Some members of our North Coast community may remember, when young, being affectionately called schnickelfritz, especially if there was some German heritage. That’s how Kathy Van Veen refers to herself, but, while it illustrates a good sense of humor, it doesn’t begin to disclose the many sides of this month’s guest speaker for the Thursday, Feb. 28, meeting of the Eureka Chapter of the Rhododendron Society.

The Van Veen Nursery in Portland, Oregon was started in 1926 by Theodore Van Veen, Sr. An online source, not its own website, indicates it is known worldwide for the outstanding quality of its rhododendrons and azaleas.

Kathy is the third generation who is carrying on the family’s dedication. It might not have been her direction earlier, as her interests and college studies at the University of Washington were in oceanography and quaternary paleoecology (fossil pollen in sediment cores from oceans and lakes, to save a rush to the dictionary).

It’s now been 50 years and two months that Kathy has been "doing cuttings" - turning plant pieces into healthy, rooted, flourishing plants. She wants us to know about the nursery and what it does and how everything is recycled.

Rhody meetings are held at The Eureka Woman’s Club, 1531 J Street, 7 p.m. This month’s meeting is on Feb. 28. The public is always welcome. There’s a refreshment break and many chances, what with a door prize and opportunity drawings, to go home with some lovely plants for the garden or good reference guides. There is time for questions directed to the speaker as well as general questions on the selection, care, and maintenance of rhodies here on the North Coast.

For additional inquiries about the meeting or membership, call 443-1291.