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. …

HSCSS Program Director Dave Janas has left his position as a horticulturist at Missouri Botanical Garden and is headed home to New Hampshire, leaving the program position for Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society vacant. “For us, it is a great loss,” society President Ralph Olliges said. “Thanks, Dave, for all that you have done …

The Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society has donated $2,000 to the Center for Plant Conservation to help preserve two diminutive succulent species. The club gave $1,000 to support the Navajo pincushion cactus, Pediocactus peeblesianus var. peeblesianus and $1,000 toward conservation efforts for the short-leaved dudleya, Dudleya brevifolia. …