The annual Banquet started at noon on Saturday, November 9th, at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, in Coralville, IA. A social time with coffee had already begun at 11 AM, allowing members to chat and to view and vote for the entries in this year's Betty Miller Photo Contest. Seventy-five people attended the Banquet, and five had already submitted photos to Mary Jo Duffy for the photo contest. The buffet meal was delicious. On the menu were: Roast Beef Jardinière & Pecan Crusted Pork Loin, Honey Glazed Carrots, Steamed Broccoli, Twice Baked Potatoes, Fresh Fruit Display & Caesar Salad, Chocolate Mousse,Water, Iced Tea, & Coffee.

For many years now, CVIDS has had the tradition of inviting renowned daylily hybridizers to be the banquet speaker. This year's speaker was Phil Korth (Pinewood Gardens, Suamico, WI), who was accompanied by his wife and fellow hybridizer Luella. Phil gave a fabulous presentation of their many creations. He explained how they have focused on dormants for maximum hardiness against our Midwestern winter elements and have introduced both diploid and tetraploid cultivars. You are recommended to visit their website and enjoy their beautiful contributions to daylily diversity. Have your checkbook ready!

After Phil's presentation, there was an auction of several Pinewood Garden cultivars followed by a brief business meeting led by President Nancy Rash. Joyce Parsons and Susie Poulton were elected to second two-year terms as Vice President and Secretary, respectively. (Please note however that, because Susie and Jonathan will be moving to Colorado next summer, CVIDS will soon be looking for someone to replace Susie as Secretary. If you are interested to serve in that capacity, please contact Nancy Rash). The winners of the photo contest, bucket raffle and door prizes were announced. Nancy Rash thanked everyone who had organized and helped run this year's Fall Banquet, thereby making it a great success. On behalf of CVIDS, Lyle and Nancy thanked Jonathan for serving as webmaster since 2008. In his response, Jonathan expressed his gratitude to the entire membership for their friendship over the years and said how much he and Susie will miss them all. The business meeting minutes will be posted here in a few days. Many thanks should go to Lyle for providing the above photos.