This is winter is not fun anymore. I love the days with cold and sunshine and snow but no wind or ice. And we've had bucketloads of that. :-) But wind chill is real and when that wind blows and the humidity is high, it can get really cold. The trick with weather right now is, the sun shines, the temperatures warm during the day, so the snow starts to melt. Then, before all the melted snow can evaporate, the sun sets and the temperatures drop below freezing and then you have ice. So the walk home can get treacherous. In Dallas, we have black ice on the roads, but here they get black ice on the sidewalks. The sidewalks are made of asphalt and it really is black ice.
Monday night the conditions were right (and I don't know what the exact combination was) and now all the snow banks glisten. It looks like cupcake icing is spread over the top. It's actually a thin layer of ice, so it's a little dangerous, but it's kinda cool-looking. When you crunch through the top layer, it's regular snow underneath. MRM says you can walk on it and she loves to play on top of it when it's like that. I haven't been home before sunset all week, so I haven't had a chance to do that, but I'm looking forward to that. She likes to lie down on it and slide around. Sounds fun!
Speaking of ice, there's a freezing rain warning for tonight. (You wondered when I was going to get around to addressing the title of this posting, didn't you?) Yuck. That's what winters are like in Dallas. I'm not looking forward to this or the walk to school tomorrow when the sidewalks are covered in more ice. But at least the walk is very short and even when it's bitter cold, it's not miserable because it's over before I know it.
Check out the official notice of the warning:
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GRAY ME
342 PM EDT WED MAR 21 2007
...LIGHT FREEZING RAIN TO FALL ACROSS MUCH OF MAINE AND NEW
HAMPSHIRE LATE TONIGHT...
.A WARM FRONT WILL LIFT ACROSS THE REGION TONIGHT. WHILE ONLY
LIGHT PRECIPITATION IS EXPECTED...MUCH OF THIS WILL FALL AS
FREEZING RAIN...RESULTING IN SLIPPERY ROADWAYS.
PRECIPITATION MAY BEGIN AS A SNOW OR SLEET...BUT WILL QUICKLY
CHANGE OVER TO FREEZING RAIN. THE FREEZING RAIN WILL CONTINUE
UNTIL EARLY THURSDAY MORNING...WHEN TEMPERATURES GRADUALLY RISE
ABOVE FREEZING...BRINGING AN END TO THE HAZARD. HOWEVER...FREEZING
RAIN WILL LINGER IN SHELTERED MOUNTAIN VALLEYS INTO THURSDAY
MORNING.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
March 20, 2007: Vernal Equinox
So today, right about now, is supposed to be the beginning of spring. Well, it's 9:36pm here in Farmington, it's 18 degrees outside, and the wind is blowing something fierce. (March definitely came in like a lion, but I'm waiting for that lamb as we near the "going out" part of the month.) It sure doesn't feel very spring-like.
There was another "snow dusting" last night. I got home at 10:15pm and it hadn't snowed yet, but when I got up this morning, everything was dusted. It looked like powdered sugar had been sprinkled on the cars.
But I did notice that the sunset felt a lot later than it has before. It was setting at 4:30 when I first arrived and now it seems like it's still light at 7pm. At least the Vernal Equinox isn't effected by global warming.
There was another "snow dusting" last night. I got home at 10:15pm and it hadn't snowed yet, but when I got up this morning, everything was dusted. It looked like powdered sugar had been sprinkled on the cars.
But I did notice that the sunset felt a lot later than it has before. It was setting at 4:30 when I first arrived and now it seems like it's still light at 7pm. At least the Vernal Equinox isn't effected by global warming.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
March 17, 2007: Holiday Snowstorms
We had another snow storm. It started Friday night and went into Saturday then turned into rain/sleet. The total accumulation was probably only 10 inches. It was pretty mild. It seems every major snow storm (including this "mild" one) has been on a holiday. The first was the Sunday of Martin Luther King weekend, then Valentine's Day was the biggie, then Texas Independence Day (probably not a holiday in everyone's mind but it definitely should be if it wasn't before), and now St. Patrick's Day. Perhaps I'll even be able to remember when we had snow my first winter in Maine! I'm not good with dates, but I can remember those. I think we skipped Groundhog Day.
Friday night I went to faculty seminar. I walked from the education building and got to the post office just as it was closing at 5:30. Then I walked to The Granary. There were only 5 people there but others came and went so even though there was rarely more than 5, there was a wide variety of people. Around 7:00 it started to snow so several people left then to beat the storm. By 7:30 it was down to just Sarah M., Pebble, and me. We laughed and told tales and had a blast. Sarah just bought a house and it was great to hear all about that. I can't wait to see her bamboo floors. It turns out Sarah is from Austin. Yea! Another Texan.
Around 8:30 the three of us left and I walked back to the Education Center. I walked down Main Street and in the streetlights with newly fallen snow (and little bitty snowflakes still coming down), it looked and felt like Christmas. Nobody else was out. I was just going to pick up a few things and then walk home before the snow got worse, but Kathy and Steve and Dr. Mari called from Philly so I talked to them for 45 minutes and then walked home. It still felt a little Christmasy though not as many streetlights or churches and the snow had stopped so it wasn't quite the same. But it was fun to make the first footprints.
Saturday, MRM and RBF decided to go to the matinee of "Bridge to Terabithia." We walked to the theatre. It was sleeting, but only a little bit. It was a very fun walk. We all got buttered popcorn. Just after sitting down, both MRM and I spread a paper napkin across our right thigh. We cracked up because it was almost in unison and we both knew that when at the movies, we rarely see anyone else spread out their napkin across their leg like that. We are a bit too much like each other but it's very fun.
The movie was terrific! It was a three kleenex movie, but I knew it would be 'cuz even though I barely remembered it, I had read the book and remembered that it was sad. MRM remembered the book better than I did; RBF had never read the book. MRM said the movie stayed very close to the book.
On the way home, MRM and RBF got into snow ball fights. Fortunately, they left me out of it. As we were walking up the hill from the theatre to downtown, two teenage boys were walking down the hill. MRM yelled out, "Hey, I'll give you $5 if you'll hit that guy (RBF) with a snowball." But then she immediately had to take it back and explain that she didn't have $5. We cracked up at the thought of their doing it before she realized she didn't have the money and then her having to ask her victim to borrow $5. ;-)
We went to Renys, the all-purpose local hardware/dry goods store but they were closing early because of the storm so we didn't get to go in. So we went to the bookstore across the street where MRM used to work. That was very fun. I found a fabulous book that I had read about and want to buy but I want an autographed copy. The wild thing was, MRM knows the author and had just seen him getting into his car as we were headed to Renys. She knew I wanted that book, so she introduced me to him and we shook hands through his car window! I think I really can get my autographed copy! But it didn't work out for today.
As we were heading home, we passed the same two teenage boys going the opposite direction. Just as we figured out who they were, the one said to RBF, "You're lucky, man! I could've had $5." What a hoot! The "hit man" was no longer under contract but RBF still felt like he was a wanted man.
We headed to Gifford's for some ice cream. They opened yesterday for 'the season'. They had free ice cream from 6-8pm and even in the snow, there was a long line. Or so we heard. We didn't make it last night so we were going to try today. But it turns out they were closed due to weather. Their second day open and they were closed.
Friday night I went to faculty seminar. I walked from the education building and got to the post office just as it was closing at 5:30. Then I walked to The Granary. There were only 5 people there but others came and went so even though there was rarely more than 5, there was a wide variety of people. Around 7:00 it started to snow so several people left then to beat the storm. By 7:30 it was down to just Sarah M., Pebble, and me. We laughed and told tales and had a blast. Sarah just bought a house and it was great to hear all about that. I can't wait to see her bamboo floors. It turns out Sarah is from Austin. Yea! Another Texan.
Around 8:30 the three of us left and I walked back to the Education Center. I walked down Main Street and in the streetlights with newly fallen snow (and little bitty snowflakes still coming down), it looked and felt like Christmas. Nobody else was out. I was just going to pick up a few things and then walk home before the snow got worse, but Kathy and Steve and Dr. Mari called from Philly so I talked to them for 45 minutes and then walked home. It still felt a little Christmasy though not as many streetlights or churches and the snow had stopped so it wasn't quite the same. But it was fun to make the first footprints.
Saturday, MRM and RBF decided to go to the matinee of "Bridge to Terabithia." We walked to the theatre. It was sleeting, but only a little bit. It was a very fun walk. We all got buttered popcorn. Just after sitting down, both MRM and I spread a paper napkin across our right thigh. We cracked up because it was almost in unison and we both knew that when at the movies, we rarely see anyone else spread out their napkin across their leg like that. We are a bit too much like each other but it's very fun.
The movie was terrific! It was a three kleenex movie, but I knew it would be 'cuz even though I barely remembered it, I had read the book and remembered that it was sad. MRM remembered the book better than I did; RBF had never read the book. MRM said the movie stayed very close to the book.
On the way home, MRM and RBF got into snow ball fights. Fortunately, they left me out of it. As we were walking up the hill from the theatre to downtown, two teenage boys were walking down the hill. MRM yelled out, "Hey, I'll give you $5 if you'll hit that guy (RBF) with a snowball." But then she immediately had to take it back and explain that she didn't have $5. We cracked up at the thought of their doing it before she realized she didn't have the money and then her having to ask her victim to borrow $5. ;-)
We went to Renys, the all-purpose local hardware/dry goods store but they were closing early because of the storm so we didn't get to go in. So we went to the bookstore across the street where MRM used to work. That was very fun. I found a fabulous book that I had read about and want to buy but I want an autographed copy. The wild thing was, MRM knows the author and had just seen him getting into his car as we were headed to Renys. She knew I wanted that book, so she introduced me to him and we shook hands through his car window! I think I really can get my autographed copy! But it didn't work out for today.
As we were heading home, we passed the same two teenage boys going the opposite direction. Just as we figured out who they were, the one said to RBF, "You're lucky, man! I could've had $5." What a hoot! The "hit man" was no longer under contract but RBF still felt like he was a wanted man.
We headed to Gifford's for some ice cream. They opened yesterday for 'the season'. They had free ice cream from 6-8pm and even in the snow, there was a long line. Or so we heard. We didn't make it last night so we were going to try today. But it turns out they were closed due to weather. Their second day open and they were closed.
March 16, 2007: Donkey in news again . . . this time with own website
Prodigal donkey gets her own Web site
By CRAIG CROSBY
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Friday, March 16, 2007
PITTSFIELD -- Jenny the donkey now has her very own Web site.
John Holt, an eighth grader at Lawrence Middle School, established the site to allow Jenny's owners, Mary Gaeta and her partner Joe Varricchio, to post frequent updates on the donkey's adventures.
"(Holt) came over here and set the whole thing up," Gaeta said. "It looks pretty good to me."
Jenny made headlines across the country after escaping from her pen at Mary's Garden, Gaeta and Varricchio's Higgins Road farm, on Jan. 18.
The donkey -- most now believe she is actually a hinny, the offspring of a male horse and female donkey -- remained on the run for about a month despite several capture attempts that included everything from wrangling to sedatives.
Gaeta and Varricchio established a fundraiser to build the donkey a suitable fence around the couple's 18 acres.
Gaeta, who said she is touched by the donations she has received, told The Morning Sentinel earlier this month of her wish for a Web site to keep Jenny's fans up to date.
Holt, who has his own computer maintenance business on the side, had followed Jenny's escapades in the media and decided he could help.
"I came up with the idea, 'Well, I make Web sites, let's go do it,' so that's what I did," Holt said.
Holt donated his expertise and his dad donated the $7 or so required to register the domain name.
The free Web site (www.marysgardens.info/) allows people to post comments and questions for Gaeta and Varricchio.
"It's a completely open forum," Holt said. "It doesn't require any sign up or anything."
Holt taught Gaeta how to post messages on the bulletin board and Gaeta has already added messages on Jenny's progress.
"Everybody's been helping them out and doing what they can, so I figured I'd donate what I can do," Holt said. "
Equine expert Karina Lewis, who spent more than a week bonding with Jenny and ultimately was able to lead the donkey into a makeshift corral, believes Jenny was searching for a partner, likely a sibling, that was sold separately at an auction last fall.
That partner, which has been called Isabella, was rescued by the Massachusetts-based Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue and Rehabilitation, a donkey and mule rescue league, and lives on a farm in New Hampshire.
Gaeta and Varricchio were raising money in hopes of buying Isabella to live with Jenny, but based on exchanges with Isabella's owners, Gaeta now believes the reunion is unlikely. The couple plans to get another donkey so Jenny will not be alone.
Lewis continues to make progress with Jenny.
"She seems to be doing well," Gaeta said.
retrieved 3/18/2007 from: http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/3718271.html
By CRAIG CROSBY
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Friday, March 16, 2007
PITTSFIELD -- Jenny the donkey now has her very own Web site.
John Holt, an eighth grader at Lawrence Middle School, established the site to allow Jenny's owners, Mary Gaeta and her partner Joe Varricchio, to post frequent updates on the donkey's adventures.
"(Holt) came over here and set the whole thing up," Gaeta said. "It looks pretty good to me."
Jenny made headlines across the country after escaping from her pen at Mary's Garden, Gaeta and Varricchio's Higgins Road farm, on Jan. 18.
The donkey -- most now believe she is actually a hinny, the offspring of a male horse and female donkey -- remained on the run for about a month despite several capture attempts that included everything from wrangling to sedatives.
Gaeta and Varricchio established a fundraiser to build the donkey a suitable fence around the couple's 18 acres.
Gaeta, who said she is touched by the donations she has received, told The Morning Sentinel earlier this month of her wish for a Web site to keep Jenny's fans up to date.
Holt, who has his own computer maintenance business on the side, had followed Jenny's escapades in the media and decided he could help.
"I came up with the idea, 'Well, I make Web sites, let's go do it,' so that's what I did," Holt said.
Holt donated his expertise and his dad donated the $7 or so required to register the domain name.
The free Web site (www.marysgardens.info/) allows people to post comments and questions for Gaeta and Varricchio.
"It's a completely open forum," Holt said. "It doesn't require any sign up or anything."
Holt taught Gaeta how to post messages on the bulletin board and Gaeta has already added messages on Jenny's progress.
"Everybody's been helping them out and doing what they can, so I figured I'd donate what I can do," Holt said. "
Equine expert Karina Lewis, who spent more than a week bonding with Jenny and ultimately was able to lead the donkey into a makeshift corral, believes Jenny was searching for a partner, likely a sibling, that was sold separately at an auction last fall.
That partner, which has been called Isabella, was rescued by the Massachusetts-based Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue and Rehabilitation, a donkey and mule rescue league, and lives on a farm in New Hampshire.
Gaeta and Varricchio were raising money in hopes of buying Isabella to live with Jenny, but based on exchanges with Isabella's owners, Gaeta now believes the reunion is unlikely. The couple plans to get another donkey so Jenny will not be alone.
Lewis continues to make progress with Jenny.
"She seems to be doing well," Gaeta said.
retrieved 3/18/2007 from: http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/3718271.html
Thursday, March 15, 2007
March 15, 2007: a visit with the dogs
I was working in my office today and looked up to see MRM standing in the doorway. She and RBF were out walking the dogs and were "in the neighborhood." "Benny and Cassie are downstairs and would love to see you." So I put on my coat and went downstairs with MRM. There, standing in front of the Education Center was RBF with the two dogs. It was so fun to see them! But as soon as I stepped outside, my focus changed to the weather. It was really cold!
It was in the high 30's and raining when I left the house this morning, so I wore my REI windbreaker/rain jacket. Yesterday, the lows were in the high 30's, so I was fine walking home at night, but I already knew (it was about 5:30 when they stopped by) that I was going to be cold walking home even if I left right now. And I would be REALLY cold walking home if I left at my usual time. So I petted Benny and Cassie and thanked MRM and RBF for stopping by and went back to my office to finish what I was working on and pack up. I actually left my office by 6:15 which is really early for me and headed home in the daylight. It was cold, but not much colder than when I visited the dogs (and their people). Fortunately, what little wind there was was at my back. I made it safely home. I didn't get nearly as much done as I would have if I had stayed at work, but it was so nice to be warm inside and not have to worry about that cold walk home.
In Texas, we always say, "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute." I said that once to one of my students who told me that's what they say about Maine. Today was my first time to witness that.
It was in the high 30's and raining when I left the house this morning, so I wore my REI windbreaker/rain jacket. Yesterday, the lows were in the high 30's, so I was fine walking home at night, but I already knew (it was about 5:30 when they stopped by) that I was going to be cold walking home even if I left right now. And I would be REALLY cold walking home if I left at my usual time. So I petted Benny and Cassie and thanked MRM and RBF for stopping by and went back to my office to finish what I was working on and pack up. I actually left my office by 6:15 which is really early for me and headed home in the daylight. It was cold, but not much colder than when I visited the dogs (and their people). Fortunately, what little wind there was was at my back. I made it safely home. I didn't get nearly as much done as I would have if I had stayed at work, but it was so nice to be warm inside and not have to worry about that cold walk home.
In Texas, we always say, "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute." I said that once to one of my students who told me that's what they say about Maine. Today was my first time to witness that.
March 13, 2007: Farmington Town Meeting in the Newspaper
The next morning after the town meeting, this article appeared in the paper. The reporter must've had to leave in order to turn in the story because the real news was the next to the last item on the warrant. But otherwise, this is pretty accurate what was discussed and what was important. It's nice to have names for those faces, in case I run into them again.
Voters approve dam repair funds
By BETTY JESPERSEN
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Tuesday, March 13, 2007
FARMINGTON -- Town meeting voters Monday night unanimously approved repairing an aging mill pond dam in West Farmington.
One resident suggested the park around the dam be renamed in memory of the late Selectman Mary Wright who fought for the dam's preservation for over 30 years.
A two-year seat on the Board of Selectmen to complete Wright's term was won by John Frary with 114 votes with Andrew Hufnagel garnering 54; Stanley Kuklinski, 71, Ryan Morgan, 27, and Robert Vallette, 78. For a one-year term, Jon Bubier won with 205 vote to Kyle Warren's 132. For the School Administrative District 9 School Board, incumbents Raymond Glass won with 257 votes, Yvette Robinson with 240 and Fred O. Smith, 117.
The $4 million municipal budget approved Monday will exceed the 2007 spending cap formula set under LD 1 by $154,813.
Last year, voters after a lengthy discussion slashed a $100,000 request for repairs to the deteriorating concrete and stone dam to $10,000. This year, the request for $22,000 was approved. The combined $32,000 will be used to brace the existing dam, said Town Manager Richard Davis.
Resident Tom Eastler, a geologist at the University of Maine at Farmington, was among those last year who opposed spending $100,000 for repairs. He said now he sees its potential in the future as a possible source of low-head hydro power the town can use for electricity.
"It won't make us any money but we would do it for the sustainability of the town of Farmington that we can supply basic needs of the town in times of not having any electricity," he said.
He said the town had enough "tinkerers" and students from Foster Technology Center and the University of Maine at Farmington who might devise a low-cost system.
from: http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/3709045.html
Voters approve dam repair funds
By BETTY JESPERSEN
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Tuesday, March 13, 2007
FARMINGTON -- Town meeting voters Monday night unanimously approved repairing an aging mill pond dam in West Farmington.
One resident suggested the park around the dam be renamed in memory of the late Selectman Mary Wright who fought for the dam's preservation for over 30 years.
A two-year seat on the Board of Selectmen to complete Wright's term was won by John Frary with 114 votes with Andrew Hufnagel garnering 54; Stanley Kuklinski, 71, Ryan Morgan, 27, and Robert Vallette, 78. For a one-year term, Jon Bubier won with 205 vote to Kyle Warren's 132. For the School Administrative District 9 School Board, incumbents Raymond Glass won with 257 votes, Yvette Robinson with 240 and Fred O. Smith, 117.
The $4 million municipal budget approved Monday will exceed the 2007 spending cap formula set under LD 1 by $154,813.
Last year, voters after a lengthy discussion slashed a $100,000 request for repairs to the deteriorating concrete and stone dam to $10,000. This year, the request for $22,000 was approved. The combined $32,000 will be used to brace the existing dam, said Town Manager Richard Davis.
Resident Tom Eastler, a geologist at the University of Maine at Farmington, was among those last year who opposed spending $100,000 for repairs. He said now he sees its potential in the future as a possible source of low-head hydro power the town can use for electricity.
"It won't make us any money but we would do it for the sustainability of the town of Farmington that we can supply basic needs of the town in times of not having any electricity," he said.
He said the town had enough "tinkerers" and students from Foster Technology Center and the University of Maine at Farmington who might devise a low-cost system.
from: http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/3709045.html
March 14, 2007: Farmington Town Meeting in the News--Part 2
Here's the rest of the news. I wonder if they had 2 reporters at the meeting. The first one left and turned in the story that came out yesterday and the second reporter stayed and got the really juicy story. hmmmm. I have no idea, but this was the most controversial discussion of the evening.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Farmington voters defeat cluster-style zoning amendment
By SAMANTHA DEPOY
Correspondent Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Wednesday, March 14, 2007
FARMINGTON -- An attempt to stop sprawl before it starts has failed in Farmington.
At Monday night's town meeting, an amendment to the town's zoning ordinance that would require developers seeking to develop subdivisions to file a secondary cluster-style plan, was defeated by a 41-33 margin.
Had it been adopted, the Open Space Residential Development amendment would have applied to subdivisions of more than eight homes on 10 acres. It would have demanded developers file a plan with the Farmington Planning Board that would preserve a minimum of 45 percent of the property.
Instead of having homes spread out throughout the parcel, the secondary plan would set homes closer together while conserving a larger, common space.
The article featuring the amendment, which was drafted in response to a development that divided the historic Osborne Farm, generated more discussion than any other at the three-hour meeting.
Challengers contended the amendment would be too restrictive and repel investment in Farmington.
Local representative Janet Mills was concerned about the landscaping and home color and style standards the amendment would mandate.
"This proposal goes too far. It doesn't sound like Farmington to me," she said.
Others pointed out that by shoving houses shoulder-to-shoulder, sprawl would be stimulated.
"Doesn't this do exactly what we don't want it to do? Doesn't this create sprawl?" questioned newly-elected Selectman Jon Bubier.
Local Realtor Carol Hatch agreed, saying she gets inquiries daily from people looking to move out of cluster-style subdivisions.
"They don't want to live in that and that's why they are coming here," she explained. "We are rural Maine and I'd like to see it stay that way."
While all three incumbent selectmen supported the article, multiple members of the planning board, including chair Bussie York, did not.
Even those who spoke against it said they supported open spaces, but thought the amendment needed alterations and encouraged it be brought back before voters at next year's town meeting or at a special meeting later this year.
Following the failed vote, residents unanimously approved the enactment of the town of Farmington Right to Farm Ordinance, which was proposed by York, also a local farmer.
The ordinance, he said, shows that the town is supportive of Farmington farmers and reads, "...it is in the public interest to enhance and encourage farms, farm operations and locally grown farm products within the town."
Samantha DePoy -- 778-3949
samdepoy@verizon.net
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Farmington voters defeat cluster-style zoning amendment
By SAMANTHA DEPOY
Correspondent Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Wednesday, March 14, 2007
FARMINGTON -- An attempt to stop sprawl before it starts has failed in Farmington.
At Monday night's town meeting, an amendment to the town's zoning ordinance that would require developers seeking to develop subdivisions to file a secondary cluster-style plan, was defeated by a 41-33 margin.
Had it been adopted, the Open Space Residential Development amendment would have applied to subdivisions of more than eight homes on 10 acres. It would have demanded developers file a plan with the Farmington Planning Board that would preserve a minimum of 45 percent of the property.
Instead of having homes spread out throughout the parcel, the secondary plan would set homes closer together while conserving a larger, common space.
The article featuring the amendment, which was drafted in response to a development that divided the historic Osborne Farm, generated more discussion than any other at the three-hour meeting.
Challengers contended the amendment would be too restrictive and repel investment in Farmington.
Local representative Janet Mills was concerned about the landscaping and home color and style standards the amendment would mandate.
"This proposal goes too far. It doesn't sound like Farmington to me," she said.
Others pointed out that by shoving houses shoulder-to-shoulder, sprawl would be stimulated.
"Doesn't this do exactly what we don't want it to do? Doesn't this create sprawl?" questioned newly-elected Selectman Jon Bubier.
Local Realtor Carol Hatch agreed, saying she gets inquiries daily from people looking to move out of cluster-style subdivisions.
"They don't want to live in that and that's why they are coming here," she explained. "We are rural Maine and I'd like to see it stay that way."
While all three incumbent selectmen supported the article, multiple members of the planning board, including chair Bussie York, did not.
Even those who spoke against it said they supported open spaces, but thought the amendment needed alterations and encouraged it be brought back before voters at next year's town meeting or at a special meeting later this year.
Following the failed vote, residents unanimously approved the enactment of the town of Farmington Right to Farm Ordinance, which was proposed by York, also a local farmer.
The ordinance, he said, shows that the town is supportive of Farmington farmers and reads, "...it is in the public interest to enhance and encourage farms, farm operations and locally grown farm products within the town."
Samantha DePoy -- 778-3949
samdepoy@verizon.net
Monday, March 12, 2007
March 9, 2007: Red Carpet Judge
UMF premiered a new musical this weekend called Route 66. Faculty were invited to be "Red Carpet Judges" and when I wrote and told them that I had season tickets to Musical Theatre Southwest, I was immediately sent a personalized invitation. (Okay, I think any faculty that wrote in were sent personalized invitations but that's beside the point.) And the invitation was good for 2 tickets so I took MRM.
There was a problem with seating and it was 40 minutes before we were seated and the play was over 45 minutes late starting. We were in folding chairs behind a funny banister, but it was worth it. We ran into Alison who is also a new faculty (though she came in the fall). I had met her before but didn't remember it. Fortunately, she did. When the long waiting line twisted around like the lines at Six Flags, we ended up next to her and she struck up the conversation. She's a blast! So she double checked with everyone who was behind us and in front of her and no one had a problem with her "cutting into line" and she joined us. The three of us sat together (she was a Red Carpet Judge as well).
My favorite part was that the character that all 3 of us thought was the best character and had the best actor portraying that character was being played by one of my students!! I didn't even know he was in it so it was a big surprise to look out there and say, "You know, that character looks a little like Tim in my EDU 101 class. WAIT! It IS Tim in my EDU 101 class!" His onstage character was the total opposite of the Tim that participates in my class so I know he really is a great actor.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here's more info on the play (and the fact that UMF premiered the play) from my favorite newspaper:
New musical 'Route 66' to premiere at UMF
By BETTY JESPERSEN
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Monday, March 05, 2007
FARMINGTON -- University of Maine at Farmington theater students will have the chance to stage the premiere performance of a new musical this week and in the process, learn about the creative process with its seasoned playwright and composer.
Theatre UMF will present "Route 66," a love story put to music that unfolds on the well-known highway that stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles. Performance dates are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at UMF's Alumni Theater.
"Premieres are always an event. Audiences enjoy being in on something new and it makes the whole thing a lot more fun for everyone," said the musical's co-author, William Squier, in an interview from his Connecticut home.
Squire and lyricist Jerold Goldstein will be in Farmington this week to watch the rehearsals, work with the cast and to sit in the audience for the debut of their latest work.
Directed by UMF's Andrea Southard, with musical direction by Patricia Hayden and choreography by Lauryn Thomas, "Route 66" tells the story of journalist Liz Mitchell, who is hired by a chic magazine to write an article for a photo essay about this historic American highway.
Frustrated with her stalled writing career, she jumps at the chance, even though it means spending a week on the road with a complete stranger -- Arizona photographer Andrew "Drew" Garrett.
"It is a story that celebrates rural America and is one that people in Maine can relate to," Southard said. "The highway is a metaphor for a journey of self-discovery. It's about finding yourself and accepting that what you originally may have thought might indeed turn out to be something quite different. It's about finding a highway home."
"It is very exciting, especially for the students," said Hayden. "It is a great experience to work with professional composers and lyricists but it is also a bit scary that we will be the first ones to interpret what the writers envisioned."
Squier and Goldstein together and separately have written dozens of musicals that have been performed around the country and off-Broadway. The composer is Fred Stark, a top New York recording studio singer. Opening night will represent a culmination of a six-month collaboration between Southard, Hayden and the producers.
"When I first heard about this musical at a workshop last summer, I just knew UMF had to launch it," Southard said. "After I approached the producers, we successfully worked together -- they even wrote a new song for the show."
Squier said there is a growing trend on college campuses to stage new works.
"Universities have discovered that theater departments are very popular and are revenue producers for the college," he said. "For them to be competitive with other programs, they have to come up with interesting and different things to offer students.
"For us, we like academic settings for these productions because they have a decent budget and you can continue working and developing it while it is being produced," he said. "And it gives students a chance to work on something that is still changing."
Goldstein and Squier will present a talk about the creation and theatrical debut of "Route 66" at 11:30 a.m. Thursday in UMF's Thomas Auditorium, located in Preble and Ricker Halls.
Tickets are free for UMF students with a student ID, $8 for adults, $6 for other students, and $4.50 for senior citizens and children under 13. Tickets can be reserved by calling the Theatre UMF box office at 778-7465.
Betty Jespersen -- 778-6991
bjespersen@centralmaine.com
There was a problem with seating and it was 40 minutes before we were seated and the play was over 45 minutes late starting. We were in folding chairs behind a funny banister, but it was worth it. We ran into Alison who is also a new faculty (though she came in the fall). I had met her before but didn't remember it. Fortunately, she did. When the long waiting line twisted around like the lines at Six Flags, we ended up next to her and she struck up the conversation. She's a blast! So she double checked with everyone who was behind us and in front of her and no one had a problem with her "cutting into line" and she joined us. The three of us sat together (she was a Red Carpet Judge as well).
My favorite part was that the character that all 3 of us thought was the best character and had the best actor portraying that character was being played by one of my students!! I didn't even know he was in it so it was a big surprise to look out there and say, "You know, that character looks a little like Tim in my EDU 101 class. WAIT! It IS Tim in my EDU 101 class!" His onstage character was the total opposite of the Tim that participates in my class so I know he really is a great actor.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here's more info on the play (and the fact that UMF premiered the play) from my favorite newspaper:
New musical 'Route 66' to premiere at UMF
By BETTY JESPERSEN
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel Monday, March 05, 2007
FARMINGTON -- University of Maine at Farmington theater students will have the chance to stage the premiere performance of a new musical this week and in the process, learn about the creative process with its seasoned playwright and composer.
Theatre UMF will present "Route 66," a love story put to music that unfolds on the well-known highway that stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles. Performance dates are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at UMF's Alumni Theater.
"Premieres are always an event. Audiences enjoy being in on something new and it makes the whole thing a lot more fun for everyone," said the musical's co-author, William Squier, in an interview from his Connecticut home.
Squire and lyricist Jerold Goldstein will be in Farmington this week to watch the rehearsals, work with the cast and to sit in the audience for the debut of their latest work.
Directed by UMF's Andrea Southard, with musical direction by Patricia Hayden and choreography by Lauryn Thomas, "Route 66" tells the story of journalist Liz Mitchell, who is hired by a chic magazine to write an article for a photo essay about this historic American highway.
Frustrated with her stalled writing career, she jumps at the chance, even though it means spending a week on the road with a complete stranger -- Arizona photographer Andrew "Drew" Garrett.
"It is a story that celebrates rural America and is one that people in Maine can relate to," Southard said. "The highway is a metaphor for a journey of self-discovery. It's about finding yourself and accepting that what you originally may have thought might indeed turn out to be something quite different. It's about finding a highway home."
"It is very exciting, especially for the students," said Hayden. "It is a great experience to work with professional composers and lyricists but it is also a bit scary that we will be the first ones to interpret what the writers envisioned."
Squier and Goldstein together and separately have written dozens of musicals that have been performed around the country and off-Broadway. The composer is Fred Stark, a top New York recording studio singer. Opening night will represent a culmination of a six-month collaboration between Southard, Hayden and the producers.
"When I first heard about this musical at a workshop last summer, I just knew UMF had to launch it," Southard said. "After I approached the producers, we successfully worked together -- they even wrote a new song for the show."
Squier said there is a growing trend on college campuses to stage new works.
"Universities have discovered that theater departments are very popular and are revenue producers for the college," he said. "For them to be competitive with other programs, they have to come up with interesting and different things to offer students.
"For us, we like academic settings for these productions because they have a decent budget and you can continue working and developing it while it is being produced," he said. "And it gives students a chance to work on something that is still changing."
Goldstein and Squier will present a talk about the creation and theatrical debut of "Route 66" at 11:30 a.m. Thursday in UMF's Thomas Auditorium, located in Preble and Ricker Halls.
Tickets are free for UMF students with a student ID, $8 for adults, $6 for other students, and $4.50 for senior citizens and children under 13. Tickets can be reserved by calling the Theatre UMF box office at 778-7465.
Betty Jespersen -- 778-6991
bjespersen@centralmaine.com
March 12, 2007: The Purest Form of Democracy
I went to my first Town Meeting tonight. It was great. There's a whole vocabulary and culture involved in them. I've been reading newspaper articles about the moderator and how s/he is selected and how s/he can run the meeting (by Robert's Rules of Order or by a set of guidelines developed by the state). There's a good website by the Maine Municipal Association the answers some questions about them.
http://www.memun.org/Public/local_govt/town_meeting.htm
I sat behind an older couple (most people there were probably in their 60's or older with a good representation of folks in their 40's and a crowd of volunteer fire fighters in their 20's and 30's) who knew what was going on. I had a chance to chat with Nancy afterwards. She was delightful and very helpful. She had a wonderful Maine accent . . . the gentle kind, not the harsh one.
There were only two items on the 46 item warrant that really got the crowd riled up in big discussion. There were a few that warranted explanation and some discussion. There were 2 people who proposed alternative amounts of money on some items in an effort to keep taxes down. Most items passed without any discussion. It lasted 3 hours (well, 2 hours and 55 minutes to be exact) which is apparently pretty short for a town meeting.
My favorite part was when there was a whole bunch of beeping, almost siren-like sounds in the balcony (right next to me) and immediately about 12 men stood up. It was all the volunteer fire department folks' beepers/pagers/radios going off. Apparently, there was a traffic accident with at least one injury. They all exited quickly, the moderator wished them godspeed and we continued on.
There was a moment of silence in the opening moments, before the Pledge of Allegiance, for a woman who had passed away a few weeks earlier. She was VERY active in Farmington politics and policies. There were many articles in the paper about her when she passed away. One of the discussion items was about a dam that needed repair on a local pond and one person suggested that at a future town meeting a proposal be made to rename that pond in honor of that woman. Lots of people seemed to like that idea and the Selectmen chimed in that studying appropriate ways to honor that woman were on their to-do list (well, that wasn't their vocabulary for it, but that was the idea).
One item of interest was that a local agency called Work Force Inc. had requested $1,000 and the budget committee and the Select Board had both recommended that that group be given $0. The citizens were really rallying that the Town should show support for this fine organization that was doing great things and was very helpful to the community. Then it was explained that the group had been granted tax exempt status on their property and that was about a $10,000 in-kind donation to the group. The item passed at $0.
The moderator was most impressive in that he knew almost everyone present by name. He introduced every one on the Select Board and the Budget Committee by name and called on most everyone who had a question or comment by name when he gave them the floor. He had great poise and used a little bit of humor when necessary. He knew exactly when to explain stuff or ask for clarification without bringing any personal bias to any of the issues.
Except for the fact that I couldn't count myself among one of the younger people who was taking an interest in their government (how did I get to be so old??), I was really glad that I went. It really was what our civics books taught us . . . that the New England Town Meeting is the purest form of democracy. Nobody was there to represent anybody else except themselves and their one vote.
http://www.memun.org/Public/local_govt/town_meeting.htm
I sat behind an older couple (most people there were probably in their 60's or older with a good representation of folks in their 40's and a crowd of volunteer fire fighters in their 20's and 30's) who knew what was going on. I had a chance to chat with Nancy afterwards. She was delightful and very helpful. She had a wonderful Maine accent . . . the gentle kind, not the harsh one.
There were only two items on the 46 item warrant that really got the crowd riled up in big discussion. There were a few that warranted explanation and some discussion. There were 2 people who proposed alternative amounts of money on some items in an effort to keep taxes down. Most items passed without any discussion. It lasted 3 hours (well, 2 hours and 55 minutes to be exact) which is apparently pretty short for a town meeting.
My favorite part was when there was a whole bunch of beeping, almost siren-like sounds in the balcony (right next to me) and immediately about 12 men stood up. It was all the volunteer fire department folks' beepers/pagers/radios going off. Apparently, there was a traffic accident with at least one injury. They all exited quickly, the moderator wished them godspeed and we continued on.
There was a moment of silence in the opening moments, before the Pledge of Allegiance, for a woman who had passed away a few weeks earlier. She was VERY active in Farmington politics and policies. There were many articles in the paper about her when she passed away. One of the discussion items was about a dam that needed repair on a local pond and one person suggested that at a future town meeting a proposal be made to rename that pond in honor of that woman. Lots of people seemed to like that idea and the Selectmen chimed in that studying appropriate ways to honor that woman were on their to-do list (well, that wasn't their vocabulary for it, but that was the idea).
One item of interest was that a local agency called Work Force Inc. had requested $1,000 and the budget committee and the Select Board had both recommended that that group be given $0. The citizens were really rallying that the Town should show support for this fine organization that was doing great things and was very helpful to the community. Then it was explained that the group had been granted tax exempt status on their property and that was about a $10,000 in-kind donation to the group. The item passed at $0.
The moderator was most impressive in that he knew almost everyone present by name. He introduced every one on the Select Board and the Budget Committee by name and called on most everyone who had a question or comment by name when he gave them the floor. He had great poise and used a little bit of humor when necessary. He knew exactly when to explain stuff or ask for clarification without bringing any personal bias to any of the issues.
Except for the fact that I couldn't count myself among one of the younger people who was taking an interest in their government (how did I get to be so old??), I was really glad that I went. It really was what our civics books taught us . . . that the New England Town Meeting is the purest form of democracy. Nobody was there to represent anybody else except themselves and their one vote.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Record Low High
I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but when you look at all the high temperatures on this date over the years, some are higher than others and some are lower than others. For the past few days we've been breaking (actually shattering) those records for the lowest high temperature. I need to look up the exact numbers, but on the TV weather Tuesday, they said we broke the record by 12 degrees. BRRRRR!!
We were having decent maple syrup weather. Apparently you want the temperature during the day to go over freezing but the temperature at night to go below freezing. We did that for a couple of days, but then it's all been below freezing. And the wind's been blowing which doesn't have any effect on maple syrup but oh my, wind chill is REALLY cold when it's already REALLY cold. It's going to stay below freezing through Saturday and then Sunday it will go back over freezing.
I better hurry up and go ice fishing and/or smelting because soon the ice will start thawing.
We were having decent maple syrup weather. Apparently you want the temperature during the day to go over freezing but the temperature at night to go below freezing. We did that for a couple of days, but then it's all been below freezing. And the wind's been blowing which doesn't have any effect on maple syrup but oh my, wind chill is REALLY cold when it's already REALLY cold. It's going to stay below freezing through Saturday and then Sunday it will go back over freezing.
I better hurry up and go ice fishing and/or smelting because soon the ice will start thawing.
March 8, 2007: Half Way Day
I came to Maine on January 8, 2007 and I have to head back to Dallas on May 8, 2007. That makes today, March 8, the halfway point of my 4 months in Maine. I can't believe it's half over. Didn't I just arrive?? And if these 2 months have whipped by so quickly, I don't even want to think about how fast the next 2 months will zip by. Wow.
Monday, March 5, 2007
Moxie and Red Hot Dogs
Lauren and Lindsay (I call them L1 and L2) work in the computer lab. I get to see one or both of them most days when my class is over in that lab . . . they come in right after our class. We were talking about differences between Maine and Texas one day and I was telling them that even little things like food are very different. They couldn't believe that ginger ale wasn't readily available in soft drink machines or convenience store refrigerators in Texas. "What do you drink when you're sick?" Well, some of us were raised on ginger ale but that's because our parents bought it on the aisle with the mixers (club soda and tonic water) not the soft drinks.
They then told me about Red Hot Dogs and Moxie. They don't have to be consumed together, but they are each a Maine tradition. The red hot dogs are really red. I think they must be leftover from red dye #2 days. They don't look natural at all. I bought one at the deli in the grocery store and asked the deli worker how to cook it. She said to boil it (and gave me a look like, "How else would you cook a hot dog?!"). It took me a few days to get up the courage to eat it, but I finally did. It tastes like a hot dog on the inside but the skin is a little thicker than today's hot dog. The skin had a little more flavor to it than "regular" hot dogs. But it wasn't bad. I won't go out of my way to eat another one, but if they're available, I'll gladly eat one again.
I asked MRM and RBF about Moxie. They laughed. They described it as an acquired taste. I kept an eye out for individual bottles (I wasn't going to buy a 6-pack, in case I didn't like it). Then Maggy asked what she could bring to the Texas Independence Day party and we said drinks. Tada! She brought several 2-liter bottles of beverages including one of Moxie! Now's my chance.
I tried it. It wasn't bad. It tasted a little like soda fountain root beer with a punch. Unfortunately, it has caffeine in it and I could taste the caffeine, so I'm not sure if the aftertaste that it had was the Moxie or the caffeine. I think it was the caffeine. I need to see if they make a decaffeinated version, though usually, when they take the caffeine out, they put in an artificial caffeine flavor and it's the flavor of caffeine that I don't like. But again, I wouldn't go out of my way to drink another one, but if someone offered me a Moxie, I'd drink it.
They then told me about Red Hot Dogs and Moxie. They don't have to be consumed together, but they are each a Maine tradition. The red hot dogs are really red. I think they must be leftover from red dye #2 days. They don't look natural at all. I bought one at the deli in the grocery store and asked the deli worker how to cook it. She said to boil it (and gave me a look like, "How else would you cook a hot dog?!"). It took me a few days to get up the courage to eat it, but I finally did. It tastes like a hot dog on the inside but the skin is a little thicker than today's hot dog. The skin had a little more flavor to it than "regular" hot dogs. But it wasn't bad. I won't go out of my way to eat another one, but if they're available, I'll gladly eat one again.
I asked MRM and RBF about Moxie. They laughed. They described it as an acquired taste. I kept an eye out for individual bottles (I wasn't going to buy a 6-pack, in case I didn't like it). Then Maggy asked what she could bring to the Texas Independence Day party and we said drinks. Tada! She brought several 2-liter bottles of beverages including one of Moxie! Now's my chance.
I tried it. It wasn't bad. It tasted a little like soda fountain root beer with a punch. Unfortunately, it has caffeine in it and I could taste the caffeine, so I'm not sure if the aftertaste that it had was the Moxie or the caffeine. I think it was the caffeine. I need to see if they make a decaffeinated version, though usually, when they take the caffeine out, they put in an artificial caffeine flavor and it's the flavor of caffeine that I don't like. But again, I wouldn't go out of my way to drink another one, but if someone offered me a Moxie, I'd drink it.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Donkey issue continues
There are 2 sides to every story. Here are the reader comments on the donkey story as of March 3, 2007:
Cindy Ross of Bowdoin, ME
Mar 3, 2007 5:44 PM
It's hard to believe this circus continues. I think I will let my MULE loose, chase it for a few weeks, then get people to donate money to put up some fencing for me.
I guess I do things the hard way. I decided what kind of animals I want on my farm. Then, I spend my own hard earned mony to put up appropriate fencing to keep them safely contained. Then I spend time to learn about the animals I am going to own so I at least know that I own a MULE and won't go around calling it a donkey. And then I make sure to only have animal that I have the skills to handle. I don't expect others to pick up the tab for my irresponsibility.
Jenny the MULE needs be with people that have the experience, skills, and facilities to handle a young, scared mule. I think it would be great for Jenny and Isabella to be reunited. But absolutely NOT with Mary and Joe. I think it also reflect poorly on Karina Lewis that she is helping to perpetuate this circus. But, I guess it's hard to turn down this kind of media attention and free advertising regardless of what is best for Jenny.....the MULE.
Yankee Donkey & Mule Society of Dudley, MA
Mar 2, 2007 8:28 AM
This is a plea to the media establishment. PLEASE do some research!!
These people may have good intentions for this longeared equine but here are a few flags that concern me about this little animal's welfare.
A) First of all they purchased an animal thinking it was an entirely different species! She is most definitely either a mule or a hinny. In fact, the chances of her beign a hinny are rather small as well, since the odds of a female donkey carrying a horse stallion's foal full term are less than 20%. Mules are much more prevalent than hinnies. There currently is no way of determining what her mother was scientfically. Not even a DNA test.
B) Not having done any research, they bring home an animal that they don't have adequate fencing for.
C) Their original purpose was to use the "donkey" for herd protection. Unfortunately, mules are not the animal of choice and neither is a donkey if it hasn't been raised properly for such a purpose. Having purchased the animal at an auction, chances are it's background and handling is unknown. Plus there are many people who believe a miniature donkey (standing 36 inches at their shoulder) may not be able to ward off attacks from predators like a coyote for example.
D) The final point that needs to be addressed is the issue of Isabella's owner. The mule's current owner is now and has been for many years, an upstanding, caring and knowledgeable member of the donkey and mule world. Her animals are well housed, fenced and recieve extraordinary care. She does her research through PROFESSIONAL DONKEY & MULE people. And is very willing to help others in need.
She also is involved in bettering the area's understanding of donkeys and mules by participating in educational demonstrations and shows.
So I beg of this paper to contact those who have a background in such dealings. Donkeys, mules and hinnies are an oddity and need to be handled in their own manner.
Debra Kovac
Yankee Donkey & Mule Society
Leslie Heulitt of Rock Cave, WV
Mar 1, 2007 9:43 PM
If folks want to send money to these irresponsible people to fund their fencing, well, we all know there�s one born every minute. But to dupe people into sending money to purchase Isabella is pretty incredible. Has anyone bothered to ask if she is even for sale? Because she is not. It would be irresponsible for the rescue organization that has Isabella to adopt her out to such a home. These people don�t even know they have a mule. Maybe Jenny�s owners never asked if Isabella is for sale because they didn�t want to hear the answer. People might stop sending them money.
D. G. of Keene, NH
Mar 1, 2007 7:30 PM
It would be good for you at the paper to follow up on the other side of this story. Isabella very much needs her companion, but since the woman caring for her is a close friend of mine, I know that the rescue she works for hasn't even been contacted about the issues of who gets to take over the care and training of both of these animals. It is ASSUMED by Ms Gaeta and Mr. Varricchio that rescue will just give Isabella to them. But both of these animals need a lot of work to get them to trust humans again, and the rescue is the best place for that, since they have a lot of experience working with donkeys and mules. Isabella has come a long way since being with rescue, but it has taken a lot of time on the part of my friend. I hope that Ms Gaeta and Mr. Varricchio will make a CALL to Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue and have a real conversation about where these two will recieve the care they need.
Willie of Belgrade, ME
Mar 1, 2007 2:21 PM
how can you ask people to donate money for a fence and shelter. All you are doing trying to make money on this event. Hope the IRS looks in to this. if you want aminals build your own fence like i did and many more animal lovers do. shame on you. $10.00 a picture come on in IRS
mulewrangler of Casper, WY
Mar 1, 2007 2:11 PM
I am glad Jenny was caught, however it is clear that her owners have no knowledge of longears and their behavior. This is not a guard animal in any way. Perhaps they will consider the donations as payment to allow her to go to the same place as Isabella where she will be trained and understood in the appropriate manner. It takes a long time for a true bonding process with a longear and a new owner, and Isabella is clearly beginning bonding and responding, while Jenny is so upset & unhappy that she ran away and had to be coerced back over a long period of time. Horses and longears are very different and Jenny needs the correct process and sure, steady, slow training to be given a fair shot at a good life. Do what is right for her instead of hoping for monetary gain thru her ownership.
Eliza Williams of Waterville, ME
Mar 1, 2007 11:55 AM
Happy to read that the story isn't over! It's wonderful to see that someone cares enough to try to please this hinny/donkey. Hopefully, she will be 'herself' once again, after she's reunited with her 'sibling.'
I, too, believe she's lonely alone.
A heartwarming story, and please keep us up to date on any progress.
Cindy Ross of Bowdoin, ME
Mar 3, 2007 5:44 PM
It's hard to believe this circus continues. I think I will let my MULE loose, chase it for a few weeks, then get people to donate money to put up some fencing for me.
I guess I do things the hard way. I decided what kind of animals I want on my farm. Then, I spend my own hard earned mony to put up appropriate fencing to keep them safely contained. Then I spend time to learn about the animals I am going to own so I at least know that I own a MULE and won't go around calling it a donkey. And then I make sure to only have animal that I have the skills to handle. I don't expect others to pick up the tab for my irresponsibility.
Jenny the MULE needs be with people that have the experience, skills, and facilities to handle a young, scared mule. I think it would be great for Jenny and Isabella to be reunited. But absolutely NOT with Mary and Joe. I think it also reflect poorly on Karina Lewis that she is helping to perpetuate this circus. But, I guess it's hard to turn down this kind of media attention and free advertising regardless of what is best for Jenny.....the MULE.
Yankee Donkey & Mule Society of Dudley, MA
Mar 2, 2007 8:28 AM
This is a plea to the media establishment. PLEASE do some research!!
These people may have good intentions for this longeared equine but here are a few flags that concern me about this little animal's welfare.
A) First of all they purchased an animal thinking it was an entirely different species! She is most definitely either a mule or a hinny. In fact, the chances of her beign a hinny are rather small as well, since the odds of a female donkey carrying a horse stallion's foal full term are less than 20%. Mules are much more prevalent than hinnies. There currently is no way of determining what her mother was scientfically. Not even a DNA test.
B) Not having done any research, they bring home an animal that they don't have adequate fencing for.
C) Their original purpose was to use the "donkey" for herd protection. Unfortunately, mules are not the animal of choice and neither is a donkey if it hasn't been raised properly for such a purpose. Having purchased the animal at an auction, chances are it's background and handling is unknown. Plus there are many people who believe a miniature donkey (standing 36 inches at their shoulder) may not be able to ward off attacks from predators like a coyote for example.
D) The final point that needs to be addressed is the issue of Isabella's owner. The mule's current owner is now and has been for many years, an upstanding, caring and knowledgeable member of the donkey and mule world. Her animals are well housed, fenced and recieve extraordinary care. She does her research through PROFESSIONAL DONKEY & MULE people. And is very willing to help others in need.
She also is involved in bettering the area's understanding of donkeys and mules by participating in educational demonstrations and shows.
So I beg of this paper to contact those who have a background in such dealings. Donkeys, mules and hinnies are an oddity and need to be handled in their own manner.
Debra Kovac
Yankee Donkey & Mule Society
Leslie Heulitt of Rock Cave, WV
Mar 1, 2007 9:43 PM
If folks want to send money to these irresponsible people to fund their fencing, well, we all know there�s one born every minute. But to dupe people into sending money to purchase Isabella is pretty incredible. Has anyone bothered to ask if she is even for sale? Because she is not. It would be irresponsible for the rescue organization that has Isabella to adopt her out to such a home. These people don�t even know they have a mule. Maybe Jenny�s owners never asked if Isabella is for sale because they didn�t want to hear the answer. People might stop sending them money.
D. G. of Keene, NH
Mar 1, 2007 7:30 PM
It would be good for you at the paper to follow up on the other side of this story. Isabella very much needs her companion, but since the woman caring for her is a close friend of mine, I know that the rescue she works for hasn't even been contacted about the issues of who gets to take over the care and training of both of these animals. It is ASSUMED by Ms Gaeta and Mr. Varricchio that rescue will just give Isabella to them. But both of these animals need a lot of work to get them to trust humans again, and the rescue is the best place for that, since they have a lot of experience working with donkeys and mules. Isabella has come a long way since being with rescue, but it has taken a lot of time on the part of my friend. I hope that Ms Gaeta and Mr. Varricchio will make a CALL to Save Your Ass Long Ear Rescue and have a real conversation about where these two will recieve the care they need.
Willie of Belgrade, ME
Mar 1, 2007 2:21 PM
how can you ask people to donate money for a fence and shelter. All you are doing trying to make money on this event. Hope the IRS looks in to this. if you want aminals build your own fence like i did and many more animal lovers do. shame on you. $10.00 a picture come on in IRS
mulewrangler of Casper, WY
Mar 1, 2007 2:11 PM
I am glad Jenny was caught, however it is clear that her owners have no knowledge of longears and their behavior. This is not a guard animal in any way. Perhaps they will consider the donations as payment to allow her to go to the same place as Isabella where she will be trained and understood in the appropriate manner. It takes a long time for a true bonding process with a longear and a new owner, and Isabella is clearly beginning bonding and responding, while Jenny is so upset & unhappy that she ran away and had to be coerced back over a long period of time. Horses and longears are very different and Jenny needs the correct process and sure, steady, slow training to be given a fair shot at a good life. Do what is right for her instead of hoping for monetary gain thru her ownership.
Eliza Williams of Waterville, ME
Mar 1, 2007 11:55 AM
Happy to read that the story isn't over! It's wonderful to see that someone cares enough to try to please this hinny/donkey. Hopefully, she will be 'herself' once again, after she's reunited with her 'sibling.'
I, too, believe she's lonely alone.
A heartwarming story, and please keep us up to date on any progress.
March 2, 2007: Happy Texas Independence Day
I get to celebrate with another snow day! I stayed up until 3am last night/this morning making chili for the Texas Independence Day party on Saturday. There was no snow when I went to bed. I woke up a little after 6 and there was lots of snow. But was it enough? I tried looking it up online but didn't see it posted. I tried calling the information line but got someone's cell number. I obviously misremembered the information phone number. ooops. I turned on my radio that plays the television stations but obviously I can't see the closings scrolling on the bottom of the screen. So I go downstairs and watch TV. Channel 13 lists the closings by category...all the services, all the schools, the universities are all lumped together. They listed a lot of universities but not UMF. I switched to another channel that lists the closings by county but no UMF on that list. Finally, I switched to another channel and there it was. Aaaah. UMF is closed. Then I double checked online and found it. I'm not sure if it wasn't posted earlier or if I just didn't see it the first time I looked.
I went back to sleep until 10. :-)
MRM had to go in to work (she closed the library but she had to turn in her budget to the Town Manager and the Town offices weren't closed). RBF went with her. I had an hour and a half phone call with UNT (they weren't having a snow day with their 70 degree weather) and made a second batch of chili along with corn bread. I tried my hand at pinto beans, Texas Trash (basically a spicy Chex Mix) and jello molds in the shape of Texas and stars. The pinto beans were pretty yummy and I was very pleased with how the Texas Trash turned out (especially considering I had to substitute on some of the spices). But the jello molds weren't very successful. I had too much water in the first batch. It took a while to finally get the jello out of the molds and when it finally did come out, it looked like a star or the outline of the state for a while and then quickly started losing its shape. Oh well.
More details on the party later. But I loved having a snow day today, even though it puts me behind in both of the classes I teach. I did sent out an email on what our modified schedule is going to look like. So who loves snow days more . . . students or teachers??
I went back to sleep until 10. :-)
MRM had to go in to work (she closed the library but she had to turn in her budget to the Town Manager and the Town offices weren't closed). RBF went with her. I had an hour and a half phone call with UNT (they weren't having a snow day with their 70 degree weather) and made a second batch of chili along with corn bread. I tried my hand at pinto beans, Texas Trash (basically a spicy Chex Mix) and jello molds in the shape of Texas and stars. The pinto beans were pretty yummy and I was very pleased with how the Texas Trash turned out (especially considering I had to substitute on some of the spices). But the jello molds weren't very successful. I had too much water in the first batch. It took a while to finally get the jello out of the molds and when it finally did come out, it looked like a star or the outline of the state for a while and then quickly started losing its shape. Oh well.
More details on the party later. But I loved having a snow day today, even though it puts me behind in both of the classes I teach. I did sent out an email on what our modified schedule is going to look like. So who loves snow days more . . . students or teachers??
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