Brothers Keeper Club Contribution
Surveying the progress of the recently cleared grounds for the MSF Native American village, Joseph Standing Bear Schranz expressed his deep appreciation to Ray Piagentini and the Brothers Keeper Club of the Barrington Community High School.
Old cabin debris on MSF Cultural Center grounds
Last year the club began the first efforts to dismantle the old cabin which once stood on the grounds where the Native American village will be built. The group also returned several times to split logs from the trees that had fallen on the cabin.
Schranz is also proud of 25 sturdy benches built by a SOARRING member with the redwood planks from the dismantled cabin. These moveable recycled benches will be used for school groups and visitors who gather around the fire pit in the village.
Eagle Scout Project
Midwest SOARRING Foundation is also indebted to Chris Zurowski, his family, Boy Scout Troop 216, and other volunteers for their dedicated hard work to clear the caved in cabin, wood shed, and considerable debris last fall. Over a year ago Chris had inquired about the possibility of an Eagle Scout project at the MSF Cultural Center. He had met with Joseph Standing Bear Schranz to survey the land and determine a plan. “His sustained interest in the project resulted in very meaningful, long term results,” said Joseph Standing Bear Schranz.
Chris and his family raised $1,700 for hardwood mulch which was spread over the grounds in a layer of 4” deep. Chris also donated landscaping stones from his yard for the fire pit circle. In the foundations’ estimation Chris exceeded his own
Joseph Standing Bear Schranz surveying Native American village grounds.
expectations, as well as the organizations. In appreciation for his efforts, and the combined work of Troop 216, Midwest SOARRING Foundation designed a plaque which was awarded to this future Eagle Scout on March 23, 2013. Chris was also given the honor of starting the first fire in the opening of the fire pit ceremony at the Midwest SOARRING Cultural Center. His Eagle Scout badge will be awarded in the near future.
Comcast Employee Involvement on Volunteer Work Day – April 27, 2013
A volunteer work day has been scheduled for April 27, 2013 to complete phase 1 of the grounds improvement. Founder/director Joseph Standing Bear Schranz is excited about the participation of 50 Comcast employees who will finish preparing the mulch area of the Native village charrette. He encourages all who plan to volunteer to bring Wheel barrows, shovels, and rakes as they are needed to spread the remaining mulch, pick up debris, and expand the outdoor patio near the cook hut. Comcast has graciously offered to provide a lunch and t-shirt to anyone else who volunteers by April 21, 2013. Call Janet at 708-257-4300 to reserve your spot.
Phase II Plans
Illustration by Sue Van Horn
Under consideration are plans regarding the size and materials that will be used to erect the Long House in May. The structure, along with the tipi and authentic Woodland Indian hunting lodge will become a destination site for school groups, scouting troops, and the public interested in learning about Native American culture. There is much excitement and interest by all involved. Stay tuned for further progress reports.
