04 mar 2004

Members:

Here is the March Newsletter. Our sincere thoughts and condolences go out to Billie Gray for the loss of her husband, Bob on February 18th. We have all lost a very good and close friend and he will be dearly missed. A copy of his obituary will be included in this months newsletter.

Pete Addeo, Webmaster

Missoula Iris Society

http://www.missoulairis.com

DATE & TIME: March 2004 meeting is Saturday, March 6th at 6:30PM

PLACE: Home of Gary Clark, potluck dinner

PROGRAM: No scheduled program information available

BUSINESS: No scheduled business information available

FYI NEW INFORMATION:

INTRODUCING OUR OWN REGION 11 VICE-PRESIDENT!

From the AIS Bulletin: Hi, my name is Angelique, but most people call me Ann. Be it roses, gladiolas, violets, dahlias, or our beloved Iris, I have always loved flowers and plants. Being raised in Texas and California with a few years in New York, Connecticut and Utah, I was lucky to grow up enjoying the best climates for flowers.

Married in upstate New York, Don and I made our home in the 60's on Long Island. Weekends we visited the local gardens, stores, Westbury Gardens and local botanical gardens. We moved to Salt Lake City, where I began to show, train and breed Collies, Cockers and Maltese, and grow irises. In '72 we moved to Montana; I began to work as a substitute teacher and also worked part-time at the local nursery and greenhouse; before long I was gardening. All too soon both children became adults and left the nest. I began the process of training to be a judge just to see what judges were looking for in a flower. I planned to breed iris if I learned what it was that the judges wanted or what they were looking for or liked best. Then I would know what to keep or throw out of the iris patch. In the early 90's the Missoula Iris Club became the place for me to start judge's training. Many active and talented people have been so wonderful in teaching me and sharing their knowledge.

Over the last 10 years, I have held many different jobs and offices. Assisting both of the last two Region 11 RVP's, I met many wonderful active members of our region. I have also attended many conventions and meeting in other regions. Thank you all. It will be a pleasure to be able to give back a little that you so generously shared, and to serve Region 11. Don a I are retired now, and we are enjoying watching our four grandsons grow. One grandson likes flowers and has a small iris garden and belongs to the local iris club. To all who have offered advice and helped and shared their knowledge with me, thank you all, for the love or iris.

OBITUARY: ROBERT WAYNE 'BOB' GRAY

From the Missoulian, February 21, 2004: On Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2004, Robert Wayne "Bob" Gray died at his home in Missoula after a courageous struggle against cancer.

Bob was born to John L. and Ruth Harriet (Tronnes) Gray in 1929. He was raised in Glendive and graduated from Dawson County High School in 1947. He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1950 and served six years active duty, part of them in Korea as a radar technician. He also spent six years in the Reserve.

He married the love of his life, Willene "Billie" Kobelt in 1959 in Missoula and is survived by her at the family home. He also left a large and loving family of five children, six grandchildren; a great grandson, and a great grand-daughter expected in May. Bob had been the secretary and manager of the Loyal Order of Moose No. 556 for 25 years, holding the Degree of Pilgrim. He was a custodian in the Missoula County Elementary School District for several years before his retirement on August 31, 1995.

He also was a member of the American Legion Post 27, VFW Post No. 209 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 32 and was a Mason in Ionic Lodge No. 38. Bob was a member of the Missoula Iris Society for many years. He was one of the original developers of the Fort Missoula Iris Gardens.

As he requested, Bob will be cremated. A memorial celebration of his life will be held in the spring. Donations may be made to the Missoula County Cancer Society, the Missoula Iris Society or to a favorite charity.

REGION 11 JUDGES - From the January 2004 AIS Bulletin, we have 11 members that are approved as judges for 2004:

Ken Baier, Rose Mary Baier, Donna Bowers, Jerry Bowers, Claudia Brown, Cindy Davis, Billie Gray, Swede Gustafson, Roger Muir, Alverta Symes and Ann Violette. Great Showing for our group!

MEETING LOCATIONS FOR 2004

Carol Addeo is organizing the meeting locations for the new year. Meeting locations are still needed for May 1st and June 5th. Anyone wishing to host a meeting at their home should call her at 251-5833. Please leave a message if she's not available.

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE:

Any information for the February newsletter should be e-mailed or mailed to Pete Addeo by the 3rd week of the month. It can also be faxed to (406) 251-4683.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Thanks to those of you who have renewed their MIS dues. Remember, dues are now $7.00 per person per year. Checks should be made payable to MIS, and sent or given to Treasurer Swede Gustafson, 3128 Eldora Lane, Missoula, MT 59803.

Congrats to Bob Brown - March 4th and to Beth Wright - March 1st. Have a happy birthday and all the members get to spank you at the next meeting.

MINUTES OF THE MISSOULA IRIS SOCIETY MEETING - Saturday, February 7, 2004

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by President James Sadler at the home of Bob and Billie Gray.

Minutes

The minutes from the January meeting were approved as published in the newsletter mailed and e-mailed to all members.

Treasurers Report

Treasurers report was approved as published in the newsletter and mailed and e mailed to members.

NEW BUSINESS:

NEW MEMBERS - New members were introduced by Jim Sadler. They are Ron and Donna Dowell and Liz and Brad Mc Mullin. Welcome!

Bookkeeping Audit - The financial records still need to be audited for 2003. Volunteers for the auditing committee are Zona Lindemann, Honk Meyer and Sonia Delellapiazza.

2004 Budget - The budget of $4,677 for 2004 which was printed in the newsletter and mailed and e mailed to all members was approved as published.

AIS Bulletin - Jim recommended everyone check out several articles in the January AIS bulletin, including an article introducing Ann Violette as Region 11 Vice President and another article show winners..

Region 11 Website - Ann Violette announced that her website for Region 11 is now up and running. You can check it out at www.ais-region11.com. We have also added this link to our home page for easy access and reference.

MIS Membership Dues - Swede reminded everyone that anyone who has not paid their 2004 dues will be dropped from the newsletter mailing list immediately.

Grass Getter - Information on a Grass Getter grass herbicide was introduced by Brad McMullin. This herbicide reportedly can be sprayed on anything, but only kills the grass. Additional information may be obtained at http://www.montereylawngarden.com.

OLD BUSINESS

Show Committee - Ann Violette set a date for show planning and judges training at February 28, 2004, 2PM at Gary Clark's home. This meeting is for all judges, students and apprentice judges. ADDENDUM TO THE MINUTES: Meeting has been changes to February 28th at 2pm.