Summer 2023 Newsletter
What a summer it’s been! (So far)
Lake Wobegon Trail Shelter
Last Friday we were able to raise the Timber Frame shelter created in Spring 2022 at an Introduction to Timber Framing class taught by Clark Bremer.
This frame is a collaboration between the Avon Hills Folk School and CentraCare. The shelter is located on CentraCare property, just east of the Albany Clinic.
Providing shade and a place to sit and rest, the shelter is uniquely appropriate for the community of Albany, MN as many of the ancestors of the citizens of Albany and surrounding communities were immigrants from Germany and surrounding countries in western Europe. Timber Framing was a craft and skill that most of those immigrants would have known well. Sadly most examples of this traditional and historic craft are gone. We are happy to have participated in providing this asset and link to the past to the community of Albany and the travelers of the Lake Wobegon Trail.
Facilities and Grounds: New Parking, Road and Pavilion
Visitors to the folk school today will see some significant improvements! Thanks to generous support of a donor/supporter of AHFS we were able to complete new/added parking to campus, a new road that wraps down and around the backside of the Workshop and ends in a small parking area next to the future location of the 1889 Undersander Barn.
In addition we were able to prep for and pour a 24 feet by 36 feet slab that received our Timber Framed Pavilion in July! This is by far the most significant addition and growth for the folk school. The Pavilion will serve as an important outdoor classroom space, gathering space and many other uses that will present themselves.
We have yet to complete the roof - see opportunities to volunteer for this effort on August 25-26th. And … if you’re so inclined, we can still use some financial support to fully complete it.
Year Two of TimberNook
Shane Mahon, one of our TimberNook Team leads provides a great peek into this summer’s programming, so I won’t say much. We continue to learn, grow as a team and the word continues to spread. There have been several full TimberNook experiences, several with waiting lists. And we have had to cancel a few due to low enrollment. But overall it has been the success we hoped for in just our second year.
I summarize TimberNook this way, “TimberNook is child led, unrestricted, free play, in nature providing children the opportunity to begin a lifelong appreciation and relationship with nature”. If we are honest, how many children today have the opportunity to experience even one of these four elements in it’s purest sense? To be able to experience ALL FOUR over an extended period of time from four hours to four days is unheard of today. The benefits to these children are many, significant and lifelong. More on that in a later newsletter.
I’ll let Caleb, age 9, summarize what so many of our young TimberNooker’s share with us. According to Caleb’s grandpa he came home dirty, wet, tired, hungry and a little “scraped up”. Upon being asked “How was it?” by his grandpa after day three of the three day Medieval experience Caleb said, “Grandpa, it was the best 3 days of my life.”
Come see us at The Millstream Arts Festival, Sunday August 27th
From 11a - 5pm we will once again be in downtown St. Joseph as we close College Avenue and fill it with all manner of Art! We’ll be selling folk school SWAG, sharing the story, Mission, Vision and future and promoting future classes/experiences.
New this year is that we will feature a number of our artists and makers who will be doing demonstrations of their art/craft over the course of the day. Please stop by and say hello!
Learn more at millstreamartsfestival.org
Artists and Makers Camp 2023
Formerly known as Hand Camp, this will be our 7th Annual event - predating even the official formation of the Avon Hills Folk School.
We are excited for the eight talented and passionate artists and makers we have joining us this year. Some are new to us and you, some are returning fan favorites.
Interest has been brisk and we hope to “sell out” - which means 36 attendees in order to ensure a positive and rewarding experience for everyone.
I have a new job starting Monday, August 21st
On July 24th our board offered and I accepted the position of full-time Executive Director of the Avon Hills Folk School. I could not be more excited! The prospect of being able to focus on supporting the growth and potential of this amazing organization, its Mission, Vision and the incredible artists, makers, community members and friends of the folk school has given me immense energy and excitement.
While I have been serving in this role since our inception, it has been in a volunteer capacity and during that time I’ve held a full-time position with another organization. Upon hearing that fact over the past couple years many people were shocked - understandably so.
I am looking forward to, as a friend once said, “being able to ride just one horse at a time” - and go further, faster. And making sure to bring everyone along with the way.
Thank you for the opportunity and immense responsibility that it is. Your continued and increased help and support will be needed as we seek to reach out and realize the potential the Avon Hills Folk School has before it.
With Gratitude,
Chris Schellinger (he/him)
Executive Director, Avon Hills Folk School
TimberNook 2023
In today's technology-driven world, it's all too common for children to be absorbed in screens and disconnected from the natural wonders around them. But at TimberNook, we are changing this narrative by providing a unique and enriching outdoor experience for kids. This past month, we witnessed the magic of this new narrative in action, with some truly amazing opportunities for our young adventurers.
One such adventure was the animal slumber party, where the children met new plush friends. Imaginary buddies in tow, they settled in for a fun-filled day. Tucking their stuffed companions into sleeping bags and blankets, the children's imaginations knew no bounds. Eventually, the day turned into a lively creek party, with laughter and splashes galore. The kids hunted for underwater friends, fish and crayfish. They wrapped up the day with delicious marshmallow roasting.
In another session, the children became official bug detectives, and their success was remarkable. They explored the woods, collecting, examining, and releasing small creatures. Following the clues to the creek, they joyfully discovered aquatic arthropods and delighted in finding the elusive crayfish.
One of the highlights of the month was our multi-day assembly, The Medieval Experience, which captured the children's imaginations wholeheartedly. Collaboratively, they built impressive castles, complete with anti-siege deterrents, great halls, tables, and thrones. Crafting banners, custom coats of arms, shields, and swords added to the excitement. The unforgettable jousting event had the children riding mighty wagon steeds, aiming their long stick lances at stacked wooden dummies, resulting in triumphant cheers as the targets were annihilated.
To all the parents and guardians whose children joined us on these adventures, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. You are instrumental in changing the narrative and fostering healthy engagement with nature. For those who couldn't participate this time, don't worry; there will be plenty more chances to join us on these transformative journeys.
-Shane Mahon, TimberNook Team Lead
Avon Hills Folk School Instructor Profile: Clark Bremer, Timber Frame Instructor
Clark holds the distinction of being the instructor of our very first class after we incorporated as a 501(c)3. It was an Introduction to Timber Framing class held the 3rd week of April in 2018. We chose that date because our facilities were not great or even ready and felt we would be able to work outside, maybe cool, but at least no bugs.
It started snowing on the first day of this five day class and didn’t stop til the night of the 4th day, the 5th was super cold and windy, having accumulated about 18 inches of snow!
We had all packed into the workshop, six students, Clark and some very big timbers. Everyone was a real sport about it, especially Clark. The amazing thing is that Clark has been back to teach follow-up Timber Framing Classes four more times, with a 5th planned for this September.
Clark comes with a strong background in many areas: computer programmer, professional timber framer, past Timber Framers Guild Board Member, instructor of many timber framing classes across the midwest, supporting many different organizations in their efforts to create timber frame structures -and in the process strengthening their community.
Most recently Clark led two classes to create our 24 x 36 outdoor Pavilion which will provide the Avon Hills Folk School with important outdoor classroom, gathering and event space. We look forward to Clark assisting us with the re-raising of the 1889 Undersander Barn, whose timbers are currently in storage and that we hope will stand again by 2025.
It is no exaggeration to say that Clark’s fingerprints and impact are all over the Avon Hills Folk School and his contributions have been key to whatever growth and progress we have made to date. We look forward to many more classes and collaborations with Clark in the coming years.
Clark, thank you for all your support, leadership and involvement!
Upcoming events
Volunteer Dates:
Friday August 25th and Saturday, August 26th; 9a-4p each day. Finish the Pavilion Roof: set rafters, install roof sheathing
Events/Classes:
Millstream Arts Festival, Sunday, August 27th 11am - 5pm
Artists and Makers Camp, September 15th - 17th; classes on Saturday the 16th
Timber Frame Saw Horses Class, September 29 - October 1
Annual Community Bouja party, Saturday, October 14th (always the second Saturday in October)
