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Attention World!! Meetings:

CRS is changing the location for future meetings. We used to meet in Plainville. The new location will be more central and easier to get to for most people:

]🌹 New Location:

The Lutheran Church of St. Mark
75 Griswold Street
Glastonbury, CT

The Plan for future Program Events:

February:

Cancelled due to inclement weather!! Glastonbury= Doors open at 10 AM. The February meeting on Saturday, February will explore the Victorian meanings of rose colors. Marci Martin will also present a PowerPoint entitled ‘Lovely Roses from the Rosarian’s Garden' In celebration of Valentine’s Day! Lutheran Church of St. Mark, 75 Griswold Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033

March 14, 10 am. Tim Lomasney from Star Roses and Plants will be our guest and will let us know all about Star Roses, from their growing fields to the pages of the catalogs. Star is supplying the roses for our April Rose Sale this year, so this meeting is timely and on point. Hope to see you there!

Electing the New District Director

ELECTION OF THE AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY’s DISTRICT DIRECTOR

for the YANKEE DISTRICT

Jacqui Nye is moving out of the Yankee District, and so, has resigned as A.R.S. District Director of the Yankee District.

An election to replace her will be held at the Business Meeting of the Yankee District Convention at 10:00 AM, on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at The Publick House, 277 Main St, Sturbridge, MA

(Further info on the YD Convention may be obtained at https://arsyankee.org/?page_id=54 )

In accordance with the by-laws, the Presidents of the Yankee District Rose Societies have each submitted Nominees for this position.

In alphabetical order, the Nominees are Chuck Brailsford & Lauren Gisel.

Only currently active members of the A.R.S. who reside in the Yankee District, and who attend this Business Meeting, may vote in this election.

The Nominees’ candidacy statements are presented below.

From Home Page to Events

Chuck Brailsford’s Candidacy Statement

Good day Yankee District Members,

I am excited to be nominated for the position of “District Director, of the Yankee District of the American Rose Society. I have outlined below some of my ideas that I would introduce or implement for the position that you are considering myself for.

Review and complete the update of the Yankee District By-laws of which Jackie Nye had been working on and get it approved.
Be a strong and vibrant ambassador for the American Rose Society while promoting the work and mission of the ARS.
Community Service opportunities which will include inviting the public. Members will have the opportunity to use their skills while teaching potential new members.
Create new opportunities for membership through growing relationships with libraries, retail stores, nurseries and other areas that will accomplish this.
Work with our local societies and create a round table to enable a unique environment of exchanging ideas and working together.
Quarterly meetings with the Yankee District Board.
Create a list of presenters available in their areas of expertise for the entire district. This would include both members and outside venders.
Explore the possibility of Montreal being an active part of the Yankee District.

Thank you so much for your consideration for the position of “Director of the Yankee District of the American Rose Society.

Chuck Brailsford, CR Co-President RIRS, Member ARS, NERS

Lauren Gisel’s Candidacy Statement

I am running for Yankee District Director after seeing how much positive change is possible when a rose society is willing to evolve. As part of the executive leadership of the New England Rose Society, I helped bring the organization online, improve accessibility for members, and reverse a long-term decline in participation. By focusing on clear communication, practical infrastructure, and lowering barriers to engagement, we grew membership and rebuilt momentum.

I see the District Director as a working role, one that supports local societies, connects people and information, and represents New England thoughtfully at the national level. The American Rose Society is at an inflection point as it redefines what it means to be a national organization, and I want the Yankee District to have a strong, informed voice in that process. As a younger member with experience rebuilding a society, I bring ideas and energy and want to participate actively in shaping ARS’s next chapter.

Goals for the Yankee District

Centralize district information - Maintain current, easy-to-find membership lists, judges lists with contact information, and a clear directory of Consulting Rosarians so societies and members know who to contact.
Improve visibility through a shared district calendar - Maintain a Yankee District calendar that highlights ARS seminars and national events, along with district meetings, conferences, and society activities, making opportunities easier to find and increasing attendance.
Streamline education and CR credit - Create an online program submission process for CR-credit seminars and provide clear, online tracking of CR credits to reduce administrative burden for speakers and volunteers.
Clarify and promote ARS member benefits - Help societies better communicate the educational resources, grants, programs, and national opportunities available through ARS so members understand what their membership provides.
Strengthen cross-district collaboration - Build relationships with leaders in other districts to share speakers, ideas, and successful event models, bringing fresh programming to New England while reducing burnout at the local level.

Lauren Gisel, President NERS, Member ARS

Connecticut Rose Society

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Electing the New District Director

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