Fall 2005

Thanks to Our Donors

We would like to thank all of you who have responded so generously to our first newsletter. To date the majority of our contributors are personal friends and family. We recognize this as a huge display of confidence and appreciate the fact that you who know us the best believe in our ability to make this dream a reality. Thank you again for your support.

Currently we are working on raising funds to cover our first years liability insurance, something we have ben advised to have in place before we open. Just one newsletter has brought us within a few hundred dollars of that goal, a year of insurance costing just under $2000.00. We are confident we will be open in the Spring of 2006.

To assure that we have safe and comfortable facilities when we open we are seeking grant monies to purchase ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant composting toilets. We have spoken to a few vendors regarding such but always welcome your input should you have any advice/suggestions/opinions on any of our endeavors. We also plan to have a shade pavilion constructed in time for our Spring Opening.

Mission Statement

Our purpose is to provide opportunities for the mentally and physically challenged to positively impact and interact with the natural environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Amberations mean?

Amberations is just the name we have chosen for our organization. We are located in Amber, NY and the suffix “ation” is used to form a noun. Basically - we just like the sound of it.

What do you plan to do at Amberations?

Our intention is to create a nice place for people to go, where they can feel they have an
impact on their environment.

How will this be different than the community gardens already existing in our area?

Patrons of our grounds will not be limited to gardening. Sometimes just digging a big hole can be therapeutic. Working with others to assemble a huge mosaic of rocks could work
wonders for the participants but may not fit into the confines of a community garden. The potential for activities will be unlimited at Amberations. Eventually we plan to have a trout pond, animals, and some day a year round workshop.

When will you get animals?

We are taking our development one step at a time. Our first step will be to have a comfortable shade pavilion, bathrooms, and a well in our upper field. After that is accomplished we will begin developing the barn where the animals will be housed. The barn is on a separate section from the upper field and we want to make sure it is safe before we allow the public access.

Who will staff your program?

Currently we are targeting participants in existing programs that are seeking additional activities/outings. Individuals in need of supervision would be under the care of counselors from those programs. Volunteers from Amberations will work with these organizations to identify activities that could be enjoyed on our grounds.

If I don’t know any handicapped people how will I benefit from Amberations?

Our grounds will be open to anyone. Sometimes a respite such as this is necessary to ensure that any of us stay mentally healthy.

What can I do to help?

Contact us!!! We would love to talk to you if you are willing to help and id entify areas to utilize your abilities. We need help getting the word out, researching, mowing, digging, planting, fund raising, brain storming. Don't hesitate. Come October 16th and bring a friend...that will help.

Fall Fundraiser

On October 16th 2005 we plan to have our first annual Fall Festival. It will be held at the Otisco Lake Community Center, adjacent to the future site of Amberations. We have an afternoon of fun, food, raffles, crafts, and music planned; along with information about our organization and a virtual tour of the property. The Kambuyu Marimba Band will play from 2-3 and Harvey Nusbaum and friends 3-5 -an eclectic blend of Irish, folk, and traditional music though they’re not above playing a good jazz tune. We have unique edibles including our pumpkin chili, pumpkin muffins, and pumpkin mousse. There will be an assemblage of life size pumpkin people, face painting and more. Please plan on joining us for an afternoon of fun and don't forget to pick up your free pumpkin, donated by Tim's Pumpkin Patch (just up the road).