What could $2,500 do to help rural communities in Illinois? Whether it will support a local agricultural youth group, or purchase new equipment for a school, Illinois farmers have the opportunity to win $2,500 for their community. The awards are available through Monsanto Fund’s America’s Farmers Grow CommunitiesSM program, a program now being offered in 1,201 counties across 38 states.
Governor Pat Quinn today visited a teacher supply store in Chicago to encourage shoppers to take advantage of the state’s first-ever back-to-school sales tax holiday. He reminded teachers who support their classes by buying supplies (out of their own pocket) that they will receive a 5 percent discount during the 10-day period. The sales tax holiday started Friday, Aug. 6 and continues through Sunday, Aug. 15.
What do you get when you combine science with fun? Putnamology! Explore hands-on science with local science experts in engineering, healthcare, agriculture, and building trades! Putnamology is a series of eight interactive learning workshops designed specifically for kids ages 10 and up to share with an adult. It’s early immersion into the world of science!
On Friday Aug. 20 , the ‘Pinta and the ‘Nina’ will open in Burlington. The ships will be docked at Oneida landing, at the foot of Bridge St., until their departure early Monday morning Aug. 30.
John Deere’s homes in Moline, Illinois, burst into bloom for Blossoms at Butterworth on Sunday, June 27 from 12-5 p.m. at 1105-8th Street. Visitors can enjoy the splendor of Butterworth Center’s impressive gardens, guided tours of the two homes, refreshments, and exciting activities from the 1800’s. Admission is free. For more information, 309-765-7971 or www.butterworthcenter.com
Through a corporate gift of $250,000 from John Deere, SAE International announces its new "John Deere/SAE International AWIM Learn Twice Initiative."
Black Hawk College – East Campus in conjunction with University of Illinois - Rock Island County Extension will be holding demonstrations on Friday, June 11 at 1 p.m. at the Black Hawk College – East Campus organic land lab (26230 Black Hawk Road, Galva, IL).
A new exhibit takes features animatronic dinosaurs in Prehistoric Playground at the Family Museum, 2700 Learning Campus Dr. in Bettendorf, Iowa. With over a dozen interactive dinosaur themed activities, children of all ages will discover the wonder and amazement of this engaging traveling exhibit (May 22-Sept. 5). Admission: $6. Hours: Mon. and Thurs. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 12 noon-5 p.m. For more information, call 563-344-4106 or visit www.familymuseum.org
A few openings remain for summer camp at the Deere-Wiman House in Moline. Designed for children ages 10-12, A Week in the 1800s offers exciting, hands-on activities with a historic, traditional flavor. “Children get the chance to experience the westward migration made by countless pioneers – including John Deere -- in a meaningful new way,” says Gretchen Frick Small, Deere-Wiman/Butterworth Center program director.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi River Project invites campers and the visiting public to attend campfire programs held at Clark’s Ferry and Shady Creek Recreation Areas. Throughout the summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, presenters will cover a host of topics for all to enjoy. As a reminder, all campfire programs are subject to cancellation or rescheduling in the event of rain or severe weather. Programming for the months of May and June include the following:
The Kids on Campus program is part of CSC’s ongoing mission to serve the entire community population by giving students the opportunity to challenge themselves, inspire learning and enhance their knowledge and life skills while having fun. Classes are scheduled at various locations throughout the district and cover a wide range of topics. You may register for most of these classes by phone at (309) 341-5260 or (877) 236-1862 ext. 5260, or in person at the Galesburg, Carthage, or Bushnell Campus. For more information about classes in your community, or to teach or request a class, you may contact CSC at (309) 345-3501.
Nine former residents of Galena will present their riveting stories in live theatre format on Saturday and Sunday, June 12 and 13, at Greenwood Cemetery in Galena, IL. Guided 75-minute tours will step out every 20 minutes between the hours of 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society’s 17th annual Cemetery Walk. An indoor “seated” performance at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 19, will be held at Grace Episcopal Church.
On Tuesday, May 11, a couple of unique demonstrations will be taking place in the organic field plots just east of the Black Hawk College - East Campus entrance. (Black Hawk College-East Campus - 26230 Black Hawk Road - Galva, IL)
The Viola Public Library, RNA Chapter 20066, and Book Buddies are hosting a Family Game Day on Saturday May 15 from 1-4 p.m. at the Viola Community Center next door to the library. Children and adults are invited to come play various games including Scrabble Slam, Pictureka!, Monopoly Deal, Clue, Farkle, Peanuts and others. Snacks will be provided but please bring your own drink.
Illinois high school seniors who plan to study agriculture-related majors in college have until May 14 to submit applications for the Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship program, State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias said today.
Girls and their families are invited to visit Camp Conestoga near New Liberty from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 6.
The camp, owned by Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois, will be open to allow families to see the camp’s facilities and enjoy fun activities. Families also can meet camp staff as well as staff from the Girl Scouts’ Quad Cities Area Service Center.
On Sunday, May 9 at 2 p.m., the Family Museum will release Painted Lady butterflies raised this spring in honor of Earth Day. For approximately four weeks, guests have been able to watch the caterpillars slowly transform into butterflies.
Visitors can cast their votes for the Legacy Scholarship at /www.refresheverything.com/theamericanlegionlegacyscholarship.
