News from the Franciscana Earth Literacy Center
In the last two weeks, the Sisters of St. Francis harvested about 600 pounds of rhubarb and 250 pounds of asparagus. They froze most of the harvest and continue to harvest asparagus. Last fall due to abundant September rainfall, they harvested 400 pounds of rhubarb in October.
Carmella’s Restaurante uses their organically grown mixed lettuce, such as romaine and bibb, and fresh and dried herbs. The garden provides many of the vegetables for the convent use during the growing season.
Sister Rita Wienken, Co-director of the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center, an expert organic gardener, directs the gardening. Each year great mounds of compost are prepared from horse manure from the fair grounds and leaves. This organic material is stirred and allowed to heat, thus killing any weed seeds. The resulting dark finished compost is added to the garden area. No pesticides are used.
The compost mentioned above provides the soil for their extensive greenhouse which adjoins the Earth Literacy Center. Nearly all their flowers and vegetable plants get their start there. Many of the flowers have already been set out along with cool-hardy broccoli and cabbage. Sister Rita transfers the more sensitive garden plants after May 21st.
Sister Rita along with Co-director Joe Silardi, and the staff of the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center have prepared a summer program that has something for all ages. The first program was the 2nd Annual Campus Walking Tour of last Sunday, May 19th.
From June 10th to 14th Brownie Day camp will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The registration deadline is June 6th. Brownies will discover the wonders of nature, sample camp life, hike and visit the center animals.
Camp Super Dad is scheduled from 10:00 a.m., June 15 to continue through 10:00 a.m., June 16. This event features overnight camping, along with games and swimming. Registration deadline is June 12th.
In Animalmania, from June 17th to 21st, 6 to 12 year olds will learn about the animals of northwest Ohio and enjoy programs about bats and wetlands. A cookout is planned. The program lasts from 8:30 to 5:00 a.m., and the registration deadline is June 12th.
Paws, Claws, and Pet Care is from June 24th to 26th for children 6 to 12. This program runs from 8:30 to 12:00 noon. An adult with a career in reptiles, fish, birds, and other animals will help explore this area. The registration deadline is June 20th.
Tent N’ Trail is offered from 9 a.m., June 27th to 3 p.m. June 29th, for 5th through 8th graders. This two-day, one-night backpacking outing is for the beginning camper. The registration deadline is June 24th.
Ready? Set? Get Wet? Is offered from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on July 1st and 2nd. Experiences and experiments with wetlands and rivers are included with lots of hands-on activities. The registration deadline is June 27th.
Can You Canoe Workshop is for the beginning canoeist. Teenagers in the 7th through the 11th grade are invited. Girl Scouts can use this activity toward the Paddle, Pole and Role Interest project patch or the small craft badge. The time is from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 6th - 7th. The registration deadline is July 2nd.
A Walk in My Shoes is offered from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon from July 8th through 10th. Kids 8 through 12 are welcome. They will learn crafts of the world from different cultures and walks of life. Food and games from around the world are highlighted. The registration deadline is July 4th.
I Don’t Want to Grow Up is a choice for 12-17 year olds from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on July 11th - 13th. Participants will learn to make and fly kites, play with yo-yos, jump rope, play water games, swim, canoe, tie-dye, work with clay and have an overnight slumber party. The registration deadline is July 8th.
Crafty Kids is an offering from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon on July 22nd –24th. Kids ages K - 3rd grade will learn jewelry making, candle making, natural tie-dying and pottery. Registration deadline July 18th.
Can You Canoe Workshop is offered again from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on July 25th - 26th to 2nd to 6th graders. This is for beginning canoeists. Registration deadline is July 22nd.
A family camping experience called Creatures Of The Night is offered from 6 p.m., July 19th through 11 a.m., July 20th. This is open to all ages and families. St. Joseph Renewal Center is a co-sponsor. A Lily Pad breakfast is included. Registration deadline is July 12th.
A special naturalist pre-camp training is scheduled 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 8th-9th for potential volunteers 18 years and older. Lunch is provided and there is no cost. Registration deadline is June 5th.
For information and costs for all camps, please call 419 448-7485. The moneys received from all these activities provide only a small portion of the expenses of the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center.
Scott Grenerth, the educational coordinator, resigned in early 2002. Amber Herbert, Associate Director of Campus Ministries at Heidelberg, working part time, Joe Silarti, Sister Rita, and other staff of the FELC did an excellent job completing the spring programs involving hundreds of students from dozens of schools, scouts, etc. Amber will be the full-time program coordinator for June and July. A full time coordinator is being sought to begin August 1st, 2002.
If our readers would like to receive FELC NEWS quarterly, and/or become a member of the FELC, please call 419 448-7485.
- Percy