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by Lydia Holley February 12, 2024
Henderson County Master Gardener Association (HCMGA) held their annual awards banquet on Wednesday, December 20.
John Maloch was recognized as Volunteer of the Year. This special achievement is voted on by the membership and given to a volunteer who has shown a special dedication to the HCMGA program throughout the year. Maloch is co-chair of the Harvest Garden project, a demonstration garden with vegetables, fruit trees, herbs, a butterfly garden, water collection system, and hoop house.
Robert Erickson received a pin for 10 years of service. Five-year service pins were awarded to Susan Skommesa, Sherry Sorrell, and Barbara Thompson. Three-year service certificates were given to Shirley Niswonger, Ben Nolley, Francesca Rich, and Anne Wood.
Interns for 2024 were also recognized. Interns have taken the Master Gardener class, passed a background check, and will volunteer fifty hours over the next year to complete their certification requirements. Interns for 2024 are Elizabeth Borjon, Pamela Carroll, Diann Covington, Marion Deshazo, Renessa Gerhardt, Cynthia Hight, Joe Hight, Amy Johnson, Regina LaFleur, Charles Lohrmann, Madelin Moner, Virginia Proper, Barbara Rodriguez, Jean Russell, Terry Sanders, Angela St. Valentine, and Jean Taylor.
Officers for 2024 were also installed. These include Susan Skommesa, President; Pat Calderon, Vice President Programs; Cindy Beck, Vice President Education; Lisa Alexander, Secretary; Barbara Thompson, Treasurer; and Sue Krider, Historian.
Spencer Sims, the newly appointed AgriLife Extension Ag and Natural Resources Agent for Henderson County, attended the banquet. It was the first opportunity for many HCMGA members to meet Sims, who is the advisor of the program.
Various other members were given humorous awards based upon their service to HCMGA. Each and every volunteer is appreciated for their commitment and time given to HCMGA, a 501-(c)3 non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to teaching the public about best horticultural practices.
For more information, call 903-675-6130, email [email protected].
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