(Hazleton, PA – November 17, 2010) – The CAN DO Community Foundation recently presented Bernie Socha with a resolution recognizing him for his efforts in restoring the Ferrwood Music Camp. Foundation President Gary F. Lamont and CAN DO President Kevin O’Donnell made the presentation to Socha.

The CAN DO Community Foundation’s mission in achieving its primary charter focuses on project requirements of Conservation, Preservation and Reclamation with a slogan of “CPR – Breathing New Life into our Community.”

The foundation chose Ferrwood as a community site in need of restoration and is working in partnership with the Greater Hazleton Philharmonic Association on the project.

As part of its participation in the restoration project, the CAN DO Community Foundation was successful in having labor and materials donated in the effort.

As a memorial gift in remembrance of Mr. Bernard Socha, his father, Socha donated time and materials to complete custom finishing carpentry to the main building of Ferrwood. His support is allowing the project to reverse what time’s toll had taken on the facility without dipping into its funds for music programs. Through Socha’s help, Ferrwood is being restored for future generations. Without the overall community support, the camp would have faded into warm memories of a once-lively camp. Preserving Ferrwood links the heritage of our community to its future greatness.

Rich in history, Ferrwood was built in 1927 by the Luzerne County commissioners as a fresh air camp for approximately $12,000. The camp was used by children with symptoms of tuberculosis, part of a movement in which doctors, schools, social service agencies and volunteers worked together to meet a community health need. This movement was the precursor to the American Lung Association. The CAN DO Community Foundation was successful in having Ferrwood listed in the National Register of Historic Places in the Library of Congress.

The camp ceased operations after it was successful in achieving its objective and was reopened as a music camp by its founder, the Rev. Joseph Ferrara, in 1966. “Father Joe,” as he was widely known, became aware of the abandoned camp and negotiated a lease for $1 with the county commissioners to establish the camp. It was Ferrara’s belief that although all students may not grow up to be musicians, educating others in music would enrich their minds, bodies and spirits, giving them a lifelong gift. His gift, therefore, became one that improved society by expanding a world of thought and possibility for all people, regardless of social status. The Ferrwood restoration project honors Ferrara’s memory.

Although tuberculosis no longer threatens young lives as it did when the camp was originally established, today Ferrwood continues to enrich area youth. The Philharmonic manages the music camp with the help of an army of volunteers.

Restoration at the camp followed strict Department of Interior guidelines. The main building, which includes boys’ and girls’ dormitory wings, is being restored, as are the kitchen, dining hall, gathering room, showers, bathrooms and an expansive screened porch. The 115 windows in the facility, installed when it was a fresh air camp, have been restored, along with the band shell used by music camp students.

For more information on the CAN DO Community Foundation and how you can help donate to worthy community projects such as Ferrwood, contact Nancy Stasko at (570) 455-1508 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..