September is an important month this year for the Indianapolis Rose Society because we are hosting the Illinois-Indiana District Convention. It is an honor to be asked by the District Director to host the convention, but it is a lot of hard work by the members of our rose society and acceptance of the responsibility of putting on the convention carries certain financial burdens. A lot of our members have pitched-in, and I believe that we have planned one of the best conventions that the District has had in several years. We have tried to be conservative in our planning, yet we still have been able to line up some great speakers to do the educational programs. It would be a shame to not to take advantage of this opportunity to hear them speak.

I am grateful that so many of our members have generously donated their time and energy, and I am reluctant to ask for more, but, as President, I believe that it is in the best interest of the Indianapolis Rose Society that I do so. At this juncture, just two week before the convention, registrations are well below expectations and below historical attendance levels. We are faced with the possibility of losing money on the convention which is, I believe, a first for the Indianapolis Rose Society. Our contract with the hotel requires that so many hotel room nights be reserved and so much food be purchased. The hotel will grant some leeway in this commitment, but, in the main, we will have to pay the hotel any deficiency regardless of whether someone uses the rooms or consumes the food.

You can help us meet our commitments to the hotel by coming to the convention and spending the weekend. We know that is probably not possible for most of our members; however, you can help us out greatly by participating in just some aspect of the convention. For example, for $25.00 which is a special rate for our members, you can see the rose show, attend the educational programs, and participate in the live auction where roses and related products will be sold. The auctioneer is quite a character and you will enjoy his self effacing humor. Considering the stature of the speakers and the quality of the rose show, this is a tremendous bargain.

For an additional $31.00 per person you can attend the evening festivities which will include a cash bar, dinner, and entertainment by the singing quartet, "In Good Company". Just think of it as taking the sweetie out to dinner on Saturday evening. I doubt if you can get the same value anywhere in Indy and just think of all those wonderful rose people you will be dining with. Don't forget the garden tour on Sunday morning. For $20.00 you can ride in a small bus to three great rose gardens on the south side of Indianapolis. Just show up at the hotel on Sunday morning, jump on the bus, and have a relaxing day in some beautiful gardens. The tour will only last 3 to 4 hours. If you cannot join us, please consider making a general donation of money to be used to defray the costs of the convention.

I would much prefer writing to you about some rose related topic, but I feel it is my responsibility to let you know of this situation and to ask for your help. If you decide to come, and I know that some of you will, please complete the registration form and send to Renee Lafollette so that she receives it no later than September 7th as that is the cutoff for ordering meals. If you have any doubts about when she will receive the registration form, please call her at 765 342-7026 and let her know your intentions. I know that many of you will respond to this request and I look forward to seeing you at the convention.

Mark Nolen, President