Tebfaps



The EB Forsythe AmeriCorps Puppet Show

		"Handi-Puppet" written by Cindy Heffley "A Tree Story" written by Angela Puig and Matthew Purdue "Burn, Baby, Burn" written by Stacey Blatchford Edited by Shawn Willox

		Cast: Miss Redhead Mrs. Pintail Mr. Teal Mr Mallard Mr. Tree Handi-Puppet Ameri-Greg Ameri-Stacey Ameri-Shawn

	[The show opens with 4 ducks seated in front of the refuge.] Mallard: Some people said this was a time without heroes. Redhead: Some people said our problems were just too huge. Teal: Some people said wait, or just forget, Pintail: But tens of thousands of Americans looked around our communities. They thought about our country, and they acted. [At this point the Ameri-Crew flies up from behind the ducks and speaks in unison.] Ameri-Crew: AmeriCorps! [Ameri-Crew then exist leaving the ducks behind. The sun is rising. One can see the shadows of handicapped-accessible board walk in the background. Slowly the Handi-Puppet makes her way out to the board walk and begins to speak.] Handi-Puppet: Before AmeriCorps came to work at the refuge, I rarely used the salt marsh boardwalk because I needed assistance so I wouldn't fall off the side. Last fall the AmeriCorps members attached curbing on the boardwalk so disabled people can navigate easier. They even built turn around areas with benches so two wheelchairs can maneuver around each other. Thanks to AmeriCorps I can view wildlife at my own pace and by myself if I choose. [Handi-Puppet wheels away. After she leaves the ducks begin to converse again. Meanwhile the scenery is changed from the board walk to the fields.] Redhead: Those AmeriCorps people sound pretty nice. Teal: Yeah. have they done other things around here as well? Pintail: Yes, Mr. Teal, they have done quite a bit; such as building a sales outlet, helping out with biological studies, doing community outreach at local schools, refe... [Mrs. Pintail is suddenly cut off by Mr. Mallard.] Mallard: But have they done anything to help us wildlife? I mean this is a wildlife refuge, isn't it? Pintail: I was just getting there before you interrupted me, Mr. Mallard. These AmeriCorps people choose to do their term of service at a refuge and one of the most important aspects of a national refuge is providing habitat for the wildlife. You see, the AmeriCorps members along with numerous volunteers from the community have planted nearly 3,000 new trees. These trees will grow up big and strong to provide a home for our friends in the forest. Stacey: Hey Shawn and Greg, isn't great we're out here on this beautiful day planting trees on the refuge with all of these great volunteers. Shawn: It sure is, but there are so many trees to plant here, how will we ever finish??? Stacey: We'll get it done because we have so many great volunteers and AmeriCorps members helping out. Greg: What kinds of trees are we planting here at the Refuge?? Stacey: We're planting both deciduous and evergreen trees here at the refuge,including: oaks, maples, and pines. Shawn: What do you think these trees will look like in the future?? Mr. Tree: Someday these trees will be big and green like me! Greg: How are these little seedlings ever going to get as big as you Mr. Tree?? Mr. Tree: With careful planting and lots of sunshine and cool rain, these seedlings will grow into beautiful trees. Shawn: We also need to help care for the seedlings, right Mr. Tree?? Mr. Tree: Surely they will grow and prosper, as long as dedicated people such as you and the volunteers continue to help take care of the trees. Pintail: Someday these trees will provide new homes for all of our wildlife friends in the forest, and cleaner air and water for everyone to enjoy!!! Mallard: Wow, that is pretty neat! Redhead: Yeah, is that what wildlife management is about? Pintail: Actually there is a lot more to it than that. [Scenery changes from new trees to dry Phrag.] Teal: Like what Mrs. Pintail? Pintail: Well besides planting trees they also need to control problem species. Mallard: What do you mean? Pintail: Well, for example Phragmites is a species of grass that is not native. It takes over wetland areas and chokes out native plants. In order to get rid of it, the staff of the refuge had a prescribed burning. Three AmeriCorps members had state fire training so they could help. Greg: Shawn, is your drip torch filled and ready to go? Shawn: Yeah, I'm going with some of the refuge staff out into the marsh to burn the small islands of Phragmites. Where are you going to be, Greg?? Greg: I'm going into the upland field with the state forest service people. We have to dig trenches that will stop the fire. Where's Stacey? She's supposed to be here too. Stacey: I'm here, I'm here! Sorry I'm late. I couldn't find my gloves and boots. but I'm ready to go now!!! Shawn: Wait. You can't go like that. You don't have your hard hat on. Stacey: Ah, what's the big deal. Nothing is going to drop on my head. Greg: Yeah, but the hard hat will protect your head and hair from the hot ashes. Didn't you read Cindy's safety manual for working at the refuge? Shawn: Yeah, there's a lot of good information in there. Did you read it? Stacey: Well I thumbed through it when I got it. You mean I have to go all the way back and get my hard hat? Greg: It would be the safest thing to de. You can meet us at the marsh when you get back. And make sure you read that safety manual. Stacey: Alright, don't burn too much without me. I'll be right back. Greg: OK. Shawn lets burn some phrag. Shawn: Just make sure you're careful. See you later. [Dry Phrag comes down burning Phrag goes up. After a moment the burning Phrag comes down and the normal refuge goes up.] Stacey: Wow, this stuff burns hot!!! Shawn: Aren't you glad you have all the safety gear on to protect you? Stacey: Yeah, and this is a great experience. Greg: We were really lucky to have the opportunity to take the fire training courses. Shawn: Well, I'm really beat. This has been a long day. Let's pack it in. Greg: Good idea. I'm hungry. Let's get out of here. Stacey: Yeah, today was really tough, but I find nothing relaxes me like a good song... [Stacey, Greg, Cindy, Shawn, and any other AmeriCorps member we can sucker into it sing the closing song to the tune of 'America the Beautiful.' ] All: To effect our society In a positive way, We're making our community Healthier, smarter and safe! AmeriCorps! AmeriCorps! It is not hard to see, We are going to get things done For both you and for me. When we are faced with apathy Action we all will take, When we're faced with hostility Common ground we will make. AmeriCorps! AmeriCorps! It is not hard to see, We are going to get things done In our community! When we're faced with adversity We all shall persevere, And we pledge our fidelity Now and many a year. AmeriCorps! AmeriCorps! It is not hard to see, We are going to get things done From sea to shining sea!