Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Anason, Ratsch, Gross, Bucksteiner, Draxler, Silseth, Rinehart
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 9/13/2017
Anason’s Eagle Scout Project (Schuster Park Stage - 2017)
Anason’s Eagle Scout Project
Joseph Anason is a Life Scout from Neillsville Troop 43 who, since the beginning of 2017, has been marching down the path to become an Eagle Scout. He is coordinating a benefit at Strike Time Lanes Saturday, Sept. 16, to raise funds for his Eagle Scout Project, construction of a performance stage in Schuster Park. (Todd Schmidt/Clark County Press)
By Todd Schmidt
Joseph Anason is a Life Scout from Neillsville Troop 43 who, since the beginning of 2017, has been marching down the path to become an Eagle Scout.
Anason settled on an ambitious project of constructing a performance stage in Schuster Park. He got the idea after watching bands play on a temporary wooden stage.
“I went to the Heritage Days Committee and they were immediately excited to hear this idea,” Anason said.
He worked with Ratsch Engineering of Neillsville to create blueprints, and a 3D model of the 600-square foot stage with a 30-inch raised floor covered by a canopy.
The proposed performance stage will include a canopy, and will be handicap accessible. The dimensions are: 30 feet long and 20 feet deep, with a 30-inch raised platform. (Contributed Graphic)
Anason hopes to raise the funds and get the project completed in late spring/early summer of 2018. The total cost is estimated at $25,000.
Anason is seeking donations, sponsors, and builders to help in completing this project. There are four sponsor levels: Bronze ($250-750), Silver ($751-1,500), Gold ($1,501 - 2,500) and Platinum ($2,500 – plus). All sponsors will have their name inscribed on a plaque that will be put on the side of the performance stage.
Thus far, many individuals and businesses have stepped up to help Anason bring his Eagle Scout project to reality. As of Aug. 24, the total raised is $4,103.
Sponsors and supporters who have contributed thus far include Ratsch Engineering, Gross Motors, Rick and Kay Buchsteiner, Mid-State Truck Service, Draxler Transport, Karen and John Silseth, Sons of the American Legion, Martin and Laurie Reinhart, Troop 59 of Barron, Citizens State Bank of Loyal, Granton Hardware Store, Troop 43 of Neillsville and many other anonymous donors.
There will be a benefit at Strike Time Lanes Sept. 16, 2017, to raise funds for the Schuster Park performance stage. Contact Anason for more information or if you are willing to help or donate prizes. He can be reached at 715-937-0428 or at janason.eaglescout@gmail.com.
The benefit schedule includes a bean bag tournament (registration 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., starts at 11 a.m.) and a 9-pin tap singles bowling tournament (registration 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., starts at 2 p.m.) The payback depends on the number of people entered.
Register for one event and received one ticket for the 10’ Pelican Kayak raffle. Sign up for both events and receive three tickets for the 10’ Pelican Kayak raffle. Food will be available by Hardees of Neillsville.
Anason said raffle items lined up thus far include the kayak, an all-inclusive picnic basket, bird feeders, and bird feed, and various items and gift cards from local businesses.
The public is welcome to participate in the raffles without participating in the bowling or bean bag tournaments. You do not need to be present to win, however, raffle tickets will only be available for purchase Sept. 16. Modern Woodman will be matching funds up to $2,500.
Like Joseph Anason’s Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/Josephanason.eaglescout/.
“Together the Neillsville community and surrounding areas will be able to bring this stage to fruition,” Anason said. “Afterwards, we will all be able to enjoy incredible performances in Neillsville.
