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In Memory and In Celebration at Gilfillan Mary Lynne Spazok
Brian McGuire, dutiful caretaker of “Chuck, the Bull,” is sad to announce that Chuck, age ten, is no longer at the Gilfillan farm. In April 2013, Chuck was dashing eagerly across the pasture and took a bad tumble. Chuck resided at the farm for a decade and grew to be a whopping 2500 pounds. Each USC Community Day he looked forward to attentive visitors massaging his curly cocoa and white trademark muzzle. A favorite treat was sweet alfalfa. Endearing, one would be hard pressed to find a more good-natured Hereford. Of British origin, the Hereford evolved from the native red cattle of Western England. In 1817, Henry Clay imported the first three Herefords to the United States. The Herefords were quickly absorbed into the general cattle population. Their popularity is due to an innate adaptability as they are extraordinary foragers and diligent caretakers of their lineage. Today, H e re f o rd s p o p u late cattle pastures worldwide. It is with great excitement that the farmstead welcomes Max, a big boy of almost two, weighing Chuck in at a spritely 1500 pounds and growing! Max is a Hereford offspring of the 4-H (Head, Heart, Hands, and
To the Farm Horses, Herefords, cows that moo, Chickens, roosters, piglets too. Bees a buzzin’, that’s their song, Ducklings quacking all day long. All these creatures you can see At Community Day, USC!
Health) system and was recently awarded “Best in Show” at the Washington County Fair. Max is polled, which means he is without horns. With his easy-going nature, some attest that he’s Chuck’s twin! On Saturday, May 17, noon to 4 p.m., stop by Gilfillan farm’s pasture to welcome Max. The Orr Road garden entrance is general parking, while handicapped accessible parking is available at the Orr Road upper lot. Tour Margaret Gilfillan’s 19th century residence, create a whimsical craft, and discover the magic of honey bee hives. Contentment is about life’s simple pleasures. Be sure to visit the Gilfillan Homestead, where happiness and hospitality thrive in the simplest of forms. n
Max
Boyce Road Gardeners
Boyce Road Gardeners is looking forward to the 2014 gardening season. The gardens, which are located in Boyce Mayview Park at the Southeast corner of the park at Boyce and Morton Roads, are the oldest community gardens in Allegheny County. With an active and hardy group of organic gardeners, the
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UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
gardens will begin its year with an informational organizational meeting in April for all those who are interested. Weather dependent, the gardens are usually ready to plant in mid-April. MidJuly welcomes a visit from Sandy Feather of Penn State Extension to assess individual concerns of the gardeners. The highlight
Spring 2014
of the gardening year, mid-August brings the highly anticipated and fun garden fair and picnic. Membership is $5 and plot rental is $15 for each 40-by-40-foot plot, which may be shared by more than one person or family for an additional $5. Information can be obtained from Jerry Kender by calling him at 412-221-3118. Though space is limited, a few plots are usually available. n