This is how it get done, when a garden was medicine Hello, Just reaching out informally to those of you who have expressed an interest in supporting the Dr. Still Project. While the restoration of Dr. Still’s medical office is temporarily on hold with future plans in the works, the plans for creating the Dr. James Still Education Center in the adjacent Bunning farmhouse are (finally) moving forward! We already have two Eagle Scout projects committed to the site. · Matt Williamson is recreating historic gardens, a trail, and bench area in raised gardens installed by members of the Lenape Honor Society (and assisted by Marc Lorenc and Historical Society volunteers). Full work on that project begins tomorrow and Saturday with clean-up, poison ivy eradication, and planting. Matt is working closely with Jeannie Francis, a noted herbalist and expert on Dr. James Still’s medicine. BTW, she will be hosting a group of 24 herbalists at the newly installed gardens on Saturday, June 29th, at 11:30 when she will make a presentation on Dr. Still’s use of herbs, should you be interested. All guests are welcome. · Josh Walton, another ES candidate, will be creating a picnic area on the grounds so that school or community groups that visit the Center might have a place to gather and enjoy the site. We meet tomorrow (his plans are all approved by Beth Portocalis), and he plans to complete the project this summer. Additionally, Medford Leas has generously committed to the donation and installation of kitchen cabinets and appliances as well as donation of toilets and vanities for the 2 half baths we hope that the HOMERS (a volunteer group of retired men) will vote to take on. Start-up funds generously provided by Dave & Renee Zallie will help us with the cost of the counters and sink we will also need (as well as other building expenses). We hope to find a donation or “for cost” of flooring (300 square feet). This kitchen will be used for educational seminars on nutrition and use of herbs, etc. and will also support other center events. Tomorrow, Friday the 21st and next week if volunteers are available, we hope to clean out the old carpet, damaged heating units, old curtains, linoleum,, etc. so that work can begin on the interior of the building. Our goal is to open with a formal launch by late September or early October with a Saturday event and then provide access for school field trips. One exciting possibility is that Lowe’s contacted the Historical Society to say that we are a final consideration as a “Lowe’s Hero” where they come in and do a “makeover”. We would ask them to paint and repair the exterior of the house. If we are chosen, they would do that in the Fall. We will pass on the good news when/if it arrives. I always believe anything is possible. Wouldn’t this be wonderful???? We are currently seeking: · Volunteer or pro-rated plumbing and electrical services · Carpenters for some repairs for deck/porch safety outside, a wheelchair ramp, and inside replacement of wall board above basement stairs that has been damaged by mold (water in basement; now being pumped out). Necessary supplies would be provided. · Painters (some minor wall repair) · Floor products and installation · Refinishing of original oak floors in two large rooms · Volunteer “helpers” for clean-up and helping find donations of services and/or goods · Donation of a large wooden table and 6-10 chairs that could be used for conferencing Please share this appeal with friends, neighbors, colleagues and have them contact me at this e-mail, [email protected] or [email protected]. We really need help with this ambitious project. Also, please note that any students who need community service hours will be given verification of the same. If they cannot find summer work, this might be a meaningful way to fill up some days. We will be busy with this project all summer. Even if you can’t volunteer, Bill Stauts and I will be there tomorrow from about 9 to 3 if you want to check out the project and see how you could fit in when you are available. Thank you for everything you already do! Hope to hear from you soon. Janet On behalf of the Dr. Still Project
Posted on: Fri, 21 Jun 2013 00:33:07 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015