for immediate release

Sam Darin Named 2008 Volunteer of the Year

Chicago Botanic Garden

Media Only:
Julie McCaffrey
(847) 835-8213
jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org

GLENCOE, Ill. (June 15, 2009) —Sam Darin of Skokie was named the Chicago Botanic Garden's 2008 "Volunteer of the Year" on June 11 at the annual volunteer recognition reception. The award was first given in 1984 to recognize a volunteer who represents the outstanding devotion and dedication of all volunteers at the Chicago Botanic Garden, and to acknowledge the exceptional service and support the Garden receives year round.

Darin began volunteering in 1996 and has contributed over 4,000 hours of his time to the Garden. He was certified as a University of Illinois Master Gardener in 1999 and is a member of the Gardeners of the North Shore. He has shared his wealth of knowledge and information with the Garden's visitors, staff, and volunteers.

Tom Nissly, senior vice president of finance and administration, said before presenting the award to Darin, "He is deeply respected for his expertise" and is an "expert gardener and outstanding teacher." Darin is well-known for his tool sharpening skills and has taught tool sharpening classes through the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden for many years. He has worked with numerous departments and programs, including the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden and the Nancy Poole Rich Herbarium.

Darin helps as needed at special events such as the All About Peppers Weekend, Bulb Bazaar, and A Bloomin' Sale. In accepting his award, Darin said, "I want to thank the committee, the volunteers and staff for selecting me and I'm really proud." Darin received a Volunteer of the Year pin and his name will be placed on a permanent plaque in the Garden's Regenstein Center.

Also recognized at the reception were husband and wife volunteers, Robert and Charlene Shaw of Evanston, who received the Barbara Whitney Carr Excellence in Leadership Award. The award recognizes excellence in innovation and leadership towards new projects and programming. The couple began volunteering in 2004 and have donated over 1,000 hours of service, most notably in the Living Plant Documentation Department. They have had a major impact on many graduate students who will be the next generation of plant scientists and on the organization of volunteer teams in the Living Plant Documentation Department.

In addition, the Super Senior Award was given to Hope Lepley for her outstanding volunteer work. Cashen said Lepley "was the very first Garden Greeter in 1998 and has helped make the Greeter program what it is today." Lepley has welcomed thousands of people to the Garden on Sunday afternoons and assisted at dozens of events. She is "always generous with her smile, accurate information and superb customer service."

All volunteers were recognized for their support, including those who have volunteered at the Garden for five, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years. Each volunteer received a specially grown plant, presented by Brian Clark, manager of plant production. Adding to the festivities, volunteer Richard Baer read a whimsical poem he wrote entitled, "Norbert Farthingale Revisited." The poem led to many laughs and smiles all around.

The Chicago Botanic Garden has more than 1,100 volunteers who contribute their time and talents to the Garden. In 2008, these dedicated individuals gave more than 97,000 hours of volunteer service. For information on volunteer opportunities at the Chicago Botanic Garden, call (847) 835-8392, or visit the Garden's website at www.chicagobotanic.org/volunteer.

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Editors, please note: The Chicago Botanic Garden's newsroom is online at www.chicagobotanic.org/pr. For digital images, contact Julie McCaffrey at (847) 835-8213 or at jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org.

The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the green treasures of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 23 distinct display gardens surrounded by lakes, as well as a prairie and woodlands. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year. Admission is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $20 per car; free for Garden members. The Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Ill. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org, or call (847) 835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of the Garden and commuter transportation information.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society. It opened to the public in 1972 and is home to the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, offering a broad array of adult classes in plant science, landscape design and gardening arts. Through the Division of Plant Science and Conservation, Garden scientists work on plant conservation, research and environmental initiatives that have global impact. The Center for Teaching and Learning brings the wonder of nature and plants to children, teens and teachers. The Garden's Horticultural Therapy and Community Gardening programs provide nationally recognized community outreach and service programs. A program of the Chicago Botanic Garden, Windy City Harvest is an organic vegetable and plant production enterprise that provides instruction in sustainable horticulture and urban agriculture to residents of Chicago’s North Lawndale and West Side neighborhoods.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is a member of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). The Chicago Botanic Garden is also host to Botanic Gardens Conservation International-U.S., and a member of the Center for Plant Conservation. In 2006, the Chicago Botanic Garden received the Award for Garden Excellence, given yearly by the APGA and Horticulture magazine to a public garden that exemplifies the highest standards of horticultural practices and has shown a commitment to supporting and demonstrating best gardening practices.