Thursday, August 16, 2012

Region 21 Fall 2012 Meeting Held August 11 at Gering Nebraska

The Fall 2012 meeting of Region 21 of the American Iris Society was hosted by the Monument Valley Iris Society at the Gering Convention Center August 10th and 11th.  It is a beautiful location and had an enthusiastic bunch of attendees.

 The outstanding speakers, arranged by Carolyn Lingenfelter, covered various aspects of judging and irises:
 A general session included both Region 21 business and upcoming iris meetings.  News included:
  • Looking at electronic version for the Region 21 newsletter
  • Reminder to send copies of pictures and articles to Bob Flick our historian
  • The Region 21 Library has reference material available for loan.  Contact Librarian Marjorie Jensen
  • Kelly Norris's book "A Guide to Bearded Irises: Cultivating the Rainbow for Beginners and Enthusiasts" will be added to the Library
  • Region 21 website will be another source of news and happenings
  • Bylaws committee reviewing and revising the Region 21 bylaws
  • Ianthe Shadegg was elected to a 3 year term as a Director
  • Elections next year will include RVP, Secretary-Treasurer, and one Director 
Upcoming meetings include the 2013 and the 2014 AIS Conventions - both in Dallas.  Dell Perry described the gardens convention goers will be able to visit.

Upcoming Region 21 meetings are:
  • Spring 2013 - Sioux City, Iowa
  • Fall 2013     - Omaha, Nebraska
  • Spring 2014 - Lincoln, Nebraska
After a great banquet, the guest speaker was Catherine Long Gates on the History of Long's Gardens.  The meeting ended with an iris auction.  Irises ranged from San Francisco, the 1927 Dykes Medal winner, to 2012 introductions Open Hearth, Carla Beth, Evadna Gay, Isabel Marie, Jeff's Guardian Angel, Ordination, Put Upon, Ring of Honor, and Wicked Cool.

Thank you to everyone who helped organize this meeting!  It was a great chance to learn more about iris, meet more iris lovers, and find some irises to plant now.