JARS v61n1 - From the Executive Director

From the Executive Director
Laura Grant
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

ARS Fraser South Rhododendron Society can be very proud for hosting one of the most enjoyable conferences in September of 2006 - from the enchanting cruise on Lake Harrison, warm hospitality, great speakers to plenty of opportunities to socialize. Even the rhododendron hedge around the host hotel was in bloom during the conference.

A number of ARS chapters reported that they have sponsored one member from their chapter to attend an ARS Annual Convention or a Fall Conference. What a great way to reward a member and let them come back and share the experiences with the rest of the members.

At the Board meeting one notable change in Life Membership dues was approved. The Life membership of $1,000 can now be paid in three yearly installments of $300.00, $300.00 and $400.00 respectively. All other terms of the Life Membership remain the same as per Policies of The Board 2.2.4.5. Life Membership shall be issued in the name of one person only and shall be terminated by the death of the person in whose name the Life Membership is issued.

The members' website, www.arsoffice.org accessible with a password, has recently updated Speakers' Bureau Database, thanks to the hard work of Bill Stipe and his committee. The database also allows any speakers to add their name to the list on line. This is a valuable tool to all chapters. Great speaker programs throughout the year bring the members to meetings, expand the gardening knowledge and ultimately will make the chapter membership grow.