Jill Fox named 2012 Illinois Master Gardener Outstanding Award winner
Jill Fox recently was honored as one of the 2012 Illinois Master Gardener Outstanding Award winners.
Fox, who is president of Tri-Village Garden Club (Bartlett, Hanover Park and Streamwood), received the award from the Cook County Master Gardeners at the state convention in September.
Jill Fox has been a Master Gardener since 2007. Within the last five years she has volunteered 507.5 hours. She has volunteered at Kid's On Track, Little City, and Bi-monthly Master Gardener Potlucks. Jill's leadership abilities have been well used at the Kid's On Track Program which is a program for the children of migrant workers at Arlington Race Track, Arlington Heights.
Jill helped in every aspect of the program; program planning, and program execution. Jill is gifted in working with various audiences. Jill volunteers regularly at Little City. Little City is a residential community for developmentally or physically disabled individuals. Jill has worked with their adult residents in their Horticulture Therapy Program. Jill works with the resident's one-on-one and is able to make a difference in the lives of those she works with regularly.
Kelly Nelson, the Little City Horticulture Therapist has provided the following in regards to Jill. “I believe Jill has been volunteering for over three years here (long before I was hired). She has faithfully come to work with residents each week in the greenhouse (during the off season) and in the pumpkin patch (during the growing season). She has been a tremendous help with educating residents on the life cycle of plants and the care/maintenance of plants, providing instruction and demonstration as well as working 'hand-over-hand' with residents who need that type of support. She has contributed activity ideas, information about plants, gardening and ways to make materials and opportunities accessible for individuals. She has demonstrated great patience and compassion for the needs of the residence, regularly remembering special occasions and bringing items (treats and gifts) for all residents she works with. Her relationship with the individuals she works with is probably the most outstanding contribution she has made. It is through her relationships that she is able to share her love for gardening and the amazing life of plants.
In addition to all the above contributions, Jill has gotten a number of plants donated that have been used at campus and in group homes in the community and also created the planting layout for both fields this season. She demonstrates a great deal of knowledge on plants and is always eager to “solve” a dilemma we're having with identifying a plant, pest or disease, usually providing me with the solution before I even get a chance to do my own research.”
Jill's dedication to her volunteer work is exemplary.
Jill also had a community garden plot at a church in Arlington Heights where most of the produce went to the Hanover Township Food Pantry.