TASC clientele get a chance to show their creativity with new garden stone day project

by Brianne Eilers

In the past few years, there have been many changes at the TASC facility located just north of Waukon on Mt. Olivet Road. A few years ago, they had an expansion project which allowed TASC to be better able to serve its clientele. TASC works with disabled individuals, helping them to learn vocational and life skills that allow clients to become as independent as possible.
In addition to expanding and adding facilities, they are also continually looking for new day programs that will give clients an opportunity to try new and different activities, such as cooking, exercise, and art classes, that could lead to new hobbies, or possibly even a business opportunity. One of the newer day programs could do just that.
The latest project that TASC clients have been able to get involved with is the process of making concrete garden stones and other garden-oriented products. Project coordinator Sheila Schulte explained that as an extension of the day program, TASC has turned the facility that formerly housed the shiitake mushroom growing project into what is now called the “mud art building”.
In this building, clients have the opportunity to learn how to make their own concrete stones from start to finish. Schulte explained that most of the TASC clients have made stones. “We started out with small stones,” she explained, but the projects have grown larger and more elaborate as they look for new molds and patterns. TASC had to purchase a small concrete mixer for the project, as well as various molds, a shaker table, and a drying table.
The stones are made by putting concrete into molds that the clients have to oil very well before filling. The clients help mix up the concrete and pour it into the molds. “Austin is my muscle,” Schulte noted of client Austin Brawdy. The whole process from the time the stones are poured to the time they are properly cured takes a couple of weeks. There is also a learning curve that comes with some of the different types and styles of projects.
Decorative pieces, such as glass or buttons, can be added to the stones, and clients have also been able to personalize stones by imprinting names. Client Karen Monroe showed a stone that she had made for her niece, complete with a name, decorations, and a small handprint in the middle.
Client John Howe showed off a stone plaque he customized to give at an upcoming awards banquet. The clients also make a variety of molded stones in various colors that are painted. The stones are sealed, which makes them suitable for outdoor display. Some of the designs that are currently being used include a golf motif, a Celtic motif, fish, hummingbirds and flowers, and paw prints, among others. “We are always looking for new molds and new ideas,” Schulte said.
In addition to the stones, the staff and clients have also created flowerpots with faces that could be used for cascading plants, to make it look like hair. Clients have also made concrete frames with mirrors to be displayed outdoors, as well as stones with sayings that are appropriate for memory gardens or memorials, as well as concrete markers imprinted with the names of herbs, or which could be customized to say a greeting, or whatever is wanted. Recently, a stone made by TASC clients was presented to the Waukon Fire Department.
The stones are available for purchase by the public, with proceeds going toward the materials and equipment used to make the concrete items. It does take about 10 to 14 days before the finished product is ready. For more information on the garden stones and concrete products, contact TASC coordinator Sheila Schulte at 563-568-4060.