After a long hiatus due to COVID-19, HSCSS monthly meetings will return as in-person events at a new venue beginning in January 2022. “Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society is especially grateful to Jerry Jost for allowing us to use his warehouse for our meetings,” Ralph Olliges said. “By using the large space, we will be able to spread out and hopefully keep our members safe.” …
After a survey of members during the September Zoom meeting, results supported an in-person event for the club’s Winter Holiday Party. On Dec. 12 at The Heights in Richmond Heights, members can join in auctions, a raffle, attendance prizes and a game or two. However, no food can be served or brought to the event, and masks must be worn at all times. Please RSVP by Nov. 15 to cuervo28@swbell.net or 314-409-1897.
By Rita Taylor – I was so sorry to hear of the passing of my friend, my cactus and succulent buddy, Charmaine, this past May. At 93 years old, she was amazingly active. Besides taking great care of her plants, she had a fish pond and kept up her own home. I will miss hearing Charmaine’s thoughts on the world. I’ll also miss her at meetings, occasionally saying loudly, “I can’t hear what they’re saying, can you?” …
By Mike Hellmann – At the July Zoom meeting, we’ll once again be bringing back the plants that we always enjoyed when we were able to meet in person. Of course, their presence will be virtual, but we’ll at least be able to share our plants and growing experiences with other members. Immediately after Judy Pigue’s program, we’ll begin an open discussion on any plants that are brought to the screen. …
The 2021 HSCSS T-shirts are now in hand. If you live in the St. Louis area, the shirts will be available for pick-up soon. We will notify you of the date and place when that information becomes available. If you live outside the St. Louis area and need to have shirts mailed to you, please do the following: …
By Mike Hellmann – After Julie Drummond’s call making me aware of the Feb. 17 passing of her mother, Gladys, I immediately began reflecting on just how big an impact Gladys and her family has had over the years on both our society and our hobby. Gladys Drummond’s legacies will be many, but for me, personally, the success of our society and the appreciation that I have for these wonderful plants are due to her efforts and inspiration. …
Oh, Gladys, you will be sorely missed. This breaks my heart. There was a time several years ago when Patrick and I would shop her greenhouses three times a week through the spring and summer. She always cracked us up telling us what is or isn’t for sale that day. Sometimes you’d get lucky, and she would part with something really special! We got to know her well through the years. …
With the recent launch of a new online search system, it is now easier to review the HSCSS library holdings before making an appointment to pick up desired items. Visit https://hscactus.org/resources/library/ to enter search terms or select alphabetized listings of the club’s hundreds of library books and publications. …