This year, 52 individuals were recognized at the State Master Gardener Conference for their superior contributions. These individuals were nominated by their unit leaders and/or local Master Gardener coordinator for the leadership and service they provide to Master Gardener programs. The Master Gardener Teamwork Award recognizes groups of Master Gardeners who work together to accomplish a common goal for the betterment of their communities. This year's recipients from McLean County were:
Suzann Erlenbush has been active in our local Master Gardener organization since its inception in 1998. In that time, she has served in several leadership roles, most recently as President of the board. She has been chosen for these roles because of her ability to communicate effectively, her immense knowledge of horticulture, and her commitment to excellence. Suzann "helps others to grow" by teaching a college level horticulture class at Illinois State University. Additionally she created and writes regularly for the Master Gardener newsletter and has developed a rose manual for use in the office. She also volunteers on a local radio program, "Ask a Master Gardener". Suzann has also developed and coordinated plans for a water garden at our local zoo.
Vernon Shepherd has been active in the McLean County Master Gardener program for 4 years. During that time, he has consistently been involved in a number of projects, but in particular, the Junior Master Gardener program. Vernon has been a key leader in developing and delivering the educational component, as well as securing the necessary resources, for the Holton Homes Garden in Bloomington. The Holton Homes Garden in located near one of the low income housing developments of the Bloomington Housing Authority. The project has been in operation for three years, in large part to the dedication and commitment of Vernon. As a Junior Master Gardener project, it involves many of the children that live in the neighborhood, but is open to anyone interested in participating. Vern not only makes the work fun and educational for the participants, he goes above and beyond by reaching out to others in the neighborhood.
Bob Bishop has been active in our local Master Gardener organization since 2000. He is someone that is always looking for an opportunity to serve and share his expertise. He has been nominated by other members to serve on several different committees, volunteered for many activities and events, taught and mentored new interns, made presentations to the community, and given countless hours to maintaining community gardens served by the organization. Bob's commitment to the success of the organization is displayed continually through his active participation and strong leadership. Because of this, he has been chosen to represent the Master Gardeners on the McLean County Extension Council - and does so in a cheerful, enthusiastic manner.
Marianne Stauffer has been active in the McLean County Master Gardener program for 3 years. During that time, she has been actively involved in leadership roles within the organization, having served as chair for Home, Lawn and Garden Day (major fundraising event) and as chair for the Junior Master Gardener program. She has been a consistent, enthusiastic, and reliable volunteer, always willing to do whatever it takes to produce excellent programs and events. As chair of the Junior Master Gardener program, Marianne has worked diligently to implement new programs, and well as to build up existing ones. Marianne has also served a chair of the annual fundraiser event – Home, Lawn and Garden Day. This event now draws an attendance of more than approximately 200 people and has become very successful, thanks to the leadership and creativity of Marianne.
Outstanding Teamwork Award
Team members Marianne Stauffer, John Hensley, Mariellen Griffith, Ed Gullo, and Karen Gotleib were presented the Outstanding Teamwork Award for their Junior Master Gardener project, "Growing Gardeners".
In 2006, The Town of Normal and Master Gardeners joined forces to offer a summer program to help cultivate a love of gardening in young people in the community. "Growing Gardeners" is a program for children grades 3- 5 offered through Normal's parks and recreation program. U of I Extension Master Gardeners in McLean County were asked to help lay out the garden plot, create a curriculum, and provide the instruction for sessions for the 8 week program. The garden is located east of the Town of Normal Community Activity Center at One Normal Plaza. In addition to planting and tending the garden, Growing Gardener students have had the opportunity to take field trips to places such as garden shop, Sugar Grove Nature Center, several Master Gardener's flower and vegetable gardens and a greenhouse. Other study and discussion topics include: soils and worm composting, garden pests and diseases, plant propagation, nutrition from the garden, garden journaling, and plant photography. Many different Master Gardeners have volunteered to teach classes, provided plant materials, helped in the garden, and provided tours their gardens. What better way for Master Gardeners to demonstrate their love of gardening than by sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation of gardeners?!
Congratulations to each and every one of our very deserving state award winners!
