January 2024
NO MEETING IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY, 2024
2024 is here! Happy New Year!
Here's hoping everyone had a happy holiday season!
During these cold winter months we need to be thinking spring will come and the iris will bloom!
2024 MISSOULA IRIS SOCIETY DUES ARE NOW PAYABLE!
Dues are $10.00 a person.
Please remit to: Swede Gustafson, Treasurer, 3128 Eldora Lane, Missoula, MT 59803.
You can refer to the December newsletter membership list attachment or your hard copy to check your dues status or email Swede at swedeandba@gmail.com if you have questions.
American Iris Society members check your dues status! If you are interested in joining the American Iris Society, contact Betty Ann Gustafson, by email or phone, 406.370.1696.
The Missoula Iris Society Holiday Party hosted by Carol Addeo and Al Ledford was a wonderful party for all. Thank you Anne Bowman for organizing the party, Carol and Al for generously opening their home to us, and everyone that attended. A turkey potluck dinner was shared and a fun time was had with “gift stealing”.
TREASURER'S REPORT: as of January
Checking Account: $1819.45
Savings Account: $1,019.43
Certificate of Deposit: $5,056.00 includes accrued interest
The certificate can be renewed March 15.
Discussion on renewal at the March Meeting.
MINUTES OF MISSOULA IRIS SOCIETY MEETING OF NOVEMBER 11, 2023
The July meeting was at the Immanuel Lutheran Church. There were 22 members in attendance. Only an informal work party and gathering was held October 7 at the Missoula Iris Society Garden at Fort Missoula – no formal meeting was held, so there were no minutes to report. Copies were made available of the proposed 2024 budget, the treasurer’s report, and details of the garden renovations. Members were given a chance to ask questions about each.
Treasurer’s Report for November, 2023:
Checking account balance: $1,979.08. Savings account balance: $1214.18
The 3-month CD opened in the amount of $5,000.00 at First Security Bank at the rate of
4-1/2% will mature December 15, 2023. At that time it will be reviewed for renewal.
Program: Betty Ann brought up the 2024 budget which needs approval, and she handed out a couple copies for perusal. Swede went line by line over each item comparing expected versus actual budgeted costs for 2023, and the proposed allowances for 2024.
Swede said our biggest expense is, as usual, the maintenance of the gardens at Fort Missoula. Of particular concern are some overgrown trees in the yard. The tree in the middle of the garden will need trimmed again in the spring, and roots of a large pine tree on the edge of the garden are adversely affecting the Siberian iris bed, according to Judy Blunt and Swede. There would be many administrative barriers to completely remove of this pine, so trimming was decided to be the best option at this time. Judy also mentioned that once many of the garden renovations are completed, more budgeted monies can be spent on other items such as training, for example. Gary Clark made a motion to approve the budget and Ron Dowell seconded – there were no objections and the motion carried.
The following have graciously consented to serve in their current capacity for the year 2024:
President: Betty Ann Gustafson Vice President: Anne Bowman
Secretary: Mitch Hall Treasurer: Swede Gustafson
There were no nominations from the floor. The current officers were re-elected unanimously.
The 2023 Holiday Party will be held Sunday, December 10 at 4-6pm at the home of Carol Addeo and Alan Ledford, 5805 Helena Drive (Linda Vista). After dinner there will be an optional gift exchange with “gift stealing” (rules determined at the party). Gift limit was set at $20 with suggested themes of iris, floral, gardening, et cetera. Anne Bowman was the contact person.
Al Ledford, Carol Addeo, Marie Nyquist and Jim Sadler were the Presidential Rhizome winners for November/December 2023, and January/February 2024, respectively.
Respectfully submitted, Mitch Hall (MIS Secretary)