CONGRATULATIONS! to the 2022 recipients of these three honored awards:
Clinician of the Year
Beth Chisholm
Beth is an outstanding teacher, mentor, and administrator. Throughout the closure of the Whatcom County Master Gardener Clinic during Covid, Beth triaged phone-calls and email inquiries from the community regarding gardening issues. Beth reorganized the clinicians into teams and actively maintains a working diagnostic clinic to serve the public. Most of this work has been done behind-the-scenes, deflecting praise and credit to others.
John Van Miert Master Gardener of the Year
Jeff Dodson
Given to a volunteer who has shown extraordinary dedication, service, and contributions of time, effort, and compassion to fellow Master Gardeners and the community, exceeding requirements for many years. Jeff volunteers year-round teaching classes and workshops and mentors new Master Gardeners. He is a key member of the plant clinic, training new students about clinic operations, and leading a team of diagnostic clinicians. Jeff has supported the Master Gardener Program by sharing his in-depth knowledge about plant pests and his special skills growing Bonsai.
Broken Shovel Award
Pam Newland
Inspired by a stash of broken shovels found under the old greenhouse at Hovander, this award is given to an individual who has worked tirelessly in the demonstration gardens. Pam has managed the Children’s Story Garden for many years. In 2022, she served as co-lead and helped to renovate the severely flood-damaged garden and raised funds and donations for needed materials. Pam led and inspired a dedicated team of Master Gardener volunteers and helped to make the garden fun, educational, and better than ever for children in our community.