Posted: February 15, 2024
The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Susquehanna County grew together in volunteer service and learning in 2023.
The Susquehanna County Master Gardeners attending a General Meeting. Photo credit: Melissa Wright
The Master Gardeners of Susquehanna County recently recognized the contributions of several volunteers. In 2023, ten Master Gardener trainees completed the Master Gardener Basic Training course, scored above 80% on midterm and final exams, and collectively contributed over 850 volunteer hours in Susquehanna County. Congratulations to these newly Certified Master Gardeners: Christy Baker, Rachel Bennett, Julie Gray, Sandy Harris, Mary Hayes, Catherine Herne, Robert Owens, Jim Perkins, Amber Rockwell, and Elizabeth Rowe.
Twelve Master Gardeners in Susquehanna County were celebrated for each contributing over 100 hours in a single year: Rachel Bennett, Howard Burkett, RoseAnn Clough, Kimberly Grace, Julie Gray, Maureen Hoover, Stacey Kalechitz, Ginny Lewis, Carol McNamara, Jim Perkins, Doreen Smith, and Lori Voll-Wallace.
The Statewide Master Gardener Program recognized Lifetime Volunteer Service Hours for four Susquehanna County Master Gardeners: Stacey Kalechitz and Doreen Smith (500 hours), Kimberly Grace (2,000 hours), and Lori Voll-Wallace (3,000 hours).
Years of service pins were presented to the following Master Gardeners:
- 20 years: Kimberly Grace and Catherine Hynes
- 15 years: Rose Marie Barnhart, Mary Ann Cunningham, Jim Kessler, Shirley Krayeski, and Concetta Schirra
- 10 years: Jim Kasten and Louise Guszick
- 5 years: Howard Burkett, Nancy Burkett, and Leslie Charles
The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Susquehanna County have 55 active volunteers. Master Gardeners hail from all over the County, including Brackney, Forest City, Hallstead, Montrose, New Milford, Springville, Susquehanna, and Union Dale. Volunteers are working professionals, stay-at-home parents, and retirees, both men and women, with a variety of gardening interests and experience levels. Interested in becoming a Master Gardener? Ask us how! We would love to welcome new Master Gardener trainees who can help us extend our outreach.
For information on becoming a Master Gardener in Susquehanna County, contact Master Gardener Coordinator Melissa Wright at 570-836-3196 or mbw5781@psu.edu.
