Submitted by Vicky Sutherland – I saw an article titled, “7 Keys to Happy, Healthy Aging for Seniors.” The keys to happiness listed in the article were volunteer for a worthy cause, take up dancing, go back to school, join a social club, take up a new hobby, travel afar, and get a pet. I noted that some of these things can be accomplished by becoming a Master Gardener.
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Here are seven ways becoming a Master Gardner can bring great happiness and health for seniors:
- 1 – The Master Gardener organization is made up of volunteers that contribute to our local county.
- 2 – While we may not always dance in the garden, have you ever had a bee buzz in your ear? You could get in some pretty fancy footwork if that happens.
- 3 – We are offering a training class starting this fall that should qualify as going back to school and we have educational opportunities available all through the year.
- 4 – We pretty much qualify as a social club, because we have some really good times together.
- 5 -You will develop new interests in Master Gardeners.
- 6 – It depends on your definition of afar, but we do get in some travel opportunities.
- And finally, 7 – While pets are great, plants will keep you going and you can have one of every kind you want!
Allan Armitage said, “Gardening simply does not allow one to be mentally old, because too many hopes and dreams are yet to be realized.” Not all Master Gardeners are seniors. Whether you are young or old, you could benefit from joining our Master Gardener program.
The Central Texas Master Gardeners in Brady are taking applications for their next Master Gardener Training Class to be held in Brady. Classes will include workshops, lectures, and field trips, and will be held on Tuesdays from August 28 through October 23, usually from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants from surrounding counties are welcome to attend the classes and provide their volunteer service to their home counties.
The Master Gardener training program is offered through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and consists of a minimum of 50 training hours. Participants agree to donate at least 50 hours of volunteer service within a year to their county extension program and community. Upon completion of those requirements, the participant is certified as a Texas Master Gardener.
Cost of the program is $175, which includes the Texas Master Gardener handbook. The training will be offered for $200 to persons who want to attend the classes but cannot commit to the volunteer service and do not desire to earn the title of Master Gardener.
A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is required with application. Payment in full is due no later than the first class day. To pre-register, contact the McCulloch County Extension Office at 114 West Main Street, Brady, Texas 76825. Phone: 325-597-1295, email: centexmga@gmail.com or download an application at: http://txmg.org/centraltexas/
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