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Estelle Rogers in the Master Gardener Spotlight

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Contributed by: Pat Kahrimanian on 8/9/2007

Estelle Rogers was born in Brooklyn in 1921 and has dedicated most of her long life to helping others. She has a Master's Degree in Education and was a Modern Dance Teacher. Rodgers used that education and love of people to introduce modern dance as a physical education program at a troubled Brooklyn school. Students in her classes had to maintain certain academic standards but as a reward Rogers personally paid for trips to the NYC Ballet for her students. Almost 100 students each year participated in dance class with two of her most talented students becoming profesional dancers. Not satisfied with this accomplishment, Rogers taught autistic and Down's Syndrome children and created a Special Olympics program for children in the NYC schools. In addition to all of this activity Rogers found time to teach aquatic classes at the YWCA for cancer and arthritis patients.

Her love for plants and gardens brought her to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden where she was a guide for 15 years. She has a bench named after her in this garden and a picture is attached.

Now she is a permanent resident of Jensen Beach-and a Martin County Master Gardener of long standing-living at Summerville, and she is still getting involved with people and plants. Rogers not satisfied with "sitting on her laurels" started Pot-a-Plant project for Alzheimers patients and convinced some Martin County Master Gardeners that this would be a great project. It was and now several Master Gardeners participate in monthly meetings with residents of Summerville for Butterfly Gardening Classes (just yesterday a butterfly emerged from its chrysalis to everyone's amazement), Plant Photo Shows and help with whatever Estelle has next on her calendar. Did I forget to mention that in her "spare time" Rogers paints beautiful floral cards and pictures and makes botanical drawings.
Estelle celebrated her 86th birthday recently with several Master Gardener friends at Pirate's Loft and had a great time. For all of her selflessness Rogers has been nominated to be in "The Martin County Master Gardener Spotlight"and to receive a Florida Master Gardener Special Audiences Award.
Jody Borecki, a good friend of Estelle's recently said that "Estelle is one of those people who starts each day with a purpose, and at 86, a purpose is something very important. We could all learn from this".Great job, Estelle. We are waiting to see what you have in store for us next!

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Submitted By: April Martin

posted on 9/4/2007 @ 6:17:18 PM

Rated Story

I am a friend of Estelle's and I know how proud she was of this article and award. She is an amazing woman,has taught me and given me alot to learn about life. I will never forget her. This is a wonderful article I just want to share it with everyone. She really deserves it!

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Submitted By: Tess Murphy

posted on 8/28/2007 @ 6:32:10 PM

Rated Story

Excellent story . Estelle sure has had a rewarding life. Tess

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Submitted By: Peggy Kane

posted on 8/28/2007 @ 12:48:06 PM

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I am so proud to add that on August 21, Estelle was unanimously selected to receive the Master Gardener Spotlight Award for her outstanding contributions to the Martin County Master Gardener organization. Peggy Kane, President, Martin County Master Gardeners

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Submitted By: Jody Borecki

posted on 8/24/2007 @ 7:06:16 PM

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Thank you for another great article Pat. Estelle is a very special friend and it is great to honor her. Jody

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