LAFAYETTE, Ind. — For the second year, residents can safely dispose of their expired or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications through “Operation Medicine Cabinet.” Event sponsor Home Instead Senior Care in Lafayette is partnering with the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office, Rosewalk Commons, and the West Lafayette Go Greener Commission for the one-day event that allows the public to safely dispose of expired or unwanted drugs.

“Operation Medicine Cabinet is a valuable community service that educates the public on how proper disposal not only protects loved ones from accidental ingestion but also helps protect the environment,” said Chris Irons, owner of the Lafayette Home Instead Senior Care.

Many residents flush their medications down the toilet or down a drain, he said. “But Indiana’s wastewater treatment system is not designed to remove these types of contaminants from the water supply.”

“In addition, pets and children can access medications that are carelessly thrown away in the trash,” said Irons. “Proper disposal also prevents illegal use of the drugs or theft of identity from prescription labels.”

Operation Medicine Cabinet will be held in two locations on Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rosewalk Commons senior community, 250 Shenandoah Drive, in Lafayette, and in the Cumberland Park farmers’ market parking lot in West Lafayette. Collection will be supervised by the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department and properly incinerated by the animal crematory at Hippensteel Funeral Home.

For more information, contact Jeanise Delano at (765) 447-8800.

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — St. Elizabeth Regional Health’s Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy department and Sigma Sports Medicine will sponsor a summer fitness and nutrition camp from 8 a.m. to noon on Monday, June 16 through Friday, June 20. Another session will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Monday, July 14 through Friday, July 18. The camp will take place at Happy Hollow Park, 1301 Happy Hollow Rd. in West Lafayette.

The week-long camp will keep children active with the fun of fitness as well as teach them about nutrition and making the right choices. Children will also learn nutritional tips on how to be healthy and how to live an active lifestyle. This camp is designed for boys and girls ages 9 to 14.

The camp will be taught by Tom Ragle, ATC/L. Cost is $25.

Registration is required. To register or for more information, please call (765) 423-6885.

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (Lafayette Online) — The Lafayette Symphony Orchestra will hold auditions for the 2008 Keller Competition from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 211 Knox Drive, in West Lafayette, Indiana.

A panel of professional judges will select up to three musicians to perform with the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, said Karen Goff, chairwoman of the Keller Competition Committee and a member of the LSO’s Education/Outreach Committee.

Winners will be announced shortly after the auditions are completed and posted on the symphony’s Web site at http://www.lafayettesymphony.org/. They are slated to perform with the Lafayette Symphony at the Dec. 6 concert in the Long Center.

“The Keller Competition, marking a milestone 35th year, promotes quality musicianship, high achievement in musical performance for students from throughout the Lafayette-West Lafayette region,” Goff said. “I am so proud the LSO sponsors this excellent competition because it confirms that in both school music programs and in private applied studios, quality music teaching takes place every day to support, encourage and challenge local young musicians.”

Musicians age 22 and younger compete at the annual Keller Competition for the opportunity to perform as featured soloists with the LSO.

The Allan W. Keller Memorial Award was established in 1973 to honor Allan Keller, a former LSO treasurer and supporter. Each year, young musicians compete for the opportunity to perform as featured soloists with the LSO and each winner is granted a cash prize.

Over the years, a number of Lafayette-West Lafayette area musicians have advanced to prominent music schools, performed at top musical venues and attained significant success with their instrument, whether that be violin, cello, voice, clarinet, trumpet, flute or percussion.

The 2007 Keller Competition winners were Christian Schrock of Covington, Jinty McTavish of Lafayette and Nathan Kross of West Lafayette. They performed during the LSO “Classical Holiday Celebration” concert on Dec. 15, 2007.

“We view the Keller Competition as a cornerstone for the LSO’s commitment to education and outreach as we grow our regional orchestra,” said LSO music director Nicholas Palmer. “Through this wonderful and longstanding program, we can tap into the local and area schools, employers and organizations to expand the symphony’s reach and offer professional performance opportunities for the region’s young musicians.”

Launched in 1950 as a non-profit organization, the 70-person Lafayette Symphony Orchestra is focused on enriching the cultural life of the West Central Indiana community and 14 surrounding counties through excellence in orchestral music and educational experience.

About 80 percent of its patrons are from Lafayette, West Lafayette and Tippecanoe County, while the remainder are from the surrounding counties of Benton, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Fountain, Howard, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Pulaski, Tipton, Warren and White.

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (Lafayette Online) — As part of its Sabbatical 2008 Series, First Baptist Church of Lafayette will host a weekend retreat, June 6-8, 2008, with Dr. Stephen W. Robbins, President of RobbinsNest Ministries, and author of Transforming Beliefs: Spiritual Guidance through the Apostles’ Creed. Friday, June 6, at 7:00 p.m., Dr. Robbins will speak on the book topic, and will be available to sign copies of his book at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Dr. Robbins will lead participants in a workshop on Saturday, from 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Participants will be exploring the art of conversation with God and how to grow in an interactive relationship with God.

Sunday, June 8, Dr. Robbins will lead worship at 11:00 a.m.

The Sabbatical 2008 Series is made possible through a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc.’s Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations.

For additional information, please contact Dr. Rod Zambrows at: rodzfbc@gmail.com

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (Lafayette Online) — CityBus is inviting Lafayette and West Lafayette drivers to “Dump the Pump” and ride the bus instead. To kick off its campaign highlighting the financial and environmental benefits of public transportation, CityBus invites everyone to ride free all day on all routes on Thursday, June 19.

Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski and West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis have proclaimed June 19 “Dump the Pump” Day in the two cities.

“We’re citing the high price of gas as just one reason to consider CityBus for regular commutes,” said General Manager Martin Sennett. “There are many more benefits — less traffic congestion, better air quality because greenhouse gases are reduced, and the convenience of having someone else drive. Using public transportation is an easy and significant way to reduce fuel consumption, save on spending and help the environment.”

“By experiencing the ease of riding, we believe many commuters will realize what a benefit public transportation is to our community and world and make the decision to become everyday riders,” said John Metzinger, manager of development.

“Dump the Pump” is a nationwide campaign coordinated by the American Public Transportation Association. Many cities across the U.S. are participating by offering free rides.

CityBus operates a fleet of 73, including four hybrid busses. It logged nearly 4.7 million passenger trips in 2007, including more than 340,000 on the free downtown/Purdue trolley. Its mission is to be a proactive community partner, striving to improve the community’s quality of life by operating safe, reliable and environmentally friendly transit services, by partnering in local economic development activities, and by providing excellent customer service and efficient, convenient access to destinations throughout Lafayette and West Lafayette, Indiana.