JARS v62n3 - 28th ARS Western Regional Conference, 4th International Vireya Seminar

28th ARS Western Regional Conference
4th International Vireya Seminar
September 23 – 28, 2008

Hawaii logo

Come see the beautiful island of Hawai'i. We will be headquartered at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel located on Hilo Bay with views of the Pacific Ocean and Mauna Kea. We invite you to become friends with Hawai'i - her people, her plants and her 'aina (land). E komo mai (come on over) and enjoy the land of Vireya, Pele and Aloha.

Schedule Of Events
Tuesday, September 23
10:00 a.m. – Registration Table Open
11:00 a.m. – Hospitality Room Open

Wednesday, September 24
8:30 a.m. – Registration Table Open
8:30 a.m. – Hospitality Room Open
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tour – Hi'iaka's Puna (The district of Puna was sacred to Pele's sister, Hi'iaka) Puna is a district of beauty and contrast: Rainforests and lava deserts; groomed estates and wild gardens, black sand beaches and rocky shorelines. This tour will take you to White Cloud Nursery, one of Puna's newest nurseries which specializes in vireya and native plants; Josanna's Hawaiian Garden, an organic garden of flowers and fruit; Lundkvist's Palm Garden, 5 acres – 5000 palms; on the historic "Red Road," you will ride through tree tunnels, past commercial papaya orchards, and along the coastline to Isaac Hale Park and the black sand beach which has returned after its destruction by Pele. Lunch and Snacks provided. Wear walking shoes. Price $50.00.
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. – Welcoming No Host Bar with Pupus (appetizers) The wonderful Taiko Drummers will return for an encore.

Thursday, September 25
8:30 a.m. – Registration Table Open
8:30 a.m. – Hospitality Room Open
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ARS Board Meeting
12 noon Directors Lunch - $15.00
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tour – Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Home of Pele, the volcano goddess, the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park allows you a unique chance to see the beauty of this creative and destructive force. You will be touring many sites within the park and the trip back to the hotel will include a stop at Akatsuka Orchid Gardens. Includes lunch at the historic Volcano House and park fees. Price is $50.00

Friday, September 26
8:30 a.m. – Registration Table Open
8:30 a.m. – Hospitality Room Open
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tour of Private Gardens. Variety is the theme for this tour to the gardens of Hawai'i Chapter members. You will be traveling from close to sea level to around 2000 feet; seeing mature gardens and those that are just hitting their stride. You will see tropical and semi- tropical plants of all varieties including many varieties of Vireya. This is your chance to see up close and personal how our gardens grow. Lunch and snacks provided. $50.00
5:30 p.m. – Fellowship Dinner In The Park. Join the members of the Hawai'i Chapter of ARS in a fellowship dinner in the park. This will be a time to get to know your fellow attendees and renew old friendships. This event was the hi-light of the 24th Western Regional Conference. It will be a laid back time of fun, good food and great entertainment. Price is $15.00.

Saturday, September 27
4th International Vireya Seminar 8:15 – Registration Opens In Conference Room
8:45 – Welcome To Attendees
9:00 – 9:45 Fred Renick - California. Fred is a long time member of the American Rhododendron Society and has grown Vireya in southern California for many years.
10:00 – 10:45 Kaye Hagen - Tasmania Australia. Kay Hagen's garden in Tasmania offers a great contrast in growing conditions to Fred Renick's and will showcase other great Vireya and their landscape possiblities.
11:00 – 11:45 Erik Nilsen, PhD - Virginia Tech. Erik is one of those rare research scientists who can make their information interesting to the layman. He has been studying Vireya for years, including a year in Hawai'i; and his talks are always enlightening.
12 Noon – 1:15 Lunch. A luncheon buffet will be set up in the meeting room. Cost $18.00
1:30 – 2:15 Richard Marques. Mr. Marques is a charter member of the Hawaii Chapter of ARS. He owns and operates a commercial nursery specializing in Vireya. He will be speaking on Vireya in Hawai'i.
2:30 – 3:00 Introducing Kimalia Vireya Garden & Sanctuary – Sherla Bertelmann, Mitch Mitchell. Take a visual tour of this special Vireya garden and meet the couple who are presenting this incredible gift to us all.
3:00 – 4:00 Questions & Answers
6:00 - 9:00 Aloha Banquet. No host bar. Aloha Banquet featuring Lomi Lomi Salmon, Kalua Pork, Family Style Lau Lau, Huli Huli Chicken, Mahi Mahi, Roast Beef and all the accompaniments. Price $40.00
Silent Auction, Raffle and Entertainment
Aloha and Farewell – A Hui Hou

Sunday, September 28
8:30 – 4:00 – Post Conference Tour. This tour will take you to the private gardens of Mitch & Sandy Mitchell and Charles & Marina Trommer. You will also visit the Vireya and other tropical gardens at the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens. Lunch is provided. $40.00