The Northern Virginia Chapter is easily accessible to ASA members living in Southern Maryland, DC and Northern and Central Virginia. We meet 6 times a year with 4 lectures, a cutting exchange and a plant sale. In early May we enjoy a tour of local azalea gardens. Of course, we are always happy to answer questions and discuss items of interest. Stop by and enjoy the company of friendly people who share a passion for azaleas!

Our last chapter meeting was held on the 28th of September. We had a great turnout and it was nice to see new (and in one case, returning) members. Amol Kaikini from the Fairfax County Master Gardeners provided an interesting and informative presentation on dealing with garden pests…without relying on pesticides.

Our next chapter meeting will be on 16 November at the George Mason Library. Don Hyatt will be our speaker and will be speaking on the topic “Propagating Rhododendrons and Azaleas”. In addition to talking about the summer process of rooting cuttings, he will also cover winter rooting of cuttings and raising plants from seed (including providing information on hybridizing). I have always enjoyed Don’s presentations and am looking forward to this one. More information will be provided in the Clipper.

We are beginning to solicit members for renewals for 2009. The Fall Azalean that just came out has a brief article on the renewal process, and all members have the expiration date printed on their address labels. If you have an expiration date of 2008 on the address label, you are up for renewal and can do so by following the instructions in the Azalean. If you have any questions, you can contact Dan Krabill at dkrabill@gmail.com

I know most of us aren't focused on our gardens at this time of year, but I wanted to provide you some advanced information for planning in the New Year. As you know, our chapter will be sponsoring the Azalea Society of America 2009 National Convention 1-4 May at the Herndon Crowne Plaza Hotel. Planning for this convention has been ongoing for quite awhile and conducting the convention will require assistance from the full chapter membership. Don Hyatt and Bob and Eve Harrison are going to the Mid-Atlantic Nurserymen's Trade Show Jan. 7-9 to order companion plants for azaleas for the Plant Sale at the convention in May. They're looking at everything from hellebores to Japanese maples to wildflowers to ensure will have a wonderful offering for the convention goers.

The Convention now has its own web site in place: 2009 ASA Convention. Check it out for schedule, registration, etc.

On 25 January we will be holding our Chapter meeting at the Crowne Plaza. This will allow us tour the facility and assist us as we finalize our plans. Additionally, Bob McWhorter from the Rhododendron Society will present a talk on the Ambrosia Beetle, an emerging threat to azaleas, rhododendrons and other plants. It should be a very useful presentation for all of our members. We encourage maximum attendance. More details will be provided in the Azalea Clipper next month.

Our last Chapter meeting was held at the George Mason Library on 16 November. Don Hyatt provided an informative presentation on various means of azalea propagation. He also interspersed photographs from his visit to Scotland last May. I think I can speak for those in attendance when I say that Don once again provided an outstanding and very interesting talk.

I wish all a Happy New Year. I look forward to seeing you on January 25th in Herndon.

Please contact any of our officers, listed below, for directions.

Officers for 2008 - 2009 are:

President	Eve Harrison
Vice President	Rick Bauer
Secretary	Rosie Field
Treasurer	Dave Nanney
Corresponding Secretary	Frances Louer

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