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Latest Press Release and News from CCE Orange County:

CCE Orange County Honors Master Gardener Volunteers for their Outstanding 2025 Service

Otisville, NY - On Saturday, September 27, Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Orange County celebrated the dedication and accomplishments of its Master Gardener Volunteers, recognizing their outstanding service throughout 2025.

During 2025, 101 Master Gardener Volunteers contributed an impressive 8,437 hours of service to communities throughout Orange County. Their work included supporting community and school gardens, leading hundreds of programs, staffing educational tables at farmers’ markets and community events, gleaning fresh produce, and providing research-based gardening and conservation education to residents across the county.

With the value of a volunteer hour in New York State estimated at $39.50 in 2025, the Master Gardener Volunteers contributed more than $333,000 worth of service to Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County and the communities it serves.

Community Horticulture Educator Susan Ndiaye and Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator Katy Boula presented the awards during the celebration, held at CCE Orange County’s Education Center and 4-H Park in Otisville. Executive Director Maire Ullrich and Food Security Coordinator Stiles Najac also joined the celebration to recognize the volunteers and their contributions.

Several Master Gardener Volunteers received special recognition after being nominated by their peers for their exceptional service, hard work, and dedication. Their contributions exemplify Cornell Cooperative Extension’s mission of bringing local experience and research-based solutions together to help Orange County residents improve their lives and communities.

The following Master Gardener Volunteers were recognized:

• Mary Pobedinsky received the “Big Hearted Award” for creating a welcoming community of belonging for all.
• Edie Sherman received the “Cross Pollinator Award” for being a volunteer highly involved in a multitude of projects.
• Marianne Woodard received the “Energizing and Inspiring Award” for their excitement and enthusiasm for the MGV program.
• Catherine Bennett received the “Mentorship Award” for going above and beyond to provide advice, support, and guidance to other volunteers.
• Mary Presuitti received the “Silent Superstar Award” for working quietly behind the scenes to make a big impact on the community.
• Kirsten McCormack received the “Leap of Faith Award” for stepping way out of her comfort zone to bring gardening knowledge to the community.
• Karen Doyle, Mary Presutti, Pam Stockton, and Joanne Velardi received the “Helping Hand Award” for going above and beyond when assisting others and for contributing to the success of the MGV Program.

The following Master Gardener Volunteers received awards based on their cumulative service hours:

Master Gardener Volunteers	Award Level Achieved	Cumulative Service Hours
Renee Stover	Seed Packet Pin	6000
Judy Boyd-Persen	Magnolia Pin	4000
Patti Martellaro	Maple Leaf Pin	3000
Catherine Bennett & Marianne Woodard	Oak Tree Pin	2000
Mary Harnick & Marion Loiola	Purple Pin	1500
Cecille Jones, Nilda Ramos & Becky Stage	Cornell Pin	1000
Bruce Rennie & Gigi Sobiech-Swales	White Pin	750
Lynn Cheney, Mary Pobedinsky, Mary Presuitti & Bonnie Walker	Blue Pin	500
Nina Fraas, Cee Major & Sally Nielsen	Red Pin	250
Chris Crimmins-Mindicino, Karen Doyle, Monica Hallman, Karen Heil, Liz Hluchan, Lisa Hollander, Sheila Konnaris, Harry Sabatano, Joanne Velardi & Nick Zabicki	Green Pin	100
Doug Carter & Nina Fraas	Gold Star Pin	New Advisory Committee Members

To learn more about the Master Gardener Volunteer Program and our upcoming events, please visit our website at: http://cceorangecounty.org/gardening.

Last updated October 1, 2026