By Jim Bishop.
Changes on the Board
We’d had a few mid-year changes on the board. Susan Starr rejoins the board as Newsletter Editor. Susan was the Garden Tour Chair for 2015 and 2016. Susan replaces Susi Torre-Bueno who has edited the newsletter for the past 20 years! Yes, you read that right, 20 years. We all owe Susi a great debt of gratitude for her hard work and tenacity in pulling together each month one of the best newsletters promoting San Diego horticulture.
Ray Brooks is our new treasurer. Ray joined the board last year as member-at-large. Ray also is a skilled woodworker and has donated the monthly handmade wooden bowls that we give away as a door prize at our monthly meetings. Ray replaces Sam Seat as Treasurer. Sam has done a great job watching our expenditures and revenue and helped keep us operating in the black.
Anne Murphy is the new workshop coordinator. Anne just joined the board last August and has already been a big help on a number of projects including liquidating our library. Look for some exciting members-only workshops next year. Anne replaces Bruce Cobbledick.
Join me in a big round of applause for Susi, Sam and Bruce and a warm welcome to Susan, Ray and Anne.
New President?
Speaking of changes on the board and a new year, maybe you’d like to become our next president? This is my sixth and final year as SDHS President. I’ve greatly enjoyed serving and will continue to be involved in the organization. During my term, we have worked tirelessly to improve the membership and volunteer experience. We’ve implemented many changes to help make managing the organization easier, added activities and involved many local people. I’ve met some wonderful and talented people and am very proud to have served on the board.
With our 1100+ members, there must be several people eagerly awaiting the chance to serve as our next President. So now is the time to announce your desire to lead this dynamic organization. Or maybe you have someone in mind that just needs a little nudge and reassurance that they can do it. It is a wonderful opportunity to play a major role in the San Diego horticultural community. The most important qualifications are a passion for our mission and a desire to work with like-minded people eager to move our organization forward. You do not need to be a plant expert, although some knowledge doesn’t hurt. Please contact me ASAP with your intention to serve or send questions to me at: sdhspresident@gmail.com.
Day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
I hope you were able to join us last month at the special event at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park honoring the 100th anniversary of the zoo. As you know, the many horticulturists of the zoo were named as our 2016 Horticulturists of the Year honoree. It was a great day with private tours led by park horticulturists and also lots of volunteers on hand to answer questions. The weather was great and of course all the gardens looked wonderful, and I think we may have even seen a few animals. The park staff did an excellent job planning and organizing the event and made us all feel very welcome. Thanks so much for hosting us.