County employee of the year

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County employee of the year

County News

Wednesday, 05 January 2011 14:04

County-EOY

News-Gazette Photo/Andrew Sullivan
Eleanor Foerste, center, was honored Monday by the Osceola County Commission as 2010 county employee of the year. At left is Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington and at right is County Manager Don Fisher.

Eleanor Foerste, an educator and a third-generation native Floridian with a long history of employment by the Osceola County Extension Service and the University of Florida, was honored Monday by the Osceola County Commission as employee of the year.
Foerste was chosen from among employees under the administration of the commission; it does not include the constitutional offices.
According to information provided by the county, Foerste teaches the county’s Florida Master Naturalist Wetlands and Upland Modules and facilitates the university’s Master Wildlifer and Master Tree Farmer programs. She also conducts woods walks for the public to learn about local flora, fauna and birds, and maintains her commitment of 28 years to the 4-H youth development program.
Foerste also oversees a $2.88 million Environmental Protection Agency grant to demonstrate new techniques to manage hydrilla and hygrophila, two major invasive weeds in local lakes and ponds.
County officials also said Foerste has been an “amazing asset” to the Community Development department through her assistance with securing grant funds from the Florida Energy and Climate Commission for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, which was announced as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds.
The long hours Foerste spent on this work and her extensive knowledge was an asset to the grant team, county officials said.
During mid-November, Osceola County Extension hosts Farm City Days. One component of this event is the Youth Days. Foerste helped bring in 871 fourth-graders to Osceola Heritage Park to learn through hands-on experiences about the importance of agriculture to the history, economics and environment of Osceola County.
“She is tireless in her pursuit of continuing education, both professionally and personally. Eleanor sets the standard when motivating colleagues and volunteers with her optimistic can-do attitude,” Brooke Stearns, Osceola County Human Resources manager, said. “As a team player, she will assist any co-worker or volunteer at anytime to promote all areas of Extension throughout Osceola County. Eleanor’s leadership and networking capabilities make her a valuable asset to Osceola County and the University of Florida.”
Article provided by Osceola County.