what should I expect if I go to an AV club meeting?

violetta1976

16 years ago

I'm kind of shy, believe it or not, and I'm having anxiety about just walking in when everyone already knows each other. What happens at a meeting? What should I expect?

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Comments (8)

irina_co
16 years ago
Violetta -

Violet people are wonderful. You will be warmly accepted and I bet loaded with leaves and starters as a welcome gift. Just call in advance that you are coming.

Usually there is a program - something about violets or other gesneriads, how to repot, how to prepare for the show, how to grow - usually with something to share. There is a business part - hopefully a short one - last meeting minutes, treasurer report, something new-something old, an update on members - may be somebody is sick etc.
I think you need to prepare a little introduction - what are you interested in, what kind of questions you have. Your goal is to find yourself a mentor - somebody you can visit and see how they do it. But usually - the people are so generous with their knowledge and plain nice - you will be very glad you joined them.

irina
bspofford
16 years ago
Violetta, good for you to go to a AV club meeting. If you are really nervous, how about taking a friend with you?

Irina is absolutely correct about the welcome you should receive, and do please call ahead so they will know to expect you. That is almost like having met before, and hopefully will let you be at ease.

Before I went to my first meeting, someone told me they usually have leaves to share from someone or more having repotted some plants. I went through some of my plants and picked some leaves to share also. I'm really glad I did, that way I was very comfortable in bringing home leaves from others. I also stashed a few baggies and a marker in my purse.

Go, have a good time, and make some new friends.

Barbara
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fred_hill
16 years ago
Hi,
Booth ladies have steered you in the right direction. I have never had a call about someone coming to a meeting so I don't think it's that important. I would just go with a smile on my face and a willingness to meet some very nice people who grow and show violets. The club if it is worth anything will meet you with open arms. They would like to know where you are from and how many violets do you grow. They most likely will have a few plants and leaves for sale or as a give away so be prepared to take something home. They will also want to know if you are a member of AVSA and will ask you for your address, phone number and email if you have one. This will let them contact you again with notices of future events and meeting programs.
Don't be afraid to speak up and ask questions if you don't undersand something. My local club does not pressure any one to join on the first night. We always ask them to think about it and then decide by the next meeting if you would like to join.
Above all, be yourself and relax and enjoy it cause violet people are a friendly bunch of growers who love to chat and talk about their plants.
Fred in NJ
violetta1976
Original Author
16 years ago
Okay, thanks everyone. I feel a bit better now. :0)
lilypad22
16 years ago
It is going on two years since I joined my violet club. I too am shy and I put off contacting someone for months just cause I was afraid of meeting new people. Love of violets won over though and I went and everyone was very nice. I've really enjoyed being a member. Late this month we are going on a field trip to Travis violets. We went last year and it was great and I'm so looking forward to going again. It is one thing to read about how to work with violets and see pictures posted on the net, but to go to the violet meetings and actually see someone scrape a long necked violet and repot...well, I went right home and tried it myself with great results. Have a good time! tish
violetta1976
Original Author
16 years ago
Darn it, I think both of the Portland AV clubs are extinct. I emailed the addresses listed on the AVSA web site and two of the three were returned to me as undeliverable. The third didn't reply. :0(
bspofford
16 years ago
Violetta,
According to the latest issue of AV magazine, there is a display/sale by the Portlandia Violet Club this Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Jantzen Beach Mall, from 10 to 8pm. Contact is Blanche Bunker (503) 761-7861.

Barbara, saving the world, one person at a time
violetta1976
Original Author
16 years ago
Awesome, thanks Barbara! I'd been trying to get confirmation of that somewhere!

what should I expect if I go to an AV club meeting?

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what should I expect if I go to an AV club meeting?

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irina_co

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