On April 25th, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Omicron Iota members volunteered at Thayers Park in Northville for their Spring Clean-up. It was a cold gray morning amidst finals week yet there were numerous hard workers who took time out of their day to help out. The students of PTK showed valiant effort at the park with their dedicated gardening, weeding and overall maintenance during the clean-up. PTK and Thayers Park have a long history of collaboration with over a decade of students assisting in various projects.
The students were overjoyed to be tidying up the park alongside many other groups of students from other schools in the community. Schoolcraft students were focused on the raised garden beds which had been overgrown with weeds deeply rooted in the soil. PTK president, Samantha Bleim, was particularly dedicated to thoroughly clearing the area and found great satisfaction in her work.
“I love nature and this experience is so enriching because it’s showing me what it takes to make my goals come to life,” said Bleim.
Bleim recently stepped into the president role at PTK on April 7, though she has been involved in the organization for about a year. This was Bleim’s first time volunteering in a park setting, she felt as though it was a significant ode to the organization’s long-standing traditions.
PTK students are consistently showing up for the community as it is a direct requirement to elevate status within the organization. Each session of four hour community service goes toward earning a star which boosts a student’s membership. This particular park cleanup felt extra special and educational as PTK’s next big up-coming project is establishing a rain garden on Schoocraft’s campus. Bleim recognized that it takes a village to make these things happen. She pointed out that being able to rely on one another is what makes communities so strong and successful.
Bleim is an avid supporter of the community.
“My biggest goal coming into my presidency is making a more prominent PTK community on campus. I want to make the students united and give them opportunities to flourish during their college experience.” said Bleim.
The abundant community at Thayers Park is run primarily by Marjorie Banner who has been involved in nature and agriculture from the day she was born. Banner loves the helping hands of students on the park grounds and she holds a special place in her heart for the students at Schoolcraft in particular. Banner’s connection with Schoolcraft runs deep, going as far back as when she opened the park with late professor Marvin Gans, who taught at the college for many years.
Ever since the premier of this park in 2007, the helping hands of students have been a key component of its upkeep and development. Students do just about every type of task at the park such as raking, putting up signs, maintaining garden spaces, cleaning up trash and inspecting trails.
“We always need extra help and when we have extra resources such as empty garden plots we love to give it to the students.” said Banner regarding the mutually beneficial relationship between the park and its volunteers. Banner claims it is essential for her and everyone who comes to the park to get out of their comfy suburban homes and experience the fruits of their labor through gardening or cleaning.
Thayers Park does numerous events throughout the year many of which are attended or assisted by PTK. The park has a lot to offer and a lot to look after such as trails, gardens and bee hives. The freshly tidied park can be visited at 8250 Napier Road, Northville, 48168.
Phi Theta Kappa is also looking for motivated students who are interested in being involved in their community. The application for PTK can be found on the Schoolcraft College website at https://www.schoolcraft.edu/student-activities/clubs-organizations/phi-theta-kappa/.
