Young performers provided entertainment at Schumacher Farm in July.

The Friends of Schumacher Farm expanded their public events this year beyond the usual Summer Band Concert/Ice Cream Social and Fall Harvest Festival to include small dramatic productions in the farmhouse. Students and alumni of the Waunakee High School Drama Club presented three radio-style shows: “Lazy Farmer’s Chicken Thief Trial,” “Rehearsal,” and “Little Women”, to delighted audiences on a Saturday night and a Sunday afternoon in July. The players occupied the parlor, with the audience facing them in fan-shaped seating in the dining room. Rick Braun, the group’s director, was enthusiastic about the performances, and hopes to hold them next year as well.

There will be holiday teas later this year in the farmhouse, with guests seated at small, decorated tables. Seasonal refreshments will be provided, with musical entertainment by local talent. The teas will be held on Sunday, December 6, 1:30 P.M. and Thursday December 17, 7:00 P.M. Call 849-4559 for reservations and more details.

We invite you to join the Friends of Schumacher Farm; we have a broad range of activities that are bound to interest people of all ages. Call me at 849-4559 if you are interested...and please introduce yourself when you come to the public events here at the Farm.

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is being referred to as “Belfontaine” during the master planning process for the County’s property there. Historically the site was referred to by voyageurs and local inhabitants as Belfontaine, probably because of its significant springs.

A public hearing on that master plan was held in September. For more information about the process, or to find out how you can have input, contact the Parks Department or the Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy (831-8823)

The Adult Conservation Team seeks your support. Would you consider a small contribution of $8 for one year of this newsletter? In the 1998 budget, the County gave us permission to spend an additional $1,500 on our programs, on the condition that we raise it from outside sources. Doing so will allow us to offer more opportunities to youth, community groups, retirees, to all of you. We are seeking support from grants, in-kind donations, and sponsorships, but we also need your help. We would sure appreciate your vote of confidence!

Together, we have built an award-winning volunteer program,recognized by the National Council of Elected County Officials, and featured in national publications. Within Dane County government, we often hear the Adult Conservation Team referred to as the “benchmark” for other volunteer programs.There have been many acomplishments such as bluebird trails, research, habitat restoration and campground hosts, to name a few. The credit for this success goes to you, the volunteers.

Perhaps you could compare this appeal to those of public radio. Government funding has become an increasingly smaller portion of its revenue, while corporate and individual sponsorship has grown. As a result, their listeners are still treated to high quality music and news. Well, this isn’t too different. We hope you will support the programs of the Adult Conservation Team and help us grow.

Thanks for listening.