Sarah Bentley Recounts Time with Houston Orchid Society

Many celebrations are in order at the end of the year. Families get together for feasting at Thanksgiving, then shopping and other revelry continue through the end of the year. Of course, we can’t forget the “reason for the season,” which I interpret as “Peace On Earth.”

One key feature is getting together and affirming our connections. Of course, gaining knowledge about nature around us will lead to opportunities to help our planet. A key feature of HOS meetings is the wide variety of programs and speakers from around the world who offer lessons on helping the environment by growing orchids.

This happens at every monthly meeting of Houston Orchid Society! The December meeting is significant because this is the month when elections are held and the new officers are installed. It’s a very special time because each person who carries out the duties of being an officer for Houston Orchid Society will be recognized and acknowledged at the December 7 meeting.

Another feature of the December meeting is a potluck supper, so bring your favorite dish to share. Since we hope everyone will bring a bit of food, don’t be concerned about bringing enough food for every person. It will be a delightful, tasty evening!

Then, be prepared to participate in a rousing auction of orchids to benefit the fabulous Houston Judging Center. Jay Balchan will be our auctioneer, offering blooming plants from Karen Kimmerle at Island Sun, more blooming plants from Carmela’s, and then donated plants and divisions from judges’ and some members’ personal collections.

Leading to the New Year 2024, I’d like to reflect on my early HOS journey. I went to an HOS yard sale in the Montrose area sometime in the 1990s. I may have found the address from the Greensheet. It may surprise some of you that it was during my hippie days when Joe and I had a little shop where we sold custom racing bicycles. (Aside) I also raced bikes, including on the Alkek Velodrome, which is still active at Cullen Park in far southwest Harris County.

Anyway, I purchased a Cattleya from Stephen Moffitt and Joe Fields at the HOS yard sale. Nothing happened… I mean, NOTHING! The plant never bloomed but it didn’t die either. A few years later Joe and I moved to a little rent house in Bellaire where we happily filled expected roles at our daughter’s wedding and then were active grandparents for the next two decades.

Sometime in the late 1990s I noticed another HOS plant sale. There, I purchased a blooming Dendrobium from Joe Fields and Jarvis Banks (RIP each of these gentlemen). I also found the connection to join HOS, and the rest is history.

I joined sometime before 2000 and filled my first few years as chair of the Hospitality Committee, which I highly recommend for new members. Every office or committee chair I filled added to my understanding and appreciation of the beauty and importance of the orchid, and the community of orchid enthusiasts around the world.
Fast forward, I was elected to be VP for Speakers just before Covid in 2018. The next two years were a challenge, but we managed by setting up Zoom meetings. Now, after two years as President, I am ready to pass the gavel to Stephen Gallagher. I pledge my support and assistance for all activities and invite all HOS members to come along. We’ll have a great time!

Thank you all for indulging my trip down memory lane. I hope sharing my story will encourage others to join the fellowship and keep the momentum going.

Sarah Bentley
President, Houston Orchid Society 2022–23
Member since 19(mumble)