Master Gardeners Celebrate 2014, Look Forward to 2015
On December 1, 2014, Kaufman County Master Gardeners held their annual Awards Presentation at Alfredo’s Steak House Restaurant in Forney, Texas. County Extension Agent and MG Sponsor Ralph Davis presented awards to Master Gardeners who had completed more than 100 volunteer hours in 2014. The nine were Brad Ackerman, Jim Burt, Rebecca Morrow, Frances Holmes, Tamara Stahlman, Marline Ballard, Lynn Ackerman, Hildegard Smith and Karen Sanders. Master Gardeners completed 3,479 volunteer hours for the year, which amounted to $78,451 in value to the county, based on the Texas Comptroller’s estimate of $22.55 per hour for volunteer service.
County Extension Agent Ralph S. Davis also presented 10-year service pins to Brad Ackerman, Lynn Ackerman, John Ballard and Nancy Bowman. This group was the entire Master Gardener class of 2004. Two interns, Debbie Gamble and Rita Ware, officially became Master Gardeners, having completed 50 hours of volunteer service during their intern year in addition to the Master Gardener Training Program in 2013
The organization was recognized for two awards won at the 2014 Texas Master Gardener Association convention for activities in calendar year 2013. Kaufman County competes in the Medium Counties category, which is for associations having between 25 and 49 members and submitted entries in two of eight award categories: Educational Program and Outstanding Master Gardener Association. Kaufman County was awarded third place in the Educational Program category for 2013’s Fall Vegetable Seminar and first place for Outstanding Medium Master Gardener Association.
The program ended with the installation of new officers for 2015. They are Brad Ackerman, President; Sandy Stahlman, President-Elect; Delores Tigert, Treasurer; Inez Williams, Secretary; and Rebecca Morrow Educational Enrichment Coordinator.
Kaufman County Master Gardeners provide horticultural information and education to the residents of Kaufman County. They maintain the Garden Learning Center, a demonstration garden featuring best gardening and water conservation practices. The Center is located at the intersection of Highway 34 and FM 1388 in front of the Kaufman County South Annex. If you are interested in more information or in becoming a Master Gardener, please check our website (www.kcmga.org).