The Potomac Valley Chapter ARS invites our friends in District 9 for a very special afternoon of fun, food, and friendship.  We have arranged a luncheon at a first class Italian restaurant in Northern Virginia and we will have two entertaining rhododendron lectures, one by Karel Bernady before the meal and the other by Don Hyatt afterwards.  This will be a chance to make new friends and renew old friendships, but we also want to honor the legacies of many wonderful people from our region.  Please join us!

Menu: We will have a delicious family style meal at Maggiano’s Little Italy at Tyson’s Corner, one of the best Italian restaurants in the region.  Arrive hungry but you may have to restrain yourself in order to save room for dessert.  The menu consists of 5 courses with two options at each course. You may sample both choices, select only one, or omit the course entirely if you desire. The waiters will be sure that everyone at the table has enough food for whichever option is preferred. Fresh baked bread is included as well as beverages like coffee, tea or iced tea.  A cash bar will be available for those who want something stronger.   

Meeting Program:

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM   Social Time: Some people will be traveling far distances so this will be a time to meet with friends and socialize while others arrive.  The room will open at 10:00 AM for the early birds.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM   Speaker #1:  Karel Bernady  “The Rhododendron Gardens of Germany”

Karel Bernady will give a recap of this year’s International Rhododendron Conference in Bremen, Germany.  Enjoy his entertaining commentary and pictures from the trip including gardens like Bremen’s Rhododendron Park, Hachmann’s Nursery, the Hobbie Garden, and many more.   Karel is past President of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter ARS and is Director of ARS District 8.  He has traveled extensively in Germany for decades and will share his knowledge about rhododendrons from that region. 

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM  Meal  (We include time for comments from District 9 leaders prior to the 2^nd speaker)

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM   Speaker #2:  Don Hyatt   “The Legacy of Joe Gable”

Don will repeat the popular talk he gave on the Gable rhododendrons at the ARS Eastern Fall Regional but with some added features.  He will include reflections on some other people from our region who have left great legacies including Margaret White who passed away at 103 this year but has given her lovely garden to the county so it can become a park, and Jane Goodrich, our expert on all things Gable. 

Honoring the Legacy:   Established in 1952, the Middle Atlantic Chapter ARS is one of the oldest chapters in the American Rhododendron Society and one of the first on the east coast.   Many early leaders of the ARS were members of MAC including Fred Galle, David Leach, and even Joe Gable.  The Potomac Valley Chapter was formed in 1969 to serve the Washington area by leaders like Ray and Jane Goodrich, George Ring, Augie Kehr, and Newton Edwards.  The Mason-Dixon Chapter was founded in 1981 under the leadership of Ed Reiley to serve the expanding interests in the Westminster and Baltimore regions.  There have been many people who have left lasting legacies in District 9 and we would like to remember them.  After June 1, Don Hyatt would appreciate your sharing any memories or pictures:  Don@donaldhyatt.com 

Directions to Maggiano’s Little Italy, Tyson’s:  Maggiano’s is located in Northern Virginia at the Tysons’s Galleria (Tyson’s II).  From I-495, take Exit 46A onto Chain Bridge Road (Rt. 123) heading south to Tyson’s Corner.  Turn right onto International Drive which is at the second stop light near the top of the hill.  Turn right at the next light into the parking lot for Tyson’s Galleria.  The entrance to Maggiano’s will be at the upper parking area on the main mall level between Saks Fifth Avenue and Nieman Marcus. 

     After entering Maggiano’s, ask for directions to our meeting room since it is up the stairs in a separate section of the restaurant.  Those meeting rooms cannot be accessed from the upper level of the mall, but there is a service elevator on the main level that can be used for anyone with difficulty climbing stairs.

     Price per person is $35. Registration Deadline which was  Saturday, June 12, 2010.

Questions:  Phyllis Rittman, Treasurer                        Richard Mohr, President 
                      prittman@rcn.com                                            rngmohr@msn.com