Denison Job Corps students help create the land of Oz

When North Star Community Services of Waterloo, Iowa put the word out they were looking for volunteers to help design and build stage sets for a live theatrical production, Denison Job Corps Center Director Kevin Fineran jumped on the opportunity.  He immediately offered to send a group of Denison carpentry students to help with the project.
 
A group of three volunteer carpentry students joined Denison Job Corps carpentry instructor Chris Meis spent three days creating lavish sets for a live performance of the Wizard of Oz.  “We get our students from the community,” said Mr. Meis.  “So, whenever possible, we like to give something back to the community.  This seemed like an ideal opportunity to do that.”
 
“We are so grateful to have the students step in and lend their workmanship to this project,” said Kristen Drake of North Star Community Services.  “They brought all their equipment and worked alongside our clients to build several moveable platforms and a ‘City of Oz’ replica for our performance.  It was also a great way for our clients, who are disabled, to learn the basics of carpentry.”   
 
North Star Community Services’ clients – along with local actors – will perform the Wizard of Oz on May 20 at the Gallagher Performing Arts Center in Waterloo.  Several Job Corps students are expected to join community members to enjoy the performance.  

(2/10/09)

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