Master Gardeners welcome a new class 1/15/2009 2:05 AM
By SUZANNE R. STONE Staff writer The Aiken Master Gardeners welcomed a fresh crop of graduates of Clemson Extension Service's Master Gardener Course to the club Tuesday.
The Master Gardeners held a dinner and graduation ceremony Tuesday evening at St. John United Methodist Church. Extension agent Suzanne Holmes led the graduation ceremony.
"I want to thank the older Master Gardeners for coming out to support the new members," Holmes said. "New members, I encourage you to come to our meetings, we have one coming up in February.
"I also want to tell you about some of the service projects these new members worked on. They did meet a master gardener, they helped their neighbors, they worked at Redcliffe Plantation and at Banksia, at Aiken High School's horticulture program, at Chukker Creek Elementary School and at the Spring Flower Show. One even became a beekeeper," Holmes said. "That's an enormous amount of hours given back to the community, and that's what sets the Master Gardeners apart from other organizations."
Graduating from the course Tuesday were Chere Avery, Sally Barrett, Tina Donnelly, Tammie Esselman, Phil Haggerty, Sylvia Doyle, Vicky Hall, Theresa Hefferman, John Hill, Sam Huff, James Nix, Peggy Piemonte, Bettye Ralon, Susan Reynolds, Phyllis Roy, Cathy Sabol, Hank Smalling, Joyce Timmerman, Leo Toomajian and Gloria Wade. Completing the course but not present at Tuesday's ceremony were Cole Lindell and Tom Kaufman.
For more information about the Aiken Master Gardeners, call the Clemson Extension Service at 649-6297.
Contact Suzanne Stone at sstone@aikenstandard.com.
Notice about comments:
AikenStandard.com is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. AikenStandard.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not AikenStandard.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
Posted by: Monte Bores, MG Cherokee County, Canton, Georgia On: Friday, January 16, 2009 8:00 AM
Comment Title: To the new graduating class
Congratulations to you all! I know how tough the course and finishing that first year of service can be, especially if you came into the program with little to no gardening experience. I was in your shoes about 9 years ago. So let me encourage you to attend meetings and participate in the community projects! You will discover that the MG program is rewarding in so many ways! One day you'll be able to look back and be proud of what you've achieved...the knowledge you've accumulated...the friendships you've gained. Each of you will have strengths and weaknesses in your talents and knowledge. Be quick to share/help help each other. I wish you all the best!
Report Abuse
1