The ODAVS Online Thingie

Issue 3  - September 2004

Published by Old Dominion African Violet Society located on the web at www.odavs.com

ODAVS is an affiliate of the African Violet Society of America.  Please visit their web site at avsa.org

It appears the ODAVS members have spoken, or rather not spoken, about the name of our newsletter.  It was presented at the last meeting and suggestions were sought for a new name. The majority seemed to think “The ODAVS Online Thingie”  was a good name.  So, for now at least, may I present the third edition of the ODAVS Online Thingie.

THE NEXT MEETING IS THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2ND FROM 9am TO 11am AT THE MASON DISTRICT GOVERNMENTAL CENTER IN ANNANDALE, VA.

1.     A note from the President

2.     Announcements

3.  What we did at our previous meeting

     4.  African Violet tips

Hi Everyone, I hope that by now you have all settled into back-to-school routines and had a great summer.  This month's meeting has been advertised in the Post as an "African Violet Propagation and Culture Workshop."  This could be a wonderful recruiting opportunity, so let's hope for some attendees.  As we discussed at the last meeting, we will be setting up "stations" and depending on attendance we may need several duplicate stations.  We will be concentrating on propagating by leaf and repotting and answering any questions along the way.  The most efficient way for us to deal with supplies is to have everyone bring three packets of leaves (if you can) and a plant that needs repotting or a good grooming.  Bring enough of your own soil mix to set the leaves and repot your own plant.  This way you won't have any culture problems when you take your plant back home.  If it turns out that we don't have people come to the workshop, we can at least have our own leaf swap!  It has slipped my mind who has the AVSA brochures but they should be brought to the workshop as well.  One last thing--this is the week to bring your MAAVS Ways and Means item!  If you have forgotten, please make a concerted effort this week to find an item to contribute to the table.  Remember, you don't have to pay for it, try to find a donation or use your crafty skills to make something.  I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday!

MAAVS 2004 Convention Activity Schedule

Thursday, November 11th

         1 pm- 5 pm   Plant Sales

Friday, November 12th

         1 pm - 5 pm  Show Open to Public

         9 am - 5 pm  Plant Sales

         Sometime after 6: MAAVS Star Spangled Party

Saturday, November 13th

          9 am - 3 pm  Show Open to Public

          9 am - 5 pm  Plant Sales

          Sometime after 6:  MAAVS Awards Banquet  

Our May Club Sale

We need for every member to grow around 15 plants and have them blooming for our May Sale. 

Don't forget the ODAVS Online Store!

Hey everyone, be sure to check out our very own store at cafepress.com !  We have ODAVS T-shirts among other violet-related items and every purchase makes a small profit for the club.  There are several clothing items as well as some things that would make great gifts.  New items will be added occasionally so come back often.  You'll find the new store at http://www.cafepress.com/odavs !

MAAVS Ways and Means Committee

Bring your item to this meeting.

Got a Tip?

Send me an email with your best tip for the newsletter and Ill gladly give you credit.  Just send it to me at JilleneD@aol.com

• Members recreated the by-laws for our club, using by-laws from another club as a guide.
•  By-laws will be included in the yearbook, but some noted bylaws include:
• To be considered active, a member must attend at least three meetings or club sponsored activities in a calendar year.
• Terms will be two years for officers.
• The duties for officers and chairs were recorded.
• We are working on our yearbook and discussed what will be included in it.
• MAAVS Ways and Means update – Michelle has volunteered to keep all items for the raffle at her house.
• Laurene lead us all in making surprise table favors for MAAVS. The members who were present for this little workshop need to remember we aren't telling what they are.  We want people to guess after they see them. (That Laurene has a playful streak in her somewhere I do believe!!)

If you want to send African Violet leaves to a friend in the mail it is best to put fresh cut leaves into a sealing sandwich bag, blow an insulating puff of air into the bag and seal it. The added moisture of covering the end with pieces of cotton or paper towel could cause the leaves to rot before they get to their destination.