Bronze Medal Awards
CAPE COD CHAPTER
Bronze Medal: Georges and Elaine Aubes
Today, April 19, 2009, we award the Cape Cod Chapter's highest honor, the Bronze Medal of the
American Rhododendron Society. This award is in recognition of exceptional service and
contribution to the Chapter.
It is a deep honor this year to award a Bronze Medal to an exemplary couple. Together you
have worked tirelessly for the chapter for many years - most often behind the scenes. If
you weren't setting up for meetings in the midst of snowstorms or working evenings on the
Nominations Committee, you were working on the weekend at the spring plant sales or at the
display garden.
Nothing seemed too small or too large for you to tackle as evidenced by your continual
volunteering to manage such things as equipment inventory or by attending the Executive
Board meetings just to help out and provide input.
When the chapter needed someone to distribute plant sale posters or to pitch in to help the
Annual Luncheon run smoother or to do the countless other activities you undertook - there
you were!
Georges and Elaine, for your countless hours and unflagging efforts on behalf of the Cape
Cod Chapter, I am delighted to present you with its highest award, the Bronze Medal of the
American Rhododendron Society. You are an inspiration to us all! Thank You.
Bronze Medal: Joel Blair
It is a deep honor this year to award a Bronze Medal to a longtime dedicated member of the
chapter. This long overdue award goes to Joel Blair.
Well over a decade ago you began to serve the chapter, at first by befriending new members
such as myself and making them feel at home at chapter meetings. During that time you could
not resist serving on various committees, helping out with activities such as the plant sales
and the display gardens or being on the Executive Board.
By 1989, you were assistant treasurer. From there you went on in 1991-1993 to contribute as
chapter vice president. Finally, during 1993-1995 you served the chapter as its president.
Thereafter you continued to serve the chapter in numerous ways. When you sold your house you
donated your rhododendron collection to the chapter to raise funds.
You have remained a chapter member throughout this period - gently influencing those around
you with your example of unselfish service. You are an inspiration to us all!
EUGENE CHAPTER
Bronze Medal: Jack Olson
At the Early Show Dinner on April 11, 2009, the Eugene Chapter presented Jack Olson with a
Bronze Medal, as its highest commendation for the numerous contributions he has made to the
chapter throughout his membership. Over the years, Jack has served as chapter president for
three terms, served on the chapter board of directors for additional terms, has helped
organize an Annual ARS Convention in Eugene three times, and has presented numerous programs
for both the Eugene Chapter and other ARS chapters as well as other garden groups within the
community.
With his wife, Sandie, Jack has hosted a number of picnics at his lovely rural garden that
are enjoyed by all, and, together, they have often been responsible for the decorations at our
Christmas dinner program. Throughout his long membership, Jack has loved the spring flower
shows entering large numbers of trusses in both the Eugene shows and those of other chapters
within District 4 as well as serving as a respected judge throughout the district.
In his large greenhouse, Jack propagates many rhododendrons and is always generous in
donating plants for door prizes and for new members. Also, he has hybridized, named, and
registered a number of new plants.
Though he is always there to help with our activities, perhaps, his greatest contribution to
our organization is his enthusiasm for both the genus Rhododendron and the world of
gardening. I don't think Jack has ever met a plant he did not like.
NEW YORK CHAPTER
Bronze Medal: Dennis Stallone
The New York Chapter is pleased to award the Bronze Medal of the American Rhododendron
Society to Dennis Stallone in recognition of his years of service to the Chapter.
Dennis has been a member of the Board of Directors for many years. Additionally, he took
on the position of treasurer of our chapter and has been and still is serving in that
position.
In this role, he has given selflessly of his time and expertise in managing the monies of
the chapter in a manner that has kept us financially stable. This has given our chapter
the wherewithal to be able to forward the goals of the society through educational programs
and social activities that have made our chapter a vibrant and active organization.
We are honoring him today with this Bronze award for his many years of unsung service.
WILLAMETTE CHAPTER
Bronze Medal: Anne Gross
The Willamette Chapter, in Salem, Oregon is pleased to present the Bronze Medal, the chapter's
highest honor, to Anne Gross for her leadership as our past chapter president and present nominating
committee chairperson. For Anne's contribution to the Smith Garden as part of the work party and
for serving on the board of directors. Also for her willingness to share plants and her vast knowledge
and for promoting interest in the society as well as the genus Rhododendron and for her
generous gift of time in ARS projects and offices.
In recognition for her many contributions to the Willamette Chapter and the ARS we presented this Bronze
Medal to Anne Gross on May 13, 2009.