advanced training update

​Advanced Training Update

Thank you to Staff Chair Berni Kurz and the Washington County Master Gardeners for conducting the August 17th Advanced Training class, "Heirloom Gardening".  
 
Sixty-three Master Gardeners from across the state, including eleven attending their first advanced class, now have a better understanding of what an heirloom plant is and why we should grow heirlooms.  Many also enjoyed pre-training activities which included an Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social, Shiloh Museum Tour and a special presentation by Susan Young on food from days of yore.  This interesting and educational training also included seed saving techniques.  Even 'not so nice' weather could dampen the enjoyment of the attendees nor the enthusiastic and outstanding hospitality of the Washington County Master Gardeners.
 
Congratulations to the following Master Gardeners who have attained a new advanced training level after completing this class:
 
                        Level I (5 classes): 
                                    Joellen Beard, Pulaski County
                                    Beverly Hefley, Boone County
                                    Connie Whitman, Greene County
 
                        Level II (13 classes):
                                    David Anderson, Montgomery County
                                    Mary Emma Watts, Sebastian County
 
Congratulations, also, to:
 
Audrey Holt, Baxter County, and Deborah Zimmer, White County.  Both Audrey and Deborah have completed 23 advanced classes.  To reach the Level III recognition, each must write an article for a county newsletter, the Garden Voice Newsletter, or other publication OR give a presentation at a regular Master Gardener meeting or public workshop.
 
Lucy Fry, River Valley; Mary Wells, Faulkner County, and Rosemary Wingfield, River Valley.  Lucy and Mary have completed the 38 Advanced Training classes required for Level V.  Rosemary has already completed 39 Advanced Training classes.  To complete the final step to earn a Level V badge, each must complete an educational project that makes a significant contribution to a local community, school or Master Gardener program.  The project must be on a preapproved horticulture topic.
 
Advanced Trainings are a product of County 76.  Classes are offered to active Master Gardeners who have been in good standing in their county program for at least three years.  
 
Notices of upcoming Advanced Training classes are provided via Constant Contact.  Classes fill quickly, so don't delay when you see a topic that interests you.
 
Linda Soffer
County 76 President

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