2009 Outstanding Master Gardeners

This year, 33 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. This year's recipients from McLean County were:

Carol Killian - Carol has been active in the McLean County Master Gardener program since 2005. Carol currently serves on the Master Gardener Board of Directors as chair of the Member Relations Committee, an elected position and as c-chair of the State Master Gardener Convention Decorations committee. She has also been very active in other committees, in planning the bi-annual educational bus trips, and our annual Home, Lawn and Garden Day event. Carol shows very strong leadership skills and can always be relied on to carry through with her responsibilities. Carol has truly made a difference in our community; through her work with Plant a Row for the Hungry and many other volunteer efforts. She has a very generous, positive spirit that is a good example to the members of our organization.

Anne Nadakavukaren - Anne has been a member of the McLean County Master Gardeners since 1999. During that time, she has been very active in our plant clinic, not only by serving our clients, but also training other Master Gardeners to volunteer there. As a former instructor at Illinois State, she enjoys teaching the public and frequently volunteers to conduct presentations at local community organizations and businesses, at Home, Lawn and Garden Day, or by writing articles for the Master Gardener newsletter. She is also constantly looking for ways to improve processes and procedures in a positive, constructive manner. Anne's knowledge on gardening practices and IPM are practically unmatched and has opened up her garden for the membership to see how she has put her expertise to use. She is a true asset to our organization and to the clients we serve.

Jerry Swartz - Jerry has been an active Master Gardener since 2007. He was instrumental in beginning a Plastic Pot Recycling program in McLean County by working tirelessly to locate partners, materials, locations, and whatever it took to help it to take off. The project has been so successful; it is now expanding to other counties throughout the state. In recognition of his leadership, the McLean County Master Gardeners awarded him the "Helping Hand" award in 2008. In addition to that, he received an award from our local Ecology Action Center for his work with the recycling project and is often invited to speak at local fairs and expos. Jerry's commitment to the success of the organization is displayed continually through his active participation in the plant clinic, as a mentor, and to various community projects. Jerry never hesitates to offer assistance whenever, wherever, or however it is needed

Robin VanDermay - Robin has been an active Master Gardener since 2007. She serves on the Plastic Pot Recycling Project, Sarah's Garden, The Community Cancer Center, ODC Oasis Garden, and the Plant Clinic, to name only a few. In recognition of her leadership, the McLean County Master Gardeners awarded her the "Helping Hand" award in 2009. Robin continually fulfills our mission of Helping Others Learn to Grow through educating others, as a mentor, as a tour guide in Sarah's Garden, and at the request of local organizations. Her extensive and diverse garden knowledge and her ability to teach is truly an asset.

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 was:

Illinois Plastic Pot Recycling Initiative - The Illinois Plastic Pot Recycling Initiative (IPPRI), in its first year collected 18000 lbs. of garden pots and gave away 8000 pots and trays away for re-use. This has resulted in a substantial reduction in the amount of waste going into our local landfills. Additionally, IPPRI has established partnerships with many local business and government agencies to offer the program at no cost and to raise awareness in the community for the need to recycle. The response has been so great, that the initiative is now spreading to other areas within Central Illinois. The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners in McLean County, under the leadership of Jerry Schwarz, planned and manage the project. Other team members include Jaci Dixon, Robin VanDermay, and Laurie Wiechert.

The Sustained Excellence award was established to honor Illinois Master Gardeners who have previously received the Outstanding award but have continued to demonstrate distinction in the program. Each person nominated should be an exceptional example to Master Gardeners within their unit as well as others in the state. This year's recipient from McLean County was:

Lyn Ash - Lyn has been active in the McLean County Master Gardener program for approximately 9 years graduating with our class of 2000. During that time, Lyn has been a consistent, enthusiastic, and reliable volunteer, always willing to go above and beyond what it takes to produce excellent programs and events. He has been actively involved in serving as a panel member on a local radio show, has taught classes for Home, Lawn and Garden Day, Heartland Community College, and our 2^nd Thursday classes, has written articles for our internal newsletter, the Farm Bureau news, and has put in countless hours volunteering at community gardens and Junior Master Gardener programs. Lyn has also served on several committees within the organization, and was elected by the membership to serve as president of the board of directors. He is current chair of Home, Lawn, and Garden Day, the McLean County Master Gardeners' major fundraising event, which is also an elected position. It is clear that our members recognize Lyn's leadership abilities by choosing him to serve in two of the most demanding positions in our organization.