"We are all gifted in a unique and important way.  It is a privilege and an adventure to discover our own special light". 
~ Mary Dunbar

Each year at this time, we select a Master Gardener who has distinguished themselves by their unique contribution to the program. This Master Gardener will be nominated for a State Award at the 2009 Master Gardener State Conference to be held in October.

Our Lake County Master Gardener of the Year, Gwen Zeitz, was nominated by fellow Master Gardeners. A member of the Class of 2001, she has contributed 1310 recorded volunteer hours to the Master Gardener program and has participated in 143 hours of Advanced Training.

Gwen is continually discovering her talents as she contributes to the Master Gardener program. To all of us she is a talented artist seemingly unaware of her natural ability but fearless in pursuing her flashes of brilliance. We benefit as she visually connects with our audiences adding a dimension to our programming that few of us could accomplish. One Master Gardener commented that she adds pizzazz to displays, flourishes to programs and a creative spark to every project she works on.

Enthusiastic, Gwen joins in and follows through on her commitments. She is known as a dependable volunteer who will pick up the slack always trying to make each project unique. Gwen is curious about so many subjects and is always searching for ways to broaden her knowledge. She attends advanced training classes, researches topics that interest her, and shares what she learns. Gwen has been involved in the creation and presentation of several educational programs for the public at our local libraries.

Perhaps her background in the medical field has given her the passion for research to find the answers and help others with the information she discovers. She is an asset to the Master Gardener Hotline because of her conscientious approach to answering phone calls. If she cannot find the answer during hotline hours, she pursues the answer until she is satisfied.

Gwen painstakingly researches plants and insects to get to know them on a personal level. Then she recreates them in painting in murals for backdrops at the fair. Ordinary flowerpots become works of art that make you smile at Master Gardener presentations. She paints insects on rocks for children and adults to admire capturing their interest and drawing them to our displays at community events and at the libraries.

She ignites interest in the natural world and the thought that I could do this too! A regular attendee of our monthly organizational meetings, Gwen is always coming up with new ideas. She is Co-Chair of our Display Committee which provides rotating displays to 13 local libraries, our Lake County Fair and annual Home Gardener’s Workshop. She has been active in the planting and maintenance of the 4H Peace Garden. She enjoys being active in our Master Gardener Herb Study group.

A quote from a fellow Master Gardener: “Gwen strengthens our program because of her presence. She is always taking part in all of the activities. She sets a high standard for all of us to follow because she gives unselfishly of her time and talents. Her ideas are beyond what anyone else can imagine. I think she is the type of person who gives our program deep roots and strong limbs.”

In our nominations, Gwen was described as “fun, crazy, impetuous, sincere, and caring. A cooperative spirit! Gwen offers her gift of friendship to the entire group.” She is truly deserving of this honor and we are smitten by our Master Gardener of the Year, Gwen Zeitz!