At  the 2009 Region 2 Annual Fall Meeting hosted by the Hudson Valley Iris and Daylily Society at the Holiday Inn, Fishkill, NY, I had the honor of presenting the highest award of Region 2 of the American Iris Society at the Awards Banquet.  The 2009 Irwin A. Conroe Distinguished Service Award was awarded to Anna Rettig.    The award was accepted on Anna’s behalf by her daughter Maria Gerbracht. Anna has a long history of promoting iris in Region 2 and has been an advocate of Japanese Iris for many years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2009 Conroe Award

 

 Below is the citation that I read during the awards portion of the Region 2 Fall Meeting.

2009 Irwin A.Conroe

Distinguished Service Award

~ Anna Rettig ~

The 2009 Irwin A. Conroe Distinguished Service Award is presented to Anna Rettig in grateful recognition of her service to Region 2 of the American Iris Society (AIS).

Anna has been a member of the AIS since 1978 and has been an active member of the Western New York Iris Society (WNYIS) and its predecessors. She is being honored for her long commitment to encouraging iris growing. Anna’s garden in Elma, NY, has gained her the title, “The Flower Lady of Elma.” Anna has been an ambassador for irises, showing her garden, sharing her blooms at iris shows and spending hours talking to visitors. She has contributed to the financial well-being of the Region and her club annually by donating hundreds of dollars worth of irises to sales.

 

Anna began growing Japanese iris seeds obtained from her friend and fellow irisarian Al Wirtz, and then began her own hybridizing program. She has introduced seven Japanese irises, two of which have been voted runners-up for the AIS Honorable Mention Award. Her contributions to iris culture and development have previously resulted in the institution of the Western New York Iris Society’s Wirtz-Rettig Award for the top Japanese iris at their show.

 

It is with great respect for Anna as a person and gratitude for all her efforts that Region 2 presents its highest service award.

Congratulations are extended to Anna on receiving this honor.  We are indeed fortunate to add her name to the list of iris advocates who have been recognized in Region 2.