STERLING, Ill.-University of Illinois Extension would like to congratulate two Whiteside County Master Gardeners in receiving the 2020 Outstanding Master Gardener award. Judy Holesinger of Fulton and Mary Lou Angone of Sterling received their awards at the State Master Gardener virtual ceremony on October 2.  Both these individuals have volunteered countless hours to the Master Gardener program in Whiteside County. 

Judy has been an active Master Gardener since 2010. She has been a leader and doer for the Whiteside County Master Gardener Program, seeing something needs to be done, she just does it. Judy has and continues to mentor Master Gardener interns providing guidance and support and sharing her knowledge and expertise. Judy has assumed the leadership role for the annual Fulton Plant Sale and the Fulton’s Children’s garden. She has presented numerous presentations to partnering organizations and on request from the public. A humble individual, Judy often works selflessly and without recognition.

Mary Lou has been an active Whiteside County Master Gardener since 2000. Mary Lou often leads by example. Through positive leadership and initiative, Mary Lou promotes the Master Gardener Program through outreach efforts. Mary Lou plays an integral role in youth education programing in Whiteside County, working collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders. She dives right in with a kind word and a smile on her face.

Whiteside County Master Gardeners provide expertise and advice to their local communities and have established demonstration shade and sun gardens at the Whiteside extension office in Sterling.  The demonstration shade garden won the 2019 State Master Gardener Teamwork Award. Other gardening projects for this group include community and donation gardens, children’s gardens, and pollinator gardens. If interested in learning more about the Master Gardener program in Whiteside County contact Mary Nelson, Ag & Natural Resources Program Coordinator at 815-632-3611.