Master Gardeners celebrate 148 years of service

The Washington County Master Gardeners held their holiday meeting Nov. 24 with 14 Master Gardeners and three Master Gardener interns present. The group enjoyed a holiday potluck and fellowship.

Members introduced themselves and when they became Master Gardeners. The total years of membership of those present was 148 years. Shirley Pfeifer was a member of the first Master Gardener class held in Washington in 1989. New interns introduced were Darren Hoffman, Vivian Rothe, and Martha Dahlin. New interns not able to attend were Carole Martins and Lori Johnson. The group brainstormed ideas for programs for 2016.

A meeting will be held Dec. 8, at 6:30 p.m., for the outgoing and new officers to plan programs and activities for next year. Members were reminded to enter their Master Gardener hours by Dec. 30. A minimum of 20 volunteer hours and 10 education hours are needed for certification each year. The next meeting will be Jan. 26, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. at the Extension Office.

For more information on the Master Gardener program contact Nancy at the Washington County Extension Office at 319-653-4811.