Fall 2010
Rescue Dogs Visit Amberations
On June 11 a group gathered in Amberations’ field to learn about search and rescue dogs. Search and rescue volunteers Eva Briggs and her border collie Boomer, Terry Brown and his Belgian Shepherd Zia, and Cindy Cherry, explained to the group how dogs are trained to use their amazing scenting abilities to locate lost people.
Boomer demonstrated air scenting: working through an area off-leash using his nose to locate a subject. After finding his subject, he raced back to his handler, barked to alert her that he'd made a find, then returned to the subject. His reward was a vigorous game of tug-o-war with the subject.
Zia showed the crowd how he trails the scent on the ground left by a walking person. Dressed in his bright orange harness, and hooked to a 30-foot lead, he led his handler to the subject hidden in Amberation's field. Zia showed how a dog can pick out the correct subject even when several people start out the trail together.
A good time was had by all. A lively informal question-and-answer period followed under a shade canopy and accompanied by home-made iced tea.
CockTales in July
On Sunday July 18th, a small group gathered at our barn with local story teller Denise Brennan.
Denise entertained young and old alike with her own versions of classic rooster tales. She sported a stylish multi-pocketed apron (thank you Jane) that was full of clever props to share with her audience.
Some guests participated in a craft session following the stories while others enjoyed our treasure hunt. Thank you Denise!
Think Spring
In the spring we are hoping to begin construction on our long awaited pavilion in the upper fields. We are looking for ideas and volunteers, groups or individuals.
This would be a great project for an Eagle scout, church group, retiree, etc. We have the site, a few ideas, a little money and big hopes. Please join us.
Good Search
Just a reminder that in our endless search for painless ways to support our cause we have been united with goodsearch.com. Goodsearch is basically a search engine like Yahoo or Google but goodsearch.com donates to a charity, a penny for every search made.
It’s very easy to set it as your default search engine with Amberations as your charity of choice and let the pennies roll our way.
Goodsearch.com also has a feature to have a percentage of your purchases from your favorite online shopping stores go to Amberations. Just link to the websites from the bottom of Goodsearch.com. Thanks to all our supporters using GoodSearch.
Give Back America
Also, please remember Give Back America. Give Back America 1s like an online shopping mall that gives a percentage of all purchases to your favorite charity.
Our experience is that if you add it to your bookmarks/favorites it’s a lot easier to remember to use it. Give Back America works with most of your favorite online stores.
Thank You, Volunteers
This spring Matt Stremple, Tristan Wiley and their moms forged a trail from the barn to the upper fields. This enabled Amberations to install a quite unique treasure hunt that covers all of our fifty acres. Maps will be available at our Fall Festival or by calling 315-636-7166. It’s quite a hike and great fun, too.
Jamie Wiley has been getting up early every Sunday to help with Big Joe. Joe developed a stubborn streak this summer and decided not to cooperate with hoof care. Jamie has been great with him and Joe is looking good and acting better and better all the time. Sunday mornings are a great time for an educational visit.
Recent retiree and talented marimba player Diana Green has also been spending time with Joe. The animals and the sheep really like to be let loose to run and graze in the open. Diana has been making weekly visits and enjoying some time on the deck while the animals have a bit of freedom. If you’d like to join her and enjoy some up close and personal time with the animals, feel free to call Diana.
Not long after we forged our trail and built our treasure course, a large oak tree came down across the path. Thank you Sean Kinney for cutting up the tree and making our path passable again.
For the last five years 11 acres of Amberations’ land has been monitored by the National Resource Council through a program called Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program.
The purpose of this program is to create a habitat that is conducive to the well being of native song birds. A designated schedule of mowing is required. Thanks to all who helped with the mowing. Notice the proliferation of song birds as you stroll our trails.
The goal of Amberations is to create an oasis of natural beauty for all to enjoy. We always need volunteers. Please consider spending a small amount of time to help with our cause.
Fall Festival
Our Fall Festival is happening soon. October 3rd is the date with festivities starting at 1 pm.
This year we are hoping guests will explore our new 50 acre treasure hunt so remember to dress appropriately.
Refreshments at our event include our own pumpkin chili, spanikopita, hot and cold cider, Gannons’ pumpkin ice cream, apple crisp, hot dogs, gingerbread Halloween cookies and more.
We have crafts, hand painted t-shirts, games, face painting, great raffle prizes and one of the most up close and personal duck races around.
Our barn is adjacent to the festival and the animals will be anxiously waiting to greet you. All of this and great local live music.
Make sure you mark your calendars now, you won’t want to miss this fun day. Remember, all our events are held rain or shine and we have fun no matter what the weather brings. Amberations’ Fall Festival: Sunday, October 3rd from 1 to 5 at the Otisco Lake Community Center - 2223 Amber Road, Marietta (adjacent to Amberations’ barn).
