Zoe Bell, Class of 2021, was honored as the 2024 Master Gardener of the Year for Kent County.  Megan Pleasanton, Master Gardener program coordinator on behalf of Delaware State University, shared highlights of Bell’s many roles including chair of the information table and scholarship committees, the latter in which she attends high school ceremonies to personally present the funds to students. Affectionately dubbed “the energizer bunny,” Bell was lauded for her boundless energy and positivity at almost every Master Gardener event.

“Zoe’s proactive approach has made her an invaluable asset during workshops where she readily offers assistance with any necessary tasks,” remarked Pleasanton.

“Her genuine and unwavering support creates a harmonious environment, making volunteering alongside her a delightful experience.”

Tracy Wootten, horticulture extension agent for Sussex County and Sussex County Master Gardener program coordinator, acknowledged Ana Dittel, Class of 2001, as the 2024 Sussex County Master Gardener of the Year. 

Dittel began her volunteer service spending most of her time in the county’s educational demonstration garden located in Georgetown. A resident of Lewes, Dittel lives part of the year in her native Costa Rica. Her volunteer hours rapidly accumulate upon returning to Delaware where she provides personal attention and leadership to the demonstration garden, particularly in the vegetable garden area where she has assumed leadership for many years. Dittel is relied upon to teach formal workshops, provide hands-on examples to visitors of the garden and is a strong presence at numerous information tables throughout the county. Dittel lends her bilingual skills to numerous resources, providing a greater and much-needed outreach in Sussex County.

”Ana has been described as a splendid person, always willing to share her expertise in a humble and cooperative manner,” Wootten said. “She exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding Master Gardener, working tirelessly and generously.”

Pleasanton and Wootten also recognized lifetime volunteer service to three individuals who, at a minimum, provided a 10-year or 1,000-hour track record of outreach through the Master Gardener program. 

Kent County’s lifetime honoree was Charlotte Clive. Clive also leads the Kent County leadership as chairperson for the past and upcoming term. Sussex County recognized two individuals, Marian Reedy, who chairs the demonstration garden and Penny Huth, who leads the speaker’s bureau for Master Gardener talks scheduled throughout the community.

Both counties officially welcomed 26 new Master Gardeners from the class of 2023 – all successfully having completed their initial 40 hours of  volunteerism and five hours of advanced training. At the banquet they became official, gleefully trading in their paper IDs for the real deal — their permanent white ID badges engraved with their name and class year.  Two Master Gardeners, one per county, transferred from other states, totaling 28 in all.

When Master Gardeners reach 500 volunteer hours, they exchange their white badges for silver ones. Once 1,000 hours of service is reached, a gold badge is earned.

Three individuals earned their gold in 2024 — Kate Ruffer for Kent County and John Ferrell and Marian Reedy for Sussex County. 

Volunteerism is the driving force in many Delaware Cooperative Extension programs, and the Master Gardener volunteer impact is keenly felt across Delaware, a visible presence at schools, libraries, attending public events, holding workshops and answering online questions and helplines. Kent County boasts 37 active volunteers and Sussex County hails 79 active Master Gardeners in its roster. After their first year, to be considered “active” volunteers must serve a minimum of 30 volunteer hours and 5 advanced training hours a year. Most exceed this requirement. Combined, these 116 active volunteers logged an impressive 10, 955 hours in outreach service to Delaware, and undertook 1,133 hours of advanced training during the 2024 year. Tallied at a professional hourly rate, their community outreach holds a professional value of $341,258 for the First State. The Delaware Master Gardener program is coordinated by Delaware Cooperative Extension through Delaware State University and the University of Delaware. Learn more about the program here: http://www.udel.edu/0010264