February 27, 2008
Slots Open for Smart Garden
Hello Master Gardeners,
These are the slots we still have available for April, May and June at the Museum of Science and Industry. We are scheduling 2 Docents for each shift, 2 Groomers daily, and one historian on Saturdays and Thursdays. We are more concerned with filling these earlier dates, but there are many openings in July - Oct. General information and all job descriptions can be viewed in the forms and downloads section of the Chicago Master Gardener Web site.
Each MG must sign up for at least four shifts. Please send me your top six picks/dates and I will do my best to get you scheduled (first come-first served basis). Please let me know if you have questions.
Saturday, April 5 10am-4pm Planter
Saturday, May 10 12pm-3pm Docent 2
Tuesday, May 13 12pm-3pm Docent 2
Tuesday, May 13 12pm-3pm Docent 2
Tuesday, May 13 9:15am-12:15 Groomer
Thursday, May 15 12pm-3pm Docent 2
Saturday, May 17 9:30am-12:30 Docent 1
Saturday, May 17 9:30am-12:30 Docent 1
Saturday, May 17 12pm-3pm Docent 2
Tuesday, May 20 12pm-3pm Docent 2
Tuesday, May 20 12pm-3pm Docent 2
Thursday, May 22 Time Flex Historian
Saturday, May 24 12pm-3pm Docent 2
Tuesday, May 27 9:30am-12:30 Docent 1
Tuesday, May 27 12pm-3pm Docent 2
Thursday May 29 12pm-3pm Docent 2
Saturday May 31 12pm-3pm Docent 2
Tuesday June 3 9:30-12:30 Docent 1
Thursday, June 5 12pm-3pm Docent 2
Saturday, June 7 9:45am-12:45 Groomer
Saturday, June 7 Time Flex Historian
Tuesday, June 10 9:30am-12:30 Docent 1
Tuesday, June 10 12pm-3pmDocent 2
Saturday, June 14 12pm-3pm Docent 2
Saturday, June 14 9:45am-12:45 Groomer
Tuesday, June 17 9:30am-12:30 Docent 1
Tuesday, June 17 9:30am-12:30 Docent 1
Tuesday, June 17 12pm-3pmDocent 2
Tuesday, June 17 12pm-3pm Docent 2
Thursday June 19 12pm-3pm Docent 2
Tuesday June 24 9:30am-12:30 Docent 1
Tuesday, June 24 12pm-3pm Docent 2
Thursday, June 26 12pm-3pm Docent 2
Saturday, June 28 12pm-3pm Docent 2
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 9:11 PM | Permalink |
February 25, 2008
February Monthly Meeting: William Moss
William Moss, Master Gardener Class of 1996, and now a radio, TV, and Web site "Gardening Guy" will be our speaker at our February 26, Master Gardener Monthly Meeting.
We often tell Master Gardener interns that becoming a Master Gardener can change one's life. This is certainly true for William Moss. Come and hear his story, and get some practical gardening information too. His topic will be Using Bulbs in Your Landscape.
Check out these web sites for more information on William Moss:
http://www.garden.org/urbangardening/
Master Gardener Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Community Room, Garfield Park Conservatory
6:30 p.m. - Pot Luck Dinner
6:50 p.m. - Announcements
7:05 p.m. - Speaker - William Moss
Using Bulbs in Your Landscape
Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Program Organizer
Cook County/Chicago
ebruhns@uiuc.edu
Posted by Ron Wolford at 2:34 AM | Permalink |
February 24, 2008
Macy Flower Show Events and Duties
Good morning, Macy Flower Show Volunteers,
The time for Macy's Spring Flower Show is fast approaching, so thanks to all of you for volunteering to be part of this special event. Here is a summary of events and duties. Please read it carefully.
Dates:
Thursday, March 6
9:00 a.m. Installation of the 'hardscape' for the show with designer John Jones. All volunteers invited.
Wednesday, March 12
8:00 p.m. - Pre-show - "Tasting Party" - Walnut Room
9:00 p.m. - Pre-show - walk through with show designer, Steve Podesta
Thursday, March 13 - Show opens.
Duties:
During the eleven day run of the show, Master Gardeners will provide three guided tours each day. Each tour will last approximately 20 minutes, with tours beginning at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Master Gardeners will host an information booth from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Thursday, through Sunday. There will be appropriate Extension horticulture brochures. Master Gardeners will answer gardening questions.
Perks:
Lunch in the Walnut Room
Thank you reception
Pre-show tour and orientation
Free parking-because of congestion, we are asked to take public transportation if possible
Logistics:
1. Enter the store at the Randolph Street entrance, nearest to State State. You will be checked in by security.
2. Extension personnel will be there each day with lunch and parking vouchers. (As soon as I know which parking facility to use, I'll let you know)
3. Plant list to follow.
Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Program Organizer
Cook County/Chicago
ebruhns@uiuc.edu
Posted by Ron Wolford at 10:26 PM | Permalink |
February 24, 2008
Listen to Garden Teleconferences
The American Community Gardening Association offers a series of excellent recorded teleconferences on their Web site. These are 90 minute conferences that have 1 to 3 speakers. Topics covered include garden fundraising, garden leadership, school gardens, fundraising and immigrants and community gardening.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 8:07 PM | Permalink |
February 24, 2008
Master Gardener Database Tips
Good morning Master Gardeners,
It is a new year and you are already hard a work making Chicago a more beautiful place!
Many of your have made a New Year's resolution to enter your Volunteer hours weekly or monthly. Thank you. We already have over 350 hours reported for the year 2008.
If you still are not up on to the database, please contact me and we will set up an instruction time.
Here are important hints for using the database:
Monthly meetings need to be reported in two places:
Under Activities, you may report one hour Volunteer time for attending the meeting. Monthly meetings are listed by date.
The speaker for a Monthly meeting is Continuing Education. Look for it listed by month and the speaker. Usually one hour credit.
In hopes of making Continuing Education items easier to find, they are always listed by the month in which they occurred.
If you have attended a Continuing Education event that is not on the list, click on to Suggested Continuing Education at the left hand side of your screen, and enter it there.
When I have approved it, it will come back up on the database for you to report against. I try to send out emails to let you know when an item you have submitted is up on the database.
If you have Volunteer events that are not in the database list, send them to me via email.
I need the name of the event, location address, especially the zip code and date. As usual, I'll let you know when it is ready for you to report against.
Remember, I'm only an email away.
Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Program Organizer
Cook County/Chicago
ebruhns@uiuc.edu
Posted by Ron Wolford at 4:27 PM | Permalink |
February 24, 2008
Organic Curriculum Instructor Wanted
The Chicago Christian Industrial League, in partnership with Windy City Harvest, an exciting new urban agriculture jobs training program on Chicago's west side, is seeking an experienced instructor to work with its first class of 15 adult trainees starting in September. This program is based on a custom curriculum covering organic, four-season production of high end produce, bedding and ornamental plant production for landscaping and other uses, and outdoor seasonal growing. Hands-on activities in both greenhouse and outdoor settings are an integral part of the 50-week classroom and on-the-job training program, which enrolls trainees as continuing education students of the City Colleges of Chicago. Most trainees will come from work-challenged backgrounds and have overcome a history of substance abuse or incarceration.
Windy City Harvest is a partnership between the Chicago Christian Industrial League, the North Lawndale Employment Network, the Chicago Botanic Garden and key funding agencies. Program goals are based on the implementation of a successful, sustainable production operation and associated green industry training and employment activities.
Job Duties:
Adapt written curriculum as needed for delivery in classroom and hands-on production setting
Develop extension activities that enhance curriculum training and content knowledge
Teach and supervise trainees daily between 9-3 p.m. and coordinate personnel issues with Windy City Harvest case management staff
Coordinate transition from city college training site to new pilot greenhouse with program production manager in December 2007/January 2008
Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree from accredited institution
Minimum two years of experience teaching adults
Experience in the horticulture industry and/or organic agriculture production
Experience in working with and teaching alternative learners
Salary and Benefits:
Competitive compensation package
The Chicago Christian Industrial League is seeking to fill this position as soon as possible. Please send resume and cover letter to employment@chicagobotanic.org.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 3:28 PM | Permalink |
February 18, 2008
Welcome Julie Perteet
The Urban Gardening staff would like to welcome our new secretary, Julie Perteet to the University of Illinois Extension. Julie will be splitting her time between our Chicago High School for Agriculture Sciences office and our Greenwood offices. Please welcome Julie to Extension when you call.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 11:09 PM | Permalink |
February 17, 2008
Thank You: MaryAnne and Chris
I would just like to thank Electronic Plant Clinic Master Gardeners MaryAnne Spinner and Chris Kelsy for taking time last Sunday to appear on Mike Nowak's WGN Radio's, Let's Talk Gardening Show. MaryAnne and Chis did a great job answering gardening questions with the always funny Mike Nowak.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 5:27 PM | Permalink |
February 17, 2008
Macy Flower Show Crew Questions
Macy Flower Show Crew:
Thank you for your quick replies, but I see that I was not nearly specific enough on the information that I need to make up the security lists for Macy's. Please email this specific information.
Will you volunteer on the date assigned to you? __________
Will you attend the Hardscape installation at 9:00 a.m. on March 6? ____________
Will you attend the "tasting" reception and walk through, 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. on
Wednesday, March12? (This is a very important event) _______________
Sorry for the confusion. Please answer ASAP.
Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Program Organizer
Cook County/Chicago
ebruhns@uiuc.edu
Posted by Ron Wolford at 11:36 AM | Permalink |
February 14, 2008
Have Fun With Bugs
Master Gardeners,
Please consider volunteering for the following event:
Date & Time
February 21, 2008 (9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
North Kenwood Oakland Charter School
Chicago, Illinois
Description
Join Extension staff and Master Gardeners to learn about the wonderful world of insects in the Traveling Bug Bash. Students will be able to touch and hold live bugs. Bugs include: millipedes, Madagascar hissing cockroaches and a tarantula (spider).
If you have any questions about this program, feel free to contact Nancy Kreith at 773-233-0476.
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 6:13 PM | Permalink |
February 9, 2008
Master Gardeners on WGN Radio
Master Gardeners,
Two of our own Master Gardeners, MaryAnne Spinner and Chris Kelsey, will be guests on the Mike Nowak (also a Master Gardener) Show, Let's Talk Gardening, this Sunday, February 10, 12 noon - 2:00 p.m. on WGN 720 AM radio. MaryAnne and Chris are members of our Electronic Plant Clinic.
Treat yourself, tune in.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Program Organizer
Cook County/Chicago
ebruhns@uiuc.edu
Posted by Ron Wolford at 1:30 AM | Permalink |
February 9, 2008
Attend MG Intern Class for Continuing Ed.
Hello Master Gardeners,
Need to brush up on a training topic? You are invited to attend any of the current Master Gardener Intern classes for Continuing Education credit. The Class schedule is attached. Please note that we are meeting at two locations, Garfield Park Conservatory and Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences.
This is the drill:
1. Sign in when you arrive. We begin at 9:00 am, sharp.
2. Take a chair on the side of the classroom; tables are filled with interns.
3. For continuity of instruction and Continuing Education credit, plan to stay for the entire session.
4. Pick up a test for the class for your own instruction. (We will even correct it for you if you like)
5. Bring you own lunch.
This is a wonderful new group of interns, and I know you will enjoy meeting them.
Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Program Organizer
Cook County/Chicago
ebruhns@uiuc.edu
Posted by Ron Wolford at 1:15 AM | Permalink |
February 6, 2008
Smart Home Garden Volunteer Meeting
Dear Master Gardener,
Thank you for expressing your interest, to your Master Gardener Coordinator, in volunteering with this year's Smart Home: Green and Wired exhibition. We are very excited about partnering with the Museum of Science and Industry and gaining your skills and expertise in areas such as planting, garden grooming and information sharing. Smart Home is scheduled to open on May 8, 2008 and run through January of 2009.
We know that volunteering is all about finding the perfect match and the Museum staff has invited us to the institution for a meet-and-greet and preview of the Smart Home location. The first meet-and-greet is scheduled for Thursday, February 7 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and will be repeated on Saturday, February 9 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. These sessions are a great chance to ask questions, network and tour the Museum and its grounds. Extension staff will share details of the project, including the volunteer positions needed and the April-October volunteer schedule. Please bring your daily planner as we plan to ask you for the dates you will be available to volunteer. Refreshments will also be served.
We do ask that on the day of the event you arrive at 9:45 a.m. to allow time for parking, entering the building and viewing the Smart Home location; park in the Museum's east parking lot (outside of the Henry Crown Space Center), which has a turnoff on Lake Shore and Science Drive. There is no charge for parking at this lot. Please enter the building through the Henry Crown Space Center entrance and inform the security officer you are attending the Smart Home volunteer program. There is no entrance fee for Master Gardeners. I and other members of our Team will be there to greet you with the Museum Staff. If you plan on taking public transportation to the Museum, please log on to http://www.transitchicago.com/maps/tripplanner.html to plan the most efficient route.
I look forward to meeting you and sharing details of this exciting opportunity. On behalf of the other Educators involved, thank you for your interest and support.
Sincerely,
Susan M. Grupp
Extension Educator, Environmental Science
University of Illinois Extension
Countryside Extension Center
6438 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL 60525
(708) 352-0109
grupps@uiuc.edu
Posted by Ron Wolford at 2:29 AM | Permalink |
February 5, 2008
Continuing Ed: Proksa Park Garden Club
The Proksa Park Garden Club will meet on Monday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Proksa Park Community Room at 3001 South Wisconsin Avenue in Berwyn, Illinois.
The featured speaker will be Diana Dunlap, Horticulture Director, Brookfield Zoo
Will Rutt
Posted by Ron Wolford at 10:32 AM | Permalink |
February 4, 2008
Chicagoland Flower and Garden Show
The Chicagoland Flower & Garden Show now celebrating its 14th year-- will return in 2008 on Saturday, March 8, through Sunday, March 16, with two new features: a Home Lifestyle Expo that will run all nine show days, and an opening weekend (March 8-9) juried art show with 100-plus artists.The new Home Lifestyle Expo, included in the price of admission, will be held in an adjacent hall and feature the wares of furniture, lighting, window/door, DIY (do-it-yourself) and other home improvement vendors. With the addition of the Home Lifestyle Expo, the show will feature more than 300,000 square-feet of exhibit space.
The Chicagoland Flower & Garden Show will be held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. It is sponsored by Belgard, a nationwide network of facilities that manufacture paving stones and garden wall products. Returning show highlights include:
" Theme Gardens showcasing top landscapers and designers as well as the latest in horticulture.
" Garden Marketplace where 200-plus garden-related exhibitors will display their products and services.
" Gardening Seminars where professionals will offer insights on growing techniques and landscaping options to give gardens a fresh new look.
" Garden Gourmet featuring culinary demonstrations by top Chicagoland chefs including recipes that use ingredients grown in home gardens.
" The "Teaching Garden" designed for the novice gardener. This educational area features beginner gardens and experts offering advice for budding Green Thumbs.
" Floral Tablescapes featuring innovative floral creations that entertain guests at home, parties, weddings and elsewhere.
" A popular Photography Garden, featuring flower/landscape photographs from local amateur photographers, and Hands-on Workshops including daily "Potting Parties," where show visitors can plant and take home their own foliage. There will also be new flower arranging workshops.
The Stephens Convention Center is located at 5555 North River Road in Rosemont near O'Hare Airport. The convention facility features plenty of parking as well as mass-transit and major expressway access.
Show hours are: Saturday-Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m., and Thursday/Friday from 9:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Weekday admission is $12 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-12 Weekend admission is $14 for adults but will remain $5 for children. Group discounts are also available. For more information, visit www.chicagoflower.com or call 773.435.1250.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 6:02 PM | Permalink |
February 3, 2008
Continuing Ed: Attracting Birds and Butterflies
Marian Thill, a Master Gardener with the Chicago Botanic Garden, says you don't need a lot of space to attract birds and butterflies to your garden. Her small Morton Grove backyard has documented 21 butterfly species and 75 different kinds of birds over the last 15 years. She'll be the Thursday, February 7 speaker for the Wild Flower Preservation Society in the auditorium of the Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 North Lincoln Park West at 1 p.m. The meeting is free and open to the public.
Marian is also a certified naturalist through the Morton Arboretum, she'll be joining the group for a dutch-treat lunch across the street at the Original Pancake House, 2020 North Lincoln Park West at 11:30 a.m. The Wild Flower Preservation Society is 95 years old this year. Annual dues are $10 to cover the cost of meetings and life membership is $50. Meetings are spring and fall with an occasional field trip. More information from Jeanne Zasadil at jeannezasadil@hotmail.com.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 6:33 PM | Permalink |
February 2, 2008
Help Needed at Garfield Plant Clinic
Jackie Paine needs Master Gardeners to staff the Plant Clinic at Garfield Park Conservatory. Please sign up now.
We are working on ways to make this a more enjoyable experience for you. Give us your ideas. Why not ask you best Master Gardener friend to join you? You will be providing a service and have a chance to get "caught up" at the same time.
It is our tradition that Active Master Gardeners are required to staff one session at the Plant Clinic every year. Interns must do two. (2007 Interns, you have until April 1, 2008 to complete your 60 hours) Have you done your Plant Clinic requirement?
Please contact Jackie at msjlpaine@aol.com if you can work on any of the dates below. When you respond, please give Jackie your name and phonenumber and let her know if you are an MG or Intern.
Name:
Telephone #:
MG or Intern:
Date:
Available dates are:
February: 9, 20, 16, 17, 23, 24
March: 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29
April: 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27
Thanks for volunteering!
Jackie Paine
msjlpaine@aol.com
Posted by Ron Wolford at 12:22 PM | Permalink |
February 2, 2008
Urgent! Master Gardeners Needed for Chocolate Festival
Jackie Paine needs Master Gardeners for the Garfield Park Plant Clinic for Saturday, February 9 for the Chocolate Fest. Please contact Jackie at msjlpaine@aol.com if you can work on February 9. When you respond, please give Jackie your name and phone number and let her know if you are a Master Gardener or an Intern.
Posted by Ron Wolford at 11:52 AM | Permalink |
February 2, 2008
2007 Master Gardener Graduation
Your graduation is set for May 27, 2008. You have until April 1 to get your volunteer hours entered into the NE Region database. Let me know if you need assistance.
We will no longer accept any more Continuing Education Hours for 2007. That deadline has passed. I removed all of the 2007 Continuing Education items from the database this morning.
Let me know how I can help you.
Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Program Organizer
Cook County/Chicago
ebruhns@uiuc.edu
Posted by Ron Wolford at 11:28 AM | Permalink |
