THE DAVID RINK TRIBUTE AWARD

A special committee of the Board has been working for most of the past year to formulate a new Syracuse Rose Society member award as a tribute to David Rink.  Much thought has gone into the definition of the criteria so that the award will epitomize the values and spirit that Dave brought to the rose world and especially to the SRS. 

The Board has approved the committee’s recommendations, and the nomination period is open until June 1 for the first annual David Rink Tribute Award. 

The award is intended to be made annually to an SRS member who exemplifies criteria consistent with David Rink’s lifetime achievements and goals as a rosarian, SRS member, educator, leader and friend.  Progression towards the goal is as important as achieving the goal.

The criteria for evaluation of nominees are based on Dave’s “Roses on the Horizon” article in the April 2020 SRS Bulletin: “I promised this year would be about Growing and Caring for Roses, Arranging with Roses, Photographing Roses, Having Rose Fun and Fostering Rose Friendships”.  The criteria are:

  • Knowledge of roses;
  • Educator;
  • Artistically sharing and displaying roses;
  • Leadership;
  • Friendship in roses.

More explanation of the criteria and information about the award is available on the SRS website, syracuserosesociety.org and on the SRS Facebook page. 

The award will be symbolized by a new trophy that will be passed from winner to winner through the years. 

2021 WINNER: DOROTHY STORMS

By Sonia Kragh

Dorothy Storms was a very surprised and deserving recipient of the David Rink Tribute Award. The Award was presented to her Oct. 14, 2021 at our member meeting at the Reformed Church of Syracuse. Mary Ann
Rink had submitted this glowing recommendation for Dorothy:
“Dorothy Storms has been an SRS member longer than any other current member (since the 1960’s or earlier).
While Dorothy never became a Consulting Rosarian, over the years she has done more consultations than any SRS CR. She was always willing to visit others’ gardens or have them come to hers for help with their rose-growing questions. Fred and Dorothy also frequently opened their garden for garden visits by SRS members and others.

For many years Dorothy gave monthly demonstrations at monthly SRS meetings, sharing techniques and encouraging others to try their hand at this art. She presented countless programs at meetings, workshops, conventions, etc. on all aspects of rose culture and exhibiting-both horticulture and arrangements.

Until she was no longer physically able to, Dorothy was one of the top exhibitors in the SRS in both horticulture and arrangements classes. At the same time, she was always available prior to and during the shows to offer
help and encouragement to others. She also grew huge amounts of plants suitable for drying to be used at the annual fall dried plant sale held at the Regional Market. For many years, this was the main source of income for the SRS. Leading up to this event, Dorothy gave presentations teaching others how to collect and dry plant material for this event.

Dorothy, with her easy-going manner, gentle way of teaching, and hard work, has over her many years as a member, made an invaluable contribution to the knowledge of the society members and others, to encouraging new memberships, and to the financial strength of the Syracuse Rose Society.”

There is no question that Dorothy fulfilled the criteria to be an award recipient, based on her knowledge of roses, role as a mentor and educator to many rosarians young and old, leadership within the Syracuse Rose Society, beautiful display of roses in arrangements and shows, and her cherished friendship with rose friends.

Let us all strive to be as good rosarians as Dave Rink and Dorothy Storms, and follow Dave's parting words to us: "I promised this year would be about 'Growing and Caring for Roses, Arranging with Roses, Photographing Roses, Having Rose Fun and Fostering Rose Friendships'.

The David Rink Tribute Award

In memory of David J. Rink (1952-2020)

The Basics:

Crystal trophy engraved with SRS rose logo and David Rink Tribute Award

Awarded annually to a Syracuse Rose Society member who exemplifies criteria consistent with David Rink’s lifetime achievements and goals as a rosarian, SRS member, educator, leader and friend.

Progression towards the goal, is as important as achieving the goal.

Award annually at Founder’s Day dinner.

Criteria to consider – need not have all criteria to be awarded the tribute award:

The criteria are based on Dave’s “Roses on the Horizon” article to us in the April 2020 SRS Bulletin

“I promised this year would be about ‘Growing and Caring for Roses, Arranging with Roses, Photographing Roses, Having Rose Fun and Fostering Rose Friendships.’”

Knowledge of roses – In Growing and caring for roses, Dave shared his thirst for new knowledge with others and worked on expanding an already extensive rosarian skill set. Award Recipient should be working towards proficiency as a consulting rosarian, judge, mentor and exhibitor. (Need not exhibit in depth knowledge in identifying and classifying roses, but should work towards this).

Educator –As an educator, Dave met rosarians where they were in their knowledge of roses and helped them get to the next level. As a mentor he was enthusiastic, curious, and treated every question as important. Recipient should offer their expertise at SRS meetings and events, the EM Mills garden and rose shows and excel at mentoring new rosarians. Recipient should be willing to consult when needed, at the local, district and national levels.

Dave Rink Artistically shared and displayed roses in different settings, with the goal to put the rose’s best face forward – Award Recipient should endeavor to artfully display roses in photography, arrangements, and/or exhibit roses in horticulture/arrangements/photography in shows. (Need not be a successful exhibitor)

Leadership – Dave Rink demonstrated both skill and patience in organizing and overseeing the conduct of successful meetings, events and tasks related to SRS and the Mills Garden. Award recipient should exhibit these leadership qualities.

Friendship in roses – Dave Rink enjoyed the company of SRS members, knew members personally, showed enthusiasm in rose related tasks, and was approachable as a rosarian. His words were:  “Having Rose fun and fostering rose friendships”. Recipient will endeavor to keep alive Dave’s joy, cheerfulness, and fun in ventures related to roses.