Volunteers sought to complete service project

This spring, Norah Froslee is coordinating a facility enhancement for the Vining History Center as her culminating service project to earn the American Heritage Girls (AHG) Stars and Stripes Award. Painting, removing old school lockers, adding display boards and other tasks will do more than improve the lighting and appearance of the main hallway. By focusing on the main hallway, urgently needed space will be added to showcase collections from the museum.

Historical documents, photographs, annuals and physical museum pieces have grown since the history center first opened in 2005. Blessed with many donations from former and current area families, it has been challenging for the entirely volunteer staff to make more items easily accessible for visitors.   

Located in what was once the local 1st-8th grade school from 1939-1968, the Vining History Center is upstairs in what is now the Vining Community Center. Two former classrooms, an extra room and a previous library currently serve as areas for artifact displays, research archives, as well work areas for volunteers and anyone interested in exploring the numerous information files. The museum’s central hallway already is used as gallery space, but with the Stars and Stripes Award project it will become more flexible and welcoming.

AHG’s Stars and Stripes level award is the equivalent of the more familiar Eagle Scout award earned by Scouts. Because of the enormous demand of prerequisites, Stars and Stripes candidates typically begin working from seventh grade well into high school just to earn the opportunity to be a candidate for the award. Once officially approved at the AHG National offices as a candidate, these girls take several months or longer to complete their chosen project. Administrative, safety, financial, and all other project responsibilities are expected to be led and completed by the girl. Since AHG’s founding in 1995, approximately three percent of all American Heritage Girls have ever earned Stars and Stripes due to its difficulty and demands.

Volunteering as Norah’s Stars and Stripes official mentor, Laura Smith of Henning guides her through any issues and verifies accountability of Norah’s efforts. Parents Mick and Elizabeth Froslee of Vining function similarly. There is learning and support along the way, but the leadership decisions and actions are ultimately Norah’s.

Vining is Froslee’s hometown, she is a junior at Parkers Prairie High School and previously attended school in Henning.  With many extended family members still living in the area and Froslee ancestors who settled in Vining after immigrating from Norway in the 1890s, choosing the benefiting organization for her project was an easy decision for Froslee.

Froslee has been active in American Heritage Girls since she was in kindergarten. In addition to regular AHG activities, Norah earned every one of the five preceding level awards. Each award has age-appropriate requirements such as specific badges, hundreds of hours of volunteer service around the community, camping, CPR certification, spiritual preparation, and a significant emphasis on leadership and responsibility. For example, two years ago for Norah’s Abigail Adams level award project she coordinated the collection, sorting and delivery of several hundred mini-toiletries for Churches United in Fargo-Moorhead which serves homeless or needy families and individuals. 

Improving the Vining History Center may cost up to $1,500 and will need the participation of both adult and school age youth volunteers.  If you are interested in either donating or volunteering during a project work day, please contact Norah Froslee, (218) 769-4409, or email hs2658@ppk12.mn.us. 

Donations should be made to City of Vining and noted that the funds are for the History Center project. Any excess funds will be retained by the City for future History Center needs. Workdays are currently scheduled for Friday, April 25 from 6-8:30 p.m., and on Saturday, April 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.