Having once served as an ADS Convention Chair, I really know how to appreciate the hours and hard work that goes into such a production. I thank and salute all of you involved in the recent ADS Convention and National Show 2013. To the Steel Daffodil, Jill Griesse… you are inspirational. To Jill’s daughter, Holly Griesse Shai… we thank you and appreciate you more than you will ever realize. Thank you for joining ADS and giving of your time and talent. To Drew McFarland, your Mother, and your two darling twin daughters, you folks are doing magnificent things. It was a privilege to be your guests. Many hours of work and talent went into the visit we enjoyed at your Farm. Thank you to all that opened their lovely gardens and we all wish Louise Denny a speedy recovery from her recent accident that resulted in a broken leg. To Phyllis Hess, you were the hub of the wheel, and the glue that held all things together. The National Show was beautiful and we thank Betty Kealiher and all her helpers. What a fabulous meal event and evening we enjoyed at Pau Hana Farm, the home of Paul and Jill Griesse! Thank you to Carol and Skip Salome for making that happen. I have attached an image of a real man, Skip Salome, washing off dinnerware in a “work tent” while the dinner was going on, SUN APR 14th. It was sort of like one of those reality television shows where the owner of the company goes undercover at his own business. At ADS Conventions, it is always a pleasure to renew friendships and make new ones. I always count it a great convention if the Silver Fox is present (Helen Trueblood). It was great to finally put some faces with names. I enjoyed meeting the Kuduks of KY, and what a great addition you two are! Got any more back home like you? To Dianne and Hap Bowditch, we hope to see you every year henceforth. Hap and I enjoyed contrasting our vastly different cultures… he from Shelter Island, NY and me from rural middle GA. We thought we were going to need an interpreter a few times! Thanks to all that so generously supported the ADS Bulb Auction and the Silent Book Auction. Congratulations to the ADS Silver and Gold Medal recipients, Jeanie Driver and Kathy Andersen. Both of these honorees were long overdue and most deserving. And congratulations to Elise Havens and her ‘Scarlet Tanager’ for winning the prestigious Pannill Medal. An ADS Convention and National Show is a great way to spend four days in the Spring. If you aren’t an ADS member, you should join NOW!
Appreciatively,
Jaydee Atkins Ager
ADS Executive Director
Jaydee a great report, thanks so much, of course we all echo your sentiments, couldn’t have said it better and Skip is a great guy!! He and Carol outdid themselves with the decorations and our yummy meal.