Sumter MG the Very Definition of "Outstanding"

By Lisa Sanderson, Residential Horticulture Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County

Ann Fender, from the UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County Master Gardener Facebook page

UF/IFAS Extension in Sumter County is fortunate to have so many dedicated and talented volunteers who readily share unbiased, research-based information with the citizens of our county.

Among those volunteers is Ann Fender, a Florida Master Gardener in Sumter County since 2012. As a relatively new agent with UF/IFAS Extension in Sumter County, I appreciate Ann’s professionalism and attention to detail in all her volunteer efforts — co-chairing the "Ask the Master Gardener" plant clinics, focusing on improving technology available to the Master Gardener volunteers who volunteer at the clinics, and coordinating continuing education especially focused on plant clinic technology and skills.

Over the last five years, Ann also has shared her expertise to co-chair Sumter Master Gardener plant sales, managed the UF/IFAS "Ask the Master Gardener" tables at events, spoke at the Master Gardener Speaker Series, and she has just been elected in 2018 as the Member at Large representing volunteers at the Master Gardener Executive Advisory Board.

Ann is a delight to work with. I respect her commitment to the Florida Master Gardener volunteers in Sumter County, and truly believe Ann is an Outstanding Master Gardener.

The Sumter County "Ask The Master Gardener" Plant Clinic is available each Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. with the exception of government holidays. Please feel free to bring samples and/or pictures with your horticulture questions or for general information about events. The UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County Extension office is located at 7620 State Road 471, Suite 2, Bushnell, Florida 33513-8716.

April is National Volunteer Month, when we celebrate the work that volunteers do year-round. Volunteer Month recognizes and promotes the spirit of service, and raises awareness about how volunteering changes lives and strengthens communities.