GAINESVILLE - This year's recipients of the Hall County Master Gardener of the Year Award and the Master Gardener Intern of the Year Award were announced Tuesday night.<br>
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Now known as the "Bill Jackson Master Gardener of the Year Award" in honor of the first recipient , this year's winner is Helen Wyatt. Wyatt has been an active Master Gardener in Hall County since 2000 and is chairman of the Spring and Fall Garden Expos.<br>
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Just in 2004, Wyatt traveled 1,309 miles and made 2,237 personal contacts during her volunteer year.<br>
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The Intern of the Year Award went to Ron Brechter and is given to a person who has completed his or her class training but has not received his Master Gardener Certificate. The winner must have completed 50 volunteer hours to the community, and passed the necessary. This award is presented by the Hall County Extension Service.<br>
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In making the presentation , Hall County Extension Service Director Billy Skaggs said this year's recipient, Ron Brechter,e has gone far beyond what was expected.<br>
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Brechter grew up in Gainesville, but moved to Texas as an adult. He is a retired Texas fireman who moved back to Gainesville with is wife, Linda, and their children.<br>
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Skaggs called Brechter "a devoted volunteer" who is always there when you need him. He loves volunteering in the Extension Office - answering horticulture questions and supporting the staff. During 2004, he had 444.5 volunteer hours; 1,199 personal contacts; 1,496 telephone contacts; and traveled 1,600 miles. <br>
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The awards were presented at a meeting of the Hall County Master Gardener Association.<br>
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