Summer work program introduces blacksmithing to teens

Zion Township's Summer Work Program participants will be treated to a special demonstration by blacksmith John Biewer Thursday, July 19, as part of a collaboration between the township, Lake County Workforce Development, and the Upper Midwest Blacksmith Association.

Members of the Upper Midwest Blacksmith Association have constructed a trellis for the east side of the Zion Township building, which was donated to support the perennial Passion Flower, an initiative of the late Ellen Buntrock.

Along with this project, Biewer will be instructing the Summer Work Program participants in creating their own flowers while sharing with them the art of blacksmithing.

The 14- and 15-year-old youth who are currently enrolled in the workforce readiness/training program began their summer with a training day June 19 at New Tech. They visited Feed My Starving Children as a team-building exercise, and have been working at various sites around Zion.

The program enrolls 35 youth for a 6-week, paid program. They work three-hour shifts with a work maintenance crew.

Senior residents and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to submit projects to the Zion Township office, and will be scheduled as needed. Projects cannot require the use of power tools.

Mentor McArthur White, who has been with the program for 16 years, said, "The initial goal of the program was to teach a work ethic. Now it has evolved into also teaching life skills and connecting them with other opportunities. It's good. It's really good."

"We are excited to welcome John Biewer for this special project," Zion Township Supervisor Cheri Neal said. "Our work program has a strong tradition of preparing youth for a professional career. This year, they'll get an insider's view of the blacksmithing trade right here at our office."

For more information, visit www.ziontownship.org/summer-work-program or call (847) 872-2811.