Bronze Medal Awards
FRASER VALLEY CHAPTER
Bronze Medal: Art Pearson
At its March monthly meeting, the Fraser Valley Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society presented Art Pearson with the ARS Bronze Medal for his special contributions to the FVRS Chapter.
This was the fifth Bronze Medal presented by our chapter since it was founded and the ninety-ninth medal awarded by all the nine District 1 chapters. You will find the complete list of recipients at www.rhodos.ca/medals.html.
The citation: We present to Art Pearson the American Rhododendron Society's Bronze Medal for his special contributions to the Fraser Valley Chapter.
Art has served on the executive committee in all capacities including president and sometimes several positions at the same time. His kind and gentle attitude brings an atmosphere of relaxation to our meetings and events. He is a considerate, efficient and helpful individual. Art has always been an enthusiastic organizer and participant at social events especially the annual turkey dinner which he initiated.
Art and Bruce's garden has often been the site of chapter year-end picnics and their home has hosted numerous executive meetings.
With sincere appreciation, we are pleased to present to Art Pearson the American Rhododendron Society's Bronze Medal - our highest award. You have been a capable leader guiding us over the last decade. You continue to provide us with much needed leadership and for this we are most indebted. A job well done, Art. March 26, 2007.
Bronze Medal: Dianne Vernon
At its April monthly meeting, the Fraser Valley Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society presented Dianne Vernon with the ARS Bronze Medal for her special contributions to the FVRS Chapter. This was the sixth Bronze Medal presented by our chapter since it was founded and the one-hundredth medal awarded by all the nine District 1 chapters.
The citation: We present to Dianne Vernon the American Rhododendron Society's Bronze Medal for her special contributions to the Fraser Valley Chapter.
Although Dianne prefers to stay out of the limelight, our chapter appreciates her unwavering support and reliability. As hostess, she creates a friendly welcoming atmosphere for our meetings. With energy and dedication, Dianne does not hesitate to get involved in working at our shows and plant sales. As well, she is a major contributor to the success of our Annual Christmas Dinner. Her gourmet turkey preparation is appreciated by all.
As a passionate and accomplished gardener, she is a member of several garden associations. Dianne is a collector of fuchsias, begonias and, of course, rhododendrons. She is a member of the Van Dusen Master Gardeners program.
With sincere appreciation, we are pleased to present Dianne Vernon the American Rhododendron Society's Bronze Medal - our highest award. We appreciate you, and all that you do for us. Thank you, Dianne! April 23, 2007.
NOYO CHAPTER
Bronze Medal: Richard Jones
The Noyo Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society presents its highest award, the Bronze Medal, to Richard Jones for your many years of dedicated service to our chapter. You have served as our chapter president for two terms and as chairman of our annual show and plant sale on three separate occasions. Since 2002 you have done an outstanding job as editor of our chapter newsletter and as the "unofficial" historian for our club. In addition, you have served on our Board of Directors as past president for two years. Your contributions to our chapter's mission to promote the study and culture of rhododendrons and stimulate interest in rhododendrons in the general population are many. It is with the deepest respect and appreciation that we proudly present you with this award. May 19, 2007.
Bronze Medal: Mike Peterson
We would like to dedicate our highest award, the Bronze Medal, to you, Mike Peterson, for all that you have done for the Noyo Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society. Your participation in our chapter is truly an important element of its success.
You have always shown a willingness to share your knowledge with others whether they be experienced or novice growers. The two years you served as president and the two years you served as our show chairman, along with serving many years on the board is proof of your dedication to our chapter. The generosity of your plant donations to our raffles never fails to amaze us. Yet it is your wonderful stories and quiet humor that make us smile when your name is mentioned. For all of these wonderful qualities, it is a great privilege that we present to you this Bronze Medal. May 19, 2007.
Bronze Medal: Bruce Philp
The Noyo Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society proudly presents its highest award, the Bronze Medal, to you, Bruce Philp, for your years of contribution to the success of this chapter. Your service has included several terms as vice-president and a year as co-chairman of our annual rhododendron show and plant sale. You are always ready to assist the club in its mission to promote the study and culture of rhododendrons, and to stimulate interest in rhododendrons in the general population. Your participation in Society activities, chapter work parties and shows is recognized and very much appreciated. As a charter member you helped to nurture and shape our chapter into the successful ARS group that it is. Bruce, for all of the above, and so much, much more, a heartfelt "Thank You" from all your friends in the Noyo Chapter. May 19, 2007.
PORTLAND CHAPTER
Bronze Medal: Kathy Van Veen
We appreciate your friendly, enthusiastic leadership. You have generously given your time and energy to serve as chapter president, vice-president, and chairperson of the Friends of Crystal Springs Garden. Your long-standing commitment to classify rhododendron flowers for the Mother's Day Show has helped make this event a wonderful success. For many years, you have also made great efforts to display hundreds of flowers at the show. Your entries have been an integral part of this event.
You have graciously hosted the Board of Directors meetings at your nursery and have also led the Study Group meetings. You have shared your knowledge and expertise by speaking at many ARS meetings throughout the country. You have always made yourself available to answer "rhododendron questions" to all who seek to learn. Our members recognize that you are a tremendous asset to our chapter.
In appreciation of your many contributions, the Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is proud to award the Bronze Medal to Kathy Van Veen, May 17, 2007.
WHIDBEY ISLAND CHAPTER
Bronze Medal: John Marshall
The Whidbey Island Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society presents this Bronze Medal to John Marshall. Without hesitation, he has stepped forward to serve three consecutive terms as president of our chapter. As president he set a hands-on example for the membership, always helping out at plant sales, auctions, picnics and. parties. Under his guidance, chapter and board meetings were kept on track and on time!
To expose us all to a variety of rhododendrons, he pulled together an annual truss show at Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens where members could spend an enjoyable afternoon picking favorite rhodies. Another educational venture was the addition of a ten-minute Q&A period before each meeting so members and guests could find answers to their rhododendron and companion plant questions.
There is more to being a member of the American Rhododendron Society than the sharing of rhododendron knowledge; one can also serve as a leader. In grateful appreciation of his leadership this chapter is pleased to award him the Bronze Medal this 25th day of April, 2007.
WILLAMETTE CHAPTER
Bronze Medal: Keith White
The Willamette Chapter, Salem Oregon, is pleased to present the Bronze Medal, the chapter's highest honor, to Keith White for his contribution to our chapter for having been a great secretary for many years; for his generous hosting of the study group; for opening his home to out of town guests and speakers; for his willing and witty sharing of his vast knowledge as an author and speaker; for his contribution as a board member of the Rhododendron Species Foundation and Botanical Garden; for his plant collecting trips to remote parts of Asia and visits to Europe; and for his promoting interest in the Society as well as the genus
Rhododendron
.