The Glenda Whitaker Award was presented to Co-Presidents Ron Daniels and John Wendler on December 5, 2021, at the Nashville Rose Society’s (NRS) Christmas party by Lori Emery, District Director – Tenarky.
The American Rose Society (ARS) award was created to pay tribute to Nashville’s own Glenda Whitaker. She received numerous accolades over the years; but may be best known for her amazing gift to recruit and encourage new members to the NRS and ARS.
Ron and John have worked diligently to stimulate growth in the society. NRS has flourished under their leadership and increased membership during the pandemic. They have been innovative in the face of a national health crisis; being one of the first to use zoom meetings for the monthly meetings and speakers.
The first award was presented to Gary Spencer, NRS Treasurer. In addition to being NRS Treasurer for more than 10 years, Gary has served in many areas – chairing Vendor Events, leading the set-up for Rose Shows, and purchasing supplies for the Roses Study Garden and other projects, as well as helping other members with a need. Gary is always supportive of NRS and our leaders.
Congratulations to John, Ron and Gary. The members of the Nashville Rose Society appreciate everything you do.
“Cream City Roses” was the theme of this year’s ARS National Convention in Milwaukee September 9-14. My husband, Gary, and I drove part of the way on Thursday, so we could arrive in time on Friday for the tour available to attendees of the Pfister Hotel built in 1893. We chose to stay in the original part of the hotel which houses the largest Victorian art collection of any hotel in the world rather than the 23-story tower added in the 1960s. Our room was a suite looking out to other historic buildings and one floor below the rose show and meeting rooms which was very convenient. Marty Reich, Nancy Jones, and Lori Emery met us in Milwaukee at the show.