Watson’s Wetland

We now have our very own vernal pool, thanks to a wetland restoration group that we hosted the end of last summer. The group was learning different techniques for building wetlands, and created several in our area. The soil make up on our property is not very conducive for holding water, so the instructor showed how this obstacle could be overcome, using a special fabric and liner.

Vernal Pools, describe wetlands that fill annually from precipitation, runoff, and rising ground water. Most years they become dry, losing their water through evaporation and transpiration. This wet-dry cycle prevents fish from becoming established, yet presents a rich temporary habitat for many species, particularly amphibians which use them for breeding and feeding. They are also an important water source for wildlife and indispensable to biotic diversity, both locally and globally.

Beyond the natural benefits of having this incredible resource, we are also excited for the learning opportunities it provides for those school groups who utilize Watson Homestead in their Environmental studies.

OUT WITH THE OLD! IN WITH THE NEW!

Thank You to those special groups and Individual donors that contributed, helping us purchase 25 new mattresses this past February. These 25 mattresses will allow those staying in the North and South Wing to experience a better night of sleep. It should also be noted that the 25 mattresses we discarded will not go to waste. A local mattress ministry will be distributing them to those in need.

“Bitter Sweet”

Maple sugaring time, here at the Homestead, has finished and for me ending is bittersweet. After a month of work cutting wood, collecting sap, and cooking until 1:00 or 2:00 a.m., I am finally ready for a restful evening. In addition to the physical demands, I will no longer obsess on the weather and specifically night time temperature.

Although the work and worries have ended for this year, so too has the great opportunities that Maple Sugaring provided to interact with guests, friends and neighbors. Folks often stopped by to enjoy a cup of sap tea, a biscuit with fresh syrup, or simply to sit and chat. Sap Tea $.25, Pint of Maple Syrup $9, making memories around the evaporator….priceless! Our March Family Weekend was once again a highlight and it was great to see parents, children, and even grandchildren laughing and working together. I can hardly wait until we can do this again next year and luckily I have some stored pints to tie me over.

A Special thanks to ASMS in Corning, as volunteers helped to tap trees, hang buckets, and split and stack firewood.

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT!

Linda Halpin joined us once again for our fourth annual Cabin Fever Quilting Retreat. To kick off this years retreat Linda shared a program with us Friday evening entitled 1" x 1": A trunk show of quilts Using Pieced 1" squares". Linda brought over 30 quilts, which were constructed from leftovers she had collected throughout the year. I have never seen such beautiful quilts and to think they came from the pieces someone might throw away truly amazed me. The weekend workshop began Saturday morning and was entitled Quilting 1-2-3. Linda began by discussing fabric selection for scrap quilts and then moved into piecing techniques that transformed one quilt into a second pattern that looked totally different and then a third made from the cutaways. The women worked diligently throughout the day (and night) and by the conclusion of the retreat Sunday, there were marvelous squares upon the wall. What a pleasure it was having our friend Linda back with us once again, and we look forward to next year.

Keep it Going!

What a joy it was to have our friends Jennifer and Christopher Hopper back with us along with 200 plus youth this past February for the annual Southern Tier Baptist Youth Retreat. The energy and love that these youth bring with them is simply amazing and spreads to everyone they talk and interact with. I especially enjoy feeling the vibrations and hearing the music as the group worships together. The chapel comes alive and you can be certain lives are being touched through each message. The only downside to the weekend is the fact that it must end and we must wait another year to have the group back. If you look at the picture you may notice dust spots or could it be the spirit moving through the chapel service, you decide. Just like the message for the weekend we too will keep going here at Watson Homestead and look forward to welcoming the Southern Tier Baptist Retreat back next year.

"NO I DON'T WANT TO WORK, I JUST WANT TO BANG ON MY DRUM ALL DAY arethe words that come to my mind and the feeling I get everytime I pick up the newly built djembe, that now resides in Donna's office. This along with 20 other great drums were produced at our first ever Drum Building Workshop held this past October here at the Homestead. The weekend allowed participants to explore not only their creative side through the decorating and design of the artwork, but also their physical side as they sanded and painted wood, as well as stretched hide. If not for Stan's special tool for tightening, we may still be working on that process. Some memorable moments throughout the weekend included: Gary telling the story of how Native American women used to chew on the hide to soften it and then suggesting that the ladies try, The Seneca Lake contingency who brought their special music and with help from a flute and a couple drums gave us a great jam session Sunday afternoon, and the moment a new drum makes its first sound. Thanks to all who took part in this special weekend, especially the deer, goat, and elk who so graciously contributed their hides.

Submitted by Neil Yoder/Program Director

The Drum Building workshop was sponsored in part by QuickARTS a grant funded by The Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, administered by The ARTS Council fo the Souther Finger Lakes.

Friends of Watson

The tree representing the Friends of Watson was reinstalled this summer in the dining room. A special thanks to Tim Ward for the installation. Come and visit and see old friends and new friends names as they are added to the tree. We hope to see more trees with Friends of Watson spring up around the dining room!

Beautiful Gardens!

Watson Homestead would like to thank our volunteer gardeners, Sharon Martinez-Shepard and Beverly Orcutt for the love and attention they gave to the gardens and grounds at Watson Homestead this summer. Beverly and Sharons tender care and clean up will guarantee a bloom in Spring of 2009 and healthier plants, and a garden that is definately in shape.

We also want to thank Shirley Edsall for the fall donation for the new bed and rework done to the flower bed by the front entrace with Massi's Greenhouse in Painted Post. A donation by Shirley in Memory of Mary Kosty will again be another beautiful spring flush of blooms and flowers in Spring of 2009 that we can't wait to see! Thank you Shirley!

That being said, we can't wait for the new year and all of the good things that will come!

With love from all of us,

The Staff at Watson Homestead.