Mockingbird a sanctuary for all creatures, take a tour at festival Oct. 7

jfbeck_99_272012 — Sep 30, 2023, 8:05am

Jonell Chudyk, with Gilbert, and Jon Tedd, with Anne, co founders of Mockingbird Farm Sanctuary in Byron, are preparing for the nonprofit's second annual Fall Festival with hopes to raise enough money to shore up their hay needs for the winter season.
Photo by Joanne Beck

Going bald for Bob Harper

Gretel Kauffman — Jul 29, 2011, 2:46pm

Twenty five years ago, Gene Baur and some friends began taking notice of the cruel and inhumane conditions inside industrialized animal farms and slaughterhouses and decided that something needed to be done -- and thus, with nothing but determination and the profits of a vegetarian hotdog stand, Farm Sanctuary was born.

Today, the peaceful organization attracts thousands of visitors a year to its two sprawling farm shelters for previously abused animals in Watkins Glen and California, and has inspired a bestselling book by Baur.

At 4 p.m. on Aug. 8, Baur will visit Minty Wellness in Darien Center to discuss his book and Farm Sanctuary itself, which is currently the nation's leading farm animal rescue, education and advocacy organization.

Local animal advocate Danielle Legg is hoping to raise $2,000 by that date, and has pledged to "Go Bald for Bob Harper" if her goal is met. (Despite his very human name, Bob Harper is a pig -- one of more than 400 animals living at the organizaton's Watkins Glen location.)

To help raise funds, Legg is holding a raffle for several vegan items, including: two gift baskets from Lush Cosmetics (valued at $140); a gift basket from Hugo Naturals, containing vegan bath and body products (valued at $95); a gift bag by Michelle Dermaceuticals, containing vegan beauty products; handmade gift tags and greeting cards; a necklace and earring set made by Julie Sheremeta; a massage donated by David Kimball LMT; and a Minty Wellness Getaway package, including an overnight stay and breakfast for two at the Minty Wellness hotel, restaurant and spa.

For further information, contact Danielle Legg at veganleggs80@yahoo.com or the Minty Wellness hotel, restaurant and spa. It's located at 1961 Church Road in Darien Center. Phone is 591-3939. Email is www.mintywellness.com.