There's something for everyone!

6^th Annual Youth Astronomy Camp includes visit to planetarium
WATCH FOR 2012 DATES AND CONTENT

Volunteers from the Calumet Astronomical Society and astronomy professors from Purdue University Calumet will conduct activities at the PUC campus and the Conway Observatory at Buckley Homestead on August 5, 6, 12 & 13.

$40 per student ($5 for each additional participant from the same family)
Advance registration is required. Call 219-769-PARK
Check-in at PUC is 1 p.m. and dismissal is 4 p.m., rain or shine
Check-in at Conway is 8 p.m. and dismissal is 10:30 p.m. rain or shine

Session One: Friday, August 5 at Purdue University Calumet from 1 to 4 p.m.
Campers will meet in the lobby of the Gyte Building at PUC’s Hammond campus. Friday’s activities will include a planetarium show at the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana and creating a walking model of the solar system.

Session Two: Saturday, August 6 at PUC from 1 to 4 p.m.
Campers will again meet in the Gyte lobby. On Saturday, we will use the physics labs at PUC to build our own comet and our own telescopes. By constructing and learning about the telescope in a laboratory setting during the day, campers will be acclimated to it when they use it at night at Conway next week.

Session Three: Friday, August 12 at Conway Observatory from 8-10:30 p.m.
Campers will use the telescopes they made to examine the night sky. CAS volunteers will conduct a rotation of stations where (1) campers will take an astrophotograph; (2) the Conway telescope will be used to locate constellations and planets; (3) campers will view a Space/Astronomy video highlighting careers in the field; (4) campers will use a star chart to draw and label the constellations; (5) night sky viewing will be hosted by CAS volunteers; (6) small groups will tour NIRo, the Purdue Calumet Northwest Indiana Robotic Telescope.

For sessions three and four bring lawn chairs for seating and a flashlight covered with the cut off tip of a red balloon for night time use. In the event of rainy weather the class room will be used.

Session Four: Saturday, August 13 at Conway from 8-10:30 p.m.
Campers will complete the rotation stations not finished in session three.

General Information: The hands-on activities, recommended for students between 6^th and 12^th grade, keeps campers engaged in the exploration of the science of astronomy. Parental supervision is highly encouraged for all and required for youth in grades 6 – 8. The nominal fee includes a one-year membership to the Calumet Astronomical Society (a $40 value). Only registered participants and chaperones will be permitted during the program. Registrants who participate in at least three of the four sessions will be awarded a “Certificate of Beginning Astronomer” from CAS and PUC.

2011 CLASS IS FILLED

Conway Observatory at Buckley Homestead
Tuesdays May 31 – July 10 8 to 11 p.m. $100.00
Register early as class size is limited. Call 219-769-7275

The Calumet Astronomical Society will be conducting classes in Astrophotography this summer at the Thomas Conway Observatory in Lowell at Buckley Homestead County Park. During the eight weeks of classes participants will be treated to a comprehensive course covering all aspects of taking pictures with telescopes. No prior photography or astronomy experience is necessary. Class nights will combine lessons in Conway’s media room and practical exercises using the observatory facilities. Equipment will be provided. Local astrophotographers Christopher Brownewell and Tom Pappalardo will share their expertise as instructors. For more information, see www.casonline.org/CAS/Astrophotographyclasses.html

CAS Events

Calumet Astronomical Society public observing dates

The volunteers of the Calumet Astronomical Society invite you to explore the wonders of the universe when they present their popular free public programs. Volunteers will guide visitors in the use of telescopes and astronomical binoculars as they observe the majesty of the skies. Star charts, club information, and astronomy-related activities are presented.

The events are open to everyone. Families and school groups are especially welcome. Because observing is conducted in a “lights-out” environment, parents are requested to keep their children under close supervision. For the safety of our visitors and members, and to prevent damage to equipment, running or other reckless activities will not be permitted. Please do not use standard flashlights in the observing area. Exposure to white light, even briefly, will seriously impair night vision making observing difficult. Red filtered flashlights can provide illumination without affecting night vision. You can easily make a red light by cutting the end off a red balloon and putting it over a standard flashlight.

Remember, after sunset temperatures may drop rapidly so dress appropriately for changeable weather. Programs are naturally dependent on cloud cover and weather conditions. Inclement weather will cause these programs to be cancelled. HOTLINE – CAS has established a "hotline" telephone number for information on our events - 773-639-5491. This provides updated information about CAS events and weather cancellations on short notice.

More information about CAS may be obtained online at www.casonline.org

CAS PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE OBSERVING EVENTS FOR 2012

March 3	Open House viewing for Mars Opposition	6:30pm-9:00pm
April 28	Open House viewing for National Astronomy Day	8:30pm-11:00pm
May 19	Open House viewing for Saturn Opposition	8:30pm-11:00pm
June 4	Partial Lunar Eclipse viewing	12am-5am
June 6	Venus Transit viewing	3pm-10pm
July 8	Open House viewing	9pm-11:30pm
August 10-11	Annual Youth Astronomy Camp (Pre-registration required, see www.LakeCountyParks.com or call 219-769-PARK for more information)	8pm to 10:30pm
August 25	Open House viewing	8pm-10:30pm
September 29	Open House viewing	7:30pm-10:00pm
October 20	Open House viewing	6:30pm-9:00pm
November 17	Open House viewing	5pm-7:30pm

Conway Observatory at Buckley Homestead is located 4.5 miles west of Interstate 65 just south of Route 2. Exit I-65 west at Rt. 2 toward Lowell to Hendricks Road, then south to the “T” at Belshaw. East (left) on Belshaw to the first right (Chase Street) and south for one mile.

The Millinery Parlor at Buckley Homestead
Wednesdays January 11 - February 29, 2012 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Bring your sewing machine and lunch when we transform the maintenance barn at Buckley Homestead into a Millinery Parlor. Join us in making hats and costumes for our living history farm and other programs throughout the park department. We need everyone even if you don’t sew! We need people to iron and pin patterns to fabric. The days are filled with laughter and good will, all the while making costumes to be used on park sites for volunteers. So mark your calendar for Wednesdays and join us for volunteer sewing. Please call to let us know you are coming 219-947-7275. Ask for Megan or email MeganF@lakecountyparks.com

Enjoy a walk in your favorite Park and take a trash bag with you. If everyone picks up a little bit of litter, we can keep our parks clean. Better yet, don't litter in the first place. By doing service-projects on National Public Lands Day, people across the country are not only taking care of public lands and giving back to their communities, but restoring places to play and connecting with nature. You will also be helping raise awareness about the vital role of play in the health and happiness of America's children.

Cooperative Special Recreation Initiative Events
The Cooperative Special Recreation Initiative is a partnership between the park and recreation departments of Cedar Lake, Crown Point, Dyer, Highland, Lake County, Merrillville, Munster, Schererville, and St. John and Community Hospital, the Hammond Port Authority and several volunteers. CSRI is a cooperative venture seeking ways to increase recreational opportunities for individuals of all ages who have special needs and abilities. To receive announcements of upcoming activities email CSRI at csri2004@yahoo.com or call one of the sponsoring agencies.

Help save postage and be more environmentally friendly by going paperless. We are keeping a CSRI email list so notifications of events can be sent out as they approach. If you are interested in being added to the CSRI mailing list or need to correct an address, name or contact person, please email csri2004@yahoo.com

The following event list is provided so you can “save the date.” Registration may not begin until a later date as decided by the host agency. Typically full information will be emailed closer to the date of the event. Most programs have a registration fee and require advance registration. Click Here CSRI 2011 CALENDAR OF EVENTS (pdf format)

2012 fall favorite - The CSRI Wheelchair Accessible Hayride
For families with special needs presented by the Lake County Parks

Come to Oak Ridge Prairie for a fantastic fall experience including music, snacks, crafts, games and a hayride. Our specially designed hayride wagon is wheelchair accessible and can transport two people in wheelchairs per trip. Families bringing people in wheelchairs will reserve their hayride time at the time of registration. All other guests will be assigned a hayride time upon arrival. Each hayride is about 20 minutes long. The last hayride will depart at 4 p.m. or when all in attendance have had a ride, whichever comes first.

2012 CSRI Winter skating party - Fun both on and off the ice
For families with special needs presented by the Lake County Parks

This private ice skating party is just for families with special needs. The ice plaza is outdoors. Next to the plaza is a cozy, heated, eatery with concessions for sale and crafts and games for the kids. Walkers designed for the ice are provided for young skaters or anyone who is unsure of their balance. Participants are welcome to go on the ice in their sneakers or boots. There will be fun and games indoors and out; including crafts, the Hokey Pokey, and MORE.

REMEMBER OUR VETERANS EVERY DAY of the YEAR at Stoney Run County Park. Click this link for Memorial Day and Veteran's Day services information Veteran's Recognition Services at Stoney Run

Lemon Lake County Park – regional draw for Disc Golfers
New . . . season passes available for disc golfers. It’s a great alternative for disc golfers who play the park often. Instead of paying the daily parking and player fees, the annual pass will pay for itself in no time. The pass, similar to that of Dogwood Run, includes the season parking pass. Partial proceeds go to support the development of the disc golf courses.

With four 18-hole courses design for the beginner to the professional, there is certainly an opportunity for those at any level of play. For information about tournaments, leagues, and other play go to www.redrocdiscgolfclub.com or email redrocdiscgolf@yahoo.com with questions.

Lemon Lake Disc Golf Course is one of the premiere courses in the Midwest. Bringing in disc golfers from surrounding states, this tournament is challenging to play and fun to watch. Novice and Amateur players can expect advice and support from the pros while they play in this prestigious tournament. Cheer on the players as they astound you with the distance, accuracy, and strategy of their play. Professional, amateur, novice, and junior players are encouraged to participate.

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT INDIANA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: To improve our ability to accommodate more players, sign-ups for the Indiana State Championships will be pre-registration only. You will be able to sign up online at www.PDGA.com or by mailing a check/money order to "Red Roc Disc Golf Club" c/o Brian Cummings 8036 Jefferson St., Munster, IN 46321.

The format for all future PDGA tournaments at Lemon Lake will be pre-registration only except the Homie’s Memorial.

Looking for volunteers: If you want to volunteer to work on any of the four courses, please contact the course managers for assignments:
Red course: Jay Svitko - VM (480) 292-0257 or email: redrocdiscgolf@yahoo.com
Blue course: Mike Triumph - VM (219) 765-9320
White course: Tim White - VM (219) 669-7051
Silver/Gold course: either Kirk Romandine - VM (708) 528-7011 or Bart Zandstra - VM (800) ROKNROL - email: bart@channelzdj.com

Remember Matt, Meet his friends, Hear his stories, Feel his spirit, Celebrate his life.
Lemon Lake County Park Disc Golf Course October 9, 2011 First Tee time: 9:30 a.m.

Pre-Registration strongly suggested. Make checks payable to Red Roc DGC. Include name, address, phone, PDGA#, division, and shirt size with your check to: Red Roc DGC, 8036 Jefferson St., Munster, IN 46321

For more information call Brian Cummings at 219-836-8240 or 1-800-636-2001 or see the web at www.redrocdisgolf.com

If you know what a hyzer and an anhyzer are you’ll likely be excited about the new developments at Lemon Lake County Park. There are now four/five 18 hole disc golf courses. Some are short and some are have longer and more challenging fairways. Over the past ten years the courses have been completed by volunteers from the Red Roc disc golf club, coordinated by local professional disc golfer Brian Cummings, in partnership with the Lemon Lake park staff.

What’s disc golf? It’s similar to ball golf but instead of hitting golf balls, players throw Frisbee-like discs at a basket. It’s a lot more challenging than you might think. That’s where the hyzer and anhyzer come into play. A hyzer is when a player uses a backhand throw. The disc’s flight arc causes it to fall in the direction opposite of the throwing arm. An anhyzer is when a disc’s flight arc falls in the same direction of the throwing arm. Okay, enough of the technical stuff. While the game, played at the pro level, can be complicated, it is also an activity that is easy to learn and lots of fun. Cummings emphasizes that many of the holes at Lemon Lake have been designed for beginner play. Beginners generally don’t take on the really challenging holes until they learn several different types of shots.

If you’re thinking that disc golf is a new sport, think again. The Professional Disc Golf Association, the game's non-profit governing body, was founded in 1976 in California. Today the PDGA is run by the players and is overseen by a volunteer board of directors who are elected by the 11,531 members who play in more than twenty countries on five continents.

It’s a sport that’s challenging to the individual, just like ball golf, but it’s much less expensive and very open to new players. Lemon Lake has wonderful courses because of its rolling hills, elevation changes, some tight wooded fairways and some open ones. “We, who’ve been involved for many years, know that the growth of the sport depends on young people getting involved. The rules are simple, the Lemon Lake courses are the best, and people really enjoy the scenery of the park. Everyone should give disc golf a try,” says Cummings in his traditionally enthusiastic way.

Red Roc and the park host three major events each year in addition to regular play and leagues. The Frozen Tundra is played in February regardless of weather conditions. Some years participants play all day in snow and freezing drizzle. “That’s the fun of the tournament. You never know what conditions you’re going to be playing in,” says Cummings, who nearly succumbed to frostbitten toes one especially treacherous year. He now has a warm pair of boots. “This tourney really brings out the disc golf nuts, especially if the weather is really bad,” adds Cummings. He calls it an amusing event that attracts the hardcore players, but is still fun for beginners. The tournament generally attracts about 60 players.

Cummings has also noted an increase in winter disc golf play. “All you have to do is dress warmer. It’s still competitive and gives you a chance to enjoy the winter weather. When it was around 40 degrees over the Christmas break, there were lots of players at Lemon Lake,” Cummings noted.

Last year the Indiana State Disc Golf Tournament, held at the park, had 182 players vying for honors in the recreational, intermediate, advanced, and professional divisions.

The other annual event is the Matt Lovasko Memorial “Homies” Tournament on the second Sunday in October sponsored by Matt’s family in memory of Matt’s enthusiasm for the game. Last year 240 golfers competed. For the kick-off, instead of the usual moment of silence in memory of Matt, the crowd conducts an energetic moment of noise.

The courses are gaining good reputations because the holes are diverse, mixing open space fairways with tight ones. The Red Course has a total of 5,762 feet with a par of 61. The Blue Course has a total of 5,341 or 5,936 feet depending on the tee box with a par of 57. The Silver Course has a total of 6,417 feet with a par of 60. Gold Course tee pads adjoin the Silver course. The White Course opened in 2009.

It’s a good balance and attracts players of all calibers. Cummings and fellow members of the Red Roc disc golf club have assisted park staff, led by park manager April Brown, in developing the courses over the years. Continuing development relies on a strong cooperation between the club and the county park department. “It’s the only course in Indiana to have 72 permanent holes (baskets).

All events are held at Lemon Lake County Park, 6322 W. 133^rd Avenue just east of Cedar Lake. For information about the tournaments call Cummings at 219-836-8340. For park information call 219-769-PARK.

Attend monthly meetings to learn about gardening – trees, shrubs, flowers, herbs, and the lawn. Led by Lake County Parks Horticulturist, Bryan McKay, members will hear lectures, see demonstrations, receive tips and techniques, and have their gardening questions answered. Members have access to the Park Department’s greenhouses and volunteer in the gardens at Deep River County Park, Deep River Waterpark, Turkey Creek Golf Course, Stoney Run Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial and other park facilities. This is an active club. * Location may change depending on the projects being accomplished. Anyone not on the newsletter list may wish to call 219-947-7275 to check the location prior to attending their first meeting.

Members receive a monthly newsletter and may enjoy outings to area gardens. For information, call 219-947-7275 NEW PHONE NUMBER

Spring and Fall are great times to increase or change plant varieties in your garden. One way to do this is to swap perennials. So pot your perennials, identify them and bring them to the Plant Swap to exchange for others. Gardening staff will be on hand to give information on planting and care of your new varieties. Also, bring empty containers for plants that may be divided and exchanged. Don’t be late....plants go fast!

Stoney Run County Park        Saturday, August 27               1 - 3 p.m.
Event is free                           Park gate fee is charged
Meet at shelter 2                    Pre-registration required
Cachers may register at the www.geocaching.com using the GC code GC2YBYY or search by ZIP code 46355
Non-cachers may call 219-769-PARK to sign up

Beginners, curious on-lookers, and experienced geocachers are invited to meet and greet for an afternoon of geocaching fun. BYO snacks, drinks and bug spray. Geocaching is a techno-gadget game sweeping the globe! Almost anywhere you travel, you can hunt for secret stashes hidden in plain view. This family-friendly game is a great way to get out and get active with your kids, your friends, your dog, or by yourself! All you need is a GPS receiver and access to the Internet.

Are you new to geocaching? We will try to put you with experienced cachers. There’s no better way to learn. Check out the web at www.geocaching.com to get the basics.

There are twelve parks and other natural areas in the Lake County system, many of which are popular locations for geocaching. Since geocaches are generally placed off the trail, and we discourage off trail usage, we require respectful placement of caches in places where damage to the park is unlikely to occur.

Permission is required prior to placing a cache in any of the Lake County Parks. Geocaching is banned at Gibson Woods Nature Preserve and in certain sensitive areas of other parks as well as on the golf courses and at Deep River Waterpark.

Scout the area of the park where you wish to place a cache and then contact info@lakecountyparks.com with a request providing the specific area of a particular park for each cache. The Lake County Parks coordinator will contact the park manager who will verify the acceptability of the location(s). Do not place your cache until approval is received. Once approval is granted via email you may place the cache in the park and post it on www.geocaching.com.

The staff and volunteers for the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department appreciate the efforts of the many geocachers in the park system. We have certainly seen an increase in visitation at some of the parks directly due to the placement of geocaches.

            Cutting edge astronomical research and project-oriented science education is in the offing, thanks to a $150,000 National Science Foundation grant Purdue University Calumet has received and will apply to the purchase of a state-of-the art, high-powered robotic telescope.
            According to Purdue Calumet Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy Adam Rengstorf, the Northwest Indiana Robotic (NIRo) Telescope will contribute to expanded astronomical knowledge through high-quality research, advanced Purdue Calumet astronomical and physics course and laboratory curricula, improved science education in area middle schools and robust opportunities for community outreach activities.
            The 20-inch, advanced Ritchey-Chretien reflecting telescope will be equipped with a thermoelectrically cooled CCD (charge-coupled device) imager, capable of producing a distortion-free image covering a field of view nearly as large as the full earth moon.
            NIRo will be housed at the Calumet Astronomy Center at Buckley Homestead County Park in Lowell. Already on the site is the Thomas Conway Observatory, which is operated by the volunteers of the Calumet Astronomical Society. The location provides a darker sky for better, more unobstructed viewing than other northwest Indiana location, including Purdue Calumet.
            “The NIRo observatory will provide a platform for education and research featuring rich datasets of various astronomical phenomena,” Slavin said. “Purdue Calumet students will soon have the ability to learn the science of astronomy through discovery from authentic data that they themselves obtain with the robotic telescope.”
            Rengstorf added, “The NIRo Telescope will enable laboratory sections of our 200-level astronomy courses to be completely revamped to incorporate actual data. More advanced observational experiments will be available to our physics majors, independent research projects will also be possible, and there is the potential for cross-over projects with engineering, mathematics and computer science students.”
            Robert Rivers, dean of Purdue Calumet’s School of Education, calls the NIRo Telescope “an exciting addition to the earth/space science curriculum” of local middle and high schools. “Purdue Calumet’s Center for Science and Technology Education will work with physicists at Purdue Calumet to design exciting, hands-on astronomy projects using the robotic telescope that may allow secondary students to either study known sky objects and events or, even better, to make original discoveries of their own,” he said.
            The $300,000 project is a collaborative effort of Purdue University Calumet and astronomy/physics professors Rengstorf and Shawn Slavin, along with the volunteers of the Calumet Astronomical Society and the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department. All are partners in the development of the Calumet Astronomy Center (CAC), which is assuming a role of coordinating astronomical education, outreach and research in northwest Indiana.
            Purdue Calumet is contributing an additional $50,000 to the project. Fundraising efforts are underway to secure the remaining $100,000. Donations may be made to Purdue University Calumet (CAC on the memo line, please) and can be mailed to PUC Office of Advancement/Lawshe Hall, 2200 169^th Street, Hammond, IN 46323-2094. For more information about the project contact Prof. Rengstorf at adamwr@calumet.purdue.edu or visit www.calumet.purdue.edu/cac/