Grow Benzie's "Hive Minded" Project

Posted by John Ester

on Feb 03, 2015

Josh Stoltz returned wearing a new hat--that of Director of Grow Benzie. He shared his enthusiasm for the non-profit's newest project: Hive Minded.

Last June Mike Zielinski spoke to our Club about bringing industrial arts back to Benzie County through a program involving the construction of wooden bee boxes. With Josh at the helm of Grow Benzie, that idea is coming into fruition with the "Hive Minded" project. High school students will meet from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays to learn hands-on about building the boxes.

In addition to acquiring woodworking skills, students will learn about the life cycle of a product. They also will be exposed to what is involved with branding, marketing and accounting. There is a shortage in our area for skilled trades, and Josh hopes to be able to provide successful students with academic scholarships for trade schools.

Individuals willing to help with this worthwhile endeavor are urged to contact josh@growbenzie.org.