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Saturday, November 5, 2016

Master Gardeners Celebrate 40 years of Service in Jefferson County by Amy Bubar



This year, Jefferson County CSU Extension’s Master Gardeners are proud to be celebrating their 40th anniversary of service to Jefferson County residents. Jefferson County has one of the largest cadres of Master Gardeners in the state. These volunteers utilize research-based information to foster successful gardeners, develop partnerships and build strong communities. 


The Master Gardeners represent thousands of dollars of volunteer time in services to Jeffco citizens every year. This year, the 127 active Master Gardeners contributed 4,990 volunteer hours. This impact is reflected throughout the county in healthy kids, healthy families, healthy communities, and overall public health. Just consider the impact of these numbers over the last 40 years!

On October 27th, Horticulture Agents, Commissioners, CSU staff, and Master Gardeners  gathered to celebrate the 1,121 citizens of Jefferson County who have successfully completed the  Master Gardener program over the past 40 years. Words of gratitude were conveyed by Jefferson County Commissioner Don Rosier and a formal proclamation for the Jefferson County Master Gardener program was presented by Commissioner Libby Szabo.  Open Space Director Tom Hoby and Master Gardener State Coordinator Mary Small were also on hand to talk about the county impact.  Special thanks and recognition were offered by Patti O’Neal and Curtis Utley, Extension Horticulturalists who work hand-in-hand with the Master Gardener volunteers on a daily basis. 


Tom Hoby, Director, Jefferson County Open Space


Commissioner Don Rosier, Patti O'Neal and Commissioner Libby Szabo
Seventeen Master Gardener apprentices were honored for completing an intensive training program and completing 50 volunteer hours, receiving the well-deserved title of Colorado Master Gardener. 
   
Front row (L-R): Matt Cloutier, Littleton; Donella Jacobs, Littleton; Heidi Moreland, Littleton; Dianne McDaniel; Mentor Mary Beth Mainero, Lakewood;
Middle row (L-R): Mentor Shelly Kinchelow, Lakewood; Mentor Nancy Tucker, Littleton; Marcia Lavochkin, Arvada; Michelle Lewis, Evergreen; Jennifer Lisa, Westminster; Eri Campbell, Arvada; 
Back row (L-R): Bonny Griffith, Littleton; Bonnie Schweitzberger, Littleton; Randy Wilkerson, Lakewood; Ryan Recktenwald, Littleton; Amy Erwin, Arvada; Bill Orchard, Arvada; Susie Lee, Littleton