From the Executive Director
Dee Daneri
Fortuna, California
VIVA VIREYAS! At the heart of the Pacific Rim is the newest chapter of the American Rhododendron Society.
The Hawaii Chapter, which embraces the state of Hawaii, was approved for chapter status at the ARS Board of Directors meeting in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on October 25. Opening with 16 members, 13 of whom will be moving from non-chapter status, the chapter is already gaining the interest of members in other vireya-growing regions around the Pacific Rim. The chapter will be part of District 5, with District Director Charles Miller becoming the first associate member of the new chapter.
Meetings are held monthly on the third Sunday at the University of Hawaii Agricultural Building, Komohana St., Hilo, Hawaii, or at various members' gardens. Chapter President Mitch Mitchell looks forward to welcoming you at a future meeting. The chapter's newsletter, VIVA VIREYAS, is up and running and we have a very enthusiastic group of gardeners in the new group. Our best wishes and warmest welcome to the Hawaii Chapter. Aloha!