From Our District Director - Ruth Tiffany
Hello, fellow Pacific SW District Members. I realize I haven't been in touch as often as I's like since taking on the role of District Director. I;m so sorry for that. Life and roses, what can I say? I am working to make changes and be more available.
In the meantime, I want to give you some updates about the American Rose Society (ARS) as a member of the executive committee. It hasn't been an easy 18 months with many changes happening. I am sure it's been challenging for you to understand what has been going on with the ARS.
Right now, the separation of the ARS and the American Rose Center in Shreveport, LA is officially signed, and the papers have been submitted to a judge. We are waiting for the court to issue a final dissolution order. This will make it easier for the ARS to serve its members without having the garden as part of the process. This is the goal of the current President and Vice-President of the ARS.
ARS has seen a significant decline in membership since the onset of COVID-19. This has created several problems, including financial issues, volunteer issues and staffing problems. Financing for these things is still being worked out, but the commitment to serving the members is strong.
The issues with reaching folks at ARS are being looked into. And, as you have noticed - in order to continue to have a magazine we have gone to a digital publication. The days of a printed copy have gone away - just like it has for many of the society newsletters. I hope you are accessing the new digital magazine and enjoying it from your membership page.
I have had the chance to visit several societies and members in our District. I am happy to say that Rose lovers are doing great in all our area. They are growing beautiful roses and working hard to keep their Societies strong and vibrant. I appreciate all the hard work every is doing to keep their societies going. Among the groups I have recently visited - Santa Clarita, Raincross and Pacific Societies the hard work is evident.
I am thrilled to welcome the Honolulu Rose Society with open arms. They've chosen to be part of the PSWD and ARS has ratified that request We want to send them a warm welcome message!
Sadly, the Desert Rose Society is looking to end it's Society status. They have been a strong group for many years, hosting a wonderful convention in 2009 - However, the pandemic and many other factors have affected the group and they are considering their next steps. It is alsoway hard when a society has to consider this option.
Keeping our rose societies strong is our primary focus - gathering at our local meetings, District meetings, National meetings and of course rose shows allows us to share our joys and sorrows, as well as experiences and solutions for our gardens. I'd like to make sure that everyone is invited to the Fall District Meeting in November 2026 at Balboa Park. There will be a Rose Show, District awards will be announced and a chance to connect and chat about Roses. The day before the show there will be an arrangement workshop so we can work on arrangements skiells - plus arrangement judges will get update credits for attending. In the afternoon there will be a seminar about Photography that will help those who like to enter photos as well as giving Hort Judges who attend update credits as well. Information is on this website. It would be wonderfl to see all the societies in the district represented at the Fall Meeting.
San Diego Rose Society is also hosting the World Federation of Rose Societies Symposium of Roses which is coming to San Diego in the Spring of 2027. Mark your calendars and try to attend this event. You will have an opportunity to talk roses with folks from all over the globe.
Please start planning to join us for an unforgettable experience.
With Roses......Ruth Tiffany
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