Posted: Friday, August 31, 2007 12:00 am
Horticulture trip planned
RACINE - Gardeners and horticulture enthusiasts will have the opportunity to view the most popular and cutting-edge flower, vegetable and other plant species through a trip hosted by Alpha Beta Hortus Club, the Gateway Technical College horticulture club.
The club will host an all-day trip Thursday to Ball Horticulture, an international horticulture company with world headquarters in West Chicago. The motorcoach trip begins at 8:30 a.m. and departs from the Horticulture Building on the west side of Gateway's Kenosha Campus, 3520 30th Ave.
The trip is expected to arrive at the Ball Display Gardens at 10 a.m. The 16 display gardens showcase a variety of plants and gardening types and styles. They are interesting to garden and horticulture enthusiasts because Ball produces many of today's most popular bedding plants and the gardens will feature many of the latest trends.
Ball's international business reach will also allow participants to see a range of plants grown internationally. It is a great opportunity for gardeners and horticulturalists to network as well as see an international horticulture corporation very close to the Kenosha area.
From there, the trip will include a tour of the company's seed storage and package facility. Participants will see how seeds are cleaned and processed on a large scale to be sold to greenhouses throughout the world.
The final leg of the trip will give participants a look at the Big Blue Machine at the Elburn, Ill., Ball research facility. The machine is an all-encompassing system that mixes, fills and plants seedlings into nearly all container sizes. It is the latest piece of technology for greenhouses.
The trip is expected to return to Kenosha at 4 p.m. Cost is $10 for the public, and participants are asked to bring a bag lunch to eat on the bus. Soda and water will be provided. To reserve a seat or for more information, call Kate Field at (262) 564-2418 or send e-mail to at :fieldk@gtc.edu
Health fair set for Sept. 8
Racine Kin Connection and Next Generation Now will hold its third annual Health and Information Fair from noon to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 8 in the Racine room on the lower level at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare All Saints, 3801 Spring St.
This intergenerational event honors grandparents/seniors and their families. It includes:
* Health screenings and current trends in preventative healthcare.
* Representation by local clubs.
* Hands-on crafts and entertainment.
* Local resource organizations.
* Offerings by the Racine Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department.
* Information for Racine seniors and seniors raising children.
* Racine educational resources.
* Racine's heritage and genealogy information.
There is no admission fee. Local businesses have donated a variety of door prizes and the first 100 people will receive goodie bags.
Junior League has new officers
RACINE - The Junior League of Racine Inc. has elected the following new officers for the upcoming year: Autumn Latimore, president; Liz Powell, president-elect; Amy Haertel, recording secretary; Heather Dickert, corresponding secretary; and Carrie Johnson, executive treasurer.
The Junior League is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community projects that enhance the well-being of children.
The first meeting of the year will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at UnCorkt, 211 Sixth St. New members are welcome.
Girl Scouts plan sing-a-long
RACINE - In celebration of the 95th anniversary, Girl Scouts of Racine County Inc. would like to invite current Girl Scout members, alumnae and the general public to a sing-a-long, Still Singing After All These Years, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at Monument Square, Sixth and Main streets.
It is anticipated that more than 500 Girl Scout members from around southeastern Wisconsin will celebrate 95 years of building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.
Troops will lead traditional and not-so-traditional songs such as "Make New Friends," "Brownie Smile Song," and "Little Green Frog." Souvenir packets are available for $10 each and must be ordered by Sept. 8. The packets include an event T-shirt, patch and songbook. Event sponsors include Minuteman Press of Racine and Lite Rock 92.1.
For more information or to order a souvenir packet, call the Girl Scout Service Center at (262) 598-0909 or (866) 534-5715.
Girl Scouts to host carnival
ROCHESTER - In conjunction with Rochester's "Day in the Country" event on Sept. 15, Girl Scouts of Racine County Inc. will host a carnival and recruitment drive in Pioneer Park, 101 S. Front St.
The carnival will include a cake walk, 25-cent carnival games with prizes, face painting and food. Children of all ages are welcome.
Girl Scout troops are now forming. Parents are encouraged to register their daughter during this event. For parents who wish to learn more about volunteering or how their daughter can take advantage of the opportunities provided by Girl Scouts, local Girl Scout troop leaders will be available to answer questions.
For more information, call Lisa Schmidt at (262) 210-8287.
Autism support group outing set
RACINE - The Autism Solutions Support Group is offering a family outing from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 17 at Skatetown USA, 1825 Sycamore Ave. The cost is $4 per child (parents not skating do not have to pay).
Skatetown is willing to not dim the lights if children are light sensitive or scared of it being darker. Skatetown also will not have the music as loud if they are having issues with sound sensitivities. Snacks will be sold. If a football game is on that evening, the television will be on for viewing. Some resource information and autism awareness merchandise will also be available.
For reservations or more information, call Cindy Schultz at (262) 639-3041.