2005 Year in Review

Bethesda Youth Group decorates blocks for Sesquicentennial

Bethesda Lutheran Church Youth Group

Youth leader Bob Stone paints a stripe on one of the 22 cement barriers

Michael Benson

On Sunday afternoon, June 26 with rain looming on the horizon, 14 members of a Morrison youth club arrived at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds for a special project. Denise Bramm had called the Morrison Sesquicentennial Committee to determine if there was anything their organization could assist with prior to the July 8,9 and 10 event.

Knowing these large concrete blocks were in need of a serious "facelift" and further knowing that the Fair board had already given permission to paint, the Bethesda Youth Group was given the assignment. First however the 22 blocks were needing a total makeover of white paint which was furnished at no charge by Gary Milnes and his Color Star Painting crew. Next, Jennifer Parker, the official Sesquicentennial artist marked a star and flag theme on each of the blocks in crayon, signifying which area was to be painted red or blue.

Then came June 26 and in a little over two hours these budding volunteer artists transformed each of the 22 blocks into an array of red,white and blue patriotic cubes. Leaders Bob and Deb Stone along with Andy and Tiara Voeltz stressed this was an important project for the youths and they knew each of the youngsters would remember this for many years to come. Denise Bramm noted that the group meets twice monthly at Bethesda and they are looking for additional projects the group can participate in. The group is open to all youth and you do not need to be member of their church or any church for that matter. Their mission is to help those in need in the community and to particiapte in projects such as this one that the entire community can enjoy. Rebecca Stone, age 11 stated, "I like to paint and I am practicing for Paint the Town". Some of the artists seemed to forget that most of the paint should be on the blocks, not themselves, however a fun time was had by all. You can enjoy seeing their collective work during the Sesquicentennial weekend of July 8,9 and 10 as well as fair time in August. Should you have a project you think this youth group might be of assistance you can call Rob Stone at Bethesda Lutheran Church office at 772-4896.

For more pictures of the Youth Group painting Click Here

by Bob Vaughn, theCity1.com
June 26, 2005