks Nursery; the event is open to the public.

Betty Olson (3rd VP-Membership/Promotions) was taking membership sign-ups for 2007. A drawing will be held on October 28th and all those who prepaid 2007 dues by then will be eligible to win a 1-year paid membership to the American Hosta Society or a 1-year paid membership to the Midwest Hosta Society..

Linda Orleff (Secretary/Historian) brought the SOGHS scrapbook chronicling the first year of the organization for everyone to see. She asked that anyone who has pictures they'd like to share send them to her.

Mona Keehn (Treasurer) gave the treasurer's report reporting profits from the following 2006 events: Nature's Way Garage Sale - $330, Plant of the Year Sale - $267.61, Hosta Finder Sale - $50, Silent Auction - $175.40, Plant Sale - $3,570.52. Our current bank balance is $4,101.16.

Jean Meyer (Newsletter) reported that we only mail 15-20 newsletters to those without email addresses; the rest are distributed by email saving us printing and postage costs. Printing of newsletters is done at a discount through the school system. Jean plans to produce newsletters four times a year; the next newsletter will go out in January 2007. Jean reminded everyone to send in their choices for the Favorite Hosta poll. She's also looking for a name for the newsletter and would appreciate any suggestions.

Vickie LeCocq (Webmaster) reported that things are going well with the website.

Joan Dotzenrod/Karen Nolte (co-chairs of the 2007 Plant Sale) reported that the 2007 plant sale will be held on May 19th from 8 am to noon. Setup will be done the day before from 2 pm - 7 pm. Used mini blinds are needed for tags for the plant sale. Joan also reported that they are planning to make a potting soil mix for members and they need a location for this.

New Business:

A nominating committee was appointed for 2007 elections; the committee members are Karen Nolte, Mary Herring and Peg Marchesani. The positions up for election are 1st VP, 3rd VP and Treasurer for two-year terms from 2007 through 2008.

A special member recognition was tabled for a later date.

Cindy asked the membership to consider ways that SOGHS can give back to the community. Ideas suggested and approved by a show of hands included: Scholarships to RCTC horticulture programs, donation of hosta books to local libraries, donation of a membership to the American Hosta Society (which includes the AHS Journal publication) to local libraries, 4H & fair awards to local county fairs (making sure we reach beyond the Rochester area), information booths at fairs and other events, and hosting a shade garden conference. The board will decide on ways to implement these ideas at their next meeting.

Other new business included a Swap & Shop for Hostas idea, and a calling committee for quick reminders. The next annual meeting is February 1, 2007; the location will be announced at a later date.

Door prizes were donated by Cindy Tomashek (hostas) and the RCTC Hort Club (tickets). Winners of the Hort Club Festival of Giving Tickets were Jean Meyer and Linda Orleff. Peg Marchesani won Hosta 'Hanky Panky' and Trica Torrens-Burton won Hosta 'High Society'.

Our guest speaker, Carolyn Harstad, master gardener and author of Go Native and Got Shade, gave an hour long presentation and slide show on 'Designing A Hosta Garden.' Carolyn is an environmental advocate and her backyard has been declared a Backyard Wildlife Habitat. Her slide show included many do's and don'ts tips for planning and planting your hosta garden.

Minutes