August 8, 2008
Mayor Daley's Landscape Awards
The City of Chicago is pleased to present Mayor Daley's Landscape Awards 2008. Please find the application below. For questions, call (312) 744-8691. Applications must be post-marked by August 15, 2008 to be considered.
Mayor Daley's Landscape Awards is an annual program that recognizes the thousands of Chicagoans who help make the city green through their environmental beautification efforts. The program is open to all residents and businesses located in Chicago.
Download an application: http://tinyurl.com/5kmks7
Posted by Ron Wolford at 11:54 AM | Permalink |
August 4, 2008
New Illinois Master Gardener Website
We are pleased to release a new Illinois Master Gardener website at http://mg.extension.uiuc.edu/ The site is a comprehensive clearinghouse for news and updates, the Imagine newsletter, training schedules, educational events, and program information. It also contains a special section for Master Gardeners as well as a section for Master Gardener Coordinators.
The site was developed by Monica David, Master Gardener Coordinator.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 12:27 PM | Permalink |
August 4, 2008
New Indoor Air Quality Website
The Indoor Air Quality fact sheets developed by University of Illinois Extension staff, Debra Bartman, Pat Hildebrand and Lois Smith, all Consumer and Family Economics Educators, are now available as a website at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/healthyair/
This website will help homeowners determine the air quality inside their homes. It includes information about carbon monoxide, furnace filters, lead paint testing, mold, radon, smoke detectors, vacuum cleaners and water alarm detectors.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 12:25 PM | Permalink |
July 22, 2008
Exchange Household Hazards for Environmental Resources
On Saturday, August 9 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Northeastern Illinois University, 3701 West Bryn Mawr Avenue and on Saturday, September 20 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the City Parking Facility, 900 East 103rd Street, you will be able to exchange household hazards for environmental resources.
You can also purchase a compost bin and a rain barrel. Free compact fluorescent light bulbs will be available while supplies last.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 12:04 AM | Permalink |
July 3, 2008
Help Install a Serenity Garden
Master Gardeners,
The Golden Gate Home Owners is installing a Serenity Garden in their area. They have their empty lot, some plants and a group of dedicated volunteers. They are located at Golden Gate Garden, 131st St and Everhart. They need advice and assistance with design and plant choices. Is this the Independent Project you have been looking for?
Our contact at the garden is Evelyn Powell, Vice President of the Home Owners Association. aepg2@yahoo.com
The Golden Gate Garden volunteers are having two truckloads of soil delivered by the city next week. They need some advice and some helping hands (please bring your own shovel) to begin to build their berms on Wednesday, July 9.
To consider Golden Gate Garden as your Indepentent Project contact me, ebruhns@uiuc.edu
To help out with berm building on Wednesday, July 9, please contact Mrs. Powell directly at aepg2@yahoo.com
This garden is going to be a wonderful asset to this neighborhood. Help if you can.
Elizabeth
ebruhns@uiuc.edu
Posted by Ron Wolford at 7:25 PM | Permalink |
July 3, 2008
Volunteer at Ag School Demo Gardens
We need your help again at the Ag School Demo Gardens. We still have three flower beds that need to be weeded and mulched and our ornamental grasses bed is in desperate need of weeding and mulching. I did clean up the bed around our sign near 111th Street and I will be working on the ornamental grasses bed this Saturday afternoon.
You can stop by the office anytime during the week to weed. Julie, our secretary is there from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.-M-F. Julie will show you where to weed and will assist you in finding tools.
We are hosting a garden workday on Wednesday, July 9 from 9:30 a.m. -2 p.m. at the Ag school at 3807 West 111th Street . We will provide pizza and pop for lunch. Duties will include planting earthboxes, moving compost and mulch, planting flowers and weeding, weeding, weeding, weeding, weeding, weeding and more weeding.
Thank you for your consideration!
Ron Wolford
Call Julie at 773-233-0476 if you can help or email Ron at rwolford@uiuc.edu
Posted by Ron Wolford at 6:30 PM | Permalink |
July 3, 2008
New Website: Living with Wildlife in Illinois
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and University of Illinois Extension have developed a new website -- Living with Wildlife in Illinois -- to help Illinois residents coexist with various wildlife, especially in urban areas.
This excellent site helps people identify animals, suggests ways to prevent problems, provides a wildlife directory and answers many public health and safety questions. In addition, it guides users on determining whether or not they need an animal control permit as well as what to do with sick, injured or orphaned wildlife.
Laura Kammin, Extension Specialist, Wildlife and Natural Resources, developed the site in conjunction with several IDNR biologists.
The site was funded in part by US Fish and Wildlife Service's State Wildlife Grant Program and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
You may visit the site at: http://livingwithwildlife.extension.uiuc.edu/
Posted by Ron Wolford at 4:58 PM | Permalink |
July 2, 2008
Weeding and Planting Party at Ag School
We had a weeding and planting party at the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences on Tuesday, June 24. Chicago Master Gardeners and youth volunteers worked for four hours weeding the demo garden beds outside of the Extension office at the Ag School. Volunteers also spread wood chips in the garden beds and added compost to the Mt. Greenwood Children's garden raised beds. Over 400 flowers and veggies were planted.
Nancy, Julie and I want to thank all the Master Gardeners and youth volunteers for taking time out of their busy schedules to get our demo gardens back into shape.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 9:02 PM | Permalink |
July 2, 2008
Volunteer at Fiesta del Sol
Dear Master Gardeners,
We need your help!
Fiesta del Sol will be happening on July 31-August 3, and U of I Extension will have a booth. Fiesta http://www.fiestadelsol.org/ is the largest Latino festival of the Midwest. The main organizer is the Pilsen Neighbors organization. In four days, more than a million and a half people attend! No alcoholic beverages or tobacco products are sold at Fiesta. Organizers and the City of Chicago attend well to the safety of all participants.
University of Illinois Extension has long been a part of Fiesta. We first attended in 1996 and have enjoyed a continuous presence yearly since 1998. This is a fun-filled event which caters to families.
Here are some of our Extension activities we need your assistance with:
Assembling our booth on July 31st
Face painting (every day)
Distributing plants and plant care instructions (Sat and Sun)
Staffing our butterfly display (live monarchs) and children's butterfly craft activity (Fri)
Distributing Extension literature
Answering questions about Extension
Picture taking
Maintaining water supply for face painting station
Dismantling our booth on Aug 3rd
We hope you will join us! Come learn and practice your Spanish, taste new foods at the various booths, immerse yourself in Latino culture and interact with children and parents.
Gonzalo Escobar, Extension Educator is the Team Leader and Extension staff is helping. Extension staff will be on site at all times.
If you want to volunteer, please call the Countryside Extension Center office at 708-352-0109 and ask for Pat Rudolph. She will explain the time schedule available and get you signed up. Thank you very much!
Posted by Ron Wolford at 10:18 AM | Permalink |
July 2, 2008
Volunteer with Woodlawn Youth Solutions
Master Gardeners,
This is more information about the project that Master Gardener Dorothy Pytel spoke about at the monthly meeting. Dorothy is looking for assistance during the week to work directly with the teen clients. However, she said that she could use some help on weekends also.
Please contact Dorothy directly to volunteer. dpytel@yahoo.com
The Woodlawn Youth Solutions summer project is an attempt to equip at-risk urban youth with resources and skills to solve real life social problems. This youth job training program will focus on community building in the low-income community of Woodlawn.
The project is a collaborative effort between a church (Christ Way M.B. Church) and a local community garden (Brick Yard Garden) located on the same block as well as a non-profit (architreasures) that links communities to professional artists and designers.
Teen participants will use the mediums and principles of art, design, horticulture and landscaping to transform large concrete plant containers that have been neglected for years into living pieces of artwork radiating with vibrant colors, scents, textures, sounds and living organisms. By the end of the summer these concrete containers will be completely transformed and will become a new, beautiful and visible community asset.
The opportunity to participate in this unique project will help these young adults make and implement planning decisions about their community as well as to see a purpose in education and consider new career options in the future. There will be a heavy focus on using state of the art technology, especially computer skills demanded by the 21st Century.
For most of the youth, this project will be an opportunity to engage in activities from which they are often excluded in society due to their socio-economic status. By providing a successful example of how to integrate educational goals into beautification efforts, this project will hopefully stimulate community interest in transforming other unused public space into community and school gardens as well as parks.
More significantly, the project will not only build something physical that enhances public space but will also build social connections between people who come together to work on this project. In this manner, this community building activity has the potential to improve the quality of life of all of the people living in Woodlawn.
For more information contact:
Dorothy Pytel
dpytel@yahoo.com
Posted by Ron Wolford at 9:56 AM | Permalink |
July 1, 2008
Volunteer at Gary Comer Youth Center Roof Garden
We all extend our thanks to Marji Hess, the lead gardener at the Gary Comer Youth Center, for her hospitality and the tour of the Roof Garden at our monthly meeting, June 24.
Marji has three Master Gardener volunteering weekly at the Roof Garden, and she has room for three more volunteers.
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Thursdays
(Different work days can be arranged)
Roof Garden
Gary Comer Youth Center
7200 Ingleside and South Chicago Ave
(Secured Parking)
Don't miss this opportunity. It is a wonderful work environment and a great opportunity to learn!
Contact Marji Hess directly at mhess@gcyhome.org
Marji and I are also working on Master Gardener participation in the development of the "Gardening in the Winter' and Perennial Nursery projects. More details to follow.
Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Program Organizer
Cook County/Chicago
ebruhns@uiuc.edu
Posted by Ron Wolford at 12:38 AM | Permalink |
June 28, 2008
Flower Show Returns to Navy Pier in 2009
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Mayor Richard M. Daley was pleased to join officials with the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), the Mayor's Office of Special Events (MOSE) and Special Events Management, owner of the Chicago Flower and Garden Show, in announcing a truly "green initiative". In 2009, the Chicago Flower & Garden Show will blossom along Chicago's lakefront. After a two-year absence from the city, the show is expected to cultivate new excitement in urban and suburban gardening when it returns to Navy Piers Festival Hall A and B, near the east end of the Pier, from Sat., March 7, through Sun., March 15, 2009. |
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"We look forward to welcoming Special Events Management to Navy Pier, as it creates a dynamic show of the highest quality," said Juan A. Ochoa, Chief Executive Officer of the MPEA. "This show will be the kind of event that's perfect for a global city already receiving worldwide credit for its "green" initiatives under the stewardship of Mayor Richard M. Daley." |
Posted by Ron Wolford at 3:57 PM | Permalink |
June 24, 2008
Volunteer at Taste of Chicago
Master Gardeners and Master Composters:
Great Volunteer Opportunity - Short Notice!
So many of you have asked about being at the Taste of Chicago this year so I'm happy to announce that Extension is going to be there, if only for a limited time.
Horticulture Educator Matt Kostelnek will be engaging the public about various horticulture and composting activities. He needs a total of 8 Volunteers: two for each of two shifts per day on June 29 and June 30.
June 29, Shift One --11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Shift Two---3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
June 30, Shift One --11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Shift Two-- 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Contact Matt directly to volunteer at mkosteln@uiuc.edu.
Volunteer Duties:
Volunteers will be assisting with the demonstration of the worm composting bins (from the Ag High School) and 2 city rain barrels and 2 city compost bins. Volunteers with experience and/or knowledge of composting will definitely have an advantage over volunteers. Of course, we will also have some promotional material and demonstration material on composting.
The Perks:
Volunteers will get food tickets. However, please use public transportation. We need to use our few parking passes for those who will be transporting materials. (Remember we are still in a big budget crunch.)
Other Extension Staff:
Just an FYI to you and the volunteers: There will be other Extension staff in our tent during the Taste of Chicago. The health, food nutrition, and STEM team will all be there doing some Extension demonstrations in the same tent with us. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet other Extension staff.
Matt Kostelnick
University of Illinois Extension
Horticulture Educator
Cook County
1699 Wall Street, Suite 500
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
(847) 437-6449
http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/cook/
http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/cook/urbanhort.html
Posted by Ron Wolford at 11:35 PM | Permalink |
June 24, 2008
Mount Greenwood Garden Walk
See nine inspiring gardens on the Mount Greenwood Garden Walk on July 13, 2008 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The walk begins at 3442 West 108th Street. Tickets are $7.00. For more information, email lillypratt@msn.com.
Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Program Organizer
Cook County/Chicago
ebruhns@uiuc.edu
UIUC Extension Office
3807 W. 111th St
Chicago, IL 60655
Posted by Ron Wolford at 12:37 AM | Permalink |
June 23, 2008
Volunteer at Brookfield Zoo
Please contact the Zoo directly to volunteer. eb
Brookfield Zoo Volunteer Program; Master Gardener Recruitment for Hamill Family Play Zoo
Are you passionate about nature and animals? Are you playful, fun-loving, and young at heart? Do you enjoy being outdoors? If so, we have a fantastic volunteer opportunity for you at Brookfield Zoo's Hamill Family Play Zoo. The Play Zoo is a special exhibit where children and their families play and interact with domestic animals, plants, and people to help them develop caring attitudes toward the natural world.
Brookfield Zoo is currently seeking certified active Master Gardeners to join our volunteer team at the Hamill Family Play Zoo. Master Gardeners facilitate garden-related activities in the Family Gardens and the Greenhouse (please note: Master Gardeners are not involved in any garden maintenance.)
Facilitated activities and related tasks include:
Planting seeds in yogurt cups
Planting/watering in the Family Gardens
Making seed people out of nylons, grass seed & soil
Drawing plant pictures for identification signs
Drilling holes in the bottom of yogurt cups
Cutting nylons for seed people
Cutting contact paper to cover ID-signs
Available volunteer shift/days
Shift: 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Weekdays: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – volunteer once a week from May through October
Weekends: Saturday or Sunday – volunteer every other Saturday or Sunday November through April
Next Steps
As you are thinking about your decision to join the Chicago Zoological Society (CZS) Volunteer Program at Brookfield Zoo, please consider the following thinking points and note that all Master Gardeners become part of the CZS Volunteer Family and follow the structure of our volunteer program:
Why are CZS volunteers special?
We involve people in our volunteer program who understand they are making an extremely important commitment as the staff and volunteers work together closely. Your consistent attendance and commitment to our zoo and to the volunteer program is of utmost importance;
We involve people who have a genuine interest in animals, nature, and conservation;
We love people who are friendly and outgoing, with the ability to talk with guests of all ages and backgrounds;
We engage people who are committed to providing our guests the highest standards of customer service;
We expect that all new volunteers will attend a required one-day Volunteer Orientation Program and a required half-day Hospitality Training Program; upcoming orientation and training program dates will be provided at the time of your interview
We count on you to make a minimum contribution of 48-100 hours of service to the zoo each calendar year;
During our busiest season, the summer months, we need people who love being outdoors and can tolerate, at times, typical hot and humid Chicago summers;
You need the ability to stand and walk throughout a four-hour shift. (However, we are happy to accommodate persons who use electronic convenience vehicles or wheelchairs)
Financial Commitments
We ask that you are already a zoo member or be willing to purchase a zoo membership plan at a 50% discount upon becoming a volunteer (membership plans range from $25 to $197.50 for new volunteers)
We ask you to submit a materials fee of $15
If either of these financial commitments poses an economic hardship for you, our Volunteer Manager can make other arrangements.
Also note that a background check will be conducted at no cost to you as part of our volunteer orientation
What do you receive as a CZS volunteer?
The satisfaction of a meaningful contribution of service to one of the world's leading conservation centers;
A 20% discount at zoo restaurants and gift shops;
Discounted refills on soft drinks and coffee when you present your official zoo drink cup;
Earned Membership Reward Program: Volunteers who contribute 300+ hours in any calendar year are rewarded with a Supporting Membership for the following year; 100-299 hours, a Family Plus Membership; 48-99 hours, a Family Membership.
Members' discount for zoo lectures, classes, and other events;
Continuing education programs designed to enhance your skills and knowledge;
Subscriptions to the zoo's quarterly magazine for members, Zoo Views, and other volunteer publications;
Exclusive invitations to preview new exhibits before the general public;
An annual appreciation dinner and presentation of service awards;
Use of the zoo library;
Tax deductions as allowed by law (for details, contact the IRS for publications, 525- Charitable Contributions."
Opportunity to make new friends and have a wonderful time!
Ready to Sign Up?
Visit our website at www.czs.org to fill out an on-line application or call Hina Patel, Volunteer Coordinator at 708-688-8852 to receive an application in the mail. Hope to see you at the zoo!
Hina Patel
Volunteer Coordinator
Conservation, Education and Training Department
Chicago Zoological Society/Brookfield Zoo
3300 S. Golf Road
Brookfield, IL 60513
708-688-8852
hina.patel@czs.org
Caring! It's Our Nature! Come Volunteer With Us!
Visit our volunteer page at www.brookfieldzoo.org
Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Program Organizer
Cook County/Chicago
ebruhns@uiuc.edu
UIUC Extension Office
3807 W. 111th St
Chicago, IL 60655
Posted by Ron Wolford at 8:55 PM | Permalink |
June 19, 2008
Master Gardeners on WCPT AM 820
Hi all,
Just wanted to let you know that Chris Kelsey and I will be on Mike Nowak's radio show again this Sunday, June 22nd. We will be answering call-in gardening questions from noon to 1 p.m. or maybe even longer.
Mike recently moved his show from WGN radio to WCPT AM 820. WGN had been pre-empting his show for Cubs games, which meant most of the summer (and thus the gardening season!). His new gig started as a one-hour show, is going up permanently to two hours this weekend.
Be sure to tune in--Mike plugs the "University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners' Electronic Plant Clinic" about a dozen times per show!
Chicago Master Gardener
MaryAnne Spinner
Posted by Ron Wolford at 1:32 AM | Permalink |
June 19, 2008
June Monthly Meeting: Gary Comer Youth Center
Don't miss this special treat!!
We have arranged a real treat for you for our June meeting, a tour of the new premiere roof garden at the new Gary Comer Youth Center. You have read about it in all the papers and now you will have you own tour conducted by Marji Hess, Comer's lead gardener!
June Monthly Meeting
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 24
Cafeteria of Gary Comer Youth Center
(See below for directions to secured parking)
6:00 - Pot luck dinner
6:30 -Announcements
7:00 - Tour of the facility and ROOF TOP GARDEN.
Please note the earlier starting time. Comer is very busy serving their community and this dinner and tour is scheduled during one of their rare 'down times'.
(While you in the neighborhood, you should drive by another Master Gardener Project, GRANDMA'S GARDEN at 73rd and Cottage Grove.)
Marji Hess, our host, sends along this information on parking.
We would like to invite Master Gardeners to park in the Gary Comer Center' secure parking lot located at 7151 South Chicago Avenue. If you enter this address on Internet Map sites such as Mapquest.com you will receive directions to the parking lot.
Once you enter the driveway, please press the red intercom button. Our security staff will be expecting Master Gardeners on the 24th.
Here is a link to a map showing the location of the parking lot on South Chicago Avenue:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/7151+S+South+Chicago+Ave+Chicago+IL+60619-1230/
Posted by Ron Wolford at 12:58 AM | Permalink |
June 16, 2008
Help Needed at Extension Ag School Demo Gardens
Master Gardeners, We are falling way behind on our gardening at the Ag. School Extension garden. We have many duties to complete. The first thing we need to do is pull weeds. Please stop by sometime this week if you can help with pulling weeds. If Ron and I are in the field, then our secretary, Julie can assist you with getting tools on Tues. or Fri. this week. I will be here on Thursday to help. The office is open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. It is supposed to be nice this week so please consider helping us out. Even if no one is in the office you are welcome to pick a spot and weed (in this case bring your own tools). Pulled weeds can go into the compost bins.
We are hosting a garden workday on Monday, June 23 from 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Ag. School/Extension gardens at 3807 W. 111th St. We will provide pizza for lunch. Duties will include: planting EarthBoxes, sifting and moving compost, laying mulch, planting annuals and veggies.
Thank you for your consideration.
--
Nancy Kreith
Extension Program Coordinator
University of Illinois Extension
3807 W. 111th Street
Chicago, IL. 60655
office: 773.233.0476
fax: 773.233.0910
cell: 708.567.6101
url: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/cook/
Posted by Ron Wolford at 8:39 PM | Permalink |
June 14, 2008
Attend Midwest Regional Master Gardener Conference
The Southeast Wisconsin Master Gardeners are hosting the Midwest Regional Master Gardener Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Wyndham Milwaukee Airport Conference Center on July 16-19.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 7:00 PM | Permalink |
June 13, 2008
Elizabeth's New Email
Master Gardeners,
Thank you for the warm welcome back. It is nice to be here. Thanks to Nancy's wonderful work there is not much catching up to do. You will be getting notices soon on the Monthly Meetings for June, July and August.
I'm having terrible problems with my personal email account so please send any messages to me at my UIUC account: ebruhns@uiuc.edu
Thanks, it is going to be great working with you again.
Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Program Organizer
Cook County/Chicago
ebruhns@uiuc.edu
3807 West 111th Street
Chicago, IL 60655
773-233-0476 -Fax 773-233-0910
url http://cook.extension.uiuc.edu
MASTER GARDENER BLOG
http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/cook/blogs/eb6/index.html
Posted by Ron Wolford at 10:42 AM | Permalink |
June 13, 2008
Piet Oudolf Lecture at Art Institute
Master Gardeners,
Melanie Scott reminds us that there is a free lecture by Piet Oudolf, who designed Lurie Garden.
Piet Oudolf Lecture
6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 18
Fullerton Room
Art Institute
Please use my UIUC account for any emails concerning the Master Gardener Program. ebruhns@uiuc.edu
Thanks, Elizabeth
Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Program Organizer
Cook County/Chicago
ebruhns@uiuc.edu
Posted by Ron Wolford at 10:29 AM | Permalink |
June 12, 2008
Free Plants for Community Gardens
Please let Master Gardeners know about these free plants: The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory have limited supplies of the following herbs and vegetables that we would like to donate to community gardens that Master Gardeners are volunteering at:
Red Leaf Amaranthus Lettuce
'Bulls Blood'Beets
Golden Chard
Rhubarb Chard
Red Giant Mustard
Red Komasuma Asian Greens (great for a border)
Delicias Pepper – HOT
Hungarian Wax Pepper – HOT
Hungarian Paprika Pepper – MILD
Black Pearl Pepper - HOT
Chilly Chili Pepper – MILD
Poblano/Ancho Pepper
German Chamomile
Roman Chamomile
Tenderheart Cardoon
Porto Cardoon
Florence Fennel
Bronze Fennel
Lovage
Elfin Tomato (cherry tomato)
Sprite Tomato (grape tomato)
Thai Basil
Marjoram
Summer Savory
Salad Burnet
Laurel Trees (bay)
Sour gherkin (Melothria scabra)
Please contact Jackie Paine at 708-725-2460 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday to make an appointment to pick up these plants. Master Gardens can pick up these plants at the Oak Park Conservatory at 615 Garfield Street in Oak Park. For directions, check out our website at: www.fopcon.org. The plants are in flats and will be given away on a first come, first served basis and quantities vary. All plants must be picked up by Thursday, June 19.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 10:17 AM | Permalink |
June 11, 2008
Biodiversity Project Job Openings
Hello!
The Biodiversity Project, now located in Chicago Illinois, is hiring. Please find attached the three job postings. The job titles and job descriptions are:
Director of Communications
Mississippi River Campaign Program Manager
Jennifer Browning
Executive Director
Biodiversity Project
4507 N. Ravenswood
Suite 106
Chicago IL 60640
Phone: 773-496-4020
Cell: 773-592-5002
www.biodiversityproject.org
Posted by Ron Wolford at 12:03 PM | Permalink |
June 9, 2008
Welcome Back! Elizabeth and Julie
Hello Master Gardeners,
I'm happy to announce that Elizabeth Bruhns, our Master Gardener Program Organizer, and Julie Perteet, our office secretary, are returning to their duties today, Monday, June 9.
We all owe a special thank you to Nancy Kreith, who has kept the Chicago Master Gardener program running for the past two months. She has done an outstanding job.
Master Gardeners, thank you for your lobbying efforts, support and patience. We ask some further patience. It will take us some time to get all caught up. Keep gardening and reporting those volunteer hours.
Ron Wolford
Urban Gardening Educator
Nancy Kreith
Horticulture Coordinator
Posted by Ron Wolford at 9:18 PM | Permalink |
June 7, 2008
Historic Pullman Garden Walk
The Historic Pullman Garden Club, in participation with the Pullman State Historic Site, invite you back to the Victorian era of the 1880's during the 14th Annual Garden Walk on Saturday June 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The theme this year is "Art in the Garden and Joe in the Kitchen." Many of the private residences will be displaying art of local artists in their garden. In addition we are very pleased to entice your taste buds with the tantalizing treats of Joe Dietz, one of Pullman's resident chef. Joe will present two cooking demonstrations, showing how fresh ingredients can make all the difference when cooking.
The Walk features private gardens of Pullman residents, in addition to the Greenstone Church Herb Garden, two of Mayor Daley's Landscape Award winners, the Gateway Garden and Rose Garden and the newly transformed North Allee. The Gateway Garden and North Allee were funded through various grants and donations, transforming empty spaces, which had fallen victim to urban blight over the years, into beautiful landscapes for all to enjoy. This year we have the pleasure of a special landscape tour of the grounds of the Pullman Factory as well as touring the Hotel Florence. We look forward to your presence.
Tour starts at the Hotel Florence, 11111 Forrestville, Chicago
Tickets are $12, if reserved ahead at 773-568-2441, $15 at the door
Posted by Ron Wolford at 8:45 PM | Permalink |
June 2, 2008
Free Annuals for Community Groups
More than 300 community groups across the City of Chicago take advantage of the FREE materials offered by Greencorps Chicago: seeds, annuals and vegetables, perennials and bulbs. The distribution of perennials, the "Great Perennial Divide," is conducted in partnership with GreenNet.
The 2008 give-away dates are:
- Seeds - Saturday, March 15
- Vegetables – Saturday, May 17
- Annuals - Saturday, June 28
- Great Perennial Divide - Saturday, September 27
- Bulbs - Saturday, October 25
Registration forms are available approximately six weeks prior to the event, and will appear as a PDF file below. The distribution locations for seeds, annuals, and bulbs are:
- North -- North Park Village Nature Center: 5801 N. Pulaski (4000 West)
- Central -- Chicago Center for Green Technology: 445 N. Sacramento (3000 West)
- South -- St. Ailbe's Church: 9100 S. Stoney Island (1600 East)
The distribution locations for the Great Perennial Divide are:
- North -- North Park Village Nature Center: 5801 N. Pulaski (4000 West)
- Central -- Garfield Park Conservatory: 300 N. Central Park (3600 West)
- South -- St. Ailbe's Church: 9100 S. Stoney Island (1600 East)
The vegetable distribution day takes place at only one location:
- Chicago Center for Green Technology: 445 N. Sacramento (3000 West)
To be eligible for these give-away events, a community group must (a) plant all Greencorps-donated materials in a public space (b) complete a registration form (separate for each event) and (c) have a completed certification form and attachments on file with Greencorps Chicago. Planting on residential property is not permitted (exception: individual gardeners may participate in the Great Perennial Divide if they donate plants).
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Annual Registration Form 2008 | (168.67 KB) |
Posted by Ron Wolford at 8:06 AM | Permalink |
June 1, 2008
Extension Budget Update
Just a note to let you know that a bill to fund Extension for 2008/09 passed both the House and Senate Saturday. The Bill is now on the Governor's desk. Amendment 2 of this Bill contains appropriations for County Board Match, Cook County Initiative and 4-H Youth Development.
The numbers for these three lines are $14.3 million-County Board Match, $5.365 million-Cook County Initiative and $1.87 million-4-H Youth Development.
The bill still requires the Governor's signature before becoming law. Also remember that he has line-item veto power. So, stay tuned.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 12:43 PM | Permalink |
May 31, 2008
2008 MG Conference Registration Online
Registration details for the 2008 Master Gardener conference in Lombard, Sept 11-13 at the Westin Hotel are up on the Illinois Master Gardener Web site at www.extension.uiuc.edu/mg/. Please help us promote this conference as we have great tours, great speakers and a great location!
Early Bird Registration opens for Master Gardeners and one adult guest on June 15th.
On August 1, the registration fee increases for Master Gardeners- so please register early.
On August 1, we will also open the registration up to the public. We are preparing a flier to send out to the public to promote the conference in late July. However, we hope that before that date that we will have the conference filled with Master Gardeners.
Conference registration will be online again this year. Volunteers without computer access should contact their Master Gardener coordinator to register in their office. We prefer credit cards but will accept a check (should be mailed within 7 days of registration).
Posted by Ron Wolford at 3:28 PM | Permalink |
May 21, 2008
Master Gardener Photo Contest
There are four Categories of entries in the contest:
Plants: Images should include plants.
Wildlife: Images should include wildlife such as insects, mammals, reptiles, etc.
Master Gardeners at work: Images should include Master Gardener(s) or a product of their work.
Illinois Public Gardens: Images should display a shot of any Illinois public garden or natural area.
Master Gardeners can submit one image per category. Only one image per entrant will be selected to win. Only amateur photographers are allowed to enter. The original photographer must submit the entry. No panoramic images allowed. Images should be in their natural color. If individuals are close enough to recognize in a photo, then a photo release form must be submitted with the entry and include the signature from the subject.
All entries must be submitted electronically via e-mail to sarahnav@uiuc.edu before August 21, 2008. Images must be submitted as an email attachment in jpeg format. The name of the photo must include, the Entrant's Name, Master Gardener County, and the Category of Entry (Plants, Wildlife, MGAW, IPG). Example: "John Photographer, Smith County, Plants.jpg". Mail only one image per e-mail and the subject line must state "Master Gardener Digital Image Contest." Entries not adhering to the above guidelines will not be considered. It is the sole responsibility of the entrant to make sure the image is received. The Master Gardener Digital Image Committee is not responsible for computer errors.
Entries will be judged prior to the Illinois State Master Gardener Convention by a panel of three judges. The top entry in each category will receive $25. All entries will be displayed in a slide show at the Master Gardener Convention. The top 12 entries will be developed into a calendar. By submitting an entry you give permission for the digital image to be used for display, in a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Calendar, and in a slide show at the Illinois State Master Gardener Convention.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 6:02 AM | Permalink |
May 20, 2008
2008 MG Conference Hotel Registration and Silent Auction
Planning is in full swing for conference 2008 to be held Sept 11-13 at the Westin in Lombard. We have a great line-up of speakers and tours. The conference website is up and running at (www.extension.uiuc.edu/mg/conference%202008.htm
Hotel:
Hotel registration is open and may be done by phone at 888-627-9031 or online at the conference website. We were very fortunate to secure a room rate of $109- such a deal for a spectacular new Westin! Please book a room early as the rate only holds till August 20. We MUST fill our room block in order to keep our conference registration rates low.
Silent Auction:
We are in need of donations for the 5th annual silent auction. We would suggest items such as plant material, garden tools, artwork, jewelry, garden sculpture, garden gifts, books, birdhouses etc. Use your imagination! The committee would prefer items rather than gift certificates. These items may either be sent to the DuPage county office or brought directly to the conference in Lombard. However, please contact the DuPage county office at 630-955-1123 and let them know what you are donating. We are requesting that you include the name of the donor, your county and an estimated value with your donation.
Registration:
Registration will open on June 15th for Master Gardeners. All registrations will be done online this year.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 8:28 PM | Permalink |
May 19, 2008
Tulip Lifting Volunteers Needed in Oak Park
The Oak Park District needs volunteers to lift tulip bulbs in Oak Park.
Please call 708-725-2460 to volunteer.
TULIPS FOR SALE!
Stop by the Oak Park Conservatory and purchase tulip bulbs pulled by volunteers from the Oak Park parks.
$2 per Dozen; $4 per bag (2 Dozen Tulips)
Between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday
615 Garfield Street, Oak Park, IL 60304
T 708-725-2460
The Oak Park Conservatory is located between Oak Park Avenue and East Avenue
on Garfield Street on the south side of the Eisenhower.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 10:33 PM | Permalink |
May 19, 2008
Invitation to Master Gardener Graduation
Master Gardeners,
Our Master Gardener Class of 2007 will be graduating on Tuesday, May 27. If you want to come and add your congratulations, let me know. We want to have enough cake for everyone!
RSVP - Elizabeth ebruhns@sbcglobal.net
Thank you.
Nancy Kreith
Extension Program Coordinator
University of Illinois Extension
3807 W. 111th Street
Chicago, IL. 60655
office: 773.233.0476
fax: 773.233.0910
cell: 708.567.6101
url: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/cook/
Posted by Ron Wolford at 10:13 PM | Permalink |
May 19, 2008
Volunteer for 2008 Illinois Master Gardener Conference
2008 Illinois Master Gardener Conference
"Pathways to a Greener Illinois"
Sept 11-13
Lombard Illinois
Join us at the 2008 Illinois Master Gardener Conference for a fun-filled experience and meet other Illinois Master Gardeners. This year's conference will focus on "greening"- looking at ways to conserve resources and garden in an environmentally friendly manner.
Mary Horek, DuPage County Horticulture Assistant is recruiting Master Gardeners for a wide assortment of volunteer opportunities during the conference. Please email her the completed volunteer form or mail it to the University of Illinois Extension, Dupage Office at 1100 E. Warrenville Rd., Suite 170, Naperville, IL 60563. Mary would like to receive these forms by May 28, 2008. Of course if anyone has any questions don't hesitate to drop Mary an email or give her a call.
Illinois Master Gardener Conference Volunteer Form
Mary Horek-Assistant-Horticulture
University of Illinois Extension - DuPage
1100 E. Warrenville Rd., Suite 170, Naperville, IL 60563
(630)955-1123
Posted by Ron Wolford at 12:19 PM | Permalink |
May 19, 2008
Master Gardener Graduation Celebration
CONGRATULATIONS to the CLASS OF 2007, and to those very patient Greenwood students from the FALL 2006 on successfully completing your Master Gardener Internship!!!
You graduation, badges, certificates and all, is scheduled for:
6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 27
Community Room
Garfield Park Conservatory
Here is the schedule:
6:30 p.m. - Pot luck dinner
7:00 p.m. - Speaker, Elizabeth Bruhns
7:15 p.m. - Presentation of certificates and badges
(Please be prepared to spend one minute telling about your personal Master Gardener Intern experience)
University of Illinois Extension will be treating us to desert so we need an accurate count. Please let us know if you will be attending and if you are bringing a guest(s).
Please RSVP by Friday, May 23 to Elizabeth at ebruhns@sbcglobal.net.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 5:15 AM | Permalink |
May 19, 2008
Cook County Farm Bureau Soil Testing
The Cook County Farm Bureau does NOT accept soil samples for testing at the Countryside location. They do offer a service where people can purchase prepaid bags to ship their soil to an off-site laboratory. The test results are shared with Extension offices.
The Cook County Farm Bureau has recently had a few people bring in or mail in soil samples to be tested - resulting in disappointed and confused clients. This also puts Farm Bureau in an awkward situation.
Please refer to the attached brochure explaining their program.
Cook County Farm Bureau Soil Testing Brochure
Nancy Kreith
Extension Program Coordinator
University of Illinois Extension
3807 W. 111th Street
Chicago, IL. 60655
office: 773.233.0476
fax: 773.233.0910
cell: 708.567.6101
url: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/cook/
Posted by Ron Wolford at 4:00 AM | Permalink |
May 18, 2008
Design Help Needed at Schurz High School
Hello Master Gardeners,
We received an interesting request below. This could be an opportunity for you to test your plant palette and design skills. Please consider acting as a design consultant for the school below. The Biology and Botany students will be involved. Schurz High School also has Earthboxes and is a part of The Growing Connection. I would love to link up one or two north-siders with Eloise. Let me know if you have questions.
Please contact Eloise directly if interested: school phone (773) 534-3420 .Email: <eroche@ameritech.net>
Dear Nancy and Master Gardeners,
We are interested in designing a landscape for Carl Schurz High school campus, located at 3601 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60641. Our engineer is very interested in our campus having an attractive presentation. We would like to accomplish this endeavor before June 1st, if possible. I am available to meet Monday thru Friday between 6 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Our Botany and Biology students will be doing the preparation and planting. All we need is some assistance with the design of plans. Our school phone number is 773-534-3420. If you call the school, you need to tell them immediately that you are calling for me about our landscaping project. If I am in class, you can leave your name and phone number please. I will return your call. !
Thank you!
Eloise Roche
Science Teacher
Nancy Kreith
Extension Program Coordinator
University of Illinois Extension
3807 W. 111th Street
Chicago, IL. 60655
office: 773.233.0476
fax: 773.233.0910
cell: 708.567.6101
url: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/cook/
Posted by Ron Wolford at 6:25 AM | Permalink |
April 7, 2008
2008 GreenNet Green and Growing Fair
What: 2008 GreenNet Green and Growing Fair
When: April 26, 2008 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Garfield Park Conservatory – 300 North Central Park
Cost: FREE Admission – Open to All
Come one; come all to this extraordinary spring event! We have an outstanding line-up for GreenNet's 16th Annual Green and Growing Fair, including the launch of ONE SEED CHICAGO.
As One Book; One Chicago is to reading, One Seed Chicago is to urban greening. With this new program GreenNet invites you to Grow Together. This year's seed is the Sunflower. Imagine thousands of these versatile plants linking together community gardens across the City! Pick up your free seed packet at the Fair, at events throughout the summer or by sending your name and address to info@neighbor-space.org.
This year the Fair will feature several performing artists. Enjoy down home local musicians while eating lunch at the Green Cafe. While roaming through the Conservatory, you'll enjoy a sneak preview of Walkabout Theater's forthcoming play, "War Garden: An Experiment in Patriotic Agriculture." The show, which is co-produced by NeighborSpace, and this summer will be performed directly in community gardens throughout the City, is a comedic exploration of Chicago's wildly popular war garden movement of WWI (victory gardens in WWII).
Get first dibs! Buy the season's first spring vegetables and seedlings as well as seeds, worm compost and other gardening materials and supplies from local growers and vendors. Vendors will also be selling local crafts such as painted pots, notepaper & jewelry (just in time for Mother's Day!)
Enjoy these demonstrations, activities and more:
Basics of composting
Rot Pot seed starting
Home-made solar ovens
LOW COST Tool sharpening by the CHICAGO Botanic Garden's Green Youth Farmers
Community Garden Poster Session – Meet Chicago Garden Leaders
$5.00 Classes on Native Landscaping & Basic Composting
OUR Popular silent auction of garden related items
And….. the launch of ONE SEED CHICAGO: 2008 Sunflower - Come to the Fair to pick up your free seed packet
Posted by Ron Wolford at 12:47 AM | Permalink |
April 5, 2008
Help Judge Student Hort Projects at Ag School
Master Gardeners,
The Ag. School could use your help. They are in need of judges for the FFA Section Fair. You would be judging student horticulture projects/specimens.
When: Saturday, April 12
Where: Ag. School - 3857 W. 111th Street
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon
Needed: 8 to 10 people if possible
The judges will be orientated from 8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Thank you for your consideration.
To volunteer contact Nancy at nkreith@gmail.com
Nancy Kreith
Extension Program Coordinator
University of Illinois Extension
3807 W. 111th Street
Chicago, IL. 60655
office: 773.233.0476
fax: 773.233.0910
cell: 708.567.6101
url: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/cook/
Posted by Ron Wolford at 9:07 AM | Permalink |
April 2, 2008
Kate Needs Help With Youth Programs
Kate Weinans, Youth Program Organizer needs some assistance with the following programs:
Wednesday, April 16th–9 a.m.-2 p.m.
One Master Composter or Gardener to assist an already recruited MC (Ella Russell)
Dunne Elementary- 10845 S. Union, Chicago, IL
Assist in 4 classrooms: 2 Worm Compost Projects with 3rd graders and 2 Lettuce in a Bag projects with 1st graders.
Contact Kate at kweinans@uiuc.edu
Friday, April 18th-- 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
2-6 Master Gardeners
Ag School 3807 W. 111th St
Garden Workday with 80 high school students (and their teacher sand chaperones) in the Demonstration garden and perennial garden.
Contact Nancy Kreith at nkreith@gmail.com
Saturday, April 19th-- 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
1-2 Master Gardeners
Ag School 3807 W. 111th St Chicago IL
Garden Workday in the Demonstration Garden to 6-8 youth from Hull House (teenagers???! think)
Contact Kate kweinans@uiuc.edu
Tuesday, April 22nd- 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
1 Master Gardener 9:00 a.m. -12, noon, 1 Master Gardener 12 noon -3:00 p.m.(Jane Tiffen and Ruth Melulis are already in for MC's)
Daley Plaza 50 W. Washington St
Worm Compost Demonstration for Earth Day
Contact Kate kweinans@uiuc.edu
Friday, May 9th-12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
1 Master Gardener
Christopher Elementary-- 5042 S. Artesian Chicago, IL
Assist 25 girl scouts re-pot flowering plants for Mother's Day. Anyone with inexpensive crafty ideas to spruce up those boring, cheap plastic greenhouse planters is WELCOME!!!! These will be gifts.
Contact Kate kweinans@uiuc.edu
Kate Weinans
UIUC Extension Youth Program Organizer
3807 W. 111th St
Chicago, IL 60655
Phone: 773-233-0476
Fax: 773-233-0910
kweinans@uiuc.edu
Posted by Ron Wolford at 11:05 PM | Permalink |
April 2, 2008
Common Threads Job Openings
Hello Friends,
We are growing here at Common Threads. As of this coming fall, we will have 17 different cooking classes going on in one week! Crazy exciting! Consequently, we have two openings here at Common Threads. Last summer, I emailed you two job descriptions and ended up hiring three individuals, all of who came from the Common Threads network. So again, I thought I would again go through the friends of Common Threads in search of two amazing people that might complete our family (at least for now)!
We are looking for a Client Service Coordinator and a Program Assistant. The Client Service Coordinator position is a job that requires wearing multiple hats (event coordination, grant writing and other admin tasks) and requires a real people person who is detail oriented. The Program Assistant will be working hands-on with our kids in the kitchen and garden on a daily basis, so this person needs to have a true love of children while also being diligent about coordinating class related logistics.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Have a wonderful day and a phenomenal week!
Linda
Linda Novick O'Keefe
Executive Director
Common Threads
312.752.2680 - office
312.277.9517 - fax
linda@ourcommonthreads.org
Posted by Ron Wolford at 3:37 PM | Permalink |
April 2, 2008
Volunteer at Green and Growing Fair
We need volunteers to help with set-up, break down, seed planting demos, silent auction and garden book sale, greeting and information tables, and much more...
Volunteer shifts for the Green and Growing Fair are:
Set up: 6:30 a.m -9:30 a.m.
Break down: 2:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
First Shift: 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Second Shift 12:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
If you would like to help with this fun event please contact me at hpicciuca@garfieldpark.org or by phone 773-638-1766x24 with your preferred shift time.
Highlights of the 2008 Green and Growing Fair
You will be able to buy the season's first spring vegetables and seedlings as well as seeds, worm compost and other gardening materials and supplies from local growers and vendors.
Vendors will also be selling local crafts such as painted pots, notepaper & jewelry (just in time for Mother's day!)
Demonstrations on...
Square foot gardening
Basics of composting
Rot Pot seed starting
Home-made solar ovens
Community Garden Poster Session
Popular silent auction of garden related items and more
Free Tool sharpening by the Botanic Garden's Green Youth Farmers
$5.00 Classes on Native Landscaping & Basic Composting
Lunch in the Green Café Accompanied by down home local musicians!
The lunch of ONE SEED CHICAGO: The Sunflower Seed!
Thanks so much and hope to see you at the event!
Harmony Picciuca
Garden and Volunteer Programs Coordinator
Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance
300 N. Central Park Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60624
773.638.1766 x 24
Posted by Ron Wolford at 3:14 PM | Permalink |
March 30, 2008
MSI Smart Home Garden Docent Training
Hello MSI Master Gardeners,
We would like to extend an invitation to all of you who will be docents during the MSI - Smart Home Garden venture. This training will focus on the docent position. You will be given a guideline/script handout and we will have a role play session during this training. Please consider attending in order to get a step ahead as a docent.
When: Wednesday, April 9 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Where: Chicago High School for Ag. Sciences (CHAS) - 3857 W. 111th St., Chicago 60655
Room: Music Demonstration Room
Contact Person: Nancy Kreith, cell 708-567-6101
Please reply to this email if you plan on attending.
Every docent will receive the handout whether they can attend this training or not. We will also take the time to briefly train you during your first docent shifts in May and June and on initial planting days.
FYI: All of the plants will be labeled for your reference.
Thank you
Nancy Kreith
Extension Program Coordinator
University of Illinois Extension
3807 W. 111th Street
Chicago, IL. 60655
office: 773.233.0476
fax: 773.233.0910
cell: 708.567.6101
url: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/cook/
Posted by Ron Wolford at 3:02 PM | Permalink |
March 28, 2008
Grafting Workshop
Midwest Fruit Explorers
Garden Club for Backyard Fruit Growers
www.MidFEx.org
Arpil 13, 2008
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe, IL
Grafting Workshop: Make and take home your own dwarf fruit tree.(Apple and pear rootstocks, grafting knives available for sale.)
Visit our web page www.MidFEx.org for further details about our meeting as well as a wealth of information about growing fruit.
Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Program Organizer
Cook County/Chicago
ebruhns@uiuc.edu
Posted by Ron Wolford at 8:53 PM | Permalink |
March 26, 2008
Smart Home Veggie Garden Planting Day
Congratulations! You all responded in time to be a part of the MSI Initial Planting Day on Tuesday, April 22 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Please plan on bringing a lunch. We will provide water, gloves and tools. If you have special tools you would like to use please feel free to bring them. We will break a half-hour for lunch. There is a Subway near by and the Museum Food Court as well.
This day will be a media day for the Smart Home exhibit. If possible, please wear any Master Gardener apparel that you may have. The names listed below are the Master Gardeners who will be present that day. If you were scheduled to come to the Museum on a day before April 22, please consider those dates CANCELLED! We will not start the garden until April 22.
Chris Meier
Kitty Giblin
Susan Davenport
Arielle Corbett
Louisea Story
Tom Janik
Denise Smith
Ellen Caffrey-Garza
Margaret Moore
Sue Rancak
Marilyn Klein
Karen McCray
Martha Bresnahan
Dot Kluzek
John Sweeney
Marjorie Simmerling
Sue Gasper
Rebecca Lian
Joan Jones
Thanks again for working this day into your schedule.
Nancy Kreith
Extension Program Coordinator
University of Illinois Extension
3807 W. 111th Street
Chicago, IL. 60655
office: 773.233.0476
fax: 773.233.0910
Posted by Ron Wolford at 5:10 AM | Permalink |
March 26, 2008
2008 Healthy Sprouts Award
Program Web site: