In Memory of Frank Prettie

             All of us at East Hill Farm were saddened recently when we received word that Frank Prettie had passed away.  Frank, “our” Square Dance caller, was a fixture at the farm for 50 years.  He provided countless evenings of entertainment for our guests during every season of the year prior to his retirement.  Since then he led a square dance family fun night each week in the summer and on fall weekends until he left for his winter home in Florida in November, 2007.

            We could go on with stories about Frank and the fun dances at the farm. Does anyone remember musical chairs? (First three kids out gets a turtle candle that Frank made.)

            Frank is a true example of dedication to his calling and he provided great family entertainment for many generations of our guests at the farm. He was a unique individual who will be missed by us all.
 

Barn News
Last updated April 23, 2008

     Spring has sprung!  We are enjoying some great spring weather.  We know some cool-wet days are still ahead, but the last of the snow piles have gone and everything is “greening up”
     The barnyard critters are anxious to get out into the green pasture.  I am sure it is hard for them to understand why they must wait a few more weeks until the grass becomes well established.  Probably the temptation will be too much for some of them and they will find a way to escape their winter enclosures.  Oh what fun!!
     As expected we have added three new Kerry calves within the past few weeks.  We have two bull calves and one heifer.  The guests who were here when the last calf was born submitted ideas for a name.  We had some great suggestions and the judges have selected Onyx.  She will be named Mountain Shade Onyx.  Another suggestion was Coal and will be used for a bull calf, Mountain Shade Coal Dust.  Thanks to all of you who participated.  Good Job!
     The arrival of spring has also allowed the trail riding staff to begin to use some of the wooded trails again.  This makes for a more interesting ride through different terrains and scenery.  Sophie and Tara are working on some new trails for this season.  Kirsten will be rejoining our equestrian staff in early June for the summer season, many of you will remember her from last summer.  We are looking forward to our summer riding program and we know you will enjoy your equestrian activities, be it Pony Rides, Jr. Wrangler Lessons or Trail Rides.  Be sure to bring closed-toe footwear with a heel and don’t forget your rain gear (no flapping ponchos please), because most rides will still go on rainy days (except during thunder storms).
     As you can see from the side bar pictures we have added some new interesting animals to our barnyard.  We now have 15 Santa Cruz sheep including the new ram pictured here.  “Rudolph” the San Clemente Island Buck is quite and impressive figure.  These two guys are great to look at but not good to play with.
     Don’t forget that the farm is your destination vacation with little or no additional driving once you arrive.  We are looking forward to seeing you this spring and/or summer at the farm.  Study hard this last marking period!!

                                          
I’ll see you along the way!
Farmer Dave


Chloe, our farm mascot
and tennis ball aficionado!
 

Barnyard Goal

        Our goal at East Hill Farm is to provide an enjoyable, educational farm vacation for our guests.  To achieve this goal we strive to provide realistic farm related activities.  The farm activities scheduled may be adjusted a bit to accommodate meal times and other activities.  The daily farm chores including milking the cows and goats, are necessary functions to be accomplished each day, as they are done every day on the farms of professional farm operators throughout the country. 

        We hope that your visit to East Hill Farm will be most enjoyable and provide you with increased awareness and understanding of the importance of agriculture to our society.  Come and enjoy a real farm experience in a comfortable resort atmosphere.