The following message is being sent on behalf of our Mass Chapter Presidents, whom you should respond to:
Want to Take a Bus to the Annual American Rhododendron Society Convention?
It is not often that we have the annual convention so close to home. This year District 7 is putting on "The Eastern Challenge" in Ronkonkoma, Long Island from Friday, May 14 to Monday, May 17. Wouldn't it be fun to get together a good-sized group to go to Long Island on a bus? We wouldn't have the hassle of driving, but could feel good about saving energy. The chapter, at Russ deBurlo's suggestion, has looked into the costs of renting a bus. A 55-passenger deluxe coach, with DVD, bathroom facility, and reclining seats can be ours for $60 per person roundtrip. This is substantially less that the cost of individual cars, even carrying two people, since tolls are included. To support this price without leaving the chapter open to a financial drain, we need to have commitments from 32 people before April 15. Registration for the convention closes on April 15, too (without a late fee being charged). We hope to arrange a central meeting spot to leave our cars over the weekend.
However, unless we get a quick response of interest, we won't continue to pursue the bus angle. A smaller bus is not a real option since the cost is only a few hundred dollars cheaper and there are NO bathrooms on the small buses! So, please email (dsh1965@comcast.net) or call us (781.259.0968) if you are seriously interested. Checks should go to our treasurer, but wait to hear if enough have signed up before mailing them.
Doug and Susan Harding
