Congratulations to Putnam County’s newest Master Gardeners

Four of the Putnam County Master Gardeners who recently received new certification in 2018 are (from left) Jeanne Sibbitt, Beth Connell, Jason Keeney and Randy Bee. Not pictured are Jane Jackson and Christina Shinovich.

Courtesy photo

Purdue Master Gardener volunteers contribute significantly to the lives of Indiana residents and local communities each year.

In 2018, the Putnam County Master Gardeners volunteered more than 934 hours in Putnam County by hosting horticulture-related events, working at the Putnam County Fair and working with local schools to help two high school graduates receive scholarships from the organization.

During the December Putnam County Master Gardener Association meeting, several local residents received a new Master Gardener certification. To earn Purdue Master Gardener certifications, volunteers must complete horticultural training conducted by Purdue Extension county offices and engage in volunteer service that has been approved by Master Gardener county coordinators and performed in Indiana communities.

Those receiving their Advanced Master Gardener certification (60 cumulative volunteer hours and 45 cumulative education hours) include Beth Connell, Jason Keeney, Christina Shinovich and Jeanne Sibbitt.

Those receiving their Advanced Bronze Master Gardener certification (200 cumulative volunteer hours and 60 cumulative education hours) include Randy Bee.

Those receiving their Advanced Gold 1,000 Master Gardener certificate (1,000 cumulative volunteer hours and 100 cumulative education hours) include Jane Jackson.

Please join Purdue Extension in congratulating all of the Purdue Master Gardeners who received a new certification. If you would like to know more about the Purdue Master Gardener program, contact the Putnam County Extension Office at 653-8411.

Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee.

Upcoming Events

Dec. 21 – Extension office closes at noon. Reopens Wednesday, Jan. 2.

Jan. 8 – Cultivating Your Farmers Market Knowledge – Night 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cost $15. Register online at http://www.cvent.com/d/zbqcmj

Jan. 10 – Putnam 4-H Junior Leaders, Fairgrounds, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 24 – Joint annual dinner between Purdue Extension and Putnam County SWCD, Fairgrounds, 6 p.m. Cost is $5.

Feb. 12 – Cultivating Your Farmers Market Knowledge – Night 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cost $15, register online at http://www.cvent.com/d/zbqcmj

Feb. 20 – Exploring 4-H (Mini 4-H grade 2) Kickoff, Fairgrounds, 6-7 p.m.

March 12 – Cultivating Your Farmers Market Knowledge – Night 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cost $15, register online at http://www.cvent.com/d/zbqcmj