Blog Post

The President's Post

Will Redfern Class of 2018 • Sep 27, 2023

Demonstrating Impact: The 2023 U.P.L.I.F.T. Award


This is the seventh in a series of quarterly posts from your current President about the Norfolk Master Gardeners.


As you know, as Extension Master Gardeners we are volunteer educators whose mission is to provide horticultural advice and education to Norfolk residents. Our goal is to change people’s practices in gardening and environmental stewardship, making our city a better place. We do this as volunteers who give back to our community. I firmly believe we make a significant impact in Norfolk through our wonderful projects and have been telling folks that for the last two years, but I often get asked how do we know that? 


On Saturday, September 16 at the Neighborhood Expo held at Northside Park, the Norfolk Master Gardeners received an U.P.L.I.F.T award from the City of Norfolk. U.P.L.I.F.T stands for Unity, Public Service, Leadership, Innovation, Friendship and Teamwork. It is a civic accolade that can be awarded to an individual or group making a meaningful impact or a positive difference in their community and thus helps make Norfolk a better place to live. This is the fourth year U.P.L.I.F.T. awards have been given out, and the first time Norfolk Master Gardeners have been recognized as a group.

Although there’s only one plaque, shown above, the award is intended to recognize the role of each individual NMG in fulfilling our mission. Along with this small trophy, we received a note from the mayor, the Hon. Kenny Alexander. It reads in part: “As Mayor of Norfolk, it is with much pride that I recognize each of you for making a difference in your community and commend you on being a recipient of the 2023 U.P.L.I.F.T Award. This is an honor for which you should be proud. It is your selfless service and willingness to engage and uplift your neighbors that makes Norfolk the best place to live, play and raise a family…Congratulations on receiving the 2023 U.P.L.I.F.T. Award and thank you for all that you do to make a positive impact on our community…”


 This is a wonderful award for us because it shows the City publicly credits the impact of Norfolk Master Gardeners in our community. Congratulations to all of YOU for making a difference! Let’s keep up the great work!

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