The state of education and what the future holds for education are the topics to be featured at an upcoming Chamber event.

The Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce’s Golden Apple Awards luncheon is set for Thursday, April 17. Registration starts at 11:15 a.m. and an Education Panel starts at noon.

According to a news release, panelists include:

* Dr. Richard Davenport, president, Minnesota State University, Mankato

* Dr. Melissa Krull, superintendent, Eden Prairie Schools

* Marty Patterson, interim president, Hennepin Technical College

* Joan Brzezinski, assistant director, China Center University of Minnesota

* Moderator is State Sen. David Hann

 “This program is going to be a great opportunity to hear firsthand how our education system is doing from kindergarten all the way up to four-year colleges. Businesses and residents alike have a strong interest in our education system from helping our kids learn and become educated adults to also having them be our future employees and business leaders. We encourage anyone interested in the education system or those involved in hiring employees to attend this program,” stated Pat MulQueeny, president of the Chamber, in the news release.

Golden Apple Awards are given to outstanding teachers, school projects and businesses that have shown their commitment to education and learning.  The luncheon  will be at Olympic Hills Golf Club, 10625 Mount Curve Road in Eden Prairie. The cost to attend the program is $25 for Chamber members and their guests, $40 for non-members. For more information, or to register, visit the Chamber Web site at www.epchamber.org or call 952-944-2830.

Business news

Scholarship
opportunities

The Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce announces two $1,500 scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors.

The Dr. Jean L. Harris Scholarship Award honors a high school senior who has promoted human rights, fostered diversity and an inclusive community spirit. This scholarship was previously awarded by the city of Eden Prairie’s Human Rights and Diversity Commission in honor of the legacy and work of the late Dr. Jean Harris, mayor of Eden Prairie between 1996 and 2001. Financial status and grade point average are not considered in the selection process.

The Student Citizenship Award recognizes a level of excellence achieved by a graduating senior who has participated in community affairs and has demonstrated academic responsibility.

Applicants for both scholarships must be graduating seniors who plan to pursue post-secondary education. Interested students must live in Eden Prairie, and may attend either public or private schools.

Applications are available on the chamber’s Web site at www.epchamber.org or by contacting the Chamber of Commerce at 952-944-2830.  The deadline for applications is 4 p.m. Friday, April 18.

Clinics, workshops set at The Mustard Seed

The Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Center has set the following free clinics and workshops:

* Tree Clinic – 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays, April 19, May 3 and Sept. 13 – An arborist will answer basic and technical tree and shrub questions. Questions can address any disease or insect concerns, selection and planting or tree and shrub care. The Mustard Seed has partnered with Rainbow Tree Care to offer this tree care clinic to all Carver, Scott and Hennepin County residents.

* Spring Container Gardening Workshop – 1-3 p.m. or 7-9 p.m. Thursday, May 8. Cost is $10 per pot. “Bring in your favorite pot or container and work with our experienced staff on how to mix and match different flowers and material to get the WOW! look on your front porch,” according to a news release. Limit 12 attendees. Cost includes soil and you get 20 percent off plants or pots purchased at the workshop.

* Fall Container Gardening Workshop – 10 a.m. to noon, 1-3 p.m. or 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18. Cost is $10 per pot. “Bring in your tired or favorite pot or container to receive a face lift for fall,” according to a news release. “We’ll have a great selection of grasses, mums and other unique fall flair.  The workshop is limited to 12 attendees.” Fee includes soil and you get 20 percent of plants or pots purchased at the event.

* Winter Container Gardening Workshop – 10 a.m. to noon, 1-3 p.m. or 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13. Cost is $10 per pot. “Bring in your summer pots and dress them up for winter with our great selection of evergreen branches and tops, berries, twigs and more to add cheer to your front porch or window box,” according to a news release. Limited to 12 attendees. Fee includes soil and you get 20 percent off materials and pots. Please call to reserve your spot today!

* Winter Decoration Workshop – 10 a.m. to noon, 1-3 p.m. or 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4. Cost is $35. “Get a jump start on decorating your home inside and out. Come learn how to make a Kissing Ball, Center Piece or Swag to take home with you,” according to a release. Come prepared with pruners and gloves and dressed to work in a cool greenhouse.

Workshops are offered to all residents of Carver, Scott and Hennepin County.

The Mustard Seed is four miles west of Highway 41 on Highway 212. For information, call 952-361-9954.