Mariposa Master Gardeners started the new year by announcing honors for members.

Vivian White (pictured), class of 2015, was named Volunteer of the Year for her work at the group’s demonstration garden along Mariposa Creek, reorganization of the storage unit, leadership of the 2016 garden tour and organizational skills. In her speech, Coordinator Kris Randal said, “It is in her nature to always be enthusiastic, friendly, and willing to help whenever she can.”

Special recognition went to three MGs.

Betty Massey, class of 2001, is completing back-to-back two-year terms as president. She is active at the demonstration garden, spent many hours at the County Fair in the group’s Horticulture Building, led the re-write of the by-laws, and attended most activities.

Holly Warner, class of 2011, has been chair and co-chair of the trainee committee, which revamped the curriculum and approach to learning for would-be Master Gardeners. The training is five hours, once a week for 17 weeks of college-level study. She also is a planner for the group’s public workshops. She earned her gold badge for having given 1,000 hours of volunteer time to the community.

The third special recognition went to Rusty Avery, class of 2005, who for more than a decade was chair of the helpline committee. The helpline is open to the public by phone, email or in-person visits. It runs year-round, Tuesdays and Thursdays in warm months, Thursdays only in winter.

Master Gardeners who were present to receive their awards are (pictured l-r, standing): Katee Owens, Diane Timmins, Char Horning, Belinda Gilbert, Lynette Jackson, Ferol Conklin, Linda O'Connor, Barbara Baptista, and Sherry Gorham. (Pictured l-r, seated): Vivian White, Holly Warner, Sharon Carlson, and Betty Massey.

Other honorees were presented with pins denoting volunteer hour earned.

Bee pin for 100 hours: Barbara Baptista ’15, Lynn Breshears ’13, Corinne Dedini ’15, Belinda Gilbert ’15, Christina Oborn ’13, Jerla Schellentrager ’13, Linda Taylor ’15, Diane Timmins ’15.

Trowel pin for 250 hours:  Katee Owens,Sharon Carlson (transfer), Ferol Conklin ’13, Sherry Gorham ’11, Char Horning '13, Dan Horner ’13, Dena McCullough ’09, Linda O’Connor ’11, Vivian White ’15.

Watering can pin for 500 hours:  Lynette Jackson ’15.

To learn more about the Mariposa County Master Gardeners visit their website, and visit them on Facebook.