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ARTICLE I - AFFILIATION

This organization shall be affiliated with the American Rhododendron Society as a Chapter thereof and shall be known officially as the Middle Atlantic Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society.

The purpose of the Chapter is to promote the study and culture of rhododendrons, including azaleas, and the increase of the general understanding of and interest in all aspects of these plants. In addition the Chapter will support The American Rhododendron Society by allocation of a portion of the dues as provided in the By-Laws of the Society.

Membership in the Chapter shall be open to all persons interested in rhododendrons and azaleas. Membership shall be by written application accompanied by remittance of dues. All members of the Chapter shall be deemed to be members of The American Rhododendron Society and entitled to all privileges thereof. Membership classes shall be as provided in the Bylaws of The American Rhododendron Society. Members of the Chapter shall be entitled to Chapter privileges and benefits as outlined in the Middle Atlantic Chapter's Policies of the Board.

Dues shall be as fixed by The American Rhododendron Society. The Treasurer shall remit to The American Rhododendron Society an amount for each member as prescribed by The American Rhododendron Society. One who is already a member in good standing of The American Rhododendron Society and who belongs to another Chapter thereof, may, by written application, become an associate member of this Chapter by payment of the annual portion of Chapter dues as prescribed by the By-Laws of The Society.

The Governing Body of the Chapter shall consist of the elected officers, the immediate past-president, and no less than six directors. Each director shall serve for three years; the terms of office shall rotate so that one-third of the directors shall retire and one-third of the directors shall be elected each year. The Governing Body shall be vested with the authority to carry on the business of the Chapter and the management of its affairs. It shall meet on call from the President or, in his absence, the Vice-President, but at least twice each year. There must be a quorum of seven voting members with a simple majority needed to pass any action. If any board member does not attend at least one meeting a year without good reasons, his position will be considered vacant. The Governing Body may appoint a replacement to fill the remaining term of any vacancy until the next membership meeting at which time the vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by the majority vote of the members present and voting.

The officers of the Chapter shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. Each officer shall serve for two years. The President shall preside at all meetings of the membership and the Governing Body and shall perform the recognized functions of the President. The Vice-President shall preside in the absence of the President and shall perform the recognized functions of that office in the absence of the President or upon the request of the President. The Secretary shall keep appropriate records of the activities of the Chapter. The headquarters of the Chapter shall be the office of the Secretary. The Treasurer shall be responsible for collecting the dues and handling all funds of the Chapter, and shall make a financial report at the annual meeting.

There shall be an annual meeting of the Chapter during the Spring with the time and place thereof to be designated by the Governing Body. Special meetings may be called at any time by the President or by the Governing Body. There shall be not less than two meetings of the members held each year, including the annual meeting.

Prior to the annual meeting, the President shall appoint a nominating committee consisting of three members of the Chapter, who shall submit the names of nominees for any vacancies of officers and/or directors. Further nominations may be made by any member present at the annual meeting. The nominees shall be voted on and elected at the annual meeting. Only members attending the annual meeting shall be entitled to vote, and proxies shall not be recognized. Candidates receiving the most votes shall be deemed elected. The new officers and/or directors shall take office at the close of the annual meeting.

These By-Laws may be amended by two-thirds vote of those present and voting at any regular or special meeting of the Chapter. Notice of the proposed amendment to the By-Laws shall be set forth in a notice mailed to each member not less than 10 days prior to the meeting at which such proposed amendment will be voted. Proposed amendments to Chapter By-Laws shall not conflict with current By-Laws of the American Rhododendron Society.

Committees shall be appointed by the President to the extent that he deems such committees desirable. These committees may consist of Awards, Honors, Membership, Ratings, Show Committees and such others as the President may designate.

The Chapter has the privilege of making recommendations of a member to the Honors Committee for The American Rhododendron Society to be considered for Gold or Silver Medal Awards. The sponsoring Chapter should provide the suggested citation for such awards. The Chapter also has sole responsibility in the awarding of the Bronze Medal for outstanding contributions to the Chapter.

The proceedings of this Chapter shall be governed by Roberts Rules of Order except in cases where these rules conflict with provisions of these By-Laws or the National By-Laws and policies of the Board.

The Middle Atlantic Chapter will support the District 9 Director by providing funds from the Chapter's General Fund to be used by the District Director to defray expenses related to the American Rhododendron Society. The amount provided will be at the discretion of the Middle Atlantic Chapter Board of Directors.

These revised By-Laws of The Middle Atlantic Chapter of The American Rhododendron Society were adopted at a regular meeting of the members of said Chapter on May 5, 2002 after notice of said meeting was mailed to all members with a copy of proposed changes to the By-Laws specifically stating that they be considered for adoption at said meeting.

Alton C. Hall Bylaws & Policies Committee Chairman