The Franciscan Earth Literacy Center-Review 2000
The Franciscan Earth Literacy Center (FELC) was founded in 1994 by the Sisters of St. Francis. The Center was incorporated as a separate non- profit organization designed to function as an educational facility and demonstration area for innovative ideas in sustainable living.
The Center is located on the 490 acre campus of the Sisters of St. Francis in Tiffin. There is a board of directors and the several full-time and part-time staff work in the former dairy barn that was creatively remodeled into offices, a small kitchen and restrooms and a large multipurpose activity space. A large greenhouse is located along the south side.
The mission statement of September 30, 2000 reads, “ In the Spirit of St. Francis, the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center recognizes our oneness with all creation. We promote active learning and healthy relationships with our natural environment to achieve sustainable living.”
Last year, 2000, over 2500 people participated in programs offered by the FELC. Included in this number were collaborative efforts with the YMCA, Tiffin-Seneca Public Library, Recycling and Litter Prevention and the City Parks.
Earth Day was celebrated which featured wildflower walks, craft activities and wagon rides. More than 100 people attended. There were after school programs on topics like Woodland Wonders and Wetlands. Another program, Touch the Earth, brought 30 children our to learn about different types of animals.
Summertime organic gardening classes featured Sister Rita. Several breeds of sheep were present to help Celebrate Creation. Crafts and spinning of wool were part of the celebration.
A family Halloween hike was a cooperative effort with the YMCA. The event featured several nighttime creatures and characters.
Another cooperative effort with the YMCA found 55 children making Christmas Gifts with natural or recycled elements on a Saturday morning while their parents shopped.
Another important part of the programs offered by the FELC are those that involve the schools. All the 2nd and 5th grade classes from Tiffin City Schools participated in field trips at the Center as did students from St. Joseph and St. Mary of Tiffin.
Out of town schools that came for field trips included De Sales High School, St. Joseph of Galion, St. Paul of Norwalk, E. Elementary of Upper Sandusky, Attica Elementary, Huron Elementary, McCutchinville Elementary, Schumacher Elementary, Hopewell-Loudon Elementary, Old Fort Elementary, Plymouth Private Elementary and several others.
Both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and Brownies took advantage of programs offered at the center. Groups like the Home Kids, the Soroptimist and the Lions clubs also enjoyed programs presented by the staff.
This year, 2001, Sister Rita gave a program at the Family learning Center at Sentinel Vocational School. A grant received by the Family Learning Center provided funds for the FELC staff to train teachers of special needs children and Head Start families.
In January, a Harry Potter Fantasy Adventure with 90 children attending was sponsored by the Tiffin Seneca Public Library, the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center, the YMCA, Seneca County Recycling and Litter Prevention, and the Tiffin Parks and Recreation.
The FELC staff presented various programs at the Center. They included Boy Scout merit badge counseling, a program about groundhogs to Melmore first grade, a presentation to the Altrusa Club, a Brownie “Animal” badge program, animal tracks and signs, and a Lions Club presentation. The latest program on February 19th involved a demonstration of maple syrup production which was attended by 32 children and adults. A story of the event with a picture were in the Toledo Blade on February 20. Another demonstration to which the public is invited is planned for March 17th.
On March 24, 2001, The Franciscan Earth Literacy Center will hold its 2nd annual Silent Auction at the Elizabeth Schaefer Auditorium. The time is from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The advance tickets are $10 and tickets at the door are $15. The $10 advance tickets include a meal provided that reservations are made by March 16th. Phone 419 448-7485.
Featured items include a Toronto Weekend with lodging and Lion King tickets for two adults, Ritz Theater tickets with dinner, and Cleveland Indian tickets along with many other items to bid on. The band, Crystal Chandelier, will provide music for dinner and dancing.
– Percy