A Peep At the Coops

Mr. Pittillo has had a dream for many years, or should I say decades? He has been the force behind the poultry craze at Stonewall. His enthusiasm with hatching anything from chickens to quail has extended the Stonewall curriculum beyond the extraordinary. Classrooms count down the days until the babies are born and names are heavily debated/voted for catchy names such as Mrs. Fletcher and Ebenezer. Fortunately the chicken coop craze has hit one and many, including Stonewall. Thankfully our past PTA president, Bob Richie had already discovered the chicken craze and introduced us to his neighbor Chere Hickock. Well, the rest is history. Chere Hickock came to visit Stonewall Gardens and knew immediately our interest in nature and the support team available to manage this endeavour. Chere graciously donated an amazing chicken coop to our school and her gift will be remembered years from now by children who will come to understand that eggs do not magically appear in your kitchen's refrigerator. They will become educated about the cycle of life, and the implications of human involvement, and will be able to decide for themselves which route to take as a citizen of this planet. So the chicken coop was planned, built, and completed with the help of many, including Mr. Painter, who suggested that we install a "green" roof to keep the heat down during the summer months. His wisdom is always appreciated. A Peep At the Coops tour was an instant hit. Children at Stonewall were allowed to hold, pet, and talk to our current renters: Mrs. Honey, Rusty, Mrs. Fletcher, Miss Speckles, Brownie, and Ebenezer. To witness the adult, and especially the children's enjoyment, proves that People Love Poultry. The biggest cluck ever goes out to Chere Hickock! Thank you! Stonewall Jackson Elementary, Barbara Uskovich (photos: Sarah Jane Rust & Barbara Uskovich) (Thank you Kate Cromwell for all you do for Stonewall Gardens!) (Thank you to all the volunteers who help our school, especiall those in cute rainboots.)