Bronze Medal Awards

CAPE COD CHAPTER
Richard A. Houghton
Throughout his years as a member of the Cape Cod Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, Richard A. Houghton has been active and helpful - a participant in special events and plant sales, a faithful digger, planter, and weeder in the Orleans Display Garden, and a willing host for visitors to his own outstanding garden.

In 1997, Richard accepted the vice-presidency of the chapter and its accompanying duties as program chairman. In 1999, he became president, and as there was no one to accept the vice-presidency, he also took on that job and the program responsibilities for another two years. This willingness to serve the chapter - to the extent and in the manner necessary - is rare. And the chapter is extremely grateful.

The quality of Richard's service is as noticeable as its scope and vigor. For four years, Richard has arranged for a variety of knowledgeable and interesting speakers, often extending his and his wife's, Phoebe's, hospitality to them. As president, he has sought to regularize the affairs of the chapter with clearly defined tasks and with chairpersons responsible for the tasks - such areas as plant sales, meeting-room accommodations, and the Display Garden.

And he has established a budget process. From household duties to structure, Richard has strengthened the chapter. He did this with the civility and graciousness that mark all his efforts. Unfailingly approachable and friendly, he has won the respect and affection of all. Thank you, Richard. September 2001.

MIDDLE ATLANTIC CHAPTER
Alton S. Hall
The Middle Atlantic Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society presents to Alton S. Hall this Bronze Medal Award in recognition of his many years of service to the chapter as director, vice president and president, and also for his work on the 1988 convention and as audio-visual operator. He will also be remembered as our "ace" driver during the trip to Scotland for the ARS meeting in Oban, Scotland. Most recently he and Barbara helped arrange and host the chapter meeting in Gloucester, Virginia.

For these and his many other quiet contributions we present the chapter's highest honor. November 3, 2001.

PIEDMONT CHAPTER
John Wallgren
The Piedmont Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is proud to present to John Wallgren its highest honor, the Bronze Medal. Even though you are unable to be with us now, your long and faithful service to this organization is well remembered and much appreciated. All of us remember your workman-like attention to the duties of secretary-treasurer. Your unfailing attendance at meetings was particularly significant in light of the many years you held those offices.

You served us in so many other ways as well, performing all the little tasks at flower shows, from clerking to cleanup, that are essential to such functions. And afterward you welcomed us into your home to share your own garden. For such dedicated labors, we owe a great debt of gratitude. Thank you, John.

SHELTON CHAPTER
Tom Noreen
The Shelton Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is pleased to present the chapter's highest award, the Bronze Medal, to Tom Noreen. Since becoming a member in 1991, Tom has been active in chapter leadership. He served as chapter vice-president in 1992-93, and then was elected chapter secretary in 1993. Tom has faithfully held this position and continues to serve as chapter secretary at the present time. He willingly participates in chapter activities and is one of the most reliable workers at the annual chapter show. With quiet friendliness, he helps wherever needed. Our chapter is most appreciative of Tom for his years of service and gratefully awards him this medal. October 16, 2001.

VALLEY FORGE CHAPTER
Sylvia Green
The members of the Valley Forge Chapter, American Rhododendron Society, this 11th day of November 2001, award the Bronze Medal to Sylvia Green. You have willingly and enthusiastically shared your horticultural knowledge through the presentation of special programs and the co-chairing of countless annual plant sales. Your passionate interest in both plants and world travel compelled you to join a botanical exploration with Kenneth Cox, a world authority on rhododendrons, to remote mountainous regions of western Yunnan, China. This experience allowed you to fulfill your desire to extend your horticultural knowledge and have a bit of an adventure at the same time.

On numerous occasions you have graciously welcomed members to annual picnics at Stone Lea Farm. More than a farm, Stone Lea is your home where you and Dallas have created and maintain a richly planted garden and an impressive nursery. It is always a pleasure to tour your gardens and marvel at their beauty. Our membership is very grateful to you for the many contributions you have made to the vitality of the Valley Forge Chapter and in recognition of that fact, proudly present this Bronze Medal Award to you on this day, November 11, 2001.

VANCOUVER CHAPTER
Mary Dorsey
The Vancouver Rhododendron Society is pleased to present the Bronze Medal of the American Rhododendron Society to Mary Dorsey. A long-time member of the Society, Mary has shown enthusiasm and willingness to serve when asked. She has cheerfully supplied and catered refreshments for all of our meetings. She is always available to cater lunches and snacks at our annual shows and sales. In recognition of her 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. September 20, 2001.

VICTORIA CHAPTER
Norma Buckley
The members of the Victoria Rhododendron Society, a chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, are proud to present the ARS Bronze Medal to Norma Buckley for her outstanding service to our chapter. Norma, your warm smile and sunny personality have helped create a happy atmosphere in all areas where you have worked. Your contributions to our chapter have been outstanding, and have included serving as vice-president, president and past president, as well as chairing our annual Show and Sale Committee for many years. You have coordinated and organized the evening tours, tours of members' gardens which are held weekly each spring, and have planned and executed weekend field trips to other more distant garden destinations.

You have helped our chapter mature and grow in breadth of interest. By your leadership and example, you have encouraged many of our members to participate more actively in VRS duties and events. You have also made visitors welcome, whether they be newcomers to the rhododendron world, or distinguished experts. All of this has been reflected in a healthy increase in chapter membership. In recognition of your outstanding contributions to the chapter, we are delighted to present you with the Bronze Medal, the chapter's highest award, on December 6, 2001.