News & Press Releases
First Stage of Amphitheater Grounds Clearing Shows Dramatic Results
Thanks to the generosity of Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Inc. and Ginny Roberts, KIBI's Director of Educational Initiatives, and the time and talent – not to mention the strong backs and can-do spirit! – of several volunteers, the grounds clearing activity on Saturday, November 21st, was a great success.
ICS Facilities Manager Jim Miller piloted the Bobcat supplied by KIBI, clearing brush, leveling ground, and knocking down dead and undesirable trees. Mr. Miller's expertise – and enthusiasm for heavy machinery – kept him in the Bobcat driver's seat for most of the day. School President Tim Ehrgott assisted in the cutting, lifting, and debris removal, as did Social Studies Teacher Mr. Clark and his family, school parent Steve Bridge, and Client Services Manager Tim Mulherin. The whine of chainsaws and the throaty diesel sound of the Bobcat going about its business filled the air as trees came down in the north woods – the location of the outdoor amphitheater, which will be constructed this spring thanks to the involvement of KIBI – and along the Pennsy Trail. The school grounds adjacent to the trail are being prepared for future tree plantings, most likely the beautiful mottled bark London Plane sycamore trees, in collaboration with KIBI.
Mother Nature cooperated nicely for this late date in November, and much progress was made. But the prep work isn't finished just yet!
We will need to schedule another grounds clearing day to follow up Saturday's initial stage. Be watching the ICS Weekly Newsletter and ics-charter.org for announcements. Meanwhile, for those of you who could use the firewood this winter, feel free to pick some up behind the school (on the south side, facing the Pennsy Trail) and in the north woods along the chain-link fence separating the school and Aldi's property. If interested in helping out with the second stage of the grounds clearing or in picking up some FREE FIREWOOD, please notify at 357-5359 x132.
1. Mr. Miller and the Bobcat go at it in the school grounds' north woods.
2. Mr. Ehrgott "power saws" using elbow grease during Saturday's ground clearing activity.
3. Volunteers Mr. Bridge and Mr. Clark haul away a large limb.
4. After a day of clearing a relatively small area of trees and bushes, it gives one a great appreciation of what the Midwestern pioneers did so many years ago – without the benefit of a Bobcat or chain saws!
