JARS v62n2 - Bronze Medal Awards

Bronze Medal Awards

FRASER VALLEY CHAPTER
Bronze Medal: Yolanta Siwinski

We present to Yolanta Siwinski the American Rhododendron Society's Bronze Medal for your many significant contributions to the Fraser Valley Chapter. The members of the Fraser Valley Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society are very pleased to present you our chapter's highest award. Your enthusiasm at meetings, plant sales and other events is contagious. Your ability to engage others in conversation and to make them feel special due to your interest in them has made your participation a valuable asset to the chapter and all of its endeavours. During your term as president, you were instrumental in establishing the Whonnock Lake Rhododendron Garden at the Whonnock Lake Community Centre. It was your vision and determination that brought the project to fruition and laid the groundwork for its further development. Through your energy, friendship, generosity, warmth and enthusiastic presence you have added greatly to the success and enjoyment of all of our chapter activities. Therefore, with sincere appreciation, the members of the Fraser Valley Chapter are very pleased to present you with the ARS Bronze Medal.

MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER

Bronze Medal: Anthony D. Knights

The Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Chapter is pleased to present to you this medal in recognition of your on-going contributions to our membership. Having brought your love of gardening from another country and another continent to New England, you have shared that love with both the Massachusetts and Connecticut chapters of the ARS. As you have given in twos, so have you reaped, since this will be your second Bronze Medal honoring your work, surely a rare if not unique occurrence. Hybridizing is a painstaking effort that requires extensive knowledge of our genus, imagination in arranging the best marriages, skill in propagation, meticulous record keeping, and patience in evaluation. Friend, follower, and fellow hybridizer of Dr. Gus Mehlquist, you have been our guru of the seed exchange since 1998, having also served as vice-president of the chapter among other positions. Your Cross of the Year calls all of us to join you in pursuit of growing the next wonderful rhododendron hybrid. Mystery, beauty, and immortality come in small packages designed by you. The chapter is proud to present you with its highest award, the Bronze Medal of the American Rhododendron Society.

NORTH ISLAND CHAPTER

Bronze Medal: Noni and Dave Godfrey

At the December social of the North Island Rhododendron Society, Noni and Dave Godfrey were presented with the Society's highest award, the Bronze Medal. Their certificate reads, "The medal is received for their devotion to the Society and professionalism displayed in the execution of their duties." As newsletter editor, Noni's knowledge of desktop publishing and other personal touches are well displayed. She is also the chapter librarian, and is responsible for the ever-increasing number of quality books. Dave has been Ways & Means Director for the last three years, has been instrumental in the success of our annual plant sale and garden tour. He is the driving force that keeps our website up to date. Noni and Dave contribute endless hours to the club and can be seen hard at work at most North Island Rhododendron Society events.