Summer 2007
Looking Forward
This winter we will continue to identify ways to make Amberations a fun interactive experience for all. Jody Szezeck will be doing the planning for our gardens. One of her largest challenges has been selecting herbs and flowers that are deer resistant. We are planning an outhouse in our upper field areas for the spring and still have a shade pavilion at the top of our wish list. Jody is hoping to incorporate some raised beds in the gardens that will be accessible to wheelchair bound visitors. If anyone would like to join us for some weeding or planting get togethers, please let us know. If you have plants to donate, give Jody a call. We find that when you’re working and conversing with friends the time flies and troubles seem to disappear.
As many of you have discovered we have some very nice woods surrounding our upper fields. The trails are in constant need of clearing and upgrading, currently they are not wheelchair accessible. This is a great project for scouts, community service, or church groups. Let us know if you’d like to volunteer. If our winter is anything like last year, there is probably time to still get some work done this year.
At the barn our animals long for visitors. Happy and Shadow are our barn cats and love to be surprised with canned food. Our sheep, Smiley and Katie, love grapes, apples, and carrots (especially the baby ones). The chicken and ducks like bread and table scraps, surprisingly--the chicken’s favorite food is chicken (that’s right).
One of our next major undertakings will be to connect our barn area to the upper fields with a footpath. Currently only the most adventurous make the hike. Anyone wishing to offer input is invited to join us for a guided tour of the area. Call to schedule: 315-636-7166.
Fall Festival
Our Fall Festival this year was by far the best ever. We were happy to see visitors from group homes and the community as well as the usual friends and family. For the first time we even had an appearance from the sun.
In addition to the wonderful sounds of the Kambuyu Marimba Ensemble and Harvey Nusbaum and Ted Curtis, Diamond Someday thrilled us with their heartfelt, exciting bluegrass. Our event will be held on this same weekend next year so you can mark your calendars now for October 5th, 2008. We are thrilled to say that all the musicians have agreed to grace us with their presence yet again.
Chestnut Bowl
Until a few years ago Amberations was home to the largest known American Chestnut tree in Onondaga County to have escaped the blight that wiped out their population.
Kris Dulmer, an avid fan of chestnut trees who actually did his masters work with American Chestnuts, has turned a bowl from this tree for Amberations. We will have this beautiful bowl, approximately 14 inches in diameter, on display at the Plowshares show in December. You can also view pictures on our website. We will be selling this bowl at an online auction in December.
What is Amberations?
Amberations began as a dream to engage individuals in healthful, natural activities that would support mental health and well being. To that end we have adopted a small family of farm animals, started on perennial and herb gardens linked by wheelchair friendly paths, and begun the clearing of trails through our woods. We will host campfires, craft workshops, tours, hikes, and more.
We are constantly looking for new ideas, volunteers, and means to connect with potential participants. If you have a little bit of time, some ideas, or a desire to be involved, please let us know. There are countless ways you can help.
Thank You
Thank you to the many people that made our Fall Festival a success. Also thank you to Tony Russo for the generous donation of tools, Brownie Troop #1008 Jody Szczeck for your endless support, Martha and Frank (you know why) and Jane... for your endless support.
Jane’s Quilt
One of our biggest fans and supporter has worked countless hours to produce a beautiful full sized, patch work quilt for Amberations to raffle. We will have this quilt on display at our booth at the Syracuse Peace Council’s Plowshares Crafts Fair held this year on December 1 & 2 at Nottingham High School. The winning entry will be chosen at the close of the show. Please join us at this great event (www.peacecouncil.net).
