76.2 F
The Villages
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Two 30-year Master Gardeners to be recognized in Marion County  

Master Gardeners Peter Bostanescu and Raymond McNeal will each be recognized for more than 30 years of volunteer service to Marion County during the Master Gardeners’ annual awards and recognition dinner at 6 p.m. on April 27 in the Marion County Extension Service Auditorium, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala.
Bostanescu and McNeal first became certified through the Marion County UF/IFAS Master Gardener program in 1987 and have completed annual recertification requirements ever since. At 95 and 96, respectively, these Master Gardeners are a tremendous resource for Marion County’s growing population of property owners looking to enhance their lawns efficiently.
So just what does it take to become – and remain – a Master Gardener?
The University of Florida provides a 13-week training course to certify residents as Master Gardeners. The newly certified experts commit to 75 hours of volunteer service and 10 learning hours within their first year of certification. Annual certification renewal is only possible after the Master Gardener completes an additional 35 volunteer hours and 10 learning hours.
Master Gardeners educate residents on how to design, plant and care for their plants and landscapes using Florida-Friendly techniques on a volunteer basis. Get to know more at the next Master Gardener orientation at 10 a.m. on May 24 in the Marion County Extension Service Auditorium, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala.

Neglect of golf course maintenance now costing us millions of dollars

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of St. Charles resident argues that neglect of golf course maintenance is now costing residents millions of dollars.

Karen says her intent has been misinterpreted

A Village of Belle Aire resident who stirred quite a discussion with a previous Letter to the Editor, follows up to say that her intent was misinterpreted.

Our amenities are being used by families with kids

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of Citrus Grove resident says she is not happy about families with kids using amenities paid for by residents.

Finally allocating funds to the golf courses!

A Village of Hadley resident said he is happy that more money is being allocated to the golf courses. Read his Letter to the Editor.

Trump is unfit for any office

A Village of Osceola Hills resident, in a Letter to the Editor, details why he thinks former President Trump is unfit to hold any office.