February Blount County Meeting will be 11:30 Tuesday morning February 7th at the Frank Green Building

The Blount County Master Gardeners will be meeting Tuesday February 7th at 11:30 – 1:30 in the Frank Green building.  Bring a dish and share a potluck lunch with fellow Master Gardeners and Guest.

The program will be Mr. Dan Porch, our favorite extension agent, doing a program on Wildflowers.  Dan always has a great program and has information on just about any subject you want to discuss.  Dan has many years of experience in the Blount County area and vast number of wildflowers and native plants that are in the area is just amazing.  When I moved here I could not believe the great number and variety of wildflowers and natives that are everywhere.  There are so many that Ray Charles could probably seen a few of them.  Just kidding but it a thrill to get out in early spring and just enjoy the rainbow of colors that exists in this area.  Bring a friend as they are always welcome.

There are several members that are sick or have family members that are not doing well so keep them in your thoughts and prayers.  Remember Judy’s parents and Noel Sanders as he is scheduled for by-pass surgery later in the week.

Along with the program from Dan we will also have the presentation of Reach for the Stars for recognition of Master Gardeners that reported their volunteer and educational hours.  We were off some 2000 hours total from last year but remember last year we had the State Conference that we were involved with so keep reporting those hours.  The following members will be recognized for the reported hours:  Allen Neel 4000+ (Ruby), Nancy Friday and Sharon Huffstutler 1000+ (Gold Name Badge)  These there will be picked up at the State Conference in Huntsville in May Because the AMGA makes those presentations.  Diann Evans and Angela Powers 500+ (Gold Star), Chad Bryan 300+ (Silver Star), Diane Launius and Steve Norris 100+ (Bronze Star).  Both Diane and Steve are recent graduates of the latest Intern Class and thanks for contributing you time and efforts.  Congratulations to all that turned in your hours and it greatly helps Kerry Smith with planning budgets and getting new programs funded.