Phalaenopsis Journal Second Quarter 2014 | Page 6

IPA Regional Reports Barbara Noe E xpecting to FINALLY give Winter 2014 the hook, your board arrived in Minneapolis early May for their spring meetings. They left the Twin City area’s brisk changeable weather with warm feelings of bonhomme by the end of the well-organized event with memories of fun times with fellow IPAers, increased knowledge of Phalaenopsis and new plants for their collection. The Orchid Society of Minnesota was a welcoming host to all of the orchid groups meeting during this show – we appreciate their hospitality! More information from these meetings appears on page 12; but here we wish to thank those regional directors participating in vigorous discussion during the board meeting on Friday which will help IPA better serve our members. On Saturday a festive luncheon and competitive auction open to everyone - highlighted our meetings. The generosity of members and guests participating is so appreciated and will help IPA continue bringing you our amazing Journal. The recognition of Homer P. (HP) Norton with the very special IPA Lifetime Achievement Award brought smiles, happy tears and appreciation of a personal and professional life welllived. We saluted HP and his ladies – Catherine and Carol - who mean so much to our hobby and the orchid world atlarge. Phalaenopsis-Saturday in Minnesota climaxed with a fine presentation by our president, Carlos Fighetti, to all attendees at the Orchids: A Growing Obsession. HP and his ladies – Catherine and Carol, photo by Barbara Noe 6 Phalaenopsis | Second Quarter | Volume 24 | 2014 Region 1 - Southern California & Southern Nevada - Norman Fang Our Region is once again honored to be hosting the 2014 IPA Symposium at the Ontario Airport Hotel in Ontario, CA on August 8-9th. In addition to some very special speakers and vendors, good orchid friends and a fabulous auction, Norman’s Orchids invites every registrant to join them on Saturday evening, at the close of the Symposium, at their nursery for a light dinner and an opportunity to spend some quality time with the speakers and vendors. For further details, please check the IPA website, www.phal.org. We look forward to sharing this weekend with all our orchid friends from around the world. Region 3 - Northwest Tier - Joan Bateman What a glorious Phalaenopsis season we are having this spring! After months of endless winter our patience is being generously rewarded. Many of the Northwest regional members have been busy participating in their local society’s annual shows. There have been so many beautiful Phals exhibited! In news around the region: Tom Harper will be speaking at the Spokane Orchid Society meeting in September. David Edgley, a long time IPA member, is the new IPA Treasurer! Congrats to David! Region 6 - Texas & Oklahoma - Olie Garrison On February 22, IPA Region 6 in conjunction with the