News from Up North
October 27th, 2013 · 1 Comment · Posted in News from Up North, rural life
Have you seen this goat?
We spent more than four hours yesterday traveling to a breeder in Athens, NY, to purchase this purebred, seven-month-old Kiko buckling. He was to be the sire for our two females, Dolly and Tanner, and what we planned as a sideline in the goat meat business. He made it home just fine in the back of our pickup truck, but when we released him in the goat enclosure he panicked and bolted right under the bottom wire of our electrified perimeter fence.
The little goat disappeared into a densely wooded area adjacent to our property. A search on foot revealed no trace, nor have we heard a peep out of him. We’re hopeful that he’s just scared and hunkered down in the underbrush. Perhaps the bleating of Dolly and Tanner will draw him out. He’s hard to miss: he’s completely white with some green splotches from having his ears tattooed and is still wearing a blue collar with a pink leash attached. If you see him, please give us a call….
Sadly, we note the passing of Nelma McKlenithan, who died peacefully at the Pleasant Valley Adult Care Center in Argyle. She was 101. Nelma was the youngest of 12 children born to Finnish immigrants. When her parents died, she and two brothers, Andy and Igg, moved to the Shushan-Cambden valley, where they were raised by their oldest brother Tiovo and his wife Mary. Nelma went to work at age 16 at the Salem Shirt Factory. She later married Emerson “Barney” McLenithan and became a farm wife. She was well known for entertaining on the accordion and singing Finnish songs at venues such as nursing homes, parties, and the Burger Den. She will be missed.
The Cambridge Halloween parade and costume contest is scheduled for Thursday on the front lawn of the Cambridge Guest Home on South Union Street. Judging will begin promptly at 5:15. Prizes will be awarded for “most creative,” “scariest,” “cutest,” “best group” and “best pet.” The parade then departs for the Rice Mansion Inn on Main Street. All goblins and witches are invited to attend.
Students at Cambridge Central School will participate in the New York State “go home” drill November 8. All will be released from school at 2 p.m. to practice the evacuation that would take place in case of an emergency.
Mark your calendars: The basketball contest between elementary and high school teachers at Cambridge Central School also is scheduled for November 8 at 7 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.
Starting November 5 at noon, the Cambridge area branch of the Woman’s National Farm and Garden organization holds its second annual Dried Flower Arrangements and Silent Auction at the Glens Falls National Bank on Main Street. Bidding ends Nov. 19 at 2 p.m., with proceeds going to fund college scholarships for local high school seniors.
Kudos to the “kindness and compassion” club who, under the guidance of advisors Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Tironi and Ms. Estramonte, hosted a reception for new students at Greenwich Elementary School. Kids decorated pumpkins and were treated to apple donuts and cider. Each student left the reception with a homemade “witches” lollipop and a Greenwich backpack.
VFW Post 7291 and the Liberty Post 515 of the American Legion are joining forces to provide a free dinner to veterans in the Greenwich area Nov. 10 at the VFW Post on Abeel Avenue. The event will start with a social hour from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a Vietnam era show presented by Gary Ferris. Dinner is free to veterans and a guest. Reservations are required.
Kudos to the custodial staff at Salem Central Elementary School who once again are awarding the Golden Garbage Can, otherwise known as “The Goldie,” to students doing the best job of maintaining their classrooms. Winning classes get to keep the award for one month. Winners of the September “Goldie” were Mrs. Aunchman’s Kindergarten class at Mrs. Alessi’s fifth graders.
Also in Salem, don’t miss the Oktoberfest dinner at the Presbyterian Church on West Broadway, across from the post office, scheduled for Nov. 2 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Besides traditional German food, according and Alp horn music will be featured.
Finally, Cedric Alexander of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department recommends using common sense when encountering a moose in your yard as approaching a moose could cause it to charge. “Treat it as a wild animal,” Alexander says. “People pet them, hug them, and that’s the first thing not to do.” Moose, he says, are not normally aggressive. But their behavior can be unpredictable if they are sick or in a mating mood. If a moose should linger in your yard, do call the fish and wildlife department.
The Rensselaer County Dairy Princess took the week off.
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.
You keep losing stuff Ed!!!
Hope you find your goat soon. I think animals/fowl need to be kept in a secure barn, large trailer, small safe walled area for at least a couple of days to get over the stress and panic of the journey. The panic reaction is “fight or flight” and as most stock is prey, that means flight as fast as possible.
We’re waiting for ‘superstorm’ St Jude to sweep over England tonight, it’s getting a bit breezy already but otherwise a glorious day. Maybe it will be a storm in teacup… see you on the other side!