Extension Master Gardener Volunteer of Lenoir County presented with the NC Governor’s Volunteer Award
During the Lenoir County Commissioners Meeting in April, Marsha Lovick was presented with the 2025 NC Governor's Volunteer Service Award by her nominator, Paige Petticrew, consumer horticulture agent in Lenoir County, and Linda Rouse Sutton, Lenoir County Commissioner Chairman. Surrounded by many friends and family, Lovick graciously accepted the award, and stated that she was a representative of the Extension Master Gardeners of Lenoir County, and that she proudly shared the award recognition with each of them.
At the presentation, a show of love and appreciation was shown as over half of the attendees were there on Marsha’s behalf!
The award application asks the nominator for an explanation of the nominee’s outstanding commitment to volunteerism, as well as their impacts on the community. Petticrew shared how she has extreme dedication and service to the greater Lenoir County community by volunteering her time as an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer of Lenoir County (EMGV) for the past 5 years sharing her horticultural knowledge to people of all ages. As an EMGV, Marsha is committed to 20 volunteer hours and 10 educational hours annually and consistently has exceeded the requirements.
Marsha serves as the President of the EMGV Association in Lenoir County and is a part of all committees in the EMGVA. These committees include (but are not limited to) the Children’s Garden, the Native Plant Garden and Meadow, the greenhouse and plant sale, Junior Master Gardeners, and the Council on Aging. Marsha is very giving of her time, and will step up to participate in any program where another hand is needed.
Not only does Marsha serve actively on each of these committees, she was a driving force in establishing a Junior Master Gardener Program in Lenoir County. She serves as the chair of the Junior Master Gardener (JMG) committee. Each summer a 2-week program is conducted where 10 youth participants complete this course. This year marks the 6th JMG course. It teaches youth “all-things” horticulture. They are fully immersed in plant biology, pollinators and pollination, how to identify insects, ensuring you are good stewards of the earth, all while experiencing the opportunity to learn beneficial life skills. Some of these life skills include preparing a presentation on a topic and then presenting it (practicing public speaking), problem solving skills, how to read food labels, how to make the right choices for your health, and how to use basic tools, among many others. Marsha teaches several of the topics herself, and oversees the other teachers of the program ensuring all topics are fully delivered and that the content is delivered in a way that is appropriate for their age.
Marsha also serves on the Lenoir County Center, Cooperative Extension Advisory Council and is a consistent advocate for all Cooperative Extension Programs. She is always a present cheerleader for causes that are important in the education of our community and county. She is able to recruit other civic organizations, youth and adults to contribute to the EMGV programs and to beautifying other parts of our community, such as downtown spaces and historic sites. Marsha always has her eyes on potential sponsor and fundraising opportunities and is never hesitant to ask how she can aid in these efforts.
Overall, Marsha contributes greatly to the mission of the EMGVA. She is a willing volunteer to our entire staff, has served as Volunteer for 4-H County, District and State events, and even fills in around the office if needed answering the phones at our center. She is much appreciated in our organization.
She also serves as a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where she has been for over 18 years. She has served in several roles such as Sunday School Chair and Search Committee Chair. She also serves faithfully on the community watch organization.
Please join us in congratulating Marsha Lovick on this award!
Don't miss the opportunity to meet Marsha and other EMGVs to learn more about their programs at the Chamber’s Business After Hours hosted at the Lenoir County Children's Garden on June 5th at 5:30pm!
Written by: Paige Petticrew
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