Update on the Costa Rican Palm Society

[Jeff in St Pete]

The Asociación Costarricense de Palmeras (The Costa Rican Palm Society) had its second meeting on Saturday May 16, 2009. The meeting was hosted by Al Batalla (forum name - palm freak) at his farm and nursery in Orotina. Al has a very large nursery operation with thousands of palms and other tropical plants. A good time was had by all!

We accomplished a lot at our second meeting. Our officers and directors were voted in, our member dues were decided upon, our mission statement was discussed, a possible logo for our organization was shown, an attorney was found who is willing to file our "association" papers so that we are a legal entity in Costa Rica, and I gave an update on our website which is currently being worked on.

Officers for the first term:

President - yours truly

Vice-President - Richard Illingworth

Secretary - the person who was nominated is currently out of the country and I am waiting to hear if she will accept.

Treasurer - Al Batalla

Fiscal (a required position in Costa Rica Associations) - Federico Batalla

Director - Donna Porter

Director - Jose Maria

Director - Gary Kopper

Our treasurer has already opened a bank account and is collecting membership dues. I have the account information so if anyone wants to join our group, please send Al or myself a PM and we will forward you the bank info so that you can make your deposit.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Saturday July 11, 2009 at 10am. The meeting will be held at the home of Dr Dewayne Richardson in Santa Ana. Dr Richardson has been living in Costa Rica for many many years (since the 60's I believe) and he previously worked for the African Oil Plantations before his retirement. I'm looking forward to seeing his private palm collection!

Here is a photo from the meeting, unfortunately a couple people left before the photo was taken so this is not all of us. We are standing in front of a very large Sabal which no one could identify. I think Marco mentioned it might be Sabal Riverside? Someone must have brought in some Sabals or seeds many years ago as there are some large specimens growing in the Orotina area.

[bgl]

Jeff,

This is great news! Looks like an enthusiastic group, and I'm sure there will be others who will want to join soon!

Thank you for being instrumental in making this happen, and a big 'thank you' to everybody else in the group as well!

Aloha,

Bo-Göran

[Jeff in St Pete]

Thanks for the words of encouragement Bo.

There were at least 8 more members who were out of the country or had other obligations and couldn't make it to this last meeting. We should have a better turnout on July 11th. By that time, we should already be a legal organization in Costa Rica and we can talk to you about becoming an IPS affiliate.

[BS Man about Palms]

Awesome Jeff and everyone! Keep it up!

[John Case]

Congratulations on the club.

I wish you all the best!

[gcyao]

Jeff,

Congratulations on your being the founding president!

Hopefully, you and your new palm society will serve as inspiration for those of us still without one.

[Jeff Searle]

Jeff,

Congratulations on getting this off the ground. It looks like a great group and wish you all the best. It's nice to see Marco involved with all the experience he has.

Jeff

[Kim]

Congratulations on the Association's progress, you're moving very quickly. It's great to see so much interest in this fledgling group.

iPura vida!

P.S. July 11? I should tell my daughter to go, she'll be teaching surfing most of the summer in Costa Rica somewhere south of Tamarindo. Is Santa Ana anywhere close to that?

[Jeff in St Pete]

Thanks Bill and John.

Thanks George, The Philippines doesn't have a palm society?

Thanks Jeff. Yes, I'm very glad Marco is a member. His knowledge and experience growing palms in Costa Rica will be invaluable to us. I'm hoping he will host a meeting this year at his farm (hear that Marco? )

Thanks Kim. That would be so cool if your daughter could come to the meeting that day! Santa Ana is a suburb of San Jose (near Escazú) and it's not exactly close to Tamarindo. If she wants to come and see San Jose for a day or two (and join us for the meeting), she could fly over on Sansa or Nature Air. They offer reduced fares during the off-season and she could easily catch a quick flight over. I would even pick her up from the airport and take her to the meeting at Dr Richardson's house. Of course if she's not into palms, I doubt she will want to go through all that trouble.

[Moose]

Excellent! Best wishes to your new group.

Kindest regards,

Ron.

[gcyao]

  Jeff in Costa Rica said:

Thanks George, The Philippines doesn't have a palm society?

There used to be one many years ago. I am guessing that lack of enough interested members made them fold into the Philippine Horticultural Society. That was way before I became involved with plants and palms.

[Jeff Searle]

  gcyao said:

  Jeff in Costa Rica said:

Thanks George, The Philippines doesn't have a palm society?

There used to be one many years ago. I am guessing that lack of enough interested members made them fold into the Philippine Horticultural Society. That was way before I became involved with plants and palms.

George,

Well, if anyone can get a chapter started, you certainly can. Any interest?? I definitely would like to visit your country in the not so near future.

Jeff

[gcyao]

  Jeff Searle said:

  gcyao said:

  Jeff in Costa Rica said:

Thanks George, The Philippines doesn't have a palm society?

There used to be one many years ago. I am guessing that lack of enough interested members made them fold into the Philippine Horticultural Society. That was way before I became involved with plants and palms.

George,

Well, if anyone can get a chapter started, you certainly can. Any interest?? I definitely would like to visit your country in the not so near future.

Jeff

Jeff,

I am into too many things already! But I am willing to support anyone willing to take the lead. Jeremy, Gene, are you there?

Anytime you're coming, just notify me.