By Justine Leeper, Awards Committee
“Every organization needs new people to get involved because it’s their new ideas that strengthen the organization and provide the momentum to keep it growing and moving forward.”
—Elaine Widmer
Elaine Widmer and Justine Leeper
The CHS Service Award recognizes a member who volunteers their time on committees and at events and engages others to do the same. It honors someone whose name is repeatedly on the signup sheet and whose name most people know. Elaine Widmer is definitely that kind of member.
Elaine has been involved with CHS for about fifteen years. During this time, she has been on several committees, including the Education and Membership Committees. I was lucky enough to work side-by-side with her on the Awards and Scholarship Committee. I remember her talking positively about CHS and the great events they hold. She is very passionate about the Society and constantly encourages others to get more involved. And if that’s not enough, Elaine has been an active member on the CHS Board of Directors for seven years where her main role has included chairing the Awards Committee.
Elaine loves horticulture. You will find her at every meeting, event and auction. The plant auctions have become a tradition for Elaine and her husband, Tom Gruber. “We enjoy learning more about the plants offered and it’s another way for us to ‘give back’ since all the proceeds help to fund scholarships for five Horticulture students.”
Her favorite parts of CHS are the people, the speakers and the volunteer opportunities. Elaine has absolutely enhanced my CHS experience and I know she’s done the same for many others. She gives so much of herself to the Society and is well-deserving of the 2017 Service Award.