Maine Rose Society

Minutes of 1/11/04 Meeting

The Barron Center, Portland, Maine

 

Prepared by Deb Rumery on behalf of Secretary Frank O’Connor

 

 

 

Present:  Jerry Cinnamon, Claire Homan, Margaret Edwards, Roger Gotlibson, Joan Gotlibson, Vaughn Hardesty, Clarence Rhodes, Deborah Rumery, Rita Lesniak, Sari Hou, Kay Buffum, Marion Stevens, Soren Christianson

 

 

President Jerry Cinnamon opened the meeting at 1 p.m.

 

The motion to accept the minutes of the November meeting was made by Vaughn Hardesty and seconded by Joan Gotlibson. The minutes were approved by unanimous vote.

 

Jerry asked the Advisory Board Members to declare their multi-year commitments as follows: Roger Gotlibson to serve until 2006, Sari Hou until 2004, and Kay Buffam until 2005.

 

A discussion of MRS commitments to the Yankee District followed, with Clarence Rhodes agreeing to continue serving as MRS representative to the Yankee District and to the Prizes and Awards Committee of the Yankee District.

 

Treasurer’s Report (Claire H.): Claire Homan reported the Society’s current balance.  A letter reminding members to renew membership and submit dues will be going out.

 

Plant Sale Committee Report (Joan G.): Joan reported that all varieties of roses on order are available and will be delivered to Clarence’s house.  Steve Law has requested flyers advertising the May plant sale be available at the February People Places & Plants Flower show. Joan passed around sample flyers, and the group agreed on a quantity of 1,000.  Clarence will confirm the May 15 date with the Master Gardener’s Association before they are printed. Clarence will also investigate the possibility of USM creating signs for the sale at no cost.  Jerry will pursue getting a certificate of insurance and statement of non-profit status. The group also discussed preparing handouts in conjunction with the Mid-Maine Rose Society but reached no decision. Jerry will follow up with Steve as to what we have done in the past and what we have available.

 

Rose Demonstration Committee (Vaughn H.):  Vaughn has made inquiries with the Maine Mall and expects to have information shortly. The Society may be charged a small fee; however, he is “spinning” this as an educational venue. Vaughn suggests at least two tables of varieties on display.  The event will take place toward the end of June or early July.  Handouts and membership applications should be available. A discussion followed on the July 17 program on roses at O’Donnel’s Nursery. Jerry agreed that MRS will take one topic and possibly participate in others. More to come at future meetings.

 

2004 Meeting Schedule: Based on group-wide discussion and agreement, the following topics for remaining open monthly meetings were decided.

 

April                 Getting Ready for Spring Planting (Roundtable Discussion)

May                 No meeting. The motion was made by Vaughn and seconded by Roger that the May plant sale substitute for the May meeting. The motion carried.

June                 How to Prepare Your Roses for Exhibition (Roundtable Discussion and Demonstrations)

July                  Tour of Joan and Roger Gotlibson’s gardens

August              Greater Portland Rose Tour, featuring members’ gardens

September            Mini Rose Show and BBQ in Clarence’s garden

October           Founder’s Day Banquet on 10/16 at Verrillo’s. (Jerry noted that more planning and organization is needed on this and asked for suggestions for outside speakers.)

November            Annual MRS Business Meeting.

 

Jerry noted that according to 1997 MRS by-laws, officers are to be elected and installed at the November meeting.  A discussion followed on the need for involvement in Society activities by all MRS members. Jerry also requested a group be formed to review the Constitution and by-laws and decide what needs to be revised or updated. 

 

Rosebowl:  Jerry reported that Frank has all the content for a January issue, which should be issued shortly.  The next issue will be published in April, which Deb will edit.

 

Hospitality Committee:  Margaret was elected Chair of this committee and will assign responsibility for meeting snacks each month.  Joan and Sari volunteered to provide refreshments for February.

 

Advertising: A brief discussion followed on the need for more advance advertising. Deb will work with Sari, Jerry and others on this.

 

Claire reminded all present to pay dues.

 

Jerry adjourned the meeting at 2:40 p.m.