AmySue Mertens, Extension Public Relations Specialist, is looking for a Chicago Master Gardener with a native plant garden for a CBS 2 TV feature on the growing popularity of these gardens. A film crew would come to your garden. Please contact AmySue ASAP at amertens@uiuc.edu if interested.

The Eckhart Park gardens are having regular workdays at Eckhart Park every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. throughout this month and are wondering if other Master Gardeners would like to help. The park is at 1331 West Chicago Avenue. We have expanded the gardens and they are looking better, but we need waterers and weeders.

There was a nice thing in this week's TimeOut Chicago magazine about Eckhart Park gardeners with two Master Gardener graduates in the photo.

To help out contact: Katy Murphy at cmurph52@hotmail.com

On July 14 we will be partnering with the Museum of Science and Industry to present the Chicago Bug Bash. This will be a one day event for kids and adults focusing on insects. This event is patterned after the Purdue Bug Bowl which draws 15,000 people each spring. Each volunteer will receive a T-shirt, free parking at the museum and a continental breakfast. Join us on this fun and educational day!

What: Chicago Bug Bash

A one day event devoted to insect activities for kids and adults. Volunteers are needed to assist with the following activities.

Insect Petting Zoo

Insect Games

Insect Crafts

Insect Face Painting

Wear an Insect Costume

Cricket Spitting Contest

Insect Information Table

Worm Composting

Cockroach Races

When: July 14 - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Museum of Science and Industry

57^th Street and Lake Shore Drive

Contact: Nancy Kreith to volunteer.

773-233-0476

krieth@uiuc.edu

NEXT SATURDAY–June 23–Garden Social
RESERVATONS: dougrwood@aol.com or (773) 278-9075
TICKETS: $20 Pay at Door (only 25 tickets left)
FUNDRAISER for the Park Gardens and Children's Programming

Wicker Park Garden Club Garden Social
DETAILS: www.wpgarden.org

Saturday, June 23...1-5 PM ALL TOURS BEGIN AT 1PM
Guided Tours of our Historic Neighborhood,
8 Gardens, and one Historic Home
Tour Ends With an Old Fashioned Garden Social
Food and Excellent Conversation.

Elaine Coorens' Wicker Park from 1673 thru 1929 and Walking tour Guide
Will be Available to you to purchase. See www.cci.biz

You will meet the gardeners and see:
1. 7 Parkway Gardens–All Different and Beautiful!
2. 8 Gardens featuring ornamental plantings for sun and shade, the incorporation of vegetables and fruit trees, water features, and beautiful container designs.
3. Tour the inside of one historic home.
4. Then enjoy one of Pat Linnerud's excellent Afternoon Socials.

The Widow Johnson House–On the Tour this Month
This 1889 Gothic Revival styled home sports one of the grandest turrets and dramatic stairwell bays in our neighborhood. The east wall is face brick rather than common brick masonry. The modified bay, with its shell support, decorative inserts under the first floor bay, and the entire decorative chimney structure, are noteworthy features of this home, which has been used for film and television including the ABC-TV series The American Dream. You will see the modifications made in the kitchen area to accommodate shooting that show. In addition, the owners will share stories about former tenants, and you will see beautiful period furnishings and other embellishments that the owners have collected on their travels.

Do you have a free Thursday morning to earn your volunteer hours in a great location?

We are returning to the Farmers' Market at Eli's Cheesecake Factoryat 6701 Forest Drive for the season. Opening day is June 21.

Last year we were available with an "Ask a Master Gardener" table three times for the season. This year Kathy Kirby, former Master Gardener, and Eli Cheese Cake employee, has invited us to return every week.

Volunteer Opportunity:

Ask a Master Gardener Table

Volunteers will answer gardening questions and distribute Extension Materials. All materials will be stored at Eli's for easy access. Eli's is a very welcoming place. They providea tables and chairs in a tented area. Volunteer alone, or with a friend.

Where: Eli's Cheesecake Factory at 6701 Forest Preserve Drive, adjacent to the outlet store.

When: Every Thursday morning, June 21 through October 25.

Time: 9:00 a.m. until Noon.

Contact Elizabeth to volunteer one or as many Thursdays as you want.

ebruhns@uiuc.edu

Did I mention that it is located adjacent to the Eli outlet store?

Elizabeth Bruhns
Master Gardener Coordinator
Cook County/Chicago

3807 West 111th Street
Chicago, IL 60655
773-233-0476 -Fax 773-233-0910

Come and be part of one of our priority projects for the 2007 growing season.

Here are reasons to consider this volunteer opportunity:

1. You can learn about growing vegetables as you work. The project manager, Jeanne Pinsof, is an organic vegetable expert. She lays out very clear directions for what needs to be accomplished each day.

2. This is a time to share what you know with eager, but supervised, children.

3. Lincoln Park Zoo is a beautiful area.

4. Parking is free for the day.

The Garden has extended the hours open to the public. There are now volunteer hours, 9:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., available on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

This is how Gloria Needlman describes her Master Gardener experience at LPZoo.

For the past five weeks I have eagerly looked forward to Wednesday mornings when I traveled to the Farm in the Zoo to work with groups of children and gardening. From the very little toddlers who want to move some dirt around with a spade, to the school age kids who are eager to pull weeds,takingthem to the composer and making it turn, spreading straw on the wet paths, tasting flowers from bok choy, or hunting for one ripe strawberry to the adults who ask questions about when and what to do with their gardens, help plant or pull weeds, each involvement was been a delight. There in the sun, the garden's growth from week to week was astounding. This volunteer time for me has been extraordinary--working with wonderful, knowledgeable people was been special.

We invite you to have this kind of experience at the Lincoln Park Zoo vegetable garden.

Contact:

Elizabeth ebruhns@uiuc.edu

Our annual field trip is going to happen! We have more than 40 participants for our June 28 field trip to Rotary Gardens in Janesville, WI. Your confirmation letters from City Ventures should be in the mail. Because we have more than 40 participants, City Ventures has ordered a larger coach and will continue to take further reservations until June 18.

THERE WILL BE NO MONTHLY MEETING IN JUNE. We simply have too much going on during the last week of June.

Monday,June 25 - Spring meeting for Master School Gardeners

Thursday,June 28 - Master Gardener Field Trip to Janesville, Wisconsin

Friday,June 29, - UIUC Extension Booth at Taste of Chicago

Saturday, July 30 - UIUC Extension Booth at Taste of Chicago

Thank you for your generous response to volunteer at the booth at the Taste of Chicago. We have ample volunteers for all but the two weekends. We still need help on June 30, July 1, July 7 and July 8. It is not too late to volunteer.

Contact: Elizabeth ebruhns@uiuc.edu

Hello Friends,

We still need a few more volunteers for the Plants at Play day this coming Saturday June 9th. If you can make it please let me know.

Thanks so much,

Harmony Picciuca

Garden and Volunteer Programs Coordinator

Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance

300 N. Central Park Avenue

Chicago, Illinois 60624

773.638.1766 x 24

hpicciuca@garfieldpark.org

NEEDED: VOLUNTEER FAMILY ACTIVITY FACILITATORS for PLANTS @ PLAY: A Special Family Event in the City Garden of the Garfield Park Conservatory

What: A hands-on activity station event highlighting the fun and imaginative aspects of plants.

Where: In the City Garden Lawn and Blue Stone Terrace

When: Saturday, June 9^th, between noon and 3 p.m.

What we need from you: We will station four to five activity areas in the back City Garden, and are in need of volunteers to help facilitate these stations when families drop in to participate. (Potential stations include making leaf kites, leaf crowns, helping visitors walk on coconut romper stompers, and more!)

Volunteer Check-In Area: Please check in at the volunteer station on the blue stone terrace (located straight outside the Desert House doors.) (This station will be staffed all day, so you can leave your belongings here. Park in the visitors parking lot, and explain to the front desk people you are here to volunteer, then proceed to the back city garden area.)

Volunteer Check-In Time: Please check in @ 11:00 a.m., so we have time to explain your activity post to you. We would love it if you could stay till 3:30 pm, but let us know if you have to leave early.

What Volunteers Should Wear: Something weather appropriate- though we will be stationing shade umbrellas throughout our stations, you may need to wear sunscreen. We will make sure you have plenty of water.

How to Sign Up: Email Harmonyat hpicciuca@garfieldpark.org or call1-773-638-1766 x 24 and let her know you would like to sign up. We will explain your post to you on the day of the event, as there will not be a training for this particular event.

Hello Friends of the Lurie Garden,

What are your plans for July 2 - 15? How would you like to share your gardening and/or composting knowledge with children and their families? The Lurie Garden is hosting gardening and composting activities in the Family Fun Tent located on the Chase Promenade from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during that two week period.

Volunteers are needed to demonstrate the City-approved composting bin and worm composting; provide information about good gardening practices and some of the plants in the Lurie Garden; assist with some "touch and feel" activities using soil and plant material; and oversee two craft projects using dried materials from the Lurie Garden.

The shifts will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Water and refreshment will be provided as well as lunch if you volunteer for the entire day. Although we encourage you to use public transportation to avoid traffic, parking will be available to our volunteers for this event.

This is our first time helping with this event and we are excited to be part of the many free Family Fun activities this summer in Millennium Park. See link below for more details:

http://www.millenniumpark.org/parkevents/family.aspx

If you are interested in helping us "spread the word" about composting and good gardening practices, let us know the day and shift that you are available. We will contact you with more detailed instructions closer to the event.

Thanks for your continued interest in the Lurie Garden.

Melanie Scott
Summer Tour Coordinator
Lurie Garden - Millennium Park
melanie.scott@cityofchicago.org

312-583-9906

Please contact Melanie directly.

Parenthesis, a non-profit organizations that has promotes better parenting skills with its programs would like to have a quarterly program at the Oak Park Conservatory to teach children aged 3-5 some basics in gardening.

They need two Master Gardeners for this; the Master Gardeners would have to develop the program andwould work directly with the Parenthesis director, Marilyn Strezak.

There would be 10-12 parents and 17-18 children at each quarterly program.

Parenthesis would like the first program to be held on July 31^st. Typically Parenthesis has dinner from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and the program would be immediately after dinner.

The Oak Park Conservatory would provide pots, potting soil, seeds, etc. The program could be pretty basic (planting a few seeds in a pot and showing the children how to make them grow). Parenthesis would like a seasonal theme, but the volunteers will have a free rein in designing the program.

Please contact Jackie Paine at via email at msjlpaine@aol.com and she will put interested Master Gardener volunteers in touch with Marilyn Strezak.

Comments: rwolford@uiuc.edu

Your response to our request for volunteers for the Extension booth at the Taste of Chicago has been outstanding! Thank you. We have three days completely staffed!

Here are the remaining openings:

Friday, June 29 -FILLED

Saturday, June 30 -Five spaces open

Sunday, July 1 - Six spaces open

Monday, July 2, Five spaces open

Tuesday, July 3, Three spaces open

Wednesday, July 4. Two spaces open

Thursday, July 5-FILLED

Friday, July 6-FILLED

Saturday, July 7 - Five spaces open

Sunday, July 8, Seven spaces open

Thanks for you help. This is going to be a great event for us!

Comments: rwolford@uiuc.edu

I want to share with you your accomplishments for just the month of May. Chicago Master Gardeners have so much of which to be proud!

During May you reported 1,052 new hours of volunteer time. That brings us to a total of 2,460 hours of volunteer time to date.

You reported 290 new hours of Continuing Education. That brings us to a total of 693 to date.

We reopened or added 21 locations of MG volunteer activity.

We added 46 new volunteer opportunities!

And, yes, you read a lot of emails, 40 general informational emails, from me!

Thank you for all of your hard work!

Elizabeth

We have only have ten spaces open for our field trip to the Rotary Gardens in Janesville, Wisconsin. The deadline is June 18. We usually get most of our applications during the last two weeks, so get your registration in ASAP. Don't miss having a space for this trip. It is going to be a great day!

Master Gardener Field Trip

Thursday, June 28

7:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.


7:45 a.m. - Depart Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 North Central Park, Chicago (Check-in 7:30am)

8:00 a.m. - Pickup Blockbuster Video, North Parking Lot, 109 South Harlem, Forest Park (Check-in 7:45 a.m.)

Experience the beauty of the 15-acre Rotary Botanical Gardens located in Janesville, Wisconsin

Tour the gardens with a horticultural expert and view the internationally themed botanical garden

Stroll through the French Garden, English Garden, Japanese Garden and Brazilian Garden

Rotary Gardens was selected as one of the sites of Ball Seed Trial Gardens for 2007

The Rotary mission of international peace and friendship permeates the garden

Stop at the unique gift shop and visitor's center

Explore the magical Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Illinois on your own

Admire this impeccably landscaped and authentic Japanese style garden consisting of lagoons, an impressive waterfall and re-creations of traditional Japanese buildings

Anderson Gardens has been rated the #1 Japanese garden in North America

Stop at the Rock Valley Greenhouse & Garden Center for a chance to stock up on your favorite hard to carry garden supplies & plants (Don't forget . . . there's plenty of room in the luggage compartment of your motorcoach!)

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a camera. This tour will be held rain or shine.

TOUR COST: $54/person (without lunch, add $14 for each box lunch) Minimum of 40 persons necessary.

Optional box lunch may be pre-ordered at additional cost of $14/lunch

Choose from Turkey Club or Roast Eggplant Sandwich; all lunches include veggies/dip, side salad, cookie, bottled water

Insufficient registrations will result in cancellation of tour. Reservations are not refundable, but are transferable to another person. June 18 is registration deadline.

Tour price: includes: Deluxe motorcoach transportation, guided tours and admission fees, City Ventures escorts, light refreshments on motorcoach,all tips and gratuities.

This tour was arranged for the Master Gardeners of Chicago by City Ventures, 708-386-5668 .

RESERVATION FORM-ROTARY GARDEN/ANDERSON JAPANESE GARDEN TOUR

Name(s)__________________________________________Phone_____________

Address__________________________________ City________________________ Zip Code_________________

_____ No. Tickets @$54/person _____ # Box Lunches@$14/lunch ______Club ______Eggplant _______Amount Enclosed

Pickup location: _______Garfield Park Conservatory ________Blockbuster Video, Forest Park


Please make checks payable to City Ventures Inc. and mail along with reservation form to:

City Ventures, Inc... 830 Belleforte Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302

For additional reservations, please attach separate sheet.

For information, call City Ventures, 708-386-5668

OPTIONAL BOX LUNCH AT ROTARY GARDEN: CHOICE OF:

TURKEY CLUB -A triple decker club on toasted fresh bread with turkey, tomato, bacon, and lettuce

ROASTED EGGPLANT SANDWICH – Chilled roast eggplant mixed with humus and sesame seed. Served with mozzarella cheese and grilled peppers on sun-dried tomato focaccia bread

All lunches come with veggies and dip, chef's choice of salad, a cookie, and a bottled water.

Lunch Price: $14.00

BOX LUNCH MUST BE PRE-ORDERED AND PAID FOR AT TIME OF TOUR REGISTRATION

Comments: rwolford@uiuc.edu

University of Illinois Extension

Academic Hourly (part time)

Cook County Extension Position Description

Job Description

Title: Horticulture Assistant

Purpose and Scope of Position

The Horticulture Assistant will work as a team member with other Cook County personnel. This person will implement assigned educational programs that are designed to foster the acquisition of knowledge and the development of individuals and communities in Urban Horticulture. Horticulture Assistants secure and coordinate the efforts of volunteers, facilitate planning and marketing efforts, and network and/or collaborate with community organizations and groups to address their educational needs.

This is a security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS (Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System) check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list will be conducted.

Administrative & Organizational Relationship

The Horticulture Assistant is administratively responsible to the Cook County Director and/or Associate County Director with program guidance, leadership and supervision from the Urban Horticulture Educator. This position is a part time hourly position and is contingent upon the availability of funds appropriated annually. The work will be done in a 25- 30 hour work week and a maximum of 7.5 hour day.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

1. Comply with all University of Illinois Extension Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines.
2. Prepare and maintain necessary records and reports
3. Schedule and attend Master Gardener classes and meetings.
4. Submit weekly itinerary of planned work activities.
5. Schedule and coordinate Master Gardener office coverage for response to public.
6. Assist in marketing the Master Gardener program and recruitment of Master Gardeners.

Major Responsibilities

1. Comply with all University of Illinois Extension and Cook County policies and procedures in programs, outreach and employment.

2. Work with Extension Urban Horticulture Educator in implementation and reporting of program evaluations for Master Gardener and Interns activities such as Master Gardener Information Desk, Speaker's Bureau, Urban youth gardening projects, and other community based volunteer programs.

3. Work with Extension Urban Horticulture Educator to maintain a database of all Master Gardener projects, collect and report all data and contact reports in the regional web-based Master Gardener reporting site.

4. Coordinate the development of the monthly Master Gardener Newsletter, Hort Happenings Newsletter.

5. Coordinate development of resources for the Speaker's Bureau program, confirmations, record keeping, promotion and publicity.

6. Assist in the scheduling of Master Volunteer's monthly meetings, continuing education opportunities, field trips and special events.

7. Assist in the coordination of Master Gardener project confirmations, program logistics and activities for specific program related tasks, such as travel, equipment, facilities use and other supplies.

8. Work with Extension Urban Horticulture Educator to respond to all consumer and volunteer requests for assistance in a timely manner and make concerted efforts to have University of Illinois Extension programs reach diverse audiences.

9. Assist in the dissemination of program efforts and horticulture information to the general public, targeted and underserved audiences and local politicians.

10. Networks and collaborates with community organizations to enhance the urban horticulture program.

11. Adhere to the University's and local unit's use of leave time (both vacation and sick).

12. Perform other duties that contribute to Extension programming as assigned.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

Credentials verified by placement office

1. Experience and/or training in Urban Horticulture or related field.
2. High school diploma (College degree is optional) 3. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
3. Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and teamwork.
4. Skill in dealing with people from varied ethnic/social/economic backgrounds.
5. Ability to organize and manage time.
6. Ability to compile, organize and maintain complex files, records and/or reports.
7. Knowledge and use of basic computer technology.
8. Ability to learn marketing and promotion techniques for program activities.
9. A personal automobile available for work.
10. Evidence of a valid driver's license and a minimum of automobile liability insurance.

Preferred

1. Two years of experience in work related to the job to be performed.
2. Experience and/or training in Horticulture or related field.
3. Familiarity with the community, the unit and Master Gardener program activities.
4. Skill in collaborating and working with diverse audiences.
5. An understanding of the history, objectives, organization, scope and methods of University of Illinois Extension.
6. Ability to work flexible day, evening and weekend hours.
7. Personal transportation ( candidates must be in compliance with state laws regarding automobile insurance)
8. Knowledge and use of computer technology (Computer literacy).

Office Locations:

Third District Circuit Court Building

2121 West Euclid Ave., Room 251

Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008

Tel. 847-818-2901

Cook County/North Suburban Unit

1699 Wall Street, Suite 500

Mt. Prospect, IL 60056

Tel. 847-437-6449

Application Procedures:

Letter of Interest relating to the position available

Current Resume

Three (3) current letters of reference (preferably sent directly by those providing the reference and should have full contact addresses).

High School Diploma and (any other diplomas or certificates you might possess).

Send Application materials to:

Deadline for application is June 30^th, 2007.

Theresa Tracy

Personnel & Outreach Coordinator

1699 Wall Street

Mt. Prospect, IL 60056

847-437-6449 X202

ttracy@uiuc.edu

For more information regarding the position, you can contact:

Anne Gachuhi

Horticulture Educator,

Cook County/North Suburban Unit

Lake Park Corporate Center

1699 Wall Street, Suite 500

Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056

847-437-6449