Jenkins residents honored by Augusta Rose Society

Special recognition for volunteer work done at home is wonderful; however, when you are singled out for outstanding contributions two counties away and across the nation it is even more impressive. Three members of the Millen Rose Society received such special awards this past year.

Seth Benson was awarded a Certificate from the American Rose Society/Augusta Rose Society (ARS) as a Benefactor of the Society. In order to be a Benefactor of the ARS an individual must donate at least $200 a year to the operating expenses of the society. Although Seth has received Emeritus status as a Consulting Rosarian he continues to provide support to rose growers across the country; helps with the Augusta Rose Show and works in the Millen Rose Society Memorial Rose Garden. His continued support of the society is exemplary.

Betty Black serves as Hospitality and Arrangements Chairman of the Augusta Rose Society and has been assisted by Marie Busby one of the areas outstanding arrangers. Betty has held many administrative positions within both the Millen and Augusta societies. She too has received Emeritus status as a Consulting Rosarian but continues to help others by sharing her roses and her knowledge. In 2004 Betty received the National Rose Society's coveted Bronze Medal for outstanding and meritorious service to the Augusta Rose Society. The ARS chose to honor Betty again this year for her dependability in carrying though with a job even when it meant driving alone through rainstorms and cold weather, nursing aches and pains, to carry out her volunteer duties.

Millie Reeves, daughter of Esther and Robert Reeves, received the Master Rosarian Certificate. A Master Rosarian is a Consulting Rosarian (CR) who exemplifies knowledge of roses and their culture, shows a strong and demonstrated willingness to share this knowledge with other rosarians and the general public, provides an example of outstanding service to the local rose society and the ARS and is a model of the ethical behavior exemplified in the CR program. In addition they must be current members of the American Rose Society and a CR for at least 10 years. Millie, Paul Blankenship, first vice-president of the ARS, and his wife Charlotte, along with Linda Boland, president of the ARS, met in Esther's hospital room after Christmas to share a video of the society's activities and to present Millie with her unexpected award.

The Augusta Rose Society meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in room 105 of the Adult Building at First Baptist Church, 3500 Walton Way, Augusta. Prior to the meeting the group meets for rose talk and good Mexican food at Vallarta's, 3144 Wrightsboro Road. Everyone is invited to attend.