Franciscan Earth Literacy Center
Editor’s Note: While the Lilly’s are away, this week’s column is guest written by Sister Dorothy Forman, OSF/T.
The Franciscan Earth Literacy Center has come of age as an educational and business partner in Northwest Ohio. Its Mission Statement embodies the dream conceived nearly 10 years ago: "In the spirit of St. Francls, 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."
Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Tiffin Ohio, the FELC has successfully directed its energies in creating working relationships with other institutions to provide quality learning experiences for our youth.
Nature Toddler Time is a joint effort with the Tiffin-Seneca County Public Library to provide children who are walking and under three years old an opportunity for enrichment and hands-on activities. On Saturday, March 6, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., the wee ones will study "Melting Snow" There is no charge.
The FELC has partnered with scout leaders on every level to provide programs that will lead to nature and service related badges.
The Tiffin Public Schools' fifth graders experienced Mother Nature's classroom at Camp Glen. In conjunction with FELC instructors, the students learned about the river's ecosystem, alternate sources of energy, wild weather, etc. All classes at the overnight camp meet current state standards for science curriculum.
FELC has distributed worm boxes in numerous schools throughout Northwest Ohio as a learning tool for grade school students. Staff members have conducted all school, day long classes on-site as well.
FELC's summer camps for fun run from June through August. Programs for all ages and all interests are available.
Family events will expand in 2004. A Non-Scary Night Hike for Halloween, Maple Syrup Days and a Parents' Christmas Shopping Day in December are annual favorites. The five-member staff will expand programs to include high school and college students, increase family outings and provide businesses with presentations on how to be earth friendly and cost-effective. Community service offerings to adults, especially seniors are in the works.
The Franciscan Earth Literacy Center is a member in good standing of the Tiffin Chamber of Commerce. Involvement m the community is a priority. Its primary goals for 2004 include developing a marketing strategy, establishing an advisory board for development and implementing a comprehensive fundraising plan.
The offices are housed in a renovated dairy barn where passive solar energy is used to partially' heat and light the building. Herb gardens of native plants and flowers attract butterflies, birds and other "critters." Woodlands, meadowlands, wetlands, farm fields utilizing organic growing processes and creek eco-systems are but a few of the attractions that the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center uses to promote a knowledge and reverence of nature.
The FELC staff consists of Sister Rita Weinken, Co-Director of Programming; Joseph Silardi, Co-Director of Business and Finance; Mrs. Joy Shepard, Education Coordinator; and Mrs. Stacie Roby, Educator. Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact may be made by phone (419) 448-7485) or fax (419) 448-7486 or e-mail – earthliteracy@tiffinohio.com. Visit our web site for further information at www.earthliteracy.org. Our quarterly newsletter is available upon request.
"The more I read, the more I am convinced that we need to be in the
forefront of this movement," Sister Virginia Welsh, Community Minister,
proclaims. Indeed, humans are an integral part ofc reation's web of life.
Learning to live in harmony and share equitably in the earth's resources is
essential to our very existence as a global community. The ultimate endangered
species is us.