Community Work
We feel it's very important to give back to the community, and we try to do so whenever we can. Here are some of the times we've donated our time, or goods, or both!
Chicken Hatching Project
In the month of April 2012, I went to Mrs. Van Leuven's 4th grade class in Edward J. Russell Elementary school and taught a class on hatching chickens. After giving a presentation, I leant the class an incubator, gave them some eggs, and plenty of instruction on how to care for their chickens-to-be. I followed up with them several times to candle the eggs, explain the process and what we were all seeing, and check the chicks' development. 5 chicks hatched and the kids were so excited! It was a great group of lessons.
...The resulting chickens are currently living lives of ease here at Chicken Scratch
...The resulting chickens are currently living lives of ease here at Chicken Scratch
Candles and Soaps In the Classroom
In October 2012, I went to Ms. Jollie's class in Edward J. Russell Elementary School to teach kids how candles were made in the Colonial Period. After the lesson, I helped the kids pour soy candles to take home. It was a lot of fun.
The following week, I returned to the class to teach how soap would have been made in the same period. I talked about the history of soap, and explained how soap is made now. I then helped the kids to make their own "melt and pour" soaps (as we couldn't use lye) to take home. The kids really enjoyed the lesson.
The following week, I returned to the class to teach how soap would have been made in the same period. I talked about the history of soap, and explained how soap is made now. I then helped the kids to make their own "melt and pour" soaps (as we couldn't use lye) to take home. The kids really enjoyed the lesson.
Donating to the PTA
In our district, the PTA funds many of the fun aspects of school--field day, book fairs, and so on. They were having a silent auction to get donations to fund the activities. We donated two baskets--one with candles and soaps, and another with bread and jam and a coupon for fresh eggs.
Quilt Guild Talk
I gave a talk at the Country Quilter's Guild at their November 14, 2012 meeting about fiber animals. I brought two different Angora rabbits to show and talk about how the wool is harvested and what is done with it after it's been gathered. Members were be able to touch the fibers, and -most importantly- pet the bunnies.