MG Training - Graduation

[Ann B.]

Well, My Friends!

Today, was our last day, and we all completed our training and received our training graduation certicate. In addition to a wonderful 'bring your own dish' luncheon, we each gave a presentation on a topic of interest. The presentations were to be 5 minutes each, and, well, you know me, I knew that was impossible, so I did my best. Most of us took 10-15 minutes.

My presentation was on the class that I am teaching at Hunter's school. I touched on the work in setting up the class, as well as figuring out the logistics and getting materials ready. Each session lasts about 2 hours, but, quite honestly, it is so much fun that it only seems that 10 minutes has passed. But the most fun was in sharing tips and showing off some of my little baby Rex Begonias, Amaryllis and African Violets.

As each person gave their presentations, I became keenly aware that everyone there has a tremendous amount of expertise and knowledge to share. There is so much too learn...

There was one presentation that touched my heart very deeply, and I am anxious to share this experience with you. I will be reporting on this presentation soon.

Although it is sad to be ending our class, I have to remind myself that it is only the beginning of sharing our knowledge and experience with each other and our communities, but it is a chance to get to know many, many people who enjoy gardening as much as we do.

God Bless!

[Judi K.]

Congratulations, Ann

I am very envious of your accomplishment, but know I will only gain some of that wonderful knowlege here.

Judi

[Log Cabin Pat]

Congradulations!!

I knew you could do it. Now for the fun part of getting your hours in. I have a feeling you won't have any problems there. We are having a pot luck for our last year grads next week, they don't become MG until after they complete the volunteer hours. Then we only have to donate 10 hr. a year to stay in the association We have a meeting once a month and usually have a guest speaker. We are already planing the 4th annual Master Gardeners Plant Fair to be held May 18, 2002. Plus several other smaller things in the works.

Have fun and always keep learning

Pat

[Ann B.]

Pat,

Our program is very similar. The graduation was only for the training portion of the program. We still have to put in 40 hours of volunteer work and about 16 hours of telephone duty. I have over half of the volunteer hours already and hope to have them all by the end of 2001.

The class I am teaching is making up for most of the hours. There is a lot of planning and preparation time involved. It takes 2 hours for each day of the class, but at least 4 hours to plan and prepare for each class.

I hope to get the telephone hours done early in the Fiscal Year 2002, and I will receive my certificate then. After that, we are required to give 20 hours per year, and we also have one meeting per month.

It is quite rewarding!

[vicki]

Ann,
Congratulations on your big accomplishment. Wishing you the best in the new year.

[Jerome]

Congrats.... always nice to have the feeling of accomplishment after something like that. I see Pat also did something similar. What type of organization is that through? I would be very interested in tracking something like that down in my area. As always, any info would be appreciated.

Jerome

[Ann B.]

I found out last week that I already qualify for the certificate. The phone duty hasn't been completed, but I train for that on Jan. 31. Meanwhile, I have earned my certificate and will be getting it soon.

Jerome, check with your local Cooperative Extension Agency. Not every agency is large enough to have this training every year, but if there is not one in your city, they can tell you where the closest one is.

I highly recommend MG training to everyone who can manage the time it takes. You learn a tremendous amount, and they give you volumes and volumes of handouts that are specific to your area. You will also meet lots of new gardening enthusiasts in your area.

Thanks, everyone! And welcome back Vicki! We missed you.

[sewfarsewgood]

Congratulations on completing the arduous journey. I begin Master Gardener classes starting in the fall. It is a lot of work, but not too bad when you are doing something you love.

Gary J