Bronze Medal Awards

GREAT LAKES CHAPTER

Blanche Browning

The Great Lakes Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society presents the Bronze Medal to Blanche Browning. You serve with distinction on the executive committee which draws from your leadership and guidance. The chapter flower show finds you giving your expert attention to helping entrants to prepare tags, placing flowers on tables, acting as scribe, and often as chief scribe, then helping prepare ribbons for the winners - all highly necessary for making the show a success. You helped develop the idea of having a quilting committee, which made quilts that were later auctioned to raise funds for the chapter - another very necessary function. Currently you are serving as treasurer. This task also involves you in the plant auctions, which again require that special attention to detail you handle so well. We are indeed grateful for all of the foregoing, as well as for the many other tasks of this chapter. The Great Lakes Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is pleased to present to you the Bronze Medal, which is the highest award a chapter can bestow. August 19, 2000

KOMO KULSHAN

David Hammond

The Komo Kulshan Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is proud to present the Bronze Medal Award to David Hammond for his long-standing support of the chapter. Dave has been a member of the Komo Kulshan Chapter for many years. During this time he has held the offices of vice president and board member. But Dave is best known for his great enthusiasm for rhododendrons he generously imparts to others and for his large collection of species and hybrids at his nursery, Hammond's Acres of Rhodys in Arlington. Dave and his wife, Joan, have often hosted the chapter and other District 2 chapters at their memorable display garden and have donated numerous plants for chapter sales. David is an avid traveler, visiting gardens in Britain and Europe to augment his far-reaching knowledge of the genus Rhododendron, and he willingly shares this international perspective. Komo Kulshan Chapter is indeed indebted to David Hammond for his many years of service to the chapter and happily awards him the Bronze Medal on this day, November 16, 2000.

Bernard Nelson

The Komo Kulshan Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is proud to present the Bronze Medal Award to Bernard Nelson for his long-standing support of the chapter. Bernard has been a member of the Komo Kulshan Chapter since 1977. During these many years, both old and new members have come to rely upon his generous and sage advice regarding all aspects of rhododendron growing and the best choices of species and hybrids for their gardens. Bernard has served the chapter in the position of vice president. The chapter is grateful for his quiet leadership. At their rhododendron nursery, Nelson's Rhododendrons & Azaleas in Sedro Woolley, Bernard and his wife, Karol, have provided an invaluable resource for members, have encouraged the public to use rhododendrons to beautify their landscapes, and have patiently provided advice on growing them to their best advantage. Bernard serves as an evaluator and grower of new hybrids for many of the Northwest hybridizers. The Nelsons have also donated many plants for chapter fund-raisers. Komo Kulshan Chapter is indeed indebted to Bernard Nelson for his many years of service to the chapter and happily awards him the Bronze Medal on this day, November 16, 2000.

MIDDLE ATLANTIC CHAPTER

Sharon R. Collins

The Middle Atlantic Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society presents to Sharon R. Collins this Bronze Medal Award in recognition of her active participation and service to the chapter for many years. Sharon has organized and run our spring and fall flower and foliage shows since the death of Terry Shenchenko. This formidable task includes many facets from scheduling, ordering ribbons and trophies, recruiting volunteers and judges, setting up and categorizing the many entries, and recording the winners. For this and her overall willingness to help when needed, we present with sincere appreciation this Bronze Medal, our chapter's highest honor. September 30, 2000

Theresa H. Brents

The Middle Atlantic Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society presents to Theresa H. Brents this Bronze Medal Awards in recognition of her active participation and service to the chapter for many years. Theresa has been an active member who opened her garden to members on several occasions. She has been the book sale chairman for a number of years. She increased the number and variety of books, gloves, and other items available for sale to members at reduced prices. The ordering, handling of inventory and transportation to and from meetings is a major and not a light task. For this and her many other contributions to our meetings and society, we give her this, our chapter's highest honor. September 30, 2000

MONTEREY BAY CHAPTER

Peter Moerdyke

The Monterey Bay Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is pleased to present the chapter's highest award, the Bronze Medal, to Peter Moerdyke. As a nurseryman, Pete has given generously of his time and expertise. He has donated many plants for our monthly raffles and he has provided us with the beautiful plants that we sell at our annual spring show and plant sale. Pete, along with his wife Laurie, has been hosting an open house for our chapter members at his nursery for several years. Each fall and spring we have the opportunity to spend a wonderful day at his nursery visiting, picnicking and touring his ever-expanding gardens. It is always exciting to see what new plants he is growing. Pete is a dedicated member of our chapter and has been a great resource for information on rhododendron cultivation. He has taught us how to take cuttings, pot them up, and grow them into plants with fabulous foliage as well as gorgeous flowers. It is with great pride that we present to you the American Rhododendron Society Bronze Medal.

NANAIMO CHAPTER

Ward and Donna Porter

Ward and Donna Porter have been leaders for our chapter since they organized the inaugural meeting in 1992. Ward was the first president and is currently serving his sixth year. Donna has served as president, secretary and treasurer. They have worked as a team to develop events ranging from garden tours, the truss show and plant sale as well as the Christmas auction. Their generosity of time, plants, knowledge and above all enthusiasm has been central to the chapter's success. Their outstanding contributions have made our chapter dynamic, vibrant, a source of education about the genus Rhododendron and, above all, a fun place to be.

SOUTHEASTERN CHAPTER

Edward W. Collins

The Southeastern Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is pleased and proud to present the Bronze Medal Award to Edward W. Collins, one of our most valued members. Ed knows and likes plants. He grows perhaps the largest collection of Cowles hybrid rhododendrons in existence. That, together with his interests in dwarf conifers, Japanese maples and other ornamental trees and shrubs, wildflowers and native plants, and particularly native azaleas, along with his skillful and artistic garden design and stonework, makes visiting his garden a real treat. Ed knows and likes people. His warmth and genuine interest in people has been instrumental in recruiting and retaining many members for our chapter. He has served as our president for many years, he has represented us well as the District 10 Director, and he is currently serving on our board. Ed makes things happen. He started our chapter Native Azalea Study Group, he and Mary have hosted many of its meetings and led many field trips, and he is one of the best sources of information on where to find that special azalea in our mountains. He started a rhododendron and azalea display garden at the Blue Ridge Community Council, he leads its committee, and is always on the lookout for suitable additional plants for the garden. He was the chairman of our annual plant sale to non-members for a number of years, and then and now has spent many hours selecting and transporting plants for the sales from nurseries all around our area. He has been a volunteer at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville for many years, and took on responsibilities for its native azalea repository, including photographing and validating many of the plants in its collection. Ed, for these and all the many other contributions to our chapter you have made over the years, we salute you, and we present you with this token of our appreciation. Thank you for enriching our lives.

VALLEY FORGE CHAPTER

W. Robert Stamper

The Valley Forge Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society proudly presents the Bronze Medal to W. Robert Stamper for your many years of participation in numerous aspects of the chapter's activities. Your dedication and service have been evident through your involvement in the chapter's annual plant sale at Jenkins Arboretum, the annual truss show at Longwood Gardens and the continued fostering of our relationship with Jenkins Arboretum. You have served unstintingly as president of the chapter for three years as well as having served as a director. We have continued to learn from your contributions as a botanist through your informative articles in our chapter newsletter and also through your slide programs of travels to exotic areas around the globe. We are proud to have you as a member and take great pleasure in presenting this award to you on this day, November 5, 2000.

Bonnie Marcus Bennett

The Valley Forge Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society presents its highest award, the Bronze Medal, to Bonnie Marcus Bennett for having served the chapter in many ways since joining the Society. For ten years you have served as treasurer and liaison with the Society's office. You have assisted in chapter plant sales with helping customers make selections as well as cashiering at the check-out counter. Along with your husband, Mike, you have opened your home and garden for chapter annual meetings, picnics and garden tours and you have been generous in sharing plants. It is with gratitude, therefore, that this award is presented this 5th day of November 2000.

William D. Perry

The Valley Forge Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society takes great pleasure in awarding the Bronze Medal to Bill Perry. For any organization to thrive and be successful, it needs members who are dedicated, faithful and enthusiastic. Bill, you have continuously exemplified all of these to the Valley Forge Chapter. When called upon, you have served on the chapter's Board of Directors. You have consistently supported our annual plant sale with your time and effort from the early planning stages through each sale's successful completion. By enthusiastically and graciously sharing your knowledge of rhododendrons with both new and older members, you have made everyone welcome at the Valley Forge Chapter. Bill, for your long-standing dedication and many contributions to the support of the Valley Forge Chapter, we express our deep gratitude by presenting to you the highest honor the Valley Forge Chapter can bestow, the Bronze Medal.

Margaret Fawcett

You have served the chapter with grace and elegance. As 2nd vice president and program chairman for four years, you provided the chapter with excellent, enlightening speakers and meetings. Your services at plant sales were numerous. As facilitator of the members' Donated Plants, you garnered many unusual species which enhanced the sales. You generously opened your lovely garden for visitations. For your many contributions which also include: serving on the nominating committee, helping prepare for several annual cuttings exchanges, hosting study group meetings and working on the sales catalogue, the Valley Forge Chapter is proud to present you with its highest award, the Bronze Medal. November 5, 2000

VANCOUVER CHAPTER

Cy and Martie Irwin

The Vancouver Rhododendron Society is pleased to present the Bronze Medal of the American Rhododendron Society to Cy and Martie Irwin. Long-time members of the Society, their enthusiasm and willingness to serve is reflected in the executive and other committee positions they have cheerfully accepted. Cy served as treasurer of the chapter and has many times acted as auditor, both of the ARS Annual Convention accounts and of the yearly financial statements. Martie has served several terms as secretary and as treasurer, as show chairman and as director of publicity. In all these positions her meticulous attention to detail contributed to a smoothly functioning chapter and successful and well-attended shows. Cy and Martie can always be counted on to volunteer where there is need, and have consistently for many years been at the centre of the Society's operations. Their historical perspective and wisdom are always valued. In recognition of their many contributions to the well-being of the Society, the awarding of the Bronze Medal, the highest award an American Rhododendron Society chapter can bestow, is a small token of the Vancouver Rhododendron Society's appreciation, and is richly deserved. 21 September 2000