Fall 2016
Fall Festival 2016
It is time once again to mark your calendars for Amberations Fall Festival - Sunday, October 2nd. The Kambuyu Marimba Ensemble has their own troupe of fans that just can't get enough of the unique African Zimbabwe dance music they produce, it's full of energy and magical in tone.
Harvey Nusbaum has been orchestrating the talent for our event for years and his newest group, The Perennials, really hits the mark. They are a wonderful collaboration of very talented lifelong players including Jacqui McCarthy, Bob Elfenbein and Harvey himself. Jacqui has a stunning voice that masterfully compliments this group's talents on a variety of instruments.
Bob Lyna is a familiar face in the local music scene where he is known for his flawless renditions of folk, blues, country, pop, swing, and rock'n'roll. Amberations is fortunate to have the support of so many of our finest local musicians at this fun event...join us for an afternoon of fine listening pleasure.
Not only is the music great, so is our food. From pumpkin chili ate spanikopita and ice cream, we offer a unique and delicious menu that is sure to please. We also have some phenomenal baked goods including the best gluten free cookies ever.
Our animals, trails, duck race, face painting, and treasure hunt make this event one you won't want to miss. Come for the music, stay for the food, don't miss the duck race and be sure to bring a friend or two to share the fun!
Festivities from 1-6 at the Otisco Lake Community Center adjacent to Amberations' barn 2223 Amber Road in Marietta.
Coming Soon…a Pond
For years Amberations has dreamed of a pond to compliment our barn site. It seems that soon may become a reality.
Recently volunteers from the United Methodist Church in Marcellus decided to help us out with a day of service. This small group of hard workers attacked our weeds and beautified our grounds. The lovely trough planter in front of the barn is just one thing we have to thank them for. Another is soon to come.
Griff Williams was one of the volunteers that showed up that day. Griff has embraced our dream of a pond and has agreed to donate his time and equipment to making that a reality.
We have been in contact with the Department of Soil and Water Conservation, the Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Department of Parks and Recreation and the Army Corps of Engineers and phew....we are almost ready to start digging.
Watch for progress and feel free to contact us if you might want to assist. Our plan is for a small pond, approximately 25’ X 40’, between our barn and our stream and just a little to the east. We hope to install a small bridge and grade the bank on the west end to allow access by wheelchairs.
Frary’s Furry Friends
You may remember in a recent newsletter we highlighted Jim Frary — our “donkey whisperer”.
Jim has agreed to oversee our animal care operations. Amberations is a volunteer run organization so what this means is that Jim is the one who will schedule and communicate with our volunteers (and also continue to do a good amount of the work himself).
Right now we need just a couple of more helpers. Caring for our animals is extremely rewarding and really not very labor intensive.
If you or anyone you know might consider lending a hand please give Jim a call at 315-427-3585. No experience necessary.
Anne Johnson
Anne is our newest volunteer...sort of. For years Anne, a local artist, has gifted us with some of her original print cards. She does beautiful, intricate block carvings then prints a limited number of cards by hand.
Anne is also a talented botanist who recently co-authored a book: Plants of St. Lawrence County, NY. Anne’s delightful prints often depict some of those very plants she knows so well. Other prints are often animals, insects, chickens, birds etc.
While the few special cards she sent us were often saved for our most notable supporters, now Anne has agreed to send one of her original cards, along with a hand written note from herself, to all of our donors. She sees the vision of many people each doing one small part of what it takes to keep Amberations going — successfully.
Thank you Anne!
Amberations’ Wish List
Hay and/or straw
Cat food
Unopened shingles
Rubber backed rugs
A small shed
Gravel or stone
Solar panels (installed)
A good lawnmower
A good weedwacker
A small bridge
Volunteers
Volunteer Opportunities
The main requirement for joining our team of supporters at Amberations is a willingness to enjoy life and have fun. We have many ways that anyone can help:
Gardening
Animal caretakers
Camp registrar (tuition benefits)
Carpentry (small or large jobs)
Groundskeeping
Treasurer
Networking
Marketing
Grant writing
Outreach
Data base oversight
Event support
New ideas
New T-Shirts at the Fall Festival
This is a preview of our new 2016 t-shirt design by Betsy Edinger. Betsy not only plays in the marimba band she has agreed to help us with our t-shirt sales. Betsy really went above and beyond our expectations by actually designing the prints for our shirts.
Our Mission
In order to become a 501 (C-3) not-for-profit organization there is a complex application and review process.
Amberations mission is to support mental health by providing opportunities for people of all abilities to impact and interact with the natural environment.
We were very careful when we drafted our application to make sure it was worded in such a way that anyone might benefit from our grounds. Over the years we have enjoyed visits from group homes, senior centers, inner city youth, schools and families.
Recently a neighbor shared her story. When she returned to upstate New York as an adult it was a very difficult time for her emotionally. The opportunity to enjoy the animals and nature at Amberations proved just what she needed to restore balance and perspective to her life. This is just one example of Amberations meeting our goals...one person at a time.
The volunteers at Amberations have identified ways we could reach more people and offer more to our community. We need help. Please consider joining us. The only prerequisite is a willingness to help and an ability to have fun.
Summer Odyssey 2016
For the second year in a row Anne Brittenham hosted a successful camp experience for young nature lovers.
Anne packs the day with a variety of fun activities, visiting and feeding the animals, boat building, games, crafts and fort building. Anything fun just becomes even more fun when you do it in a fort, especially when the fort is one you've built yourself.
Amberations also offered a music day where special guest Harvey Nusbaum played songs and taught some of the history behind the tunes.
Every day featured special events and every day was marked by fond memories for campers and counselors. Day camp runs outdoors 10am-4pm Monday through Thursday. Campers enjoy our fields to hile, streams to explore and animals to visit.
We include arts and crafts, games and team building experiences and of course...fort building. Our expert certified staff with a great staff to camper ratio allows campers to participate in selecting activities.
Plan ahead, call now to reserve a slot. Depending on interest Amberations may add a week for younger campers. Let us know if you have a school aged child interested in enjoying Amberations Summer Odyssey.
For registration information contact Marcellus Parks and Recreation Department at 315-673-3269.
