Photo by
Judy Nelson Used with permission |
HISTORY
Bayshore Iris Society (BIS) The newest AIS
affiliate of Region 4, was founded in 2013, in Easton,
Maryland! Because there was no AIS affiliated club
east of the Chesapeake Bay, AIS member Pat McNeal (known
locally as "The Iris Lady" for selling irises at the Easton,
MD Farmers' Market for the previous seven years) called a
meeting of local iris enthusiasts on Oct. 11, 2013 for the
purpose of forming a new AIS affiliated club. The meeting
was held at the Maryland Cooperative Extension Office in
Easton. Seven people attended and the name Bayshore Iris
Society (BIS), suggested by Mary Beth Webb, was unanimously
adopted. Officers chosen were Cindy Outen, President; Pat
McNeal, Vice President; and Mary Beth Webb,
Secretary/Treasurer. Bylaws were adopted at the November 2013
meeting, as was a logo designed by Pat McNeal, and plans
were made to have a spring show; Pat McNeal was appointed
Show Chair. Most members were totally new to showing irises,
and most just wanted to learn more about the “Rainbow
Flower” and how to grow it. Having a chance to show them off
was an added bonus! Until Covid-19 hit and disrupted the
country, BIS held a Spring Show every year. It was no easy
feat for a financially-strapped, new club with only Pat
McNeal having any experience showing irises, and NO ONE with
experience putting on a show! Nevertheless, the show was a
success and a great learning experience for everyone
involved. Best of Show winners were: 2014 – “Chatter;” 2015
– “Jesse’s Song;” 2016 – “Jesse’s Song;” 2017 –
Conjuration;” 2018 – “Virginia Lyle;” 2019 – “Conjuration.”
Cindy Outen, President; Pat McNeal, Vice President; and Mary Beth Webb, Secretary/Treasurer
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