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BARBARA I. BROWN
Chair MAOC Affiliated Societies Committee
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Why should an orchid society be affiliated with the
Mid-America Orchid Congress (MAOC)? The answer may be as fundamental or complex as
"Why an individual may have chosen to grow orchids as a hobby and then have
chosen to join a local orchid society". In many cases the rewards and benefits
to each grower parallel the level of personal participation in society activities.
The same can be said of the relationship between a Society and the MAOC.
Since its founding in 1959 and its affiliation with the American Orchid Society
in 1961, the MAOC has both influenced and kept pace with an expanding interest in
orchidology. In response to a 1960 request made by the MAOC to the AOS that a Regional
Judging Center be established in St. Louis, judging there began in October of 1961.
There are now seven judging centers in Mid-America, including, of course, the Great
Lakes Center in Ann Arbor. The MAOC Show Schedule has been used widely inside and
outside of Mid-America.
Education about and conservation of orchids have always been important to the
MAOC. Short courses, audiotapes, and speakers' lists come to mind as examples, as
well as the excellent lecture programs occurring at Congresses. By seeing what plants
members of other Societies grow successfully and what plants vendors are offering
for sale, collections can be expanded. The MAOC has a reputation for stepping in
early to support orchid-related projects such as World Orchid Congresses ( in the
cases of Long Beach, California and Miami, Florida ), the rescue of Lankester Garden
in Costa Rica, and, most recently, financial contributions to the building fund for
the new AOS Headquarters in Delray Beach, Florida.
The MAOC is recognized for its past accomplishments, counted on for future contributions,
and noted for its friendliness and levity. All orchid societies can be a part of
this tradition and are urged to participate by being members of the Mid-America Orchid
Congress.
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DON GARLING
AOS Judge
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One of the high points of each Mid-America is the
Sunday morning, Affiliated Societies Committee breakfast. Society reps and other
attendees meet to discuss topics of interest to local societies. A speaker or panel
introduces the topic followed by brainstorming among all breakfast participants.
Recent topics have included fund raising, programs, recruitment, and retention.
Most recently, the Great Lakes Judging Center received MAOC funds to buy our
first computer. The MAOC has also awarded, on a competitive basis, grants for orchid
research at MSU, orchid conservation projects and expanding orchid species collections
at botanical gardens. The major funding for the MAOC programs comes from the auction
at each MAOC meeting. Don't just "pay your dues" become active by attending
Congresses and take advantage of the MAOC.
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