By Brian Freiberger
The Schoolcraft Community Library and former Schoolcraft High School graduate Abby Chapin will be hosting the first ever Sustainable Saturday on June 24 from 1-4 p.m. at Burch Park next to the library in Schoolcraft.
The theme is to “Build a better world,” according to Library Director Fay VanRavenswaay. “This project demonstrates small things people can do to better everyone’s lives, “ said VanRavenswaay.
Chapin is a chemical engineering major at the University of Michigan and is a part of the BLUElab student organization on campus. According to its website, BLUElab offers “students the opportunity to hone their interpersonal skills, engage in social responsibility, participate in an interactive design experience and develop as servant leaders.”
Other participants at the event include Wild Ones, a local gardening organization, Schoolcraft Robotics Club and businesses including Wedels Nursery and Garden Center which will display gardening techniques. Weenie King will be selling hot dogs and refreshments at the event.
Some of the displays include a solar-powered car from a group at Western Michigan University, a windmill from the University of Michigan and rain barrels to collect water.
“It meets the focus of our program. This is what are people doing that other people can do to be more sustainable,“ said VanRavenswaay.
Chapin is currently out of the country teaching middle and high school students math and science in Phalombe, Malawi, Africa and could not be reached for this article.
Chapin led the Science Friday programs at the Library last summer. “She wants students to learn more about science and sustainability,” said her mother, Cyndie Chapin.