Congratulations to University of Illinois Extension-Fulton County Master Gardeners Carol Kohler and Elizabeth Champlin who each received state awards at the 2009 IL Master Gardener conference held in Effingham, IL.

Canton's Carol Kohler received a 2009 Outstanding Master Gardener Award. This award was established to honor the best of Illinois Master Gardeners and is presented to fewer than 2% of Master Gardeners. Carol Kohler is an exceptional example to Master Gardeners within the Fulton County unit and others in the state.

A 2005 'transplant' to Fulton County from the Purdue Master Gardener program, Kohler has thrived in Fulton County logging over 300 hours of volunteer service. She participates and plays a leadership role in program development for local Master Gardener meetings, assists at Gardeners' Big Day, participates in Extension programs, and helps with community garden development at Canton's Jones Park. Carol Kohler

Kohler is a quiet but very effective member of the Master Gardeners. Focused in her participation, even with her busy schedule as a working wife and mother Kohler shows strong leadership skills and an ability to carry through with responsibilities.

Kohler has played an active role in the management of other volunteers by successfully working alongside Master Gardeners, community members, community groups, and passers-by in the care and development of the Jones Park project. She is a 'servant-leader' who is often found 'on her knees' helping out at the park working tirelessly and enthusiastically while educating and encouraging others. Not afraid to delegate, Kohler telephones and emails potential community volunteers to grow the volunteer base and welcomes all to become involved.

Carol Kohler is a positive influence and is willing to go the extra mile! She educates others in a positive manner and in doing so has helped cast a vision for combining the Master Gardener credo of 'helping others learn to grow' with the impact this may have on potential community development. She is actively involved in helping to make Canton, IL a better place to be and is truly a credit to the University of Illinois Extension-Fulton County Master Gardener program.

Additional congratulations go to Elizabeth Champlin of rural Canton who was awarded a 2009 Sustained Excellence Master Gardener Award established to honor Illinois Master Gardeners who have previously received

the outstanding award and continue to demonstrate distinction in the program.

Since completing her training in 1995, Champlin is at the root of the U of I Extension Master Gardener program

in Fulton County. She has helped in many ways including programs for adults and children, speaking engagements, fairs, and garden club work. Champlin is an active part of the Fulton County Women's committee, is on SEFF,

and has been a member of U of I Extension Council. In past years she has lead chemical safety sessions at Farm Safety Camps, volunteered at 4-H Super Saturday, and been actively involved in community education for local organizations. Elizabeth Champlin

Champlin answers many questions from neighbors, family, friends and others. Strong leadership abilities help Elizabeth maintain an active and participatory roll in Spoon River Garden Club. She was in the club when it was originally formed, worked for revitalization, and works with other members to coordinate activities for club members.

U of I Extension-Fulton County holds many horticultural educational programs each year where Elizabeth helps spread our horticultural message. As an example of her increased service to the public, since becoming a Master Gardener Champlin has worked on garden walks and has helped out at ten Gardeners' Big Day events, impacting over 1000 gardeners. As a graduate of SRC's Retirement Learning Institute, Elizabeth promotes positive partnership opportunities for Master Gardeners and Spoon River College.

Area fairs and community events find Champlin volunteering, and she has worked at the Master Gardener booth at the Farm Progress Show, which she truly enjoyed. Champlin enjoys speaking to groups about horticultural topics. In cooperation with Spoon River College, she has taken on new responsibilities by developing a 'Plants of the Bible' presentation, regularly speaking to groups and organizations on behalf of the Master Gardeners. She works to remain current in her horticultural knowledge and share this to help others 'learn to grow'. Her dedication and enthusiasm for the U of I Extension Master Gardener program inspires others.

Congratulation to these two Fulton County Master Gardeners! All involved are a dynamic and enthusiastic group, and this office appreciates everything that they do. Currently, Master Gardeners are involved in a wide variety of projects throughout Fulton County and the surrounding area. The next session of Master Gardener training will begin in January, 2010. For information about the Master Gardener program or to apply for the course please email Program Coordinator and Master Gardener Julia Pryor at jpryor@illinois.edu or call 309-547-3711 before October 31, 2009.

Light up your porch in pink this October to increase awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Fulton County Health Department is selling pink bulbs for a $5.00 donation. All donations will go to assist in the payment of mammograms for women who are uninsured or underinsured in Fulton County. Call the Health Department at 647-1134 ext. 262 to get your pink bulb.