AIS: Oklahoma!
From: Irisborer@aol.com
Although I've already been here since Monday, I really feel like this is my
first day here. I think with the hideous tornado and the aftermath, it
really hasn't seemed too terribly much like a convention till today.
Anyway...Oklahoma is an extraordinary place ... for many reasons, but more on
that later.
The Board has met now for two days. And even though some folks may spell it
"bored", I have to tell you that the folks who serve AIS are hardworking,
creative, and have YOUR best interests in mind. Really.
So, it takes two full days to get through everything, and most of it you
don't care about, but some interesting things that happened include:
- The establishment of an Electronic Commerce Committee (Jay Hudson, John
Jones and Kathy Guest), to explore such things as an on-line e-mail auction,
offering iris-related artifacts and items on the internet and so on.
Folks, this is exciting news....... because it says that not only does AIS
accept the internet as a viable entity....but we are actually blazing trails
here! I'm psyched!
Another action taken was to discount senior life memberships by 15% (no....
this does not mean anyone over the age of 21..). A good, user-friendly, and
empathetic move on the part of AIS.
Yet another action taken was to offer a model show schedule (both bare bones
and full blown) to judges.....
Excerpts from this forum will go to Barbara Figge for possible inclusion in
the Bulletin under the so-called "Flight Lines" (robin news). This means we
must all be on our best behavior <kidding..... John Jones has NO idea what
we're up to these days....>
The Warburton Medal fund is lacking..... so Region 20 (Colorado) pledged to
match any donations up to $1,500 to get it off the ground. Just another
example of the 'can do' attitude of this convention. (Do, donate if you
can..... )
The RVPs (as in this forum) offered a vote of confidence in the work being
done by Howard Hughes toward the Electronic Checklist projedt. This is an
outstanding turn of events... and clearly demonstrates how folks have fallen
into line behind our hero, Howard. The down side is that there is a
glitch... having to do with duplicated names.... that prevented Howard from
having copies of the complete data base available for sale today. BUT the
glitches are minor and will be corrected...... and Howard is already talking
about scanning in pictures of irises to complement the database (demo
tomorrow).
One very impressive thing that happened during the Board meeting.....the
hotel manager asked to be able to address the Board. I have never seen
anything like the speech that this man made. For no other reason than he was
grateful to be alive, this man actually THANKED us for coming.... for using
this hotel... for being patient with the staff under trying circumstances...
and for 'exuding an aura of goodwill". It was an extraordinary speech. The
man said that he didn't believe after the Federal Building bombing that there
could be a worse time..... but that this is it. He alluded to the loss of
life and property.... including his own staff. He finished his speech by
saying that they've learned that trees can be planted and houses rebuilt....
and that they're grateful for all the blessings they receive.
It was truly a profound moment.... and one hard to recreate
It just so happens, that prior to THIS extraordinary event..... another
extraordinary event had taken place. Riley Probst had recommended that AIS
make a significant donation to the Red Cross relief fund....... and it was
unanimously approved. Furthermore, the Board encouraged every member to make
their own cash donation to the disaster relief for the area.
A very touching.... very humane.... and very genuine happening.
Tonight was the welcome dinner. Kathyguest had the very great honor of being
seated next to Bill Shear..... who had been enticed to Oklahoma City by the
irrepressible Rosalie Figge. And sittith at the left hand, was the
Dragon-master hisself, JIJ.
The dinner was great..... everyone enjoyed a wonderful meal.... a sensuous
serenade by Perry Dyer (piano)... and interesting conversation.
I should mention that just prior to dinner, Maureen and a small, but
dedicated committee, went over the bloom indicator field and made some
decisions on additions and non-players.
Finally...... there's nothing like a debriefing in the saloon (I think that's
what they're called in OK).... with good people like Jay Hudson, Tom Abrego,
David Schreiner, John Jones and so one.
Oh yes, our fearless leader is here...... the tee shirts are GAWJUS.... and
it's fun to work on his nerves (Joanne said I could).
So.... it's late...... the buses leave at 7 and I'm outta here.
Over and out
Kathyguest..... in Oooooooooook-lahoma
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