Sheep Gal

Relief for West County

Stillwater at the Bridge of Flowers & Iron Bridge, Shelburne Falls, MA (photo by Ben Barnhart, 2009)

I'm posting for the second time today in response to a reader comment on my earlier post (thank you Marcy for your thoughtful question). I learned that a fund has been established locally to provide relief to those in Franklin county whose homes and businesses were severely damaged by the storm (please read to the end of this post if you would like to contribute).

I just returned from a trip to the village. After a stop at the P.O. and the bank, I took a stroll over the Iron Bridge, stopping to speak with several business owners along the way. On their behalf I'd like to relay the message that many shops and restaurants are open in the village this weekend. 

The gardners are hard at  work mending the lovely gardens on the Bridge of Flowers as I type (which I hope means the bridge will soon be open for pedestrian visitors). Shelburne Falls is lovely and visit-worthy, even in its altered state. I'm sure the businesses would be glad to see you!

(note: If you're planning to visit Franklin County Mass. this weekend, please read this travel advisory.)

 

Information I received earlier today from the Shelburne Falls Business Association:

West County Relief Fund:

Shelburne Falls Area Business Association Organizes West County Relief Fund

 The Shelburne Falls Area Business Association (SFABA) with the support of the Central Connecticut River Valley Institute (CCRVI) has established the West County Relief fund to receive funds from the public to be used for relief from the damage caused by Hurricane Irene. Funds will be given out to individuals, families, and businesses to fill needs not met by funds from Federal, State and non-profit sources. Funds raised will be distributed by a committee established by the SFABA.

Donors can make donations (please make checks payable to West County Relief Fund) at any branch of the Greenfield Saving Bank, WHAI, McCusker's Market, Mocha Maya's, Keystone Market, and other area businesses.) Checks made out to West County Relief Fund may be mailed to CCRVI, 6 Warren Court, Shelburne Falls, MA, 01370, to the SFABA, PO Box 42, Shelburne Falls, MA, 01370. 

Shelburne Falls and the West County area are still very much here - please support our towns, families, and businesses by coming to visit and patronizing our shops, galleries, and restaurants.
The 3rd Annual Salmon Falls Street Fest is 12-7 PM September 17, 2011, and is dedicated to the recovery of West County. Come and enjoy the festivities in our beautiful village!

 

Thanks for reading,

Barb

The Strolling of the Lambs part two

On Saturday we took a moment to honor Holly's commitment to the farm. This month she is leaving the farm to work on an exciting new endeavor in the restaurant business with her partner Chris. We love her and will miss her terribly!

Kathryn's craft table was a hit! We made nests and hand felted eggs for a flock of hand-sewn chickens. 

 Mistral loved every minute of being in the center of attention. 

Mike gave the farm tour. I forgot to tell him about it, so he was confused when people kept asking him when the tour began.

Thanks to all who helped make this even a huge success, especially Mike, Daddy, Shirley, Holly, Kathryn, Fred.

Can't wait for our next Sheep Shares event on October 1, Fiber, Foliage and Friends.

You can take the girl out of the country . . .

. . but you can't take the country out of the girl! Proven true when I accompanied Mike on a quick jaunt to the city earlier this week. The photos in this post reflect what most captured my attention and lens on Monday afternoon. While I enjoy taking in NYC's impressive architecture, urban landmarks, the dizzying number of places to do serious damage to the wallet and the fashion-ista parade on Madison and 5th, I still gravitate toward the city critters.

Since there are no sheep to feed in Central Park I found myself at the duck pond at dinner time. 

And at about the time Holly was feeding the flock back home, horses were fed on 5th Ave.

Although this one seemed to be turning up his nose at grain.

And my favorite. Pretty, demure and dressed for Valentine's Day. I called her the Queen of Hearts. Which reminds me - I have something up my sleeve for Valentine's Day. It's late now, so I'll say more about that tomorrow.