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. …
A small number of shirts are still available for purchase. These will be offered during the December Winter Party. Prices for standard shirt sizes are $18, with 2XL $19 and 3XL $20. Shirts can be mailed at an additional cost, if needed.
Former HSCSS President Mike Hellmann has joined the Cactus and Succulent Society of America board of directors. Although Hellmann had been nominated as a board candidate for next year by Woody Minnich, he was recently appointed by CSSA President Jeff Pavlat to replace a director who had to resign from the board. Hellmann’s term runs through the end of 2021. …