'Party on the Farm' May 22 benefits Sierra Club
Twin Star Ranch will be open to the public from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 22 as a fundraiser for the Illinois Sierra Club. Music will be provided by The Almost Brothers Band and songwriter, acoustic guitarist Michael Schmidt.
Since Connie and Michael Schmidt moved to Warrenville in 1983, Twin Star Ranch has become home to three horses, a flock of chickens, bunnies and dogs. Over the years, many of the chickens coming to live on the ranch were unwanted hatchlings from classroom egg incubating projects. Caring for the animals requires three daily trips to the barn. “I like animals in my life” said Connie, “it forces me to go outside no matter how hot or cold. I feel like I'm a part of nature, a part of the weather.”
Connie is pleased to offer the opportunity for Twin Star guests to visit with her animals. Her love of horses began as a child but her contact with them was limited. “I grew up in Riverside and appreciated the friends and strangers who gave me a chance to pet their horses,” Connie said. “Having Party on the Farm, I'm able to return the favor to children who love horses but don't have one of their own.”
"Party on the Farm" originated several years ago when Adam St. James, a local guitar teacher and committed environmentalist was looking for a way to put his talent to use for the environment. His band, The Almost Brothers Band, is a successful, west suburban band playing at clubs from Naperville to Plainfield and beyond. They play festivals throughout the warmer months. The Sierra Club is honored that the Almost Brothers band is donating their time to play for this event.
Sierra Club is the oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization in the United States and has been instrumental in protecting America's wilderness areas and natural resources since 1892. Locally, Sierra Club members of the River Prairie Group (RPG) have been monitoring water quality of the East Branch of the DuPage, West Branch of the DuPage and Salt Creek for 10 years. The data has been used by the Illinois EPA as part of an ongoing statewide assessment of Illinois waterways.
The RPG offers expertly guided outings which are open to the public, periodic educational programs, lobbies on behalf of environmental legislation, endorses candidates with proven commitments to protecting the environment for public office and works with several DuPage municipalities on improving energy efficiency through the Cool Cities program. More information about the RPG and how to become involved is available at http://illinois.sierraclub.org/rpg
People who have attended Party on the Farm have become enthusiastic supporters. “I never miss the Party at the Farm,” says Linda Sullivan. “There's great music, it's a great cause and brings great people together! I love watching the children enjoying the farm animals and getting into the music played right up close. It's a wonderful party!”
Funds raised from Party on the Farm fund Illinois Sierra Club initiatives.
The "Party on the Farm" will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 22 at 3S501 Landon Drive in Warrenville.
Admission is $15 for one adult, $25 for two adults; children are admitted free. Soft drinks provided.
Guests are invited to bring refreshments and a dish to share.