People join organizations for all different reasons and in all different ways. Some might participate if the meetings are on the right day, at the right time and if there is ample parking. Others are all in from the beginning. This describes our Making a Difference recipient, Beverly Long, perfectly.

A member of the Class of 2024, Bev logged a record 479 volunteer hours in her intern year. As of mid-2025, she has logged over 600 hours. She is solidly in the Top 12 for annual hours in 2025.

Beverly is a devoted RB1 volunteer. She has participated in every aspect of the vineyard, including helping with the Wine Making class and is an integral member of the vinegar team. Additionally she has been a fixture at the TDG propagation greenhouse. She has graciously stepped into administrative roles when asked. In her spare time, Beverly has been a dedicated mentor to a Class of 2025 intern.

Beverly is not just a busy worker bee, she is a joyful worker bee. Described as a total ray of sunshine, she always has a huge smile on her face, and will help in any way, shape, or form. She throws herself into any job, chatting and joking along the way. The leadership team describes her as a treasure to have at R&B1 Urban County Farm.

Roseann Ferguson, the DCMGA icon of volunteering said, “Beverly Long is the ideal volunteer. She is prompt for all her volunteer shifts and is happy to do anything asked of her. Beverly is congenial and is always in a good mood. When given a new task, she listens and asks appropriate questions. She completes her assigned tasks and always cleans the work area before leaving. We need more Beverlies!”

Co volunteers say Beverly has a heart the size of Texas and wants everyone she meets to enjoy gardening as much as she does. Her joy for learning is infectious. She has adeptly combined her love of gardening with her love of people. She’s like the energizer bunny on steroids.  It was suggested that if the DCMGA gives a Spirit Award, that she should win that, too! She is willing to take on just about anything that is asked of her from propagating, to vinegar making, to driving the tractor to move anything that needs to be moved.  Bev clearly embodies the best qualities of a Master Gardener.

Beverly, we applaud your passion, we aspire to your good humor, envy your energy level, and share your love of gardening. Beverly, you are the definition of positive energy. Congratulations, you are making a difference.