QBARS - v23n3 Minutes of Annual Meeting

Minutes of the Annual Meeting
Dr. Robert L. Ticknor, Secretary-Treasurer

Mr. Edward Dunn, President of the American Rhododendron Society, presided at the annual business meeting at 8:30 p.m. on April 22, 1969, at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia.

President Dunn recognized the Presidents of the sponsoring chapters, Mr. Arthur I. Coyle, Southern Chapter, Mr. Daniel B. Franklin, Azalea Chapter, and Mr. Robert E. Lee, Middle Atlantic Chapter. The chapter roll call indicated the following chapters were represented at the annual meeting: Azalea, California, Connecticut, Eugene, Gray's Harbor, Great Lakes, Indianapolis, Middle Atlantic, Midwest, New Jersey, New York, North Kitsap, Olympia, Philadelphia, Portland, Princeton, Seattle, Southeastern, Southern, Tacoma, Tidewater and Valley Forge. Over 250 people were registered for the convention.

Minutes of the previous meeting were read.

The Treasurer's report indicated that the trend to an increased balance is continuing. The full report appears in the July 1969 Bulletin.

The following were elected as Directors for three-year terms: Mrs. Robert Berry, Mr. Alfred Martin, Mr. Robert Comerford, and Mr. P. H. Brydon. Elected for two-year terms were Mr. Frank Doleshy and Mr. Charles Anderson.

President Dunn asked Dr. J. Harold Clarke to step to the podium, then presented him the American Rhododendron Society Gold Medal for his years of service to the Society. It was announced that Dr. Clarke will be retiring as Editor of the A.R.S. publications.

President Dunn thanked the many people responsible for a successful meeting, and particularly Fred Galle and his staff for making our stay with them so pleasant. He also gave particular thanks to Mr. Alfred Martin for his guidance through a troubled period in the Society.

Accomplishments in the past year and plans for the future were given by President Dunn. The text of the address will appear in the Bulletin.

The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. to move to the next room to hear Mr. Britt Smith of Kent, Washington, speak about Rhododendron occidentale .