Master Gardeners often act as ambassadors for the UF/IFAS Extension. In this blog article, Master Gardener Cora Broskowitz highlights her involvement in Curriculum night at Sanford Middle School, where she and Master Gardener Bonnie Harrison reached many members of our community.

Reaching out to the Community

Sanford Middle School had its Curriculum Night March 8th, 2018. All the special classes that corresponded to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) provided a table with information and activities. UF/IFAS Extension, Seminole County Master Gardeners were invited to this program and gave out materials on all our programs. They also provided gardening information to those who needed it. Not only did we talk to students but we interacted with many of the members of our community. Even though the weather was a bit chilly, many families showed up with students and potential students in tow.

Bonnie Harrison and I, Cora Broskowitz set up our tri-fold on a table in the cafeteria with other teachers and organizations that impact the STEAM program. Next to us was a teacher showing how paper can have the strength of metal by displacing the weight of a heavy book with tubes of loose-leaf paper. It was quite a sight to see books balanced on flimsy columns.

In Good Company

Other programs were FullSail and teachers from Sanford Middle School. A Navy officer gave a speech on the power of positive decisions and how his life was changed by making the right ones. We felt right at home with our tri-fold explaining the way the Extension Center impacts Sanford Middle. Our volunteers have worked with the school to improve their school garden program. Mr. Van Nuys, the teacher in charge of the garden stopped by and was pleased by our involvement.

Most satisfying was our interaction with the community. Many parents had questions about our programs which include 4-H and Nutrition. We provided written information on bees, vegetable gardening and various upcoming programs at the Center. Bonnie and I were pleased to reach so many adults previously unaware of the programs we provide. We found that members of the Sanford community were very interested in Extension programs. We consider our involvement a success and hope to continue in this vein with other schools in the School Gardening program.

Contact the Plant Clinic

The Seminole County Master Gardener Plant Clinic is open Monday – Friday from 9am-Noon and 1pm-4pm. For more information on how to contact a Master Gardener about your gardening questions, visit our website at this [LINK].

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