Co-Presidents’ Letter

November 2026

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If you did not attend the October OSWP meeting, you are not aware that there was a very positive development in our quest for Show Managers. Demetria Marsh and Gary VanGelder very generously offered to be Show Managers for 2027, but only if they could get at least 2 more volunteers to mentor. At the meeting, Cody Nieman committed to being on the team. We need at least 1 more member who is willing to learn to manage the show. You could not get better mentors! If you have any interest in doing this important job, please contact Demetria, Gary or me and Mike.

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Since we had frost here in the Pittsburgh area, all your plants should be in their winter homes by now. Many genera will be approaching their rest period, especially catasetinae, habenaria, and certain dendrobium. Don't panic if the leaves of these plants start to yellow and fall off—it's a natural cycle.

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Plan to join us for our November 15 meeting—Bill Goldner of Woodstream Orchids will be speaking on "Growing Phrags." I hope he has lots of photos of his kovachii. Don't miss it!

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Thathmini Kularatna, orchid grower at Phipps, will teach a miniclass on "Mounting Orchids." She should have phenomenal tips to share.

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Our meetings are held at the Spartan Center, 134 E Elizabeth St, Hazelwood. Doors open at 12:30, meeting starts officially at 1pm, but if you want to help set up, you're so welcome.

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Sheila Nathanson & Mike Lysy