Source: Kelly Allsup
Extension Educator, Horticulture
University of Illinois Extension
Serving Livingston, McLean and Woodford Counties
309-663-8306 • kallsup@illinois.edu
PONTIAC, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension congratulates Livingston County Master Gardeners Virginia Dunning, Paula Rosenbaum, and RaeJean Kuntz for receiving the 2019 Outstanding Master Gardeners in Illinois awards at the Illinois Master Gardener Conference in East Moline on September 6.
Previous awardee, Cathy Montgomery of Flanagan, won a Sustained Excellence award for continued commitment in her volunteer work for the Master Gardener program.
Virginia Dunning of Cornell was nominated for her leadership role in the Master Gardener Help Desk that answers hundreds of questions each year, assisting homeowners with their gardening queries. Dunning also oversees the Master Gardener booth at the farmers market in Pontiac the first Saturday of each month.
Paula Rosenbaum of Pontiac has been involved with the Master Gardener program for almost 20 years and is a crucial part of the program’s success in Livingston County. Paula gives presentations to the public, works with youth, and supports multiple group projects. She delivers programs on seeds, herbs, birds, and composting.
RaeJean Kuntz of Gridley has taken leadership roles, bestowing over 80 hours a year to the success of the program. Her award-winning actions include helping create a pollinator haven at the Livingston County Extension Office. Kuntz was also recognized for a great attitude.
Cathy Montgomery of Flanagan, recipient of the Sustained Excellence award, has led the Master Gardeners in providing more youth programming. A retired teacher, Cathy now teaches youth about flowers, vegetables, and insects. Montgomery also helps teachers use school gardens as part of the classroom. In 2019, she collected data for a citizen science project with area youth, tracking pollinators and monarchs from the classroom garden. Cathy also spearheads programming and garden updates at the Yost House historic garden.
If you meet a Livingston County Master Gardener working or teaching in your community, make sure to thank them for their outstanding efforts in improving the community and helping others learn to grow.
For more information about the Livingston County Master Gardener program, visit us at go.illinois.edu/LMW_MG or contact the Livingston County Extension Office at (815) 842-1776.
