Thanks for a great year!

As the days of my term as president of the Rock Prairie Master Gardeners Association wind down I want to take a few minutes to thank all those who helped me through this exciting, interesting, frustrating and ultimately satisfying year.

After our annual Recognition Dinner which will be held in late October (date and location to be announced) there will be a lull of several months during which incoming president Laura Boettcher will take on her new role. I would encourage all of you to get to know Laura.

I will continue to write articles and post volunteer opportunities and events on the blog, and will continue as a Plant Health Advisor at the court house. I will no longer be involved with the administration of the RPMGA, but will be glad to provide any help I can to the new president.

I am deeply grateful to those individuals with whom I worked closely who gave me their support and help whenever possible. I wish to thank past-president Cindy Leverenz for her kindness and good advice, Vice President Laura B, Treasurer Erika Rebout, Secretary Laurie Ott, past-secretary Jenny Membrino, Recognition committee representative Robin Anderson, past-WIMGA rep Anna Kokity-Bode, Garden Festival team leader Deb Grams, PHAs Barb Converse and Robby Severson, and especially the speakers who volunteered their time and efforts for the Thursday Evening at Rotary Botanical Gardens series of lectures.

I want to thank Rotary Botanical Garden Staff members Mark Dwyer, Kris Koch, Lori Ebeneter, Kelli Cameron, Polly Punzel, John Rockenfeld, Janice Peterson and all those who gave of themselves so generously to assist RPMGA with the Plant Health Advisory Project, the Thursday Evening at Rotary Botanical Gardens series of lectures, the Mid-Winter Fun Day, as well as monthly meetings. I couldn't have hoped to work with a more generous group of individuals. It was a pleasure.

Mike Maddox has been a constant source of support as has the entire staff at the University of Wisconsin Extension office. Thanks to Judy Horvath, Carol Jaggi, Gena McGuigan, Nutrition Educator Julie Gibes, UWEX department head Randy Thompson, and crops/soils Educator Jim Stute.

The RPMGA is an organization of great worth that has provided and continues to provide support for horticulture projects as well as adult and children's horticulture education programs in Rock County and the surrounding area. Although our numbers have declined recently, the actual number of active MGVs who provide their time and expertise continues to remain about the same showing a strong level of commitment and determination within the membership.

I am proud to be a member of this wonderful organization that has given and continues to give so much to so many.

Thanks again to every one of you for all your kindness and support. Serving as your president this year has been a humbling experience that was a challenge, a privilege and a pleasure.