Middle and high school students will learn about careers in the field of engineering through their participation in two programs offered next week by Bradley University’s College of Engineering and Technology. The Gateway Academy, in its second year, will involve 50 middle school students in leading-edge technologies such as robotics, aeronautics and biochemistry. One camp will be held at Von Steuben School in Peoria and one at East Peoria Central Junior High School. A rocket launch is scheduled at Von Steuben on Wednesday at 12:15 p.m.  The Academy camp is a joint program of the SME Education Foundation and Project Lead the Way to respond to the need for skilled manufacturing workers.  The program complements the STEPS camp for high school students that is in its sixth year and being held on the Bradley campus next week. The STEPS program is designed to give students a glimpse of engineering careers while they brainstorm ideas, solve problems and build bridges, race cars, rockets and other working models. Twenty-five boys will participate in the program. 

The STEPS camp Launch Day is Friday, June 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Richwoods High School stadium. Participants will launch their individual rockets in an effort to score a field goal through the uprights.

A variety of summer programs for grade and high school students are underway at Bradley
University this week. 

 
Gateway Academy and STEPS engineering camps offered by the College of  
Engineering and Technology.  http://explore.bradley.edu/NetNews/Newsline?title=STEPS08

 The 2008 World of Wonder, Gifted Institute for Talented Youth. http://www.bradley.edu/continue/wow/

The Central Illinois Summer Band Camp (CISBC) for students in 7th, 8th, and 9th grade 

http://music.bradley.edu/index.php?ID=news

The Summer Enrichment programs http://www.bradley.edu/ccd/summerenrichment/

The Multicultural Broadcasting Workshop http://slane.bradley.edu/web/iba

Boys basketball camp http://www.bubraves.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=3400&KEY=&ATCLID=1394422

    The Peoria Park District’s Luthy Botanical Garden will present the sixth annual Rhapsody in Bloom Arts Festival on Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, June 29, noon to 5 p.m. This event—a celebration of art, music, food and bloom—is sponsored by WCBU 89.9 fm radio and the Times Newspapers.      Come see the inspired works of a diverse selection of local artists; listen to the beat of talented musicians and performers; and taste culinary creations from some of Peoria’s finest eateries – all in a fragrant garden setting! Highlights of the event include: 

• Art Show - Rhapsody in Bloom includes a juried art competition. Judging is Saturday, June 28, at 10 p.m., with prizes presented at 12 p.m.
• Children’s Art and Activities - Volunteers will host children’s crafts both days—at no charge. Activities include painting terra- cotta flowerpots and making personalized picture frames.              
• Rotating Sculpture Garden - Our amazing Rotating Sculpture Garden, a “spin-off” from the popular sculpture display at the first Rhapsody in Bloom, is always a popular attraction. Be sure to see all the exciting pieces by local sculptors displayed throughout the Garden. Then come back to see new pieces in a couple months!
• Silent Auction - Don’t miss the opportunity to bid on unique, one-of-a-kind art, generously donated to help our garden grow. Try to win your favorite art treasure for yourself or a special gift. Bids for Silent Auction items start at half their value.
• MUSIC/PERFORMERS - WCBU 89.9 FM will have a booth at Rhapsody in Bloom and will broadcast from the event both days.
• FOOD - Participating food vendors will include:
• Haddad’s Restaurant - Lebanese cuisine, chicken, pork chops, brats, hog dogs
• Hickory Stick -  Pork Barbecue Sandwiches, Snow Cones
• BLOOM, ETC. -Luthy Botanical Garden is a beautiful setting for this unique arts festival, which includes some outstanding floral/herbal exhibits. Be sure to see Luthy’s newly redesigned Rose Garden too!           

• Bonsai Show - The annual Bonsai Show, presented by the Heart of Illinois Bonsai Club, is a natural fit with Rhapsody in Bloom. Always a popular and interesting show, the Bonsai Show features a variety of intricate specimens, and members of the Heart of Illinois Bonsai Club are on hand to provide information and answer questions.
• Peoria Herb Guild - The Peoria Herb Guild will have an informational booth where members will answer questions and provide information about edible and decorative herbs and herb gardens.

Admission to Rhapsody in Bloom is $3 per person. Children twelve and under are free. For more information about the event, call Ann Kizer, events coordinator, at Luthy Botanical Garden, (309) 686-3362.

Peoria – Register today or at the event to walk your dog to benefit the fenced Peoria Dog Park .   When: 9:00 a.m. Saturday, June 21, walk starts

Where: Lower Bradley Park – at Park and Farmington Roads

Registration/ t-shirt pickup starts at 8:00 a.m. Synchronized stretch at 8:30 a.m. with Mary Spangler leading walkers and dogs in stretching the muscles. Walk through beautiful Bradley park starts at 9:00 a.m. Fee of $15 prior to June 21 or $20 the day of the Walk includes a t-shirt. Each “six legged couple” requires a separate entry form. (One dog per human max.) Dogs must be on-leash.

Thanks to the generosity of SAM’S Clubs and Mars North America, the Peoria Park District’s Manual/West Peoria Youth Baseball District is receiving a new concession stand to be located at Franciscan Recreation Complex, 908 West Sterling Avenue in West Peoria. Volunteers started construction already. 

Donation of the stand is part of the SuperFan Concession program – a community relations effort sponsored by SAM’S Clubs and Mars North America to support youth sports programs in local communities, initiated in 2006,  The stands are built by SAM’S Clubs volunteers and stocked for the first time with products from Mars. The Peoria Park District is one of only 20 communities selected to receive a new concession stand in spring/summer 2008.

The 8’ x 8’ concession stand features a sloped, shingled roof, two service windows and a sign with white board space that can be used to customize the stand.   In addition to the stand, the Peoria Park District will receive a $100 gift card from Sam’s Club to stock the concession stand for the first time.  The new concession stand will be operated by the Manual/West Peoria Baseball Parents Association during the 2008 season.

GREEN VIEW NURSERY ANNOUNCES SEMINAR SCHEDULE FOR ANNUAL PERENNIALS ON PARADE EVENT 

Green View Nursery, an expert in plants and landscaping, will host their annual Perennials on Parade event on Saturday, June 14 and Saturday, June 21 at Green View’s Dunlap facility. 

Perennials on Parade focuses on the versatility and appeal of perennials. There will be informative perennial seminars and the opportunity to shop Green View’s incredible selection of colorful perennials and care products.  

This event is free and open to the public. For more information call Green View’sGarden Center at 309.243.7761 or visit Green View’s web site at www.greenview.com. Perennials on Parade Schedule:To reserve seating please call Green View at 309.243.7761. 

Saturday, June 14 - 10:00 a.m. “Pruning Principles for Perennials” Seminar by Randey Wall, Professor of Horticulture, Illinois Central College Learn the proper time and technique for pruning the perennials in your garden.

11:00 a.m. “Design, Texture & Form with Perennials” Seminar by Larry Stratton, Master Gardener Interested in using perennials in your landscape but don’t know where to begin? This seminar will help you decide which perennials to use and how to add them to your landscape.

Saturday, June 21 - 10:00 a.m. “Hosta & Other Shady Characters” Seminar by Glenn Herold, Professor of Horticulture, Illinois Central College Learn about shade-loving plants and how to care for them in your garden.

11:00 a.m. “Using Native Plants in Your Landscape” Seminar by Donna Sturm, Owner of Ancient Prairie Habitat Discover ways to incorporate native plants into your landscape or garden.

46th District Illinois State Senator Dave Koehler will present a public town hall meeting on Monday June 16, at the Alzheimer’s Association’s Peoria office, 606 W. Glen Ave. in
Peoria from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Koehler seeks input from the public on experiences with Alzheimer’s caregiving, to help make the case for increased state funding for Alzheimer’s care and research.

Koehler will present public input as part his case to the State of Illinois. Koehler will present to the state his belief that more needs to be done in Illinois to help caregivers and persons with Alzheimer’s. All members of the public are encouraged to attend, and not just those within Koehler’s district.

In 2009 the Illinois General Assembly is expected to draft legislation to fund Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, after receiving the Alzheimer’s Disease State Plan, which is currently in development by the seven subcommittees of the Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force.

The Alzheimer’s Disease State Plan was established by the 1985 Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Act which requires the Illinois Department of Health to provide the state with an Alzheimer’s disease assistance plan. The plan includes measures such as increasing public awareness about Alzheimer’s, developing and obtaining funding for services, improving patient care, and enhancing research.

Today, Alzheimer’s disease affects more than half million Illinois caregivers and persons with the disease. By 2025 it is estimated that 240,000 people in Illinois alone will have the disease. The causes for Alzheimer’s disease are unknown and there is no prevention or cure, although there are promising vaccines under research. The incidence of the disease is expected to increase each year due to longer life expectancies.

For each individual with the disease, there are countless family members, friends, or other caregivers who are personally or professionally committed to providing needed support and compassion.

If your life has been touched by Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, Illinois State Senator Dave Koehler and the Alzheimer’s Association, Central Illinois Chapter, would like to hear from you to “recommend changes to improve the state’s response to this serious health problem and develop a strategy to implement an Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementia State Plan in response to this public health crisis.”

Please come out to the agency at 606 W. Glen Ave. in Peoria, IL, on June 16 at 6:30 p.m. to voice your support for Alzheimer’s funding–voice your observations, experiences and any suggestions you have about how to improve the services and resources in Illinois that are available to support persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

Godfathers Pizza in Peoria and East Peoria on Wednesday, June 18th will donate 10% of it’s proceeds and  Beef O’ Bradys in Peoria on Wednesday, June 25th will donate 20% of its proceeds to the American Cancer Society. 

You must tell them you are with Relay for Life for the proceeds to go to the charity.

Introducing: “The Dirt is on Us” at Hoerr Nursery 

Hoerr Nursery is introducing a new self-service “Do-It-Yourself” potting bench for customers to plant their own containers. “It’s an idea we’re testing to enhance the gardening experience for customers. Containers are so popular now. And it’s fun to plant them. So we thought, why not set up a potting bench for customers right here. That way the messy part is here, and you take home your great-looking container,” said Bryon Rinkenberger, Production Team Manager. 

The idea is extremely simple:

1) Customer has a container and selects some plants from the thousands of annuals, herbs, vegetables, perennials, ground covers throughout the nursery sales yard.

2) The customer fills the container with soil (that Hoerr Nursery is providing at no charge) and

3) The customer pops the plants into the container. They can sprinkle some Osmocote fertilizer on, too. (Hoerr Nursery is also providing that at no charge.) All the customer pays for are the plants and the container.

“We even have some FREE containers available for the first ten customers who try out our Self-Service Potting Bench. We had over 45,000 annuals that we started from plugs this season, and we get new truckloads of inventory every day of the week, so we know we have an outstanding selection of annuals and other plants. And container gardening is a smart way to garden. We’ll be happy to help guide you if you need help picking out plants or deciding how many to put in, but we think this is going to be a fun station for our customers,” said Rinkenberger.

The “Dirt is on Us” Potting Station is being tested and there is no end-date specified for the program yet.

Girls’ Night Out Friday, June 20, 3 - 7pm AND Saturday June 21, 9am - Noon, at Hoerr Nursery  

A free event open to all. Rain or shine! GardenTalks, gift bags, drawings for free prizes (must be present to win), refreshments and Saturday Morning, a “Make It and Take It” session. Complete details at www.HoerrNursery.com or in-store.  

  “This is the fourth year for Girls’ Night Out at Hoerr Nursery. It is so much fun now that this year, it’ll flow over into Saturday, too—a two day event. Last year we had some ladies that simply did not want to leave. People really enjoy themselves. Women get to spend some time with their girlfriends, mom or daughters, while wandering through amazing plants AND having a chance to get ideas, enter for drawings, and get their horticultural questions answered,” said Jane Mason, Marketing Director, Hoerr Nursery. “And, with our fabulous covered greenhouse, we can hold the event rain or shine. This year we will be featuring live music by Seth Bradley. And by popular demand, we have a special display and talks on fairy gardens.”  

The theme of this year’s event is “Kick your Blues to the Curb.” With the economy causing “the blues” throughout the country, the creative team at Hoerr Nursery decided on a tongue-in-cheek theme. Several of the talks and a special landscape kit available for the first time ever at the nursery, will feature plants and flowers in shades of blue. “High gas prices, concerns over the economy–could get you down. And, there is so much media emphasis on the negatives, that we decided to have a little fun with it. Besides, blue flowers and plants with a blue color can bring a unique splash of interest to a container or garden around a lamppost or mailbox. So, ‘the blues’ is our theme this year,” said Jane Mason.  

Chicago recording artist, composer, songwriter and guitarist, Seth Bradley will be performing during the Friday night event and “the blues” will be part of his repertoire. 

At the event, coupons and offers will be available from Hoerr Nursery, the Shoppes at Grand Prairies, Her Majesty’s Tearoom in Downtown Dunlap, and drawings will include a fountain from Henri Studio, provided by Hoerr Nursery. FREE Coffee will be available from Not Your Average Joe Coffeehouse in Dunlap. Also there will be free refreshments including a sampling of outstanding tidbits by Chef More—your Secret Chef! Also available is one of the all-time favorites at Girls Night Out – free hand and next massages.  

 Schedule for Girl’s Night Out 

All items listed for Friday are FREE

2:00-7:00 – Adorable-usable Girls’ Night Out bag to first 350 customers.

3:00-6:00 - Chef Bill More will be presenting a tasty selection of nibbles featuring herbs from Hoerr Nursery

3:00-6:00 – hand and Neck massages by Massage Therapists

3:00-6:00 - “Seth Bradley” Chicago recording artist performing in person

3:30-6:00 - Arthritis Foundation information table

3:30-4:30 - Fairy Station - How to create a fairy garden

3:30-4:30 - Water Gardening - Create a mood with a water garden feature

4:45-5:30 - WMBD TV Environmental Action Award Ceremony

5:30-6:15 - “Kick Your Blues to the Curb” Use wonderful blue colored flowers to add delight to your landscape.

6:00-6:45 - “No Fuss Perennials,” retired wild life biologist, Richard Coon. Make it easy on yourself; attract birds & butterflies too!

3:00-6:00 – Refreshments

6:00 - Drawings for prizes 

Saturday, June 21, 8 until noon

8:00-Noon – Refreshments - FREE

10:00-11:00 - Fairy Station-How to create a fairy garden - FREE

11:00-Noon - Make It and Take It Dazzling Holiday Container. Register in advance, $27/person 

Color is a Blast! We’ll start with colorful Annuals to spark a Sizzling Season! Step-by-step, work with our creative Garden Center staff member, to create a colorful planter to be used as a centerpiece or focal point on your patio, holiday table or deck. Start with gorgeous annuals. Add some dazzle and pop. All materials provided. No experience necessary. One session. About 45 minutes. This is a really fun workshop – people last year just didn’t want to go home!  $27 per person. Register in-store or call (309) 691-4561.