Bronze Medal Awards
CONNECTICUT CHAPTER
Lorenzo F. Kinney, Jr.
Known as "The Azaleaman", Lorenzo F. Kinney, Jr., began collecting azaleas with the idea of testing their suitability for growing in the Kingston, R.I. area; this, during a time when azaleas were grown in the north mainly as greenhouse plants.
When B.Y. Morrison first introduced his new Glenn Dale hybrids, Mr. Kinney saw this as a challenge and a possible opportunity to bring new color and diversity of form to northern gardens. Over the years, he has tested and grown most of the Glenn Dales. He visited Joseph Gable frequently and now has most of his hybrids. More recently, he has added Gartrell, Linwood, North Tisbury, and other hybrids to his plantings. All of these, including some of his own creations, are presented in all their glory to azalea lovers who flock to the "Azalea Tea" given by Mr. and Mrs. Kinney each year.
Mr. Kinney has been a member of the Connecticut Chapter for nineteen years. He drives the long distance to our meetings in fair weather and foul. Our show tables have been graced by his beautiful entries, and we have enjoyed his interesting and informative comments.
His boundless enthusiasm for azaleas has encouraged the uninitiated to expand their horizons beyond the common clones of yesteryear. Let no one say that azaleas are poor relations of rhododendrons!
Presentation of the Bronze Medal of the American Rhododendron Society gives us an opportunity not only to praise one of our loyal members, but also to acknowledge our gratitude and respect for him. Tonight the Rhododendron Society of Connecticut is pleased to honor Lorenzo F. Kinney, Jr. April 11,1986.
PORTLAND CHAPTER
Betty Spady
In appreciation of her many active years of membership in the American Rhododendron Society as a life member of the Portland Chapter and a member of other chapters. For being active in forming the Western Regional Fall Conference. For taking care of many details, making each Western Conference a success. For serving on committees, presently the Membership Committee. For being Chairman of the Roster Committee. For her graciousness and friendliness to everyone. This Chapter is pleased to give its highest honor and recognition, the Bronze Medal, to Betty Spady by unanimous decision of the Honors Committee, Portland, Oregon - May 1986.
Herb Spady
In appreciation of his many active years of membership in the American Rhododendron Society as a life member of the Portland Chapter and a member of other chapters. For his leadership and service to the chapter as President, Vice-President and member of the board. For his present service on the ARS National Board of Directors as regional representative for the Oregon Chapters. For his service as President during the 1985 American Rhododendron Society Convention and contribution to the success of that convention. For his leadership in the purchase of the Cecil and Molly Smith Garden. For serving as study group chairman and presenting educational programs at various chapters' meetings. For his presentation of rhododendron programs in Europe. For his being a prime figure in making the Western Regional Conferences a success. For his Co-Chairing the Membership and Roster Committees. This chapter is pleased to give its highest honor and recognition, the Bronze Medal, to Herb Spady by unanimous decision of the Honors Committee, Portland, Oregon May 1986.
SHELTON CHAPTER
Louis and Catherine Bock
The Shelton Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is proud to present the Bronze Medal Award to Louis and Catherine Bock in recognition of years of dedicated service to the Chapter. One or both have served as President, Vice-President and Show chairman and have been always willing to undertake special tasks in our interest.
They have been enthusiastic propagators of rhododendrons from seed and cuttings, producing plants used in their Olalla garden and given to friends and to our plant sales.
Over the years they have been gracious hosts for drop-in visitors and Chapter visitations, and we have followed with amazement the development of an outstanding garden. Now that they have retired to a smaller place, we hope they will pursue their horticultural interests, including participation in Chapter activities for years ahead. March 18, 1986.
F. W. Herrick
The Shelton Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is proud to present the Bronze Medal Award to F. W. Herrick, one of our earliest members. Starting as an enthusiastic propagator of any seed or cutting material offered, Bill soon realized he needed more room, buying acreage and becoming more selective. He has been a generous contributor of plants to friends, Chapter, and various organizations - among them the local Methodist church, where the rhododendron plantings are outstanding. He has been a judge for many chapter shows in the Northwest.
He has served as President, Vice-President and Show Chairman of our Chapter more than once and has presented many programs for us and other chapters.
On his retirement we hope Bill will pursue his rhododendron activities and that these and other interests will make his retirement satisfying for years to come. April 15, 1986.
REDWOOD EMPIRE CHAPTER
Stewart Barber
As a founding member, treasurer and director, Stewart Barber has brought to our fledgling Chapter, professional financial guidance and a wealth of knowledge of rhododendron and azalea culture. His ability and willingness to share this knowledge and expertise has inspired many and stimulated the interest and growth of our Chapter. As a generous propagator, he has contributed hundreds of plants to our plant sales and auctions. We of the Redwood Empire Chapter thank you, Stu.
During his twenty-five years of tireless service to the Society, through both the California and Redwood Empire Chapters, Stu and his lovely wife, Audrey, hybridized numerous Exbury hybrids far superior to many of the named clones, together with over twenty Evergreen azaleas. They traveled extensively in England and Japan, returning with plant material which they generously shared with rhododendron and azalea enthusiasts. Best known of his excellent rhododendron hybrids are 'Little Imp' and 'Little Augie'.
In recognition and appreciation of his many years of unselfish contribution and dedication to our Society, and as a token of gratitude, esteem and friendship, we proudly present this Award, our first Bronze Medal, to Stewart Barber, this twelfth day of June, one thousand nine hundred and eighty-six.