Allegheny County Master Gardeners Recognized at State Conference with Two "Search for Excellence" Awards
Posted: July 5, 2012
Members of the FECS Program Team Display Award
The state Search for Excellence program has three categories in which Master Gardeners can submit applications—Youth Programming, Adult Education and Demonstration Gardens. To qualify for an award, projects must demonstrate significant learning, whether by the Master Gardeners themselves or the general public. The two projects awarded first place plaques and $100 each were Garden in the Parks Field Day (GPFD) in the category of Demonstration Gardens and the Frick Environmental Charter School under Youth Programming.
GPFD, held simultaneously at North and South Park Demonstration Gardens, requires a large and dedicated work force. Activities include tomato, basil and garlic tasting, information boards, children’s programs and balloting for the Annual of the Year. Judge’s comments included, “…a great learning opportunity for families” and “…like that it(GPFD) uses products from the demo gardens that people can utilize and learn from…”. A special round of applause to the committees who work tirelessly to organize this annual event: including past chairs Joan Kugler and Joanne van Linden; Gerri Barnes and Margie Miller - our current chairs and the new co-chairs, George Johnson and Dot Sims.
To the devoted team of Master Gardeners volunteering at the Frick Environmental Charter School(FECS), an equally hearty “Thank you”! This team meets monthly to brainstorm and coordinate the program’s curriculum, then prepare and teach three 2nd grade classes. One judge enthusiastically remarked, “…the program supports the mission of the school and the master gardener program”! Master Gardener volunteers include committee chair, Lee Bognar, Joyce Christy, Barb Kline, Pat Morgan, Bill Steinman, Philip Bauerle and Megan Higgins.
From all of the staff at Allegheny County Extension, “Congratulations, we know how hard you worked to make these programs successful.”
PS - Mark your calendar for the 2012 Garden in The Parks Field Day which will take place on Saturday, August 18th from 9 AM to 1 PM.
