---

The Longville School Forest's annual fund raising event known to many far and wide as, "The Woodcutter's Ball," will be placed on hold until the future of the School Forest property and related assets are determined. Event organizers met and decided that with the closing of Longville Elementary and the fate of the School Forest property and transfer process from the state now in question, calling all Lumberjacks and Lumber-Jill's on that one Saturday in January, historically the coldest day of the year, would have to be put on hold until these known unknowns are made clear.

Over the past nine years, new and returning volunteers (from a min. of 14, to a max. of 83) have provided help in cutting/splitting over 200 cords of oak which was later sold to fund activities and projects associated with the school forest. These volunteers have endured temperatures ranging from 27 below zero, to 40 above; cut in clear skies, cloudy, snow storms, ice storms, rain, sleet, snow. Were witnesses to efficiency; whereby "cutting" what took in the early days six to seven hours, down to a little more than two and half.

Has the tradition ended? It is the hopes of all involved that "The Ball" has been temporarily placed on hold, and as such, will continue at a later date.

Thanks to all!

Brett J. Short[[In-content Ad]]

---