Hotel Information

AVSA/AVSC Buffalo, NY Convention and Show, May 20 – May 27, 2018

The Adam’s Mark Hotel and Events Center is excited to host our event! Please reserve your guestroom by phone or online no later than Friday, April 20, 2018!

When registering online, click on:

https://reservations.travelclick.com/15259?groupID=1667872&hotelID=15259#/guestsandrooms This link will take you directly to make your reservation. When making a reservation by phone: Call the Adam’s Mark Hotel and Events Center, 716-845-5100 and follow the prompts for reservations. Reference the group name “African Violet Society” to receive the discounted rate. Room rates are as follows: Single, Double, Triple or Quad Occupancy: $119 13.75% State and Local Tax Reservations must be received by April 20, 2018 to qualify for these discounted hotel rates.

Please note that the deadline for the AVSA Early Booking Discount is earlier, April 12, 2018.

When reservations are made, the hotel requires a deposit equal to the room rate and tax for the first night for each reservation.

An individual’s deposit is refundable to that individual if the hotel receives notice of an individual’s cancellation at least 72 hours prior to scheduled arrival.

Check-in Time: 3:00 p.m. Check-out Time: 11:00 p.m.

The Adam’s Mark is 100% smoke-free. The hotel offers complimentary wireless Internet access in all guestrooms. Pets are not allowed in this hotel. Service animals are allowed. The Adam's Mark will be charging $3/day for parking, with unlimited in and out privileges each day.

Ph: 716-685-2550 • Fax: 716-685-2880

2018 AVSA-AVSC Convention Sunday, May 20 – Sunday, May 27, 2018

Adam's Mark Hotel & Events Center, Buffalo, NY

Rate is one way per person and includes all tolls and baggage handling:

1 Passenger - $30.00

2 Passengers - $18.00 per person

3 Passengers - $14.00 per person

4+ Passengers - $12.00 per person

**price does not include gratuity, which is at passenger discretion**

**Reservations are required**

Rates are applicable between Buffalo, NY and the

Buffalo Niagara Airport and the Amtrak Station, 55 Dick Road Depew, New York.

Make your reservations by calling:

PHONE: 716-685-2550 or toll free 877-750-2550

Reservations made on our online reservation system on our website will not

reflect the discounted convention pricing.

**IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU MENTION YOU ARE WITH THE AVSA-AVSC CONVENTION

WHEN YOU CALL TO MAKE THE RESERVATION TO GET THE DISCOUNTED RATE.**

Please have your travel information available and a credit card

is required to hold the reservation.

Any questions can be directed to:

Phone: 716-685-2550 or toll free 877-750-2550

Email: nicole@buffaloairportshuttle.com

Note: Buffalo Airport Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport. The cost is approximately $35.00 one

way to the hotel.

AVSA/AVSC Convention Registration Form

"African Violets CAN Link US Together"

May 20 – May 27, 2018 – Adam's Mark Hotel and Events Center, Buffalo, NY

NOTE: Each person registering must use a separate form; photocopies may be used if more are needed.

Please send this completed registration form, with your check, money order or credit card number, made out in the appropriate amount to AVSA.

Mail to: The AVSA Office - 2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77702. Refunds will be made upon written request only if received by April 20, 2018.

There will be a $5.00 paperwork fee charged for cancellations. Following receipt of your registration, you will receive confirmation from the AVSA

Office which includes your convention registration, tours, presentations, meal information and any materials being mailed in advance of the convention.

AVSA Membership # Last Name First Initial Area Code/Phone#

Street or P.O. Box Apt. # City/State Zip

Email address (confirmations will be emailed if possible)

(Please remember to use a separate form for spouse, guest or child attending. Photocopies may be used.)

PLEASE CIRCLE APPROPRIATE STATUS:

(A) Individual Member (E) Judge (I) Judging School Teacher (M) Non-Member (guest)

(B) Life Member (F) Senior Judge (J) Bronze Medal Winner (N) 1st Convention

(C) Honorary Life Member (G) Master Judge (K) Board Member (O) Columnist

(D) Associate Member (H) Commercial Member (L) Affiliate President (P) Hybridizer

Are you a member of AVSA, AVSC or both? Please circle one. AVSA AVSC AVSA & AVSC

This is my (#) convention. Name to go on badge

(Note: If you are a Commercial Member and want your business name to appear, please write it in also.)

Yes No Are you planning to exhibit? If yes, circle one or both. Hort and/or Design

(If yes to Hort, entries information will be mailed to you.)

In case of emergency, who should be notified?

Name

Relationship Address City/State Area Code/Phone #

TRAVEL BY:

Personal Car _____ Other _____ Rental Car _____ Airline___________________________________

REGISTRATION: Package Deal (includes registration and meal functions 2, 5, and 7) $155.00 $

Package not available after April 12, 2018.

After April 12, 2018, each registration will be $75.00 or $78.00 respectively.

REGISTRATION: AVSA or Associate Member (Early Bird Discount) $60.00 $

AVSA or Associate Member (after April 12, 2018) $75.00 $

Non-Member (Guest) (Early Bird Discount) $63.00 $

Non-Member (Guest) (after April 12, 2018) $78.00 $

One-day registration (allows registrant to participate for one day of convention)

Please indicate: Thur. _____ Fri._____ Sat._____ Total days marked _______ x $35.00 $

Early Booking Discount for those who book reservations at the Adam's Mark Hotel Buffalo by April 12, 2018.

List hotel reservation number Subtract $10.00 $-

TOTAL REGISTRATION $

MEALS:

_____1.Wed. "Meet the Board of Directors" Luncheon (Open to all convention registrants.) - Shaved Prime Rib Sandwich, Dessert $25.00 $

_____2.Thurs. Awards Banquet - Choice of Flat Iron Steak, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetable, Dessert $40.00 $

Or Chicken Picatta, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetable, Dessert $40.00 $

(PLEASE CIRCLE YOUR MEAL CHOICE.)

_____3.Fri. Teachers Breakfast - Poached Eggs on an English Muffin, Canadian Bacon $25.00 $

_____4.Fri. Affiliates Breakfast - Poached Eggs on an English Muffin, Canadian Bacon $25.00 $

_____5.Fri. Luncheon/Auction - Choice of Hot Sandwiches - Grilled Reuben, Fresco Chicken or Grilled Vegetable, Dessert $25.00 $

(PLEASE CIRCLE YOUR HOT SANDWICH CHOICE.)

_____6.Sat. Judges Breakfast - Breakfast Buffet $25.00 $

_____7.Sat. Installation Banquet - Stuffed Breast of Chicken, Seasonal Vegetable, Potato, Dessert $40.00 $

TOTAL MEALS $

OPEN SEATING AT ALL MEALS. SPECIAL MEAL REQUESTS MUST BE MADE TO THE AVSA OFFICE AT TIME OF REGISTRATION.

REQUESTS MADE DIRECTLY TO THE HOTEL WILL NOT BE HONORED.

TOURS:

____1. Mon. May 21 Niagara Wine Trail $70.00 $

____2. Tues. May 22 American & Canadian Niagara Falls $130.00 $

____3. Wed. May 23 Buffalo & Erie Botanical Gardens $111.00 $

____4. Thurs. May 24 Vidler's 5 & 10 Cent Variety Store $35.00 $

____5. Fri. May 25 Buffalo Harbor Cruise $70.00 $

TOTAL TOURS $

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

_____ 7:00 p.m. — 7:15 p.m. Welcome by Richard Nicholas, AVSA President

_____ 7:15 p.m. — 7:45 p.m. Slides of the Orlando Convention and New Introductions ~ Nancy Hayes, Narrator

_____ 7:45 p.m. — 8:15 p.m. Social Break (cash bar)

_____ 8:15 p.m. — 9:45 p.m. Technology Presentation by David Kesler, Technology Committee Chair

PRESENTATIONS: (Please check those presentations you wish to attend.)

Thursday, May 24, 2018

_____ 10:30 a.m — 12:00 Noon "Fresh Perspectives on Design" by Judy Zinni

Friday, May 25, 2018

_____ 10:00 a.m. — 11:30 a.m. "Fun with Streptocarpus and Sinningias " by Dale Martens

Friday, May 25, 2018

_____ 3:00 p.m .— 4:30 p.m. "The Little Ones" by Brett Flewelling

Saturday, May 26, 2018

_____ 10:00 a.m. — 11:30 a.m. "The Growing Popularity of Russian Hybrids" by Steve and Donna Turner

Saturday, May 26, 2018

_____ 1:00 p.m. — 2:30 p.m. "What Is Wrong with My Plants?" by Barb Werness and Vicki Ferguson

MERCHANDISE:

_____ T-shirts - Convention Logo - Size (please circle) S M L XL XXL XXXL - All sizes same price. Pre-order deadline, April 12. $18.00 $

_____ 2019 AVSA Calendar (Note: There is no quantity discount.) $15.00 $

_____ AVSA Neck Wallet $5.00 $

TOTAL MERCHANDISE $

NOTE: If you want a T-shirt, you will need to Pre-order them. There will be very few extras, if any.

PAYMENT: Please double check to ensure all numbers are listed correctly.

Total Package Deal $ Check one:

Total Registration $ ____ Visa #

Total Meals $ Expires 3-digit Security Code

Total Tours $ ____ MasterCard #

Total Merchandise $ Expires 3-digit Security Code

Judging School Registration ____ Check or Money Order Enclosed

$10.00 $

Donation: Convention Show $

Awards

TOTAL $

PAYMENT ENCLOSED

NOTE: Cancellations must be received Signature (if using card)

by April 20, 2018 to be entitled to a refund.

There will be a $5.00 fee for all cancellations.

Send payment and completed registration form to:

Convention Registration

AVSA Office, 2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77702-1722

(409) 839-4725. Whenever possible, confirmations will be emailed.

AVSA/AVSC 2018 BUFFALO TOURS

Tour 1: Niagara Wine Trail

Monday, May 21, 1100 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Tour Cost: $70.00

The beautiful countryside awaits your visit along the Niagara Wine Trail. Explore up to four

wineries, each one unique in its offerings. You will be able to sample a wide array of wines from

sweet to dry, including award-winning ice wine and possibly a local brew or hard cider. Enjoy

the fantastic scenery as your local guide explains the history of the Niagara Region, including the

Gorge. Box lunch is included. All you need bring is your palate! A minimum of 20 is required

for this tour and will be handicap accessible.

Tour 2: American & Canadian Niagara Falls

Tuesday, May 22, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tour Cost: $130.00

The Ultimate Niagara Falls tour!!! Do not miss this one! An all-day handicap accessible tour

packed full of the very best the region has to offer. Start out walking along the paths of Niagara

Falls State Park and end up at the World-Famous Maid of the Mist Boat Cruise. Descend 250

feet from the Observation Tower to the base of Horseshoe Falls to board your boat. Feel the

spray and hear the roar of 600,000 gallons-per-second flow over the cliffs. If that is not enough,

we’ll go to the very base of the Falls and explore Goat Island and Cave of the Winds. Of course,

a poncho and footwear will be provided so that you may experience Bridal Veil Falls face-to-

face from the Hurricane Deck. From here, it is off to Canada (Passport Required) to the top of

775’ Skylon Tower for spectacular views and a buffet lunch at the tower restaurant. A driving

tour highlighting the river, Glen, Escarpment, Power Plants and Control Dam will also include a

stop at Table Rock to take in the views from the brink of Horseshoe Falls. This tour is handicap

accessible and wet, which will make for a “bad hair” day. Passports are required for this tour.

Minimum of 25 needed for this trip.

Tour 3: Buffalo & Erie Botanical Gardens

Wednesday, May 23, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tour Cost: $111.00

The Best of Buffalo for the best people. We will start the day going to Buffalo and Erie

Botanical Gardens for a tour of the 12 greenhouses full of botanical beauty. Then it is off to the

world-famous Anchor Bar, home of the original chicken wings. Enjoy the provided light lunch

of wings and fries or order on your own dime. After lunch, the tour continues to Darwin Martin

House, a progressive architectural gem of its time. The home was designed by Frank Lloyd

Wright and is considered one of his most famous works. Learn about the massive restoration

efforts to bring this home back to pristine condition. You will then relax and enjoy a driving tour

of Buffalo, highlighting Millionaire’s Row, Elmwood Village, Delaware Park, and Japanese

Gardens before returning to the hotel. The interior of the Martin House is not wheelchair

accessible. Minimum of 15 persons.

Tour 4: Vidler’s 5 & 10 Cent Variety Store

Thursday, May 24, 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon

Tour Cost: $35.00

Let’s step back in time for our trip to Vidler’s in East Aurora. Billed as the world’s largest 5 and

10 cent store, Vidler’s is truly unique. You will be absolutely amazed at the variety this store has

to offer and swept away to your days of yesteryear as you walk the aisles. Four buildings full of

old-time memories await you. The bus should have you back for the salesroom opening. See

www.vidlers5and10.com. Minimum of 15 for this tour.

Tour 5: Buffalo Harbor Cruise

Friday, May 25, 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Tour Cost: $70.00

Enjoy the skyline and sights of Buffalo aboard Buffalo Harbor Cruise Miss Buffalo II. A cash

bar (no BYOB) and Italian Buffet dinner with a meatless option will be served during our three-

hour tour along the Buffalo River, Harbor, and part of the Niagara River. Cruise is limited to

150 people and will go rain or shine. We will shuttle to and from the hotel so there will be a short

wait before boarding and after disembarking. Minimum of 100 and maximum of 150. No

reservations after May 11 for this one. Smaller wheelchairs please as space and entryways are

small. Chairs and scooters are limited to the covered top deck. Restrooms are located one deck

below. Assistance is available. See www.buffaloharborcruises.com for additional info.

PRESENTATIONS

2018 AVSA/AVSC BUFFALO CONVENTION

Session 1 “Fresh Perspectives on Design” Thursday, May 24 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon Judy Zinni, Canada The world of floral design is exploding with new styles, products, and techniques. Judy has studied with instructors from Canada, USA and Europe and will share some of these innovations with you as it pertains to designing with African violets, both for show and for the home. Don’t miss this demonstration. Here is an opportunity to see some beautiful and avant-garde designs. Session 2 “Fun with Streptocarpus and Sinningias” Friday, May 25 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Dale Martens, Davenport, Iowa Growing Streptocarpus and Sinningias can be rewarding if you follow Dale Martens’ insights, strategies, and tips. She will discuss propagation and cultural requirements that will result in happy plants. Dale has experimented with LED strip lights and tubes and will share those results with you, too. I’m sure she will show you her latest hybrids. Session 3 “The Little Ones” Friday, May 25 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Brett Flewelling, Canada This presentation on growing mini and semimini African violets will include a PowerPoint presentation that will cover the basics of light, water, soil mixes and fertilizer, as well as tips on growing for show. There will be a demonstration on how to start a leaf and repot a plant to prepare it for the show season.

Session 4 “The Growing Popularity of Russian Hybrids” Saturday, May 26 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Steve and Donna Turner, North Myrtle Beach, SC Russian hybrids have seen a tremendous growth of popularity in recent years. To what do we

owe this sudden surge? Are they new, different, bigger, or better? Why are there so few

Russian hybrids in our shows? Help us find the answers. How popular is the hobby in Russia?

Are there more growers and hybridizers, and who are they? What are the most appealing

qualities of Russian hybrids? Transliterate versus translation, what is the difference and learn

how to do it. We’ll give you our secrets to building an exclusively Russian collection and how we

grow at Starz n Streps. Presented by Steve and Donna Turner, the Russian hybrids’ biggest fans.

Opinions from the crowd will be gratefully accepted!

Session 5

“What Is Wrong with My Plants?”

Saturday, May 26 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Barb Werness, Blaine, MN and Vicki Ferguson, Centerville, OH

Barb – “OMG! My plants keep dying. Tell me what’s wrong”. I hope to share with you my experiences with an unforgiving and deadly root fungus problem. Who, when and what are three very important questions. I waited almost too long to get answers. Don’t expect a class in chemistry or plant science, just my options for what you could do when this disaster strikes. Forewarned is forearmed. (BTW, my story does have a happy ending!) Vicki – For many years, thrips were thought to be an inconvenience or at most something to keep you from entering a show. Not true anymore! The Western Flower Thrips is the one and only vector for a disease that could wipe out your collection. It is called INSV.

AVSA/AVSC Convention Schedule

Sunday, May 20, 2018 to Sunday, May 27, 2018

“African Violets CAN Link US Together”

SUNDAY, May 20, 2018

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. AVSA/AVSC Convention Pre-Con for Locals

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Registration

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Information

MONDAY, May 21, 2018

7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Registration

8:30 a.m. to Completion Executive Board Meeting

9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Information

11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tour 1: Niagara Wine Trail

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Registration

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Information

TUESDAY, May 22, 2018

7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Registration

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Information

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tour 2: American & Canadian Niagara Falls

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. AVSA Information and Sales

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Registration

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Information

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. AVSA Convention Committee Meeting

6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Classification and Entries for Convention Workers Only

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Shows and Judges Committee Meeting

8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. AVSC Board Meeting

WEDNESDAY, May 23, 2018

7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Registration

7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Judging School

8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. New AVSA Directors Orientation

9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Classification and Entries

9:00 a.m. to Completion AVSA Board of Directors Meeting

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Information

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tour 3: Buffalo & Erie Botanical Gardens

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 2019 Huston, TX, Promotional Table, AVSA Ways & Means Table

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. “Meet the Board of Directors” Luncheon

1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Classification and Entries

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. First-time Convention Attendees Meeting

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. AVSA Information and Sales

2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Information

2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Registration

3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Awards Committee Meeting

6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Classification and Entries – FOR THOSE ON TOURS ONLY

7:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Convention Opening – Welcome by Richard Nicholas, AVSA President

7:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Slides of Orlando Convention & New Introductions

7:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Social Break (cash bar)

8:15 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Technology Presentation by David Kesler

9:00 p.m. Design Work and Commercial Display Set-ups will close for the night

THURSDAY, May 24, 2018

6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. Design Exhibitors will be permitted to “touch up” designs and replace blossoms

only.

8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Registration

8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Information

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Judges’ and Clerks’ Instructions

8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon Tour 4: Vidler’s 5 & 10 Cent Variety Store

9:00 a.m. to Completion Judging of Show

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Commercial Members’ Meeting in Salesroom

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon AVSA Information and Sales

10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon Session One Presentation

“Fresh Perspectives on Design” by Judy Zinni

11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 2019 Houston, TX, Promotional Table, AVSA Ways & Means Table

1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Commercial Sales Open to Convention Registrants Only

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Publications Committee Meeting

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Get Involved with AVSA by Susan Anderson

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Information

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Registration

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. AVSA Information and Sales

3:00 p.m. to Completion Photography – Library and AVM

3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Membership & Promotions Committee Meeting

4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Nominating Committee Meeting

4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Future Conventions Meeting

6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Hospitality Hour (cash bar)

7:00 p.m. to Completion Awards Banquet – Show awards will be announced

9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Show opens to Convention Registrants Only

FRIDAY May 25, 2018

6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Showroom open to photographers only

7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Teachers’ Breakfast

7:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Affiliates’ Breakfast (7:45) & Meeting (8:30)

8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Information

8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Registration

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. AVSA Information & Sales

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Showroom Open

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Commercial Sales Open

10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Session Two Presentation

“Fun with Streptocarpus and Sinningias” by Dale Martens

10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 2019 Houston, TX, Promotional Table, AVSA Ways & Means Table

12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. Luncheon and Auction

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Finance Committee Meeting

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. AVSC Annual General Meeting

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Information

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Registration

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. AVSA Information & Sales

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 2019 Houston, TX, Promotional Table, AVSA Ways & Means Table

3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Session Three Presentation

“The Little Ones” by Brett Flewelling

5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tour 5: Buffalo Harbor Cruise

SATURDAY, May 26, 2018

7:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Judges’ Breakfast and Workshop

8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Information

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Registration

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Library Committee Meeting

9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. AVSA Information & Sales

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Showroom Open

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Commercial Sales Open

10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Session Four Presentation

“The Growing Popularity of Russian Hybrids”

by Steve and Donna Turner

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Agriculture officials available to certify plant materials for transportation into

controlled countries

10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 2019 Houston, TX, Promotional Table, AVSA Ways & Means Table

1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Session Five Presentation

“What Is Wrong with My Plants?” by Barb Werness and Vicki Ferguson

3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. AVSA Annual Membership Meeting and Open Forum

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Hospitality Hour (cash bar)

6:00 p.m. to Completion Installation Banquet

8:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. Commercial Display Tables Checkout

8:45 p.m. to 12:00 m/n Commercial Sales Breakdown

9:15 p.m. Showroom Checkout Begins

12:00 m/n Showroom Closes

SUNDAY, May 27, 2018

6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Commercial Sales Breakdown

6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Local Storage Clean-up

6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Commercial Storage Clean-up

6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Showroom Clean-up

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AVSA/AVSC CONVENTION SHOW SCHEDULE - 2018 Buffalo, NY

“African Violets CAN Link US Together”

HORTICULTURE DIVISION – AMATEUR SECTION I – COLLECTIONS Class 1. AVSA Collection of three different registered standard cultivars all of the same type (three

single-crown or three trailers). Open only to members of AVSA. 2. AVSA Collection of three different registered cultivars of the same type (three single-crown

miniatures, three miniature trailers, three single-crown semiminiatures, or three semiminiature trailers). Open only to members of AVSA.

3. Collection of three different species of any type. Open to members of AVSA and AVSC. 4. AVSC Collection (Canadian Originations) of three different AVSA- registered standard

varieties hybridized in Canada, all the same type (three single-crown or three trailers). Open only to members of AVSC.

5. AVSC Collection (Canadian Originations) of three different AVSA- registered miniature or semiminiature varieties hybridized in Canada, all of the same type (three single-crown miniatures, three miniature trailers, three single-crown semiminiatures, or three semiminiatures trailers). Open only to members of AVSC.

6. Holtkamp Memorial Collection of three AVSA-registered Optimara and/or Rhapsodie plants of the same type: standard, miniature, or semiminiature. Open to members of AVSA and AVSC.

7. Robinson Collection of three AVSA-registered Rob’s or Ma’s plants, all of the same type: three single-crown standards, miniatures or semiminiatures or three miniature or semiminiature trailers. Open to members of AVSA and AVSC.

8. Buckeye Collection of three AVSA-registered standard Hancock (Buckeye series) plants. Open to members of AVSA and AVSC.

9. Russian/Ukrainian Collection of three AVSA-registered Russian/Ukrainian hybridized plants, all of the same type: three single-crown standards, miniatures or semiminiatures. Open to members of AVSA and AVSC.

10. Lyndon Lyon Collection of three AVSA-registered Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses (including L. Lyon, P. Sorano and S. Sorano) plants, all of the same type: three single-crown standards, miniatures or semiminiatures or three miniature, semiminiature or standard trailers. Open to members of AVSA and AVSC.

11. Cajun Collection of three AVSA-registered Thibodeaux (Cajun’s series) plants, all of the same type: three single-crown standards, miniatures or semiminiatures. Open to members of AVSA and AVSC.

SECTION II – STANDARD PLANTS, ANY TYPE BLOSSOM, GREEN FOLIAGE Class 12. Dark blue and purple

13. Light to medium blue 14. Light to medium pink 15. Dark pink, rose, and coral 16. Red, wine, fuchsia, and plum 17. Lavender, mauve, orchid, white, cream, and blush 18. Multicolor and chimera (all shades of blue and purple) 19. Multicolor and chimera (all shades of pink, red, white, green and yellow) 20. Fantasy 21. All edged

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SECTION III – STANDARD PLANTS, ANY TYPE BLOSSOM, VARIEGATED FOLIAGE Class 22. Blue, purple, lavender, and orchid 23. Pink, red, fuchsia, coral, and wine 24. White, cream, and blush 25. Multicolor and chimera 26. Fantasy and all edged SECTION IV – MINIATURE PLANTS, ANY TYPE BLOSSOM, GREEN FOLIAGE Class 27. Purple and all shades of blue 28. Pink, coral, red, wine, and fuchsia 29. Orchid, lavender, white, cream, and blush 30. Multicolor and chimera 31. Fantasy 32. All edged SECTION V – MINIATURE PLANTS, ANY TYPE BLOSSOM, VARIEGATED FOLIAGE Class 33. Purple and all shades of blue 34. Pink, coral, red, wine and fuchsia 35. Orchid, lavender, white, cream and blush 36. Multicolor and chimera 37. Fantasy 38. All edged SECTION VI – SEMIMINIATURE PLANTS, ANY TYPE BLOSSOM, GREEN FOLIAGE Class 39. Purple and all shades of blue 40. Pink and coral 41. Red, wine, and fuchsia 42. Orchid, lavender, white, cream and blush 43. Multicolor and chimera 44. Fantasy 45. All edged SECTION VII – SEMINIATURE PLANTS, ANY TYPE BLOSSOM, VARIEGATED FOLIAGE Class 46. Purple and all shades of blue 47. Pink and coral 48. Red, wine, and fuchsia 49. Orchid, lavender, white, cream and blush 50. Multicolor and chimera 51. Fantasy 52. All edged SECTION VIII – TRAILERS, SPECIES AND VINTAGE VIOLETS, ANY TYPE BLOSSOM, ANY FOLIAGE Class 53. Standard trailers 54. Miniature trailers 55. Semiminiature trailers 56. Saintpaulia species 57. Vintage AVSA violets (must be at least 25 years old) 58. Vintage AVSC violets (must be at least 25 years old)

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SECTION IX – NEW CULTIVARS Class 59. Seedlings 60. Sports or mutants SECTION X – AFRICAN VIOLET IN AN UNUSUAL CONTAINER Class 61. One African violet plant, either standard, miniature or semiminiature, in a container 62. One African violet trailer in a container SECTION XI – Canadian Originations – Any type blossom, any type foliage, need not be

registered. (Open to AVSA and AVSC members.) Class 63. Standard plant, single crown, any color 64. Miniature or semiminiature plant, single crown, any color 65. Trailers (miniature, semiminiature or standard), grown from a single stem, at least three

crowns, any color SECTION XII – GESNERIADS OTHER THAN AFRICAN VIOLETS Class 66. Miniatures in bloom (may be displayed in regular pots or growing in clear container, cover

permitted; no single plant more than 5” in diameter) 67. Tuberous-rooted in bloom (Sinningia, Nautilocalyx, Chrysothemis, etc.) 68. Scaly-rhizomed in bloom 69. Fibrous-rooted in bloom (Streptocarpus/Streptocarpella) blue, purple, lavender, orchid 70. Fibrous-rooted in bloom (Streptocarpus/Streptocarpella) red, fuchsia, wine 71. Fibrous-rooted in bloom (Streptocarpus/Streptocarpella) plum, pink, rose, coral 72. Fibrous-rooted in bloom (Streptocarpus/Streptocarpella) white, cream, blush, yellow 73. Fibrous-rooted in bloom (Streptocarpus/Streptocarpella) fantasy, any color blossoms. 74. Fibrous-rooted in bloom (Streptocarpus/Streptocarpella) variegated foliage, any color

blossoms 75. Fibrous-rooted in bloom (Long-stemmed such as Aeschynanthus, Columnea,

Nematanthus, etc.) 76. Fibrous-rooted in bloom (All other blooming fibrous-rooted such as Primulina, Episcia,

Petrocosmea, Alsobia, etc.) 77. Gesneriads grown for ornamental factors other than bloom (All Episcia) 78. Gesneriads grown for ornamental factors other than bloom (Trailing or erect, other than

Episcia) 79. Gesneriads grown for ornamental factors other than bloom (Other forms, such as

Petrocosmea and Primulina, other than Episcia)

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DESIGN DIVISION

SECTION XIII – INTERPRETIVE PLANT ARRANGEMENTS Each exhibit in this section is a design using one or more blooming African violet plants (unless stated otherwise), removed from their pots, with their root balls encased in plastic or other material.

Dried, treated, painted, colored, and fresh-cut plant materials, as well as man-made materials, are permitted. Artificial plant material, live or dead creatures, and national flags are not permitted.

Accessories and backdrops are permitted unless restricted by class description. Draping will be limited to the bottom and back of the niche; no side draping allowed.

Only one exhibit per exhibitor per class.

All niches will be white foam board. Exhibitor shall use niches provided by AVSA/AVSC (not exhibitors’ niches).

Any design may be interpreted and executed in any way that the exhibitor chooses: suspended, kinetic, mounted on bottom, back or side of niche, etc., excluding the underwater arrangements.

Class 80. ”Key” – 12”H x 8”W x 6”D. A key is a link to understanding in several ways. Use a key in this design. Limit 6 entries.

Class 81. “Hoop” – A free-standing arrangement not to exceed 18 inches in any dimension. Limit 6 entries.

Class 82. “Attachment” – 18”H x 14”W x 14”D. Use two non-blooming African violet plants in this arrangement. Limit 6 entries.

Class 83. “Satellite Link” – 24”H x 16”W x 16”D. A modern design. Limit 6 entries.

Class 84. “Vital Link” – A free-standing arrangement not to exceed 24 inches in any dimension. Limit 6 entries.

SECTION XIV – INTERPRETIVE FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS Each exhibit in this section is a design using fresh-cut African violet blossoms.

Dried, treated, painted, colored, and fresh-cut plant materials, as well as man-made materials, are permitted. Artificial plant material, live or dead creatures, and national flags are not permitted.

Accessories and backdrops are permitted unless restricted by class description. Draping will be limited to the bottom and back of the niche; no side draping allowed.

Only one exhibit per exhibitor per class.

All niches will be white foam board. Exhibitor shall use niches provided by AVSA/AVSC (not exhibitors’ niches).

Any design may be interpreted and executed in any way that the exhibitor chooses: suspended, kinetic, mounted on bottom, back or side of niche, etc., excluding the underwater arrangements.

Class 85. “Across Borders” – 24”H x 16”W x 16”D. Your interpretation of this title. Limit 6 entries.

Class 86. “Chain Link” – A free-standing design not to exceed 24 inches in any dimension. A zig-zag arrangement. Limit 6 entries.

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Class 87. “Food and Wine” – 18”H x 14”W x 14”D. An arrangement suggesting food, wine, or both. Limit 6 entries.

Class 88. “Chain Gang” – 18”H x 14”W x 14”D. Your interpretation of this title. Limit 6 entries.

Class 89. “Chain Stitch” – A duo design staged on a free-standing black pedestal with a 24" square top that is 36" above the floor. To be viewed from all sides with no height requirement. (A duo design is organized as two designs, back to back, in one container.) Each side should be very different from the other side. To be judged as one whole design. Limit 4 entries.

Class 90. “Water Borders” – An underwater arrangement. Container not to exceed 12 inches in any

dimension. Limit 6 entries in each category: a. Closed, inverted bubble bowl b. Open

Class 91. “Binding” – 12”H x 8”W x 6”D. Limit 6 entries. Class 92. “Treasured Memories” – Mirror image designs staged in front and back of an 8” x 10”

frame. Limit 4 entries. Black frames will be provided.

Class 93. “Special Friends” – 6”H x 5”W x 5”D. Limit 6 entries.

Class 94. “Tiny Treasures” – A very small arrangement no larger than 6 inches in any dimension. May be staged however the exhibitor wishes. Limit 6 entries.

SECTION XV – CONTAINER GARDENS Each exhibit in this section is a miniature landscape with one or more blooming African violet plants and other growing material. All plants must be planted within the container. No cut plant material, artificial plant material, cacti, succulents, live or dead creatures, or national flags are permitted. Accessories and landscaping elements are permitted. No decorative bases are allowed. Only one exhibit per class per exhibitor.

Class 95. Terrarium, straight-sided – Landscape design in a covered terrarium Mirrored back allowed. Unlimited entries.

Class 96. Terrarium, curved glass – Landscape design in a covered terrarium. Unlimited entries.

Class 97. Natural Garden – A landscape design in a natural container. May have multiple planting areas. Unlimited entries.

Class 98. Dish Garden – A landscape design in a shallow dish-like container. Unlimited entries.

SPECIAL EXHIBITS DIVISION SECTION XVI – EDUCATION EXHIBIT Class 99. Education exhibit (by invitation only) 100. Novelty or unusual Saintpaulia foliage (including but not limited to bustle back, Clackamas,

wasp, girl, longifolia/spider, supreme, and chimera- leafed). Any size or type of plant, green or variegated foliage, any color or type blossom.

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HORTICULTURE DIVISION – COMMERCIAL SECTION XVII – SPECIMEN PLANTS A. COLLECTIONS Class 101. AVSA Collections of three different AVSA-registered standard cultivars all of the same

type (three single-crown or three trailers). Open only to AVSA Commercial Members. 102. AVSA Collections of three different AVSA-registered cultivars of the same type (three

single-crown miniatures, three miniature trailers, three single-crown semiminiatures, or three semiminiature trailers). Open only to AVSA Commercial Members.

103. Collection of three different species of any type. Open to AVSA and AVSC Commercial Members.

104. Holtkamp Memorial Collection of three AVSA-registered Optimara and/or Rhapsodie plants of the same type: standard, miniature, or semiminiature. Open to Commercial Members of AVSA and AVSC.

105. AVSC Collection (Canadian Originations) of three different AVSA-registered standard varieties all the same type (three single-crown or three trailers). Open only to AVSC Commercial Members.

106. AVSC Collection (Canadian Originations) of three different AVSA- registered miniature or semiminiature varieties all of the same type (three single crown miniatures, three miniature trailers, three single-crown semiminiatures or three semiminiature trailers). Open only to AVSC Commercial Members.

B. NEW CULTIVARS (from seed or mutation) Class 107. Standard African violets 108. Miniature African violets 109. Semiminiature African violets 110. African violet trailers (standard, miniature, semiminiature) C. SPECIMEN AFRICAN VIOLETS Class 111. Standards, plain green foliage, solid color and two-tone blossoms 112. Standards, plain green foliage, all other blossoms 113. Standards, variegated foliage 114. Miniatures, plain foliage 115. Miniatures, variegated foliage 116. Semiminiatures, plain green foliage, solid color and two-tone blossoms 117. Semiminiatures, plain green foliage, all other blossoms 118. Semiminiatures, variegated foliage 119. Trailers, standard, miniature, semiminiature 120. Saintpaulia species D. GESNERIADS OTHER THAN AFRICAN VIOLETS Class 121. Miniatures in bloom (may be displayed in regular pots or growing in clear container, cover

permitted, no single plant more than 5’ in diameter) 122. Tuberous-rooted in bloom (Sinningia, Nautilocalyx, Chrysothemis, etc.) 123. Scaly-rhizomed in bloom 124. Fibrous-rooted in bloom (Streptocarpus/Streptocarpella) blue, purple, lavender, orchid 125. Fibrous-rooted in bloom (Streptocarpus/Streptocarpella) red, fuchsia, wine 126. Fibrous-rooted in bloom (Streptocarpus/Streptocarpella) plum, pink, rose, coral 127. Fibrous-rooted in bloom (Streptocarpus/Streptocarpella) white, cream, blush, yellow 128. Fibrous-rooted in bloom (Streptocarpus/Streptocarpella) fantasy, any color blossoms

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129. Fibrous-rooted in bloom (Streptocarpus/Streptocarpella) variegated foliage, any color blossoms

130. Fibrous-rooted in bloom (Long-stemmed such as Aeschynanthus, Columnea, Nematanthus, etc.)

131. Fibrous-rooted in bloom (All other blooming fibrous-rooted such as Primulina, Episcia, Petrocosmea, Alsobia, etc.)

132. Gerneriads grown for ornamental factors other than bloom (All Episcia) 133. Gesneriads grown for ornamental factors other than bloom (Trailing or erect, other than

Episcia) 134. Gerneriads grown for ornamental factors other than bloom (Other forms, such as

Petrocosmea and Primulina, other than Episcia) SECTION XVIII – DISPLAY TABLES AND COMMERCIAL SHOWCASES Class 135. Display Table 136. Commercial Showcase – Horticulture only 137. Commercial Showcase – Artistic – include a creative aspect

HORTICULTURE DIVISION AMATEUR – RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Only amateur AVSA and AVSC members in good standing and registered at this convention are

eligible to enter exhibits in this division. 2. ENTRIES will be accepted on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00

p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Exhibitors with more than 20 entries must begin entries by 4:00 p.m. If an entry is not entered by the owner, the name of the person making the entry must be on the back of the entry tag. Only members on Wednesday’s tour and AVSA Board Members must turn in a list of their entries at the convention registration desk on Tuesday or Wednesday and MUST receive a late pass to enter on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Entries for convention workers will be accepted 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.

3. Only clean, healthy plants which have been in the possession of the exhibitor for at least three months will be accepted.

4. Plants must be correctly named. 5. Double potting, flared-top pots, supports, and collars will not be accepted. All pots must be non-

decorative. DO NOT COVER POTS IN FOIL. Self-watering pots, such as Moist-Rite and Oyama, etc., may be entered in colors such as white, black, green, or any neutral tone. All other plants must be slip-potted into pots in colors such as white, green or any neutral tone. Slip-potting means dropping the pot containing the plant into a clean pot of the same or just a fraction larger-sized pot. The bottom of the pot containing the plant must be completely covered with plastic or aluminum foil. This must be worked out prior to entry. Exception: trailers, trailing species, trailing gesneriads, and gesneriads in protective containers may be exhibited in the containers in which they are growing.

6. An exhibitor may enter only one of each cultivar in each class of Classes 12 through 79. 7. An exhibitor may enter plants of the same cultivar in Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 as

those in Classes 12 through 79, if all the requirements for each class are met. 8. All plants in Classes 1 through 79 must be single-crown plants except trailers and species, which

may be multiple-crown. All Saintpaulia species and variations, without exception, may be entered in Class 3, or Class 56.

9. Any number of new cultivars may be entered, provided they have been originated by the exhibitor from hybridization, from purchased seed, or from mutation, or the released rights in writing from the hybridizer have been given to the exhibitor for purchased seedlings. New cultivars may be entered

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by number or name, and the entry tag must indicate whether it is a new cultivar from seed or mutation. A sport (mutant) may be exhibited as a "Sport of_____________." If a name has been given to the sport, the name in parenthesis may follow, such as "Sport of 'Valencia' ('Dale's Dream')." New cultivars must not have been previously shown in an AVSA or AVSC Convention Show.

10. Gesneriads (other than African violets) may be exhibited in protective containers, and natural-colored mulch may be used on the soil surface.

11. Exhibits will be judged by the merit method of judging. The decision of the judges will be final unless in conflict with AVSA rules or rules of the schedule. Only qualified AVSA judges will be permitted to serve as judges.

12. Only blue-ribbon winners will be eligible to receive special awards. 13. Any African violet entered in any of the collection classes, receiving a blue ribbon, will be

eligible for other awards. 14. All African violets entered in the Holtkamp Memorial Collection, Class 6, must be AVSA-registered

Optimara and/or Rhapsodie plants and must be different plants of the same type. 15. All African violets entered in the Robinson Collection, Class 7, the Buckeye Collection, Class 8, the

Russian/Ukrainian Collection, Class 9, the Lyndon Lyon Collection, Class 10, and the Cajun Collection, Class11, must be AVSA registered.

16. Only one collection may be entered by an exhibitor in each class; AVSA Collections, Classes 1, 2, and 3, AVSC Classes 4 and 5; Holtkamp Memorial Collection, Class 6, Robinson Collection, Class 7, Buckeye Collection, Class 8, Russian/Ukrainian Collection, Class 9, the Lyndon Lyon Collection, Class 10, and the Cajun Collection, Class 11.

17. AVSA will afford all possible protection to exhibits but will not be responsible for any damage or loss.

18. Exhibits must be checked out on Saturday night, May 26, 2018. Instructions for checkout will be given at convention.

DESIGN DIVISION

RULES AND REGULATIONS 1. Exhibitors – Both amateur and commercial AVSA and AVSC members in good standing and

registered at this convention are eligible to enter exhibits in this division. 2. Entries – Entries will be accepted Wednesday, May 23, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from

1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Only members on Wednesday tours or AVSA Board members may enter from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Design entry book will close at 9 p.m. Those desiring to enter designs after 6 p.m. must notify the Design Entry Reservation Chair in writing by 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. Messages may be left at the convention registration desk.

3. Each exhibitor may have only one exhibit per class and is limited to a total of six exhibits in Classes 80 through 94 and one in each of the container garden Classes 95 through 98.

4. Design work – Exhibitors will be permitted to work on their designs until 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. This time will be strictly enforced. Designers may replace blooms and touch up designs on Thursday, May 24, 2018, from 6:30 a.m. until 8 a.m., but must be out of the showroom by 8 a.m.

5. Index card – All exhibits must have a 3”x5” card listing the African violet cultivars and other plant materials (if known). A written subtitle may also be included on the card.

6. Procedure for getting supplies from commercials at convention is found at http://avsa.org/conventions-2018 under Supplies for Designers.

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7. Design Reservations – Advance written reservations are required for all design classes. Anyone entering designs must send a completed reservation form included in the 2018 AVSA Convention Show Schedule pages (available at http://avsa.org/conventions-2018 under Design Division Reservation or from the AVSA office in Beaumont, TX) by regular mail or by email (following the format of the printed form). Reservations may be made as soon as the convention packet is available; the deadline for reservations will be May 6, 2018. Send or email reservations to Design Entry Reservations Chairman, Paul Kroll, 4325 Two Rod Road, East Aurora, NY 14052, pfkroll@roadrunner.com. All requests for reservations will be confirmed either by postcard or email. If you need to cancel your design, please let us know so that space can be used by another entrant on the waiting list.

8. No part of any design may touch or extend beyond the confines of the niche or space limitations, unless otherwise permitted.

9. AVSA will afford all possible protection to exhibits but will not be responsible for any damage or loss.

HORTICULTURE DIVISION – COMMERCIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Only commercial AVSA and AVSC members in good standing and registered at this convention

are eligible to enter this division. All commercial exhibitors are eligible to enter the Design Division.

2. All commercial members are allowed to enter all design and commercial classes without being excluded from any other commercial classes and may also enter a display table and a showcase.

3. For dates and times for entering exhibits, please refer to Rule 2 under HORTICULTURE DIVISION AMATEUR.

4. All plants must be correctly named and must have been in the possession of the exhibitor for at least three months prior to convention. All African violets must be in bloom and must be single-crown plants, except trailers and species.

5. In the Specimen Plant section, exhibitors may enter any number of plants in each class, but only one plant of the same cultivar in the same class. Exhibitors may enter plants of the same cultivar in the AVSA Collections and AVSC Collections, Classes 101, 101, 102, 104 and 106 and the Holtkamp Memorial Collection, Class 104, as are entered in the other classes. Exhibitors may enter one collection in each collection class. Plants entered in the Holtkamp Memorial Collections class must be AVSA-registered Optimara/Rhapsodie plants. AVSA and AVSC collection rules are the same as they are for amateurs.

6. Any African violet plant in Specimen Plants (Section B-New Cultivars classes), Display Table or Commercial Showcase sections may be designated as competing for the AVSA Best New Cultivar Awards. Entries may be seedlings, sports, or mutants originated by the exhibitor, or rights and ownership to them released by the hybridizer, and must not have been previously shown in an AVSA/AVSC Convention show. Each entry must be labeled “New Cultivar.”

7. An exhibitor entering a display table may also enter other design and commercial classes. Each display table shall contain 15 plants (no merchandise). Three, all of the same type, miniatures or semiminiatures, or miniature or semiminiature trailers, shall count as a specimen plant and shall be judged as one unit. The display must be predominantly (at least 75%) African violets. Other gesneriads may be included in the 15 plants and will be judged as one unit. AVSA will provide white table covers for display tables; however, display tables may be covered with any color or pattern at the exhibitor’s discretion.

8. Exhibits in the Commercial Showcase classes will be allotted table space sufficient for their display. Table covers will be neutral. Exhibits in these classes shall contain 6-10 plants, either miniature, semiminiature, standard, or trailing African violets, or other gesneriads. Showcases must be predominantly (75%) African violets or designs using African violets. Class 136, Commercial Showcase-Horticulture only, shall be a collection of 6-10 plants, (exhibitor may

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designate one plant as a unit or three plants as a unit) with NO embellishment. Class 137, Commercial Showcase-Artistic, must include a creative aspect and may include designs (flower or plant arrangements or container gardens) incorporating African violets. Showcases-Horticulture and Showcases-Artistic shall both be judged on horticultural perfection. Horticultural perfection shall be computed by finding the average points per plant in the Showcase. No merchandise will be allowed in these classes. Awards for Showcase-Horticulture only, Class 136, shall be based 100% on horticultural perfection. Awards for Showcase-Artistic, Class 137, shall be based on 80% horticultural perfection and 20% on distinction and originality. Awards will be given for best, second-best and third-best for Display Table, Class 135, Showcase-Horticulture only, Class 136, and Showcase-Artistic, Class 137.

9. In Commercial Showcases, each entry in the exhibit will be judged. Class 136 shall use standard plant name and entry tags supplied by Entries. In Class 137, the exhibitor has the option to use the standard plant name tag provided by Entries, or to provide his own tag or diagram. The entry book number of each plant or arrangement must appear on the tag or diagram. For Class 137, no ribbon awards will be given. Instead, each showcase with all blue ribbon exhibits will receive a rosette. A point score sheet shall be given each exhibitor showing how awards were determined. (Please note: An exhibitor may choose to NOT have their Showcase judged.)

10. A 6‘ table with three tiers will be furnished for each exhibitor in the Display Table, Class 135. Uniformly covered tables shall be furnished. The exhibitor may provide their own covering. Colored lights which distort or enhance the color of the plants will not be permitted.

11. Any shape and type of pot for specimen plants will be permitted except flared top pots. Supports and collars will not be permitted. Pots in the specimen plant section must be slip-potted into clean, non-decorative pots in colors such as white, green, or any neutral tone. The bottom of the pot containing the plant must be completely covered with plastic or aluminum foil. The pot is then inserted into a pot of the same size or shape. The inside pot may be of any color and may extend above the rim of the outside pot. Exceptions to slip-potting are self-contained reservoirs (i.e., Oyama, Moist-Rite, etc.) in colors such as white, green, black, or any neutral tone. Pots in the Display Table class do not have to be covered and may be elevated and tilted with individual pot holders.

12. Signs, cards, or codes identifying the exhibitor may not be displayed on the display tables or commercial showcases prior to judging.

13. Exhibits will be judged by the merit method of judging. The decision of the judges is final unless in conflict with AVSA rules or rules of the schedule. Only qualified AVSA judges will be permitted to serve as judges.

14. Only blue-ribbon winners will be eligible to receive awards. 15. Exhibits in the Display Table class and the Commercial Showcase classes will not count toward

Commercial Sweepstakes or Design Sweepstakes Awards. 16. Rosettes will be awarded as merited to the exhibitors receiving first-, second-, and third-highest

number of points in each Display Table and Commercial Showcase class. An Honorable Mention Rosette will be awarded to the exhibitor receiving the fourth-highest number of points.

17. AVSA will afford all possible protection to exhibits but will not be responsible for any damage or loss.

18. To reserve a display table, space for a commercial showcase, or for further information, contact Kathy Bell, 9611 E. Blanding Lane, Tucson, AZ 85747, e-mail: bellkk@peoplepc.com. Reservations must be made no later than April 6, 2018.

Design Division Reservations

(Please type or print)

Name ____________________________________________ AVSA Membership # ____________

Address __________________________________________

City _____________________________________________ State __________ Zip ____________

Phone Number ________________________________ Email Address ______________________

I would like to enter the following design classes: (Limit six, excluding container gardens.)

1._____ 2. _____ 3. _____ 4. _____ 5. _____ 6. ______

Alternate choices: 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____

I would like to enter the following Container Classes: 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____ 4. _____

Reservations may be made as soon as the convention packet is available; the deadline for

reservations will be May 6, 2018. Send or email reservations to Design Reservation Chairman,

Paul Kroll, 4325 Two Rod Road, East Aurora, NY 14052, pfkroll@roadrunner.com. All requests

for reservations will be confirmed either by postcard or email. If you need to cancel your design,

please let us know so that space can be used by another entrant on the waiting list. Note: Procedure

for getting supplies from commercials at convention is found at http://www.avsa.org/conventions-

2018 under Supplies for Designers.

Dear Buffalo Convention Designer,

To accommodate your design flower and plant needs for your design entries in Buffalo, the

following plan has been created. It has been reviewed and approved by the AVSA Commercial

members and the Buffalo convention show committee.

There are two reasons for this plan, which originated with the commercials who sell at

conventions.

Provide designers with the materials needed to complete their entries.

Have peace and quiet while setting up on Wednesday.

Thanks in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

Commercial Activities Committee

Supplies for Designers

Each designer will be given a “pass” to purchase plant material in the sales room from 1-2:30

PM during Wednesday, May 23, 2018 design set-up hours (9 AM – 6 PM). Handicapped

designers may be accompanied by one caregiver.

The pass will indicate the specific design classes in which the designer is entered, thus

eliminating any unnecessary/extra purchases on the part of the designer.

There is a 15-minute time limit for the designer to be in the sales room. Designers who appear to

be abusing the access privilege will be escorted from the sales room and denied any further

“design” purchases.

Paul Kroll, Design Reservation Chair or his helpers, will control the distribution of the passes to

the designers and a list of those designers will be posted in the sales room. A member of the

Commercial Activities Committee will oversee the process on Wednesday.

A list of participating commercials will appear on the pass. Designers are asked to not disturb

other commercials.

Commercials may choose to complete the financial transaction during this process or may allow

the designer to run a tab for payment at a later time.

Although commercials will make every attempt to have supplies available during this time,

circumstances beyond their control may occur. Please have your own Plan B ready.

And of course, as always, designers are welcome to pre-order supplies to be picked up at

convention.

Thank you for your cooperation.

AVSA Commercial Activities Committee

AVSA/AVSC

72nd Annual Convention "African Violets CAN Link US Together"

ATTENTION EXHIBITORS — PRE-ENTRIES

Hello Exhibitor,

This year the convention Entries Committee will be doing pre-entries. Pre-entries allows the entry process to run smoother and in a more timely manner.

There will be two methods for pre-entries.

1. You can mail your entry sheet to Karyn Cichocki, 79 Beaver Run Road, Lafayette, NJ 07848, or email the form to kdc05@ptd.net. Pre-entry forms must be received no later than Monday, May 7, 2018.

2. The second method of pre-entering is at convention. Exhibitors can drop off their entry sheet in the pre-entry box, which will be at the registration table. The Entries Committee will be picking up the sheets periodically on Monday and Tuesday and will be entering your entries into the computer.

NOTE: Pre-entries is mandatory for any exhibitor entering more than 15 plants.

If you aren’t sure if some of your entries will make it, put them on the sheet anyway. It is much quicker to delete or change entries during the actual entry process than it is to enter 30 entries at crunch time.

When you arrive at the entries area on Wednesday, you will be greeted by the entry team, who will give you your pre-entry sheet and show you where to proceed for final grooming and classification.

Thank you for your help in making convention entries run smoothly and quickly.

Karyn Cichocki – AVSA/AVSC Entries Chair, 2018 Buffalo Convention

Host – Hostess Volunteers Needed

At the AVSA/AVSC 2018 Buffalo Convention!

Want to meet people, help AVSA/AVSC, and get involved? Volunteer to host! The show will be open to the public on Friday, May 25, from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm & Saturday, May 26, from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Volunteers are needed for two tasks:

Host the Entrance & Sell Tickets during Public Hours

This is a sit-down job, with each volunteer taking an hour or two. A companion (not interested in violets) might find this a pleasant task while you attend a workshop, look at the show, or shop. Ideally, two people will cover each shift. The tasks will include selling tickets to enter the show and sale, selling AVSA/AVSC memberships (allowing the guest to enter for free if joining AVSA/AVSC,) and collecting the money.

Host Inside the Show Room During Public Hours

Hosts walk about inside the showroom (may occasionally sit), with each volunteer taking an hour or two. This is a good job for a first-timer who enjoys visiting with people and being in the show room. Ideally two or more will always be present to monitor the showroom activity. A host should be friendly and welcoming, answering questions, and inviting our guests to join AVSA/AVSC.

If you wish to volunteer, please complete the coupon below by April 20, 2018, and send it to: Laura Buckner, 15384 Marsh Creek Road, Kent, NY 14477; Email: lbuckner@brockport.edu; Phone: 585-682-5769.

Name_______________________________ Address_________________________________

City_____________________ State _______ Zip _______ Cell Phone____________________

Email _________________________________________

Day or Hours Preferred: __________________________Task Preferred __________________

Is Room Sharing For You?

Room sharing has become very successful. Are you interested in reducing your expenses by

sharing a room with someone? We offer this service to anyone interested.

Name ___________________________Address ____________________________________

City _____________State ________Zip ________Phone ____________Email _____________

Room rates are as follows: Single, Double, Triple and Quad Occupancy: $119

Plus 13.75% State Tax.

Any other considerations: ______________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

When you have considered your plans and wish to share a sleeping room with someone,

PLEASE contact the AVSA office immediately. All requests must be made by March 26,

2018, so we may contact all interested “violet friends” and meet the AVSA Registration

deadline, which is April 20, 2018, in order to get the $10.00 discount. Please send requests

to: AVSA Office, 2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77702-1722. Phone: 409-839-4725;

Email: avsa@earthlink.net.

AVSA/AVSC 2018 Buffalo Convention

May 20 – May 27, 2018 – Adam’s Mark Hotel & Events Center

Call for 2018 AVSA Board of Directors Meeting

The African Violet Society of America, Inc., Board of Directors Meetings will be held Wednesday,

May 23, 2018, 9:00 a.m. to completion at the Adam’s Mark Hotel & Events Center, Buffalo, NY,

for the purpose of transacting business that may properly come before the Board of Directors.

Call for 2018 AVSA Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of The African Violet Society of America, Inc., will be held Saturday, May 26,

2018, at 3:15 p.m. at the Adam’s Mark Hotel & Events Center, Buffalo, NY, for the purpose of

electing Directors and transacting business that may properly come before the Assembly.

Call for 2018 Open Forum Meeting

The 33rd annual Open Forum meeting of the Board of Directors of the African Violet Society of

American, Inc., will be held Saturday, May 26, 2018, at the Adam’s Mark Hotel & Events Center,

Buffalo, NY, following the Annual Meeting which begins at 3:15 p.m. During the Open Forum, the

Board of Directors of AVSA will welcome any and all AVSA members to come and present any

suggestions, ideas, questions, etc.

AVSC Board Meeting The AVSC Board Meeting will be held Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at the Adam’s Mark Hotel &

Events Center, Buffalo, NY.

AVSC Annual General Meeting The AVSC Annual General Meeting will be held Friday, May 25, 2018, at the Adam’s Mark Hotel

and Events Center, Buffalo, NY.

Registration for Judging School for Students and Certificate Renewals

An AVSA judging school will be held on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, for AVSA members who

wish to take their first judge’s school and for judges who wish to renew their certificates. School

will be from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon and practice judging from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Both sessions must

be attended in order to take the exam. The test begins at 2:00 p.m. A portion of the test will be sent

to each participant by May 1st to be completed at home and must be turned in at the beginning of the

school session. The registration fee is $10.00 payable to AVSA. AVSA membership cards must

be presented at the door. Proof of three blue ribbons is required to take the test but not to

audit the school.

Name _____________________________________________ AVSA Membership # ___________

Address ___________________________________________ Email Address _________________

City _________________________________ State _____________________ Zip _____________

Judging Status: Student (1st exam) ____ Student Renewal ____ Advanced ____ Auditing ____

Mel Grice will be the teacher. Complete and email (preferred) or snail mail the form above

(do not send payment) to Mel Grice, 2019 Crosswind Court, Englewood, OH 45322-2235;

Phone (H)937-836-9237, (C)937-654-7014; email: melsgrice@earthlink.net.

The registration fee of $10.00 applies to all who attend the judging school to take the test or to audit

the class. There is a place on the Convention Registration Form to include this payment.

The test will be based on the latest edition of the AVSA Handbook, 13th Edition, revised in May,

2016, plus any updates. The test will cover pages 35 to 92 and any updates. All students must

bring a current copy of the AVSA Handbook to the school.

Registration and payment for the judging school must be received by April 20, 2018.

Attention Judges

All Advanced, Senior, and Master Judges are eligible to judge the convention show. If you would

like to judge, please complete this form and mail to: Bill Foster, AVSA Shows & Judges Chairman,

3610 Gray Dr., Mesquite, TX 75150-2121 or email: 1bpfoster@sbcglobal.net. These must be

postmarked no later than April 20, 2018. If you plan to exhibit in the show, please indicate

which classes you plan to enter. Do Not Serve on entries, classification or placement if you apply

to judge. Applications received after April 20, 2018, will be filed and used in the event of

cancellations and/or vacancies. If selected to judge, you will be notified of your assignment.

Name ____________________________________________ AVSA Membership # ____________

Address __________________________________________ Email Address __________________

City _____________________________________________ State __________ Zip ____________

Classes entered ___________________________________________________________________

Type of Judge: ___Advanced ___Senior ___Master ___AGGS ___Nat’l Council

Experience: ___Mini/Semis ___Trailers ___Species ___Standards ___Design ___Commercial

********************************************************************************

Attention Judges’ Clerks

Student and Advanced Judges are invited to serve as clerks for the convention show. Any vacancies

will be filled with AVSA members. This means that AVSA members may apply to serve as clerks:

however, judges will be given first preference. Any remaining positions will be filled by AVSA

members in the order in which the applications are received. All clerks will receive notification of

their assignment. If you would like to clerk, please complete this form and mail to: Bill Foster,

AVSA Shows & Judges Chairman, 3610 Gray Dr., Mesquite, TX 75150-2121or email:

1bpfoster@sbcglobal.net. These applications must be postmarked no later than April 20, 2018.

Name ____________________________________________ AVSA Membership # ____________

Address __________________________________________ Email Address __________________

City _____________________________________________ State __________ Zip ____________

___Student Judge ___Advanced Judge ___AVSA Member

WHAT’S NEW

Buffalo AVSA/AVSC T-shirts – You may once again pre-order convention T-shirts. Quantities

are limited. If you want a T-shirt, you will need to pre-order them by April 20, 2018. There will

be very few extras, if any. For size and prices, please see the Registration Form. Indicate the

size and quantity of each T-shirt on the appropriate line and include the correct payment.

2019 Calendars – AVSA 2019 calendars will be available. The number printed will depend

upon the number pre-ordered. Indicate the number desired on the appropriate line of the

registration form and include the correct payment. The calendars will be available for pickup at

the convention.

Convention Show Awards – This year you may make a donation to the Convention Show

Awards Fund along with your convention registration. These donations will be considered

undesignated which means they can be used where needed. Donations received after April 20,

2018, will be applied to the following year’s Convention Show Awards Fund. Assigning of the

undesignated funds where needed must start after the April 20, 2018 cutoff date so that the report

can be prepared for the souvenir book, cards and envelopes printed and everything readied for

the convention. Thank you for your donation.

AVSA Neck Wallets – You may be order these this year on the Registration Form.

******************************************************************************

DON’T FORGET THE LUNCHEON AUCTION!

Would you like to donate an item to be auctioned off at the 2018 Buffalo luncheon auction?

Contact Edna Rourke, 99 Old Stratford Road, Shelton, CT 06484, 203-926-9716 or email

apapillion@aol.com. Do not ship items to Edna. Items should be brought to convention or

sent to Judy Niemira, 12 Dappled Drive, East Amherst, NY 14051.

Please identify the package as an auction item.

Thank you for your support!

******************************************************************************

AVSA ANNOUNCES NEW TECH TOOLS

(THIS WILL BE REPLACING THE GROWERS’ FORUM)

Wednesday, May 23 ..................... 8:15 p.m.

Technology Presentation by David Kesler, Technology Committee Chair

AVSA continues to offer more technical products to serve the members. This session will

announce and demonstrate a new password system for the members’ section of the website, the

new version of First Class for PCs and its new features, FCViewer (a new mobile app), a new “in

app” user data backup system for members and more. For each product, release, delivery and

pricing information will be provided. Don’t miss this one!

WANTED: PHOTOS FOR SOCIAL HOUR

Please share your digital photos of our 71st AVSA Convention, which was held last year in

Orlando, FL. They will be shown at the Wednesday night Opening Event at the 2018

Convention in Buffalo, NY. Include any information about the photo (names, state, etc.). Please

send your photos on CD-ROM to Nancy Hayes, 9 Cobblestone Rd., Bloomfield, CT 06002-

3003, or email photos to violetnancy@comcast.net. Photos must be received by April 20, 2018.

ATTENTION: HYBRIDIZERS WANTED

Digital images of New Introductions are needed for the Wednesday night Opening Event at the

2018 Convention in Buffalo, NY. This is an excellent way for seasoned and beginning

hybridizers to introduce their new hybrids. Please send two shots of each new plant: one

viewing the plant and the other a close-up of the blossom. Please include with your photos a

written description of each image, marked with a corresponding number for clarification. Send

your CD-ROM to Nancy Hayes, 9 Cobblestone Rd., Bloomfield, CT 06002-3003 or email

photos to violetnancy@comcast.net. Photos must be received by April 20, 2018.

AVSA/AVSC 2018 Convention Souvenir Book Ads

This year’s convention is in Buffalo, NY, May 20 to May 27, 2018. The theme is: “African

Violets CAN Link US Together.”

Ads can be well wishes or advertising which will help defray costs. Ads are an excellent way

to promote your organization.

The maximum size of a full-page ad is 8” high x 5” wide, a half-page is 4” high x 5” wide and a

quarter-page is 2” high x 5” wide. The rates for the ads are: quarter-page $30.00, half-page

$50.00 and a full-page ad is $90.00, US dollars (USD). All inside ads will be in black and white.

We also offer three full-page ads placed on the inside front cover, inside back cover and outside

back cover for $125.00 USD, printed in black and white, or $150.00 USD, printed in color. Only

cover pages in color.

To purchase an ad, please contact Holly Pohl, Souvenir Book Chair, 17 Lucia Court, Lancaster,

NY 14086; email: hollylou51@gmail.com. The deadline for all ads is April 13, 2018. Camera-

ready copy is preferred (PDF or Word doc or jpeg file).

Checks or money orders in USD should be made payable and sent to Barbara Donsky, 2018

Buffalo Convention Treasurer, 65 Fairway Drive, Orchard Park, NY 14127.

Thank you in advance for your support!