DHSWP Timeline

DATE EVENT
January 1, 1992 The first meeting of what was called the Daffodil & Shady Garden Club was held. Twelve members were present and they set the dues at $5. The first program was 180 slides of hosta in famous gardens.
March 7, 1993 The organization decided to change its name to The Daffodil & Hosta Society of Western Pennsylvania.
April 17, 1993 The club held its first daffodil exhibit at the Northland Library with Dianne Mrak as the chairperson.
June 5, 1993 The club held its first Hosta exhibit at the Northland Library with Bette Comfrey as chairperson. Clarence Rauch made the display signs for both shows.
July 7, 1993 The first club picnic was held at Tom Tindall’s.
September 19, 1993 The club held its first daffodil sale & auction.
October 24, 1993 The club checking account was created. Prior to this the club was operating primarily with the dues and donations from the founding members. The first election of officers was held:

President:         Walt Betzold

VP:                  Steve Hampson

Treasurer:        Bette Comfrey

Secretary:        Janet Klages

February 13, 1994 Len Lehman created the first special award for the Best Cyclamineus daffodil.
March 13, 1994 The club voted to affiliate with the Great Lakes Region of the American Hosta Society.
July 1994 The club held its first “road trip” with 13 members driving to Van Wade’s and Bob Kuk’s.
August 1994 Club picnic was at Bette Comfrey’s Silvermist Gardens.
October 1994 The club voted to create nametags to wear at the meetings.
December 1994 The club purchased liability insurance effective January 1, 1995.
January 1, 1995. In 1995 the shows were both held at the North Hills Village Mall.
September 10, 1995 The club held a referendum ballot by mail on the issue of creating two clubs or staying together as one. This question arose over the problems surrounding the possibility of the club hosting the national daffodil convention in 1999.
November 12, 1995 By a close vote the members elected to stay as one club. The President and Treasurer resigned and new interim officers were appointed by

President:         Steve Hampson

VP:                  Ed Easter

Treasurer:        Toby Exter

Secretary:         Janet Klages

A committee to create By- Laws for the club was appointed: Bill Cadman, John Dittmer, Len Lehman, and Dianne Mrak

March 10, 1996 The first By-Laws were enacted. The shows were moved to Phipps Conservatory.
April 1996 First daffodil open garden at Dianne Mrak’s
June 1996 First hosta open garden at Barbara & John Dittmer’s
August 1996 The club picnic was held at Steve & Sarah Zolock.
October 13, 1996 Election of officers was held under the new By-Laws:

President:           Steve Hampson

VP-Daffodils:    Dianne Mrak

VP-Hosta:          Len Lehman

Treasurer:           Toby Exter

Secretary:           Janet Klages

·      The club agreed to participate in the hosta newsletter exchange and to raise the annual dues to $8.

November 1996 The first club banquet was held
February 2, 1997 First club purchase of The Hosta Finder and the Daffodil Grow and Show.
March 2, 1997 Membership unanimously agreed to be the official sponsor of the 1999 National Daffodil Convention chaired by Dianne Mrak
October 25, 1997 First joint meeting with the newly formed WNYHS[1] held in Meadville with Bill Zumbar as the speaker.
February 1, 1998 The club hosta and club daffodil programs were enacted.
September 1998 First copy of the DHSWP newsletter “Growing Together” in the records. Steve Hampson acted as the editor in addition to being President.
October 1998 Joint meeting with WNYHS held in Erie with Mary Chastain as the speaker.
November 1998 Election of officers:

President:           Steve Hampson

VP Daffodils:     Dianne Mrak

VP Hosta:          Barbara Dittmer

Treasurer:           Toby Exter

Secretary:           Janet Klages

February 7, 1999 Slide presentation on daffodils at Northland Library.
March 7, 1999 Meeting at Northland Library on Hostas: Integrated pest management for the garden
March 13, 1999 Hosta College, Piqua OH
April 22-24, 1999 American Daffodil Society national convention hosted by DHSWP; it proved to be a great success.
June 12-13, 1999 First accredited hosta show was held at Phipps Conservatory; this was also the first show where the club tried to sell some hosta to the public.
June 23-26, 1999 American Hosta Society National Convention, Ann Arbor, MI
August 1, 1999 Picnic & Auction at Sarah & Steve Zolock’s garden
September 12, 1999 Daffodil bulb auction at Northland Library
October 16, 1999 Annual Award Banquet
November 1999 First all day Fall Forum held at the Riverside Inn with Bob Solberg as the main speaker.
August 2000 The Zolock’s start our wholesale purchasing of hosta with the first sales of these plants in the spring of 2001.
October 2000 ·      Club votes to change its hosta affiliation from the Great Lakes Region to the Mid-Atlantic Region. Dianne Mrak and Steve Hampson were recognized for their years of service to the club as they were both leaving the area.

·      Fall Forum features Peter Ruh, Kevin Walek, and Mike Shadrack.

November 2000 Club formally adopts the concept of creating a Steering Committee of nine members to run our organization and to remove the necessity of having the membership vote on expenditures and most decisions. Terms of office were changed to three years: Election of Officers and Steering Committee:

President:                    Barbara Dittmer

VP Daffodils:              Bonnie Plato

Co-Chair Daffodils     Jeanne Rowles

VP Hosta:                   Tom Tindall

Co-Chair Hosta           Steve Zolock

Treasurer                     Toby Exter

Secretary                     Janet Klages

Membership                Joan Altman

Newsletter                   Barb Wells

January 2001 Steering committee created the first budget for the club and decided to move the two shows to the Galleria Mall.
April 2001 First members only hosta collection offered for sale. This was instead of the “club hosta” that we had been offering.
May 2001 Participated in the Mother’s Day sale with PIDS[2] at Phipps.
September 2001 Membership adopts the revised constitution and by-laws that were written and approved by the steering committee on July 31, 2001. We ordered club embroidered shirts for sale. Club decides to only hold one day shows instead of the two day ones we had been doing.
October 2001 Fall Forum features Curt Hansen, Doug Beilstein, & Maratha Oliver
December 2001 Chuck Olescyski becomes our first education chairperson and Claire McConaha becomes our newsletter editor; these were appointments because of resignations on the steering committee.
March 2002 Jeanne Rowles is appointed as Daffodil VP to fill a vacant position. Suzanne Powers is appointed Daffodils Co-Chair.
April 7, 2002 First joint meeting with the Midland Hosta Society at the Riverside Gardens in Cambridge Springs, PA with Ran Lydell as the speaker.
April 18-20, 2002 American Daffodil Society National Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio.
April 27, 2002 DHSWP Daffodil Show at the Galleria Mall
May 2002 First May Market with PIDS in Shadyside.
June 2002 First bus trip to Peter Ruh’s and Bob Kuk ‘s.
June 1, 2002 DHSWP Hosta Show at the Galleria Mall
June 26-29, 2002 American Hosta Society National Convention in Spokane, Washington
July 28, 2002 PIDS and DHSWP joint Picnic and Auction at the Zolock Gardens.
September 2002 Tim Powers created our local club webpage.
September 8, 2002 Hosta Speaker, Harry Abel, at Northland Library.
September 28, 2002 Fall Forum at the Riverside Inn in Cambridge Springs, PA
October 2002 Fall Forum features Ellen Horning, Kevin Walek, & Kent Terpening.
October 13, 2002 Daffodil auction at Northland Library
November 2, 2002 Fall Awards Banquet at Carmody’s Restaurant featuring Bill Lee as speaker.
June 2003 Bus trip to Wade & Gatton & the Blueberry Patch
July 2003 ·      First joint picnic with PIDS[3]

·      Hosta judging clinic held by Barbara Dittmer

September 2003 Fall Forum features Marty Schafer & Jan Sacks, Charles Tuttle, & Ran Lydell
October 2003 Election of Officers and Steering Committee for a three year term:

President                     Barbara Dittmer

VP Hosta                    Chuck Olescyski

Co-Chair Hosta           Steve Zolock

VP Daffodils               Jean Rowles

Co-Chair Daffodils     Suzanne Powers

Treasurer                     Larry Rowles

Membership                Joan Altman

Education Chair           Bill Modrak

Newsletter Editor        Claire McConaha

November 2003 First joint meeting with PIDS—trough making class
February 14, 2004 Daffodil judges school held by Barbara Dittmer.
June 2004 Bus trip to Cahoon’s Nursery, Jon Soucek, & Moldavan
July 2004 Steering committee decided to hold joint banquets with PIDS beginning in 2005 and to work more closely with our “sister society” in scheduling programs. Chuck Olescyski was appointed to serve as President for the remaining two years beginning November 1, 2004 because of the Dittmer’s re-locating.
September 2004 2nd joint meeting with Midland Hosta Society with Mark Zilis as the speaker.
September 25, 2004 Fall Forum features Charles Seaver and Ran Lydell. This event is co-sponsored by the DHSWP and the WNYHS[4] and held at the Riverside Inn in Cambridge Springs, PA
October 17, 2004 Daffodil Bulb Auction held at the Northland Library
November 6, 2004 ·      DHSWP Annual Awards Banquet was held at Scolio’s Restaurant. Club awards for Hosta Show winners were awarded.  Bob Koffler was the winner of many Hosta Show awards and Mark Gresh took home many of the daffodil awards.

·      A Newsletter Survey was conducted to determine it’s effectiveness. Currently 8 issues are sent out each year. There was discussion about the newsletter being sent out via the internet as a means of saving money.

February 7, 2005 ·      Joint Soup Luncheon meeting with PIDS, was held at the Phipps Garden Center. This event was attended by 67 members of the DHSWP and PIDS. Steve and Sarah Zolock presented a program on their hosta hybridizing experiences and Georgene Albrecht followed up with a presentation of “Floral Arranging”.

·      The Steering Committee met prior to the luncheon to plan upcoming events for the year.

February 12, 2005 The results of the 2004 DHSWP Hosta Popularity Poll were published: H. ‘June’ as the winner for the third consecutive year. 25 members participated.
March 6, 2005 Tim Ruh was the guest speaker at our March meeting.
March 11-12, 2005 Hosta College at Piqua, Ohio. Our recent affiliation with the Great Lakes Region Hosta Society provided us with the opportunity to attend Hosta College. Fifteen members attended with Steve and Sarah Zolock and Claire McConaha serving as instructors.
March 13, 2005 DHSWP becomes official members of GLRHS[5]. Claire McConaha and Chuck Olescyski will be the DHSWP representatives.
March 19, 2005 Joint Soup Luncheon meeting with PIDS[6], was held at the Phipps Garden Center. Jon Soucek highlighted the upcoming National Convention and Dennis James spoke on perennials.
April 9, 2005 American Daffodil Society National Convention – St. Louis
April 23, 2005 Daffodil Show at the Galleria.
May 1, 2005 Daffodil Poll conducted by Jeanne Rowles. Hosta Collections offered by Steve and Sarah Zolock for club members to purchase.
May 12-13, 2005 May Market at Mellon Park
June 4, 2005 Hosta Show at the Galleria
June 11, 2005 Bus Trip to Ran Lydell’s Eagle Bay Nursery and other gardens. The club subsidized the cost of the trip but a $15.00 donation is required. Thirty six DHSWP members attended
June 2005 ·      June 16-19, 2005—American Hosta Society National Convention in Cleveland.

·      The following gardens are open to visit this summer: Dennis James, Elaine and Bill Modrak, Herb and Joan Altman, and Chuck and Anne Olescyski.

·      New DHSWP banner created by Ruth Foertsch for the club.

July 23, 2005 Summer Picnic/Auction with PIDS at the Zolock’s Gardens.
September 9, 2005 Steering Committee meets at Claire McConaha’s.
October 1, 2005 Fall Forum at Cambridge Springs, PA. This year’s theme was ‘The Sporting Life’ with Peter Cross, Ellen Horning, and Joan Altman as presenters.
October 16, 2005 Daffodil auction at Northland Library.
November 5, 2005 ·      Joint annual awards banquet with PIDS at ‘The Red Bull Inn’ recognizes show winners. Curt Hansen was the speaker.

·      Bob Koffler was the winner of many Hosta Show awards and Mark Gresh took home many of the daffodil awards.

February 4, 2006 The third annual Soup Luncheon with PIDS was held at Phipps Garden Center. Seventy eight attendees had the opportunity to sample thirteen varieties of soup.
March 5, 2006 Dafifodil Program at Northland Library. Steve and Sarah Zolock presenters.
March 10-11, 2006 Hosta College: Eighteen members of the DHSWP attended Hosta College in Piqua, Ohio. Steve and Sarah Zolock, Clarence and Audrey Rauch, and Joan Altman served as teachers!
April 1, 2006 Meeting – Hosta Presentation: Bob Solberg was the featured speaker at the Phipps Garden Center. He spoke on tips for collecting hostas.
April 19-22, 2006 American Daffodil Society National Convention: was held in King Of Prussia, PA.
April 29, 2006 ·      Annual Daffodil Show: was held at the Bidwell Center in the Manchester section of Pittsburgh. Thanks to the Daffodil committee Jeanne Rowles, Elaine Modrak, Suzanne Powers, and Linda Herhold.

·      DHSWP Hosta Plant Sale: Members had the opportunity to order hostas through the club at discounted prices. Selections from Bob Solberg and Q8rZ Nursery.

May 19-21, 2006 ·      May Market takes place on the grounds of Phipps Garden Center. DHSWP and PIDS[7] will share a sales tent. Both clubs will be selling plants as well as recruiting members and educating the public about our plant societies.

·      Open Gardens: Members are encouraged to open their gardens for visitation.

June 3, 2006 Hosta Show was held at the Bidwell Training Center. The show boasted 156 entries and 14 exhibitors, 150 of these entries were in Division I. Best of Show went to H. ‘Cassandra’, submitted by Claire McConaha.
June 10, 2006 Bus Trip to northern Pittsburgh gardens included the Olescyskis’, Altmans, Devonshires, Maybrays, and Dennis James.
June 15-18, 2006 ·      American Hosta Society National Convention in Philadelphia. We were represented by the Altmans, Zolocks & Vázquez-Pérez.

·      Nominating Committee will be seeking candidates to serve as DHSWP officers for the next term.

July 29, 2006 Summer Picnic/Auction held at the Zolocks.
August 11, 2006 DHSWP Steering Committee meets.
September 16, 2006 Fall. Forum – “The Hoscars” – Cambridge Springs PA at the Riverside Inn featured a full day symposium with Steve Chamberlain, Ken Terpening, Chris Wilhoite, and Vijay Chandrok.
October 15, 2006 Daffodil Auction/Steering Committee Election at the Northland Library. Results of election can be found in January 2007 entries.
November 4, 2006 ·      Awards Banquet with PIDS held at Pasquarelli’s Restaurant with Kevin Walek as our key speaker.

·      DHSWP Satisfaction Survey was conducted to determine the likes and dislikes of the club. Fourteen members participated. Most attended events included ‘Soup Luncheon’, ‘Hosta Show’, ‘May Market’ and ‘Bus Trip’.

2007 Newly Elected Steering Committee

President                     Bob Danik

VP Hosta                    Christian Choltko

Co-Chair Hosta           Steve Zolock

VP Daffodils               Suzanne Powers

Co-Chair Daffodils     Jeanne Rowles

Treasurer                     Clarence Rauch

Membership                Kim Choltko

Education Chair           Lenny Lehman

Webpage                     Tim & Suzanne Powers

Newsletter Editor        Claire McConaha

January 6, 2007 Second Annual ‘Friend’s Luncheon’ at Pino Mercato in Point Breeze.
January 31, 2007 DHSWP Annual Plant Sale – Hostas from Q&Z Nursery and Bob Solberg can be ordered through the club by Jan. 31.
February 3, 2007 ·      Joint PIDS & DHSWP Annual Soup Luncheon held at Phipps Garden Center with Barbara Tiffany as guest speaker.

·      Steering committee meeting at 10:30.

March 4, 2007 Scheduled meeting at Northland Library features Len Lehman speaking on ‘Plant Diseases’.
March 16-17, 2007 Hosta College at Piqua, OH.
March 24, 2007 Hosta/Daffodil Grooming Clinic held at Mt Lebanon public library.
April 14, 2007 Annual Daffodil Show at Washington Crown Center. There were 197 entries and 10 exhibitors. A special thanks to our judges – Joan and Herb Altman, Dianne Mrak, and Joe Hamm. Additional thanks go to Linda Herhold, Elaine Modrak, Jean Rowles, and Tom and Myrna Hart.
April 20-22, 2007 American Daffodil Society National Convention – Oregon
April 13-17, 2007 World Daffodil Convention in England.
April 28, 2007 ‘Spring Break’ at West Virginia University. Classes and discussion center on hostas.
April 29, 2007 Scheduled meeting at Phipps Garden Center features Ron Livingston speaking on ‘Photography in the Garden.’
May 18-20, 2007 May Market at Phipps Garden Center.
June 2, 2007 Hosta Show at Washington Crown Center. There were 366 entries and 17 exhibitors. DHSWP Best Leaf by George Crook. Sweepstakes award to John and Barbara Wells.
June 9, 2007 Bus Trip to Southern Pittsburgh gardens included Zolocks, Modraks, Wells, Lehman.
June 20-23, 2007 ·      American Hosta Society national convention in Indianapolis.

·      Members Open Gardens feature the gardens of Dennis James, Karen Schmidt, Earl and Margaret Corbin, Southern Cross (Rowles), Mark Gresh, Chen Young, and Linda Stull.

August 4, 2007 Annual Picnic/Auction at the Zolock’s Gardens. Auctions included iris, hostas, and daylilies.
August 10, 2007 Steering Committee Meeting
September 22, 2007 Fall Forum at Cambridge Springs, PA at the Riverside Inn. Speakers include Ran Lydell, Jon Soucek, Al Pfieffer and Steve and Sarah Zolock.
September 29, 2007 Daffodil Auction/Annual Business Meeting at Northland Library.
November 4, 2007 Awards Luncheon at Carmody’s.
January 5, 2008 Annual Friend’s Luncheon at Sarafino’s in Crafton, PA. This is a great opportunity to break out of those winter blues and be with your gardening friends.
February 2, 2008 Fifth Annual Soup Luncheon at Phipps Garden Center co-sponsored by DHSWP and PIDS[8]. Steering Committee to meet prior to luncheon. Steve and Sarah Zolock entertained us with an informative and sometimes humorous presentation on ‘Art in the Garden.’
February 29, 2008 ·      Annual Spring Hosta Sale. Selections can be made by club members from Q&Z Nursery and Bob Solberg.

·      Club Hosta Inventory: Through the hard work and devotion of Steve and Sarah Zolock the club has greatly expanded our inventory of hostas. Thank you Steve and Sarah for ordering, housing, and caring for the club’s plants!

·      Speaker Coordinator position created. Joan Altman was selected to fill the position.

March 14-15, 2008 ·      Hosta College at Piqua, OH. Sixty volunteer teachers will teach 90 classes on various horticultural topics. Registration begins midnight, Feb. 9. 21 DHSWP members attended. Class instructors: Len Lehman, Claire McConaha, Steve and Sarah Zolock, Jim Kalka, Herb Altman, Tom and Myrna Hart, and Clarence Rauch.

·      Membership Renewal is $10.00 per year or $15.00 for 2 years.

March 13, 2008 Meeting at Northland Library featured Kent Tempening of FOoSF (Fraternal Order of Seedy Fellows). His talk, entitled ‘Learning to See; How to take better pictures in your garden’, instructed members how to deal with vision and photo design.
April 4-5, 2008 Annual Daffodil Show at Washington Crown Mall cancelled due to unseasonable weather conditions.
May 16-18, 2008 Annual May Market with PIDS at Phipps Garden Center. Volunteers are needed to sell plants.
May 24-25, 2008 DHSWP Memorial Day Weekend Bus Tour to Tiffany’s Gardens in Buck’s County, PA.
June 7, 2008 Annual Hosta Show at Soergel’s Orchard in Wexford. The new venue was chosen because of its easy access off I 279 and its appeal to buyers who are searching for plant and nursery material. Our show had 177 entries and 15 exhibitors. Best of Show was H. ‘Geisha’ exhibited by Sandy Csikari. Sweepstakes award went to Chuck and Anne Olescyski with 17 blue ribbons.
June 11-14, 2008 ·      American Hosta Society national convention at St. Louis.

·      Visit A Friend’s Garden – Please pay an informal visit to a friend’s garden. Gardens on tour this summer include the Altmans, Corbins, Daniks, Rowles, Karen Schmidt, Emmy Devonshire, Linda Stull, and Chen Young.

July 26, 2008 Annual DHSWP & PIDS Picnic & Auction at the Zolock’s Gardens.
September 20-21, 2008 Fall Forum at the Riverside Inn in Cambridge Springs, PA. This year’s theme was, ‘This Land is your Land’. Speakers included Olga Petryszyn, Mark Hanner, Mark Langan, and Kathryn McGregor.
September 27, 2008 Daffodil Auction/Fall Festival at Phipps Garden Center.
November 1, 2008 Annual Awards Luncheon features C. H. Falstad from Walter’s Gardens.
January 10, 2009 Schedule Meeting: Carol Kirkpatrick spoke on Hostas & Daffodils’. A business meeting was conducted to vote on Constitutional changes. Meeting held at the Alliance Church.
February 7, 2009 Annual Soup Luncheon with PIDS[9] at Phipps Garden Center. Doug Oster spoke on ‘Gardening for the Fun of It’. Steering Committee meets at 10 AM.
March 8, 2009 Meeting at Northland Library features Lenny Lehman and Steve Zolock speaking on ‘tetraploid hostas’.
March 20-21, 2009 Hosta College in Piqua, OH: DHWSP members that attended include Audrey & Clarence Rauch, Joan & Herb Altman, Karen Schmidt, Larry O’Donnell, Barbara & George Crook, Jim Kalka, Pat Janecek, Bob Kuk, John & Julie Wheeler, and Anne & Chuck Olescyski. Jim Kalka & Clarence Rauch taught a class on ‘Trough Making.’
March 29, 2009 Meeting at Northland Library features Barry Kridler of Kridler Gardens who spoke on less usual plants that can be used in the garden with hostas & daffodils.
April 18. 2009 Annual Daffodil Show at Trax Farms.
April 24-25, 2009 American Daffodil Society national convention.
May 15-17, 2009 May Market at Phipps Conservatory with PIDS.
June 6, 2009 Annual Hosta Show at Soergel’s features a judged exhibition of cut leaves, hosta and daylily sales, and a Hosta Virus X clinic.
June 14, 2009 DHSWP Judges Clinic II taught by Joan & Herb Altman.
June 20, 2009 ·      Midland Hosta Show: Several of our accredited judges attended and helped judge. Reports indicate the show was well attended and successful.

·      DHSWP Hosta Show Report: Mark Gresh won ‘Best in Show’ for H. ‘Pandora’s Box’. Christian and Kim Choltko won the ‘Sweepstakes Award’.

June 24-27, 2009 ·      American Hosta Society national convention in Lansing, MI

·      Members are encouraged to open their gardens for visitations.

July 12, 2009 DHSWP Judges Clinic I & III taught by Joan & Herb Altman at their residence in New Wilmington, PA.
July 25, 2009 Annual DHSWP/PIDS Picnic/Auction at the Zolock’s Gardens.
August 8, 2009 Bus Trip to Holden Arboretum, Homestead Division, and Ruh’s organized by Christian Choltko.
September 19, 2009 Fall Forum: “Dutch Treat”, with WNY Hosta Society held at Riverside Inn in Cambridge Springs, PA. Speakers include Marco Fransen from The Netherlands, C.H. Falstad of Walters Gardens, and Mike Sheehan.
September 26, 2009 GLRHS[10] Delegate Meeting
October 24, 2009 Daffodil Fall Social/Sale/Auction Steering committee and general meeting for the purpose of electing new officers for next term which begins in January of 2010.
November 7, 2009 Awards Luncheon at Rockefellers Grill. Melanie Vassallo’s topic for presentation is ‘The Collector’s Garden.’
2010 Newly Elected Steering Committee

President                       Bob Danik

Hostas VP                    Jim Kalka

Hostas Co-Chair           Steve Zolock

Daffodils VP                Mark Gresh

Daffodils Co-Chair       Bonnie & Steve Plato

Treasurer                      Clarence Rauch

Membership                 Christian Choltko

Education Chair            Lenny Lehman

Newsletter Editor          Claire McConaha`

Member at Large          Cheryl Villegas

February 6, 2010 ·      Seventh Annual Soup’s On Luncheon & Meeting Cancelled Due To Snow!

·      Garden Bucks Program Begins! Garden Bucks will be earned by members for attendance, participation in events, volunteering, serving on committees, and other activities outlined in the proposal. Bucks can be spent on items the club is selling or cashed in as credit to attend events.

March 6, 2010 Doug Beilstein presentation on his breeding program at Northland Library.
March 19-20, 2010 ·      Hosta College at Piqua, Ohio

·      DHSWP Hosta Popularity Poll Conducted Members are invited to vote for their Top Ten hostas and 5 favorite minis. Results will be published and shared with members to determine which hostas are most popular as well as reasons for their popularity.

·      DHSWP welcomes new members Ted and Janet Eck, Bob Kuk, Jacob Lapyczak, Bruce Noel, Evelyn Parent, Pam Rodemayer, Dan and Brenadette Taylor, C.J. Walters, and Elizabethann Low.

April 11, 2010 David Bowe, Hosta breeder, will speak at the monthly meeting at Northland Library.
April 17-18, 2010 ·      Annual Daffodil Show held at Washington Crown Center.

·      Hosta Popularity Poll Winners Announced!–H. ‘June’ captured the #1 position while H. ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ took first place in the mini category.

May 7-8, 2010 May Market – DHSWP & PIDS will share a sales tent at Phipps Conservatory.
June 6, 2010 Annual Hosta Show at Soergel’s market.
June 24-26, 2010 American Hosta Society national convention in Minneapolis, MN
July 24, 2010 Summer Picnic/Auction at D.J.’s nursery & gardens in Transfer, PA.
September 18, 2010 Fall Forum at the Riverside Inn co-hosted by DHSWP and the WNY clubs. The theme of this year’s programwas “It’s a Small World After All” and featured Bob Solberg, Ran Lydell, Dennis James, and Mike and Kathy Shadrack.
September 25, 2010 GLRHS[11] Delegate Meeting
October 9, 2010 Daffodil Fall Social
November 6, 2010 Social Luncheon at Carmody’s
February 12, 2011 Annual Soup Luncheon with PIDS at Phipps Garden Center. Mike and Kathy Shadrack to speak on ‘Little Hostas’. Steering Committee meets prior to meeting.
March 5, 2011 Len Lehman shares his experiences while visiting some wonderful gardens at this regularly scheduled meeting at Northland Library.
March 12, 2011 ·      Hosta College at Piqua, OH.

·      New Membership Chair, Karen Schmidt, assumes responsibilities as Christian Choltko resigns. Chuck & Anne Olescyski will serve as Education chairs replacing Len Lehman.

March 27, 2011 ·      Gary Stoddard discusses growing hostas from seed. Meeting held at Northland Library.

·      Hosta Popularity Poll conducted.

April 16, 2011 Annual Daffodil Show at Washington Crown Center
May 5-7, 2011 May Market with PIDS at Phipps Conservatory
June 4, 2011 Annual Hosta Show held at Soergel’s Market.
June 23-25, 2011 American Hosta Society national convention in Marlborough, MA
July 9, 2011 Bus Trip to Doug Beilsteins and Wade & Gatton gardens
July 23, 2011 DHSWP Annual Picnic/Auction at D.J.’s greenhouse & gardens in Transfer, PA
July 31, 2011 DHSWP Judges Clinic I & III held at Chuck & Anne Olescyski’s. New Provisional Judges include Anne Olescyski, Steve Plato, Sandy Csikari, Hugh Earnhart, and Corinna Sweeney. Congratulations to these folks!
September 17, 2011 Fall Forum ‘Wild Thang’s’ theme wows attendees. Presenters include Doug Beilstein, Rob Mortko, Cindi Fink, and Lenny Lehman. 86 folks attended the event at the Riverside Inn in Cambridge Springs, PA.
October 22, 2011 Daffodil & Lily Fall Social
November 12, 2011 Social Luncheon at Carmody’s, Tom Rabung from Emerald Forest Nurseries was the speaker.
February 11, 2012 Soup Luncheon with PIDS. Kevin Walek spoke on the importance of the registration of hostas and daylilies. 75 in attendance at the Phipps Garden Center.
March 3, 2012 ·      Membership Meeting featuring Barry Kridler who spoke on ‘not so ordinary’ plants for the hosta garden.

·      Steering Committee votes to establish the position of Secretary for the society. By-Laws were changed to allow the treasurer to serve more than 2 consecutive terms.

·      DHSWP satisfaction survey was made available to members for the purpose of determining likes and dislikes of the society.

March 16-17, 2012 Hosta College at Piqua, OH
April 22, 2012 Added meeting hosts Doug Beilstein who educated us on his hybridizing program for hostas.
April 28, 2012 DHSWP Daffodil Show & The Western Pennsylvania Daffodil Growers presented ‘The Late Show’ at Joe Hamm’s Barn.
May 10-12, 2012 May Market with PIDS at Phipps Conservatory
June 2, 2012 ·      DHSWP Hosta Show at Soergel’s Market. Best of Show Award went to Sandy Csikari for H. ‘Independence’.

·      Hosta of The Year: H. ‘Liberty’

·      Open garden invitations from Bill & Nancy Marshall, Chuck & Anne Olescyski, Marietta Schriner, Dan & Bernie Taylor, and Jim & Sandy Ellenberger.

June 9, 2012 Midland Hosta Cut Leaf Show
June 13-16, 2012 American Hosta Society national convention in Nashville, TN
July 21, 2012 Summer Picnic/Auction at D.J.’s nursery & gardens in Transfer, PA.
September 7-8, 2012 Fall Forum theme was ‘OFF to SEE the WIZARD’ and featured speakers Mark Zilis, Rob Canning, Lloyd Traven, and Joseph Trychonievich; at the Riverside Inn in Cambridge Springs, PA.
October 20, 2012 Election Meeting for the purpose of electing Steering Committee members for the next 3 year term – 2013 to 2016.
November 10, 2012 Social Luncheon at Carmody’s
2013 Newly Elected Steering Committee

President                     C. Alicia Pérez

Hostas VP                   Jim Kalka

Hostas Co-Chair         Claire McConaha

Daffodils VP               Steve Plato

Daffodils Co-Chair     Bonnie Plato

Treasurer                     Clarence Rauch

Secretary                     Anne Olescyski

Membership                Karen Schmidt

Speaker Facilitator       Joan & Herb Altman

Education                    Chuck Olescyski

Newsletter Editor        Bob Danik

Member At Large        Cheryl Villegas

February 9, 2013 ·      Annual Soup Luncheon with PIDS, Phipps Garden Center. Speaker Steve Piskor, “Cool Tools and Other Stuff for the Garden”

·      Steering Committee Meeting before the luncheon.

March 15-16, 2013 Hosta College, Piqua, Ohio
March 24, 2013 ·      Speaker Gordon Vujevic presentation on Historic Daffodils at Northland Library

·      Steering Committee Meeting after presentation

April 6, 2013 Daffodil Show at Soergel’s—cancelled
April 11-14, 2013 ADS National Convention, Columbus, OH
April 20, 2013 Mike Shadrack presentation on the world famous Chelsea Garden Show now celebrating 100 years! at Northland Library.
May 9 -11, 2013 May Market
May 26, 2013 Steering Committee Meeting at SS Simon & Jude Church School
June 1, 2013 Hosta Show at Soergel’s
June 13-15, 2013 AHS National Convention, Milwaukee, WI
June 22-23, 2013 Whispering Pines Farm Hosta sale
June 29, 2013 Midland Hosta Society Show
June 28 – 30, 2013 Great Lakes Region Tailgate, Walkerton, Indiana, Rosie Flitter
July 13, 2013 Bus Trip to OH, visited the gardens of Carol Knock’s Garden in Warren; David Bowe on Sugar Bush Lane, Chagrin Falls & Linda Barnard Traymore Drive, Chagrin Falls. Visited a couple of garden centers: Lowes Greenhouse & Breezewood Gardens.
July 20, 2013 Summer Picnic/Auction at D.J.’s nursery & gardens in Transfer, PA.
September 20 – 21, 2013 Fall Forum theme was ‘Edinboro Fringe’ and featured speakers Tom Micheletti, Rachel Soucek, Doug Oster & Tony Post at Edinboro University Campus, Edinboro, PA
October 4, 2013 Goodbye: Robert Charles (Bob) Danik Jr: Nov 29, 1948 – Oct 4, 2013
October 19, 2013 Annual Business Meeting—cancelled
November 2, 2013 Steering Committee Meeting at Northland Library.
November 9, 2013 End of Season Luncheon at Carmody’s

Speaker Reldon Ramsey presentation on Russ O’Harra, his home, plants etc. & some Hosta of the Year trivia for fun.

November 10, 2013 Winterizing DHSWP Hostas at Danik’s nursery.
November 16, 2013 Goodbye: John Dittmer, Past President
January 11, 2014 Annual Friend’s Luncheon at Sarafino’s in Crafton, PA. This is a great opportunity to break out of those winter blues and be with your gardening friends.
February 22, 2014 Steering Committee Meeting at Northland Library.
March 8, 2014 Soup Luncheon with PIDS, Phipps Garden Center, Shadyside. Speaker Joanne Lightner: “Daylilies and Friends: The More, The Merrier!”
March 14 – 15, 2014 Hosta College, Piqua, OH
March 23, 2014 Joint Meeting with the Rock Garden Society at the National Aviary. Fairies Garden speaker, Mark Langan from Mulberry Creek
March 27 – 30, 2014 National Daffodil Convention, Little Rock, Arkansas
April 6, 2014 Meeting at Northland Library, Daffodil Speaker, Barrie Kridler
April 12, 2014 Daffodil Show at Shadyside Academy, joint with the Penn State Master Gardener’s Symposium & Marketplace. Ice Rink at Shady Side Academy, Fox Chapel–Cancelled
May 4, 2014 Hosta Grooming Clinic with Jim Kalka, joint with Rock Garden Society show.
May 31 & June 1, 2014 Two day bus trip to Philadelphia, including a visit to the Tiffany’s gorgeous garden
June 7, 2014 Hosta Show at Soergel’s.
June 11-14, 2014 AHS National Convention, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
June 21 – 22, 2014 ·      Whispering Pines Hosta Sale

·      Great Lakes Region Tailgate

July 19, 2014 Summer Picnic/Auction at D.J.’s nursery & gardens in Transfer, PA.
August 16, 2014 Penn State Master Gardener’s Garden in the Park (North & South Parks)
August 23, 2014 Steering Committee Meeting at Northland Library.
September 19 – 20, 2014 Fall Forum theme was ‘Damn Right, I got the Blues’ and featured speakers Don Dean, Rick Goodenough, Oscar Cross & Laura Deeter at Edinboro University Campus, Edinboro, PA
October 18, 2014 End of Season Luncheon—Oktoberfest at Atria’s Rt 19

Speaker Ran Lydell presentation on hybridizing hostas.

November 15, 2014 Steering Committee Meeting at Northland Library.
January 10, 2015 Annual ‘Friend’s Luncheon’ at Sarafino’s in Crafton. A great opportunity to break out of the winter blues and meet with garden friends.
January 17, 2015 Steering Committee Meeting at Northland Library.
February 7, 2015 Soup Luncheon with PIDS at Phipps Garden Center. Speaker, Dr Ron Boron, ‘Container Gardening’.
March 14, 2015 Annual Meeting: State of the DHSWP Northland Library.Speaker, Jill Nicolaus, ‘Protecting Pollinators’
March 20 – 21, 2015 Hosta College at Piqua, Ohio.
April 8, 2015 Project 300: Potting Party – Members meet at QualityGardens to repot 300 hosta liners for hosta sales!
April 9 – 12, 2015 National Daffodil Convention, Williamsburg, VA
April 11, 2015 Meeting at Northland Library, Speaker, Ellen Speicher, ‘All About the Dirt’
April 18, 2015 Daffodil Show at Shadyside Academy, joint with the Penn State Master Gardener’s Symposium & Marketplace. Ice Rink at Shady Side Academy, Fox Chapel
May 3, 2015 Hosta Grooming Clinic with Jim Kalka, joint with Rock Garden Society Show and sale at Soergel’s
June 6, 2015 Hosta Show at Soergel’s
June18 – 20, 2015 AHS National Convention, Raleigh, NC
June 20 – 21, 2015 Whispering Pines Hosta Sale
July 10 – 12, 2015 Great Lakes Region Tailgate, WNY Hosta Society
July 18, 2015 Summer Picnic/Auction at D.J.’s nursery & gardens in Transfer, PA.
August 8, 2015 Steering Committee Meeting at Northland Library
August 15, 2015 Penn State Master Gardener’s Garden in the Park (North & South Parks)
September 18 – 19, 2015 Fall Forum theme was ‘Through the Looking Glass’ and featured speakers Rob Mortko, Bob Solberg, Llyod Traven, Al Pfieffer & Friday night: Stephen Piskor at Edinboro University Campus, Edinboro, PA
October 10, 2015 Dessert Pot Luck Meeting at Northland Library Speakers: Hosta VP Jim Kalka:’Put your Hosta to Sleep’ & Daffodils VPs the Platos: ‘Plant your Daffodil Bulbs for Spring’
November 7, 2015 End of Season Luncheon—Luciano’s Brick Oven. Len Lehman did a presentation on “The Other Bulbs.”
November 21, 2015 Steering Committee Meeting at Northland Library
2016 Newly Elected Steering Committee

President—————— (Interim) C. Alicia Pérez

VP Hosta—————– Megan Danik

VP Daffodils————- Steve & Bonnie Plato

Treasurer—————— Patty McGuire

Secretary—————— Susan Gahagan

Co-Chair Hosta———- Gary Gahagan

Co-Chair Daffodils—— Lenny Lehman

Membership————– Bobbi Diller

Education Chair———- Sandy Ellenberger

Speaker Facilitator——- Karen Schmidt

Newsletter Editor——– C. Alicia Pérez

Members at Large——- Jim Kalka & Matt Wilson

January 16, 2016 10th Annual Friend’s Winter Luncheon, Sarafino’s
January 30, 2016 Steering Committee Meeting at Northland Library
February 6, 2016 Annual Soup Luncheon at Phipps Garden Center in Shadyside. Roxanne Swann of Beechwood Farm Nature Reserve, “Attracting the 3 B’s (Birds, Butterflies and Bees) to Your Formal Garden – Integrating Native Plants For Variety”
February 20, 2016 ANNUAL Meeting, Pizza & Salad Social, St John Lutheran Church
March 12, 2016 Open Forum on Hostas, Moderators Chuck Olescyski, Joan Altman & Len Lehman at Northland Library
March 18 – 19, 2016 Hosta College, Piqua, OH
April 6 – 10, 2016 WORLD’s Daffodil Convention, St Louis, MO
April 9, 2016 Daffodil Grooming Clinic—Bonnie & Steve Plato, Mark Gresh & Len Lehman, Northland Library
April 23, 2016 Daffodil Show, joint with the Penn State Master Gardener’s Symposium & Marketplace. Ice Rink at Shady Side Academy, Fox Chapel
May 1, 2016 Hosta Grooming Clinic with Jim Kalka, joint with Rock Garden Society Show & sale at Soergels
May 14, 2016 DAFFODIL Meeting with Brent Heath from Brent and Becky’s bulbs, Northland Library
May 21, 2016 Steering Committee Meeting at Northland Library
June 4, 2016 Hosta Show & Sales at Soergels
June15 – 18, 2016 National Hosta Convention, St Louis, MO
June 18 – 19, 2016 Whispering Pines Hosta Sale
July 8 – 9, 2016 Great Lakes Region, Tailgate Party, Akron, OH
July 16, 2016 Summer Picnic/Auction at D.J.’s nursery & gardens in Transfer, PA
August 13, 2016 HOSTA Meeting with C H Falstad: Why are the Hostas on the Other Side of the Fence Always Greener and Bigger” Northland Library
August 20, 2016 Garden in the Parks Field Day
September 10, 2016 Pot Luck Meeting & Bulb Sale with Joseph Tychonievich (formerly from Arrowhead Alpines): How Plants Got their Stripes: The Science of Variegated and Patterned Leaves. St John Lutheran Church
Sept 16 – 17, 2016 Fall Hosta Forum, Edinboro PA
October 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Forcing Bulbs—a hands on workshop with Lenny Lehman, St John Lutheran Church
November 5, 2016 End of Season Luncheon—Luciano’s Brick Oven. Alan Irvine, Storyteller, “Three Ghost Stories.”
November 19, 2016 Steering Committee Meeting at Northland Library
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

[1] WNYHS—Western New York Hosta Society

[2] PIDS—Pittsburgh Iris & Daylilies Society

[3] PIDS—Pittsburgh Iris & Daylilies Society

[4] WNYHS—Western New York Hosta Society

[5] GLRHS—Great Lakes Region Hosta Society

[6] PIDS—Pittsburgh Iris & Daylilies Society

[7] PIDS—Pittsburgh Iris & Daylilies Society

[8] PIDS—Pittsburgh Iris & Daylilies Society

[9] PIDS—Pittsburgh Iris & Daylilies Society

[10] GLRHS—Great Lakes Region Hosta Society

[11] GLRHS—Great Lakes Region Hosta Society