Spring 2009
Amberations’ Donkey
We would like you to join us in welcoming our newest family member...Donkey. This winter Amberations became a home to a rescued BLM (Bureau of Land Management) donkey. The donkey came with one stipulation, that it must receive a hug every day. Donkey is very lovable.
Being a herd animal, he is very protective of our sheep, Katie and Smiley. If he senses danger, he herds the sheep into their pen. Like the sheep, he loves carrots, apples and celery.
He is giving us quite an education in donkey care and is patiently awaiting his first good bath, teeth cleaning and hoof trimming.
One thing Donkey did not come with was a name. In the hopes of raising revenue to feed our animals, we are holding an auction for naming rights.
This auction can be found on eBay or visit our website for the link. The winner of the auction will earn the right to name the donkey and have a plaque with the chosen name hung on the donkey’s pen. Please be as creative and generous as you can as the proceeds from the auction will go to the feeding and care of Amberations growing collection of animals.
In the meantime, come visit Donkey and give him a hug.
Animal Update
Happy and Shadow, our super affectionate barn cats, are doing great. Shadow, the calico female, has become our homebody and usually is the first to greet our visitors. Happy, our handsome black and white male, is an avid hunter. While not out stalking, he finds the strangest places to climb and lounge.
The sheep, Katie and Smiley, have gotten used to Donkey, although Katie is still feeling a bit of rivalry over who should be head honcho.
Our chickens survived the winter; their raccoon proof perch has been a success. Mr. Rooster has quite a voice and the hens are prolific egg layers.
We are sad to report we lost one of our older male ducks. His partner has not been the same since and may be suffering from old age. Our ducklings born last spring have grown into beautiful birds and are a joy to watch as they waddle out each morning and in each night.
The babbling brook, rugged trails, friendly animals and gorgeous wildlife make our barn a great place to visit. Please plan on stopping by. Call first 1f you would like an introductory tour. Groups are welcome.
Give Back America
We now have our own personal shopping mall listed on GiveBackAmerica.org. GiveBackAmerica.org is an online shopping mall created to raise money for local charities. The concept is simple, every time you shop online from your favorite online retailer (ex. Target, Expedia, Amazon, Ebay) a percentage of each purchase goes to Amberations.
Use GiveBackAmerica.org and Amberations’ personal shopping mall every time you shop online!
Book company travel online through our mall (Ex. Expedia, Travelocity).
Order office supplies online (Ex. Staples, OfficeMax, OfficeDepot).
This is a great opportunity to help us raise money. Please remember to use GiveBackAmerica.org every time you shop online; it can make a difference!
Art in the Barn
There will be the official unveiling of Chloe Brittenham’s mural for Amberations after this year’s bike race.
She completed the 4 foot by 8 foot painting over the past winter as her senior project at Marcellus High School. The mural will be installed in the barn for all to enjoy.
Limited edition prints of the mural will be available at all Amberations functions with the proceeds going to support Amberations.
Summer Workshops
We are working on sponsoring a series of workshops for the summer months. At this point we are planning on holding the workshops weekday afternoons from 1-7. The day would include a group cooking adventure that would provide our scrumptious dinner.
Additional activities would include crafts, gardening, hiking (for those able), animal visits, bubbles, music, campfires and more. Our goal is to make this a fun program for a diverse group.
The cost will be $300.00 for six workshops, one day a week for six weeks. Registration will be on a first come basis. If interested please call 315-636-7166 as soon as possible.
Fall Festival
Our Fall Festival continues to flourish. Each year proves bigger and better than the one before.
Thank you to all the wonderful musicians, crafters, volunteers, cooks, merchants, guests and supporters that have made this a fun filled tradition.
Mark your calendars now for October 4th, 2009, the date of Amberations’ 5th annual Fall Festival.
Otisco Lake Bike Race
This year, Amberations’ Bike Race and Fun Day will be Sunday June 7th. This annual event is becoming popular as one of the most fun bike races in the area. We offer a rigorous 17 mile loop around Otisco Lake as well as leisurely routes for the less competitive participants.
Along with the first place trophy, prizes are awarded for an array of categories that have included most colorful, last place, youngest, muddiest, etc.
This year we are working on a duck race at the barn. As always, we have our animals to visit, stream to play in, paths to hike and the playground at the community center for little ones. If you haven’t yet come to visit, this is a great day to check us out. Our goal is to keep it fun for everyone.
Registration for the race is $20 per person or $40 for families. Registration starts at 8am the day of the race or pre-register, up to a week in advance, on-line. The race starts at 9am. For more info go to www.amberations.org.
The event will also feature the unveiling of Chloe Brittenham’s mural which will be displayed in the barn.
