News from Up North
July 21st, 2013 · No Comments · Posted in News from Up North
Not quite ready for dinner yet
We’ve got Freedom Rangers!
The post office called Friday to say the 30 chicks that we hope will become our broilers had arrived. Looking just like Easter Peeps, they tumbled out of a cardboard box and into our brooder in the basement, where the terrified Quineafowl keets immediately fled for a far corner and huddled in fear.
Freedom rangers, hatched in Pennsylvania, are genetically linked to the famous “label rouge” chickens of France. Will that make them better than the conventional cornish cross chickens typically used as broilers here in the U.S.? Well, that’s what we’re going to find out.
We’ll soon be constructing some sort of chicken “tractor” so that our rangers can travel around our pastures, foraging on fresh grass each day while helping to fertilize our fields. If all goes according to schedule, they should be ready for butchering in about two months, which means we have some time to think about how we’re going to scald, pluck and gut these guys.
It’s the start of yet another farm adventure….
It’s not too late to make plans for an “old-style country dance” today at the American Legion post in Schuylerville. This event, sponsored by the Country Round and Square Dance Association, features music by the Ole Time Country Band and costs just $5 entry. Time is 2-6 p.m.
Also, don’t miss the 10th annual New York-New England Milk Bottle Collectors & Picnic toady at Burton Hall in North Easton. The public is welcome to bring bottles. Otherwise, there will be a great selection of milk bottles to buy, sell, swap or browse.
For those of you who still doubt the existence of moose in these environs, Christina Sesera of Greenwich captured a photo of one in her back yard July 11.
The Salem Rotary presents a free ice cream social and concert by the Washington County Band Wednesday, 7 p.m., at the Georgi in Shushan. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic if you like.
On Friday, the seventh annual youth talent showcase in Salem takes place at the Fort Salem Theater. Members of the fort’s summer camp will display acting, singing and dancing skills beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Don’t miss the vintage tractor show next weekend at the Washington County Fairgrounds. The focus this year is on John Deere tractors. Events include a tractor parade, tractor pulls and a “find a needle in a haystack” event for kids. Contact Jared Thomas at 518 695-4325 for more information.
Also coming up this week is the annual “al fresco weekend” at Salem Courthouse Community Center. Dinner Saturday, to be served on the community center grounds, features locally grown peach salad with chevre, herb-crusted loin of been, thinly sliced sirloin with chimichuri sauce, and other vegetable dishes. There will be music as well by the Roadhouse Blues Band and Mettawee River Theater Company will be supplying a procession of whimsically dressed characters and puppets.
At noon on Sunday, the community center hosts a brunch featuring foods by three area chefs. Call 518 854-7053 to purchase tickets.
Everything you ever wanted to know about the opera Barber of Seville will be available at the Music from Salem Listening Club meeting Sunday, July 28, at Hubbard Hall in Cambridge. Peter Subers and Mark Buckholtz will discuss the opera and performers will be on hand to demonstrate key passages. Starts at 3 p.m., admission $10.
St. Mary’s Academy Alumni Weekend in Hoosick Falls features a golf scramble Saturday, August 3, at the Hoosick Falls Country Club. Spectators are welcome to cheer on the players. Registration fee is $70.
The “Find Waldo” contest in Cambridge has taken on a fevered pitch. Kids and adultsas well are scouring local stores and businesses, looking for a rendition of the famous children’s book character in striped shirt and black-rimmed specs through July. Those who find him can win prizes ranging from stickers to book coupons and more. Anyone wishing to join the fun can pick up a “Find Waldo Local in Cambridge!” passport with the names of all the participating sites. Collecting stamps or signatures at 20 or more businesses entitle Waldo hunters to a grand prize drawing July 31, first prize consisting of a six-volume deluxe set of Waldo books.
Finally, Rensseleaer County Dairy Princess Lindsey McMahon says it is extremely important in hot summer months for dairy farmers to provide some heat relief to their cows. This can consist of shade, or even fans or sprinklers.
Last weekend, McMahon attended the farmer’s market in Hoosick Falls where she served cheese and crackers to the public. She later attended a meeting at the Hoosick grange, where she gave a short presentation on the dairy industry. This week, McMahon suggests readers try making easy pizza bagel appetizers. All you need is a bag of plain or whole wheat mini bagels, a jar of marinara sauce, some shredded mozzarella cheese and any of your favorite pizza toppings. Just cut the bagels in half, spread your toppings and bake in a 350-degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes.
Enjoy!
This edition of News from Up North was culled from actual news reports in the Washington County Area and is presented here for the enjoyment and edification of our readers. As always, stay alert and please drive carefully.
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