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EVENTS COMING UP
RVGA Orchard Dinner Sept. 11
Accord Yard Sale Saturday
What's Up?
Chomsky Grows Up?
We had so much fun last week with our little stint of media hacking. We hoped that even though we were losing our world record for largest garden gnome, one that has helped us gain attention for local farming, we could get a little extra free media coverage out of the (non)event.

Many of you sent wonderful statements, quips and ideas and we put them into two consecutive press releases that got us on the front page of the Times Herald Record, on the web site of the Kingston Freeman, a story on YNN's evening news (and replayed later). Amazing! (You can read our original press releases in our new Newsletter Archive section, link at left.)

Comments we received included these:

Graham Parker, musician: "I thought I saw a tear in Chomsky's eye when I passed by the other day. Cheer up fella, those others are just pretenders."

Mark Brown, balladeer and an Official Witness for our Guinness World Record: "It is true I suppose, that records, like hearts, are made to be broken. However, as I rode past Chomsky today he seemed unmoved by the whole affair. He still gazes west with that confidence and joy that he has always exuded. I would wager that Chomsky would kick the ass of any of these other gnomes. Bring 'em on!!!!!"

Carl Chipman, Town of Rochester Supervisor: "We held the record for a good four years. Our gnome is still very precious to us."

Deborah Artman, librettist and writer: "I am outraged that a gnome made of a synthetic material such as fiberglass would be accepted by the folks at Guinness. If any organization should be a stickler for authenticity, Guinness is it! It's time for a petition! I'm ready to sign!"

April Silver: "I'm beside myself! Sounds like the Polish "fiberglass" version is a deal breaker, not a record breaker."

Here are some of the fabulous ideas you had to gain back our title:

flower
The idea of 8-year-old Bella Ramirez that started it all--add a flower for height.


A number of people suggested a bigger hat, but how could Chomsky keep an eye on Route 209?

Since material doesn't matter to Guinness, convert Chomsky into an inflatable gnome, proposed Tom Herling.
Chomsky inflated
A gigantic farm tool adds height and that "American Gothic" vibe, and was suggested by both Mona Lombardi and Deborah Artman, Deborah pointing out that the object on the end could be up-sized as necessary.
Chomsky pitchfork
Another gnome riding on Chomsky's shoulders was Wayne Kelder's idea.
Big Chomsky Little Chomsky
Platform shoes would give Chomsky the lift he needs, and were suggested by Joe Holdner, Sue Cosgrove and Chris Butler.
Chomsky Saturday night
High-heels give Chomsky a chance to express his inner drag queen. A tip o' the chapeau to Terry Anya Hayes.
Drag Chomsky

"I think Chomsky's stature could be elevated by his obtaining a higher degree. There are many online programs, so he could matriculate while staying on the farm. A PhD from MIT, where another Chomsky once walked the halls, would be fitting," writes Pam Kray.
Chomsky smarter

Ted Lawrence had the most radical idea: "Cut off his head and add a spring--he'll be the largest gnome and largest bobble-head!"
bobble

So, What Are We Going to Do?
We ended our press release by speculating that one day, Chomsky may find a sweetheart, one that's quite a bit bigger than he. And, while we don't have any plans for that at the moment, you never gnow with gnomes. Anyway, we still think we have the world's cutest garden gnome.

Many thanks to all who sent their thoughts and ideas!

Rondout Valley Grower's Orchard Dinner
One of the funnest events of the year in the Hudson Valley--the Rondout Valley Grower's Orchard Dinner, sponsored by Stone Ridge Wine and Spirits, is coming up on Saturday, September 11. The food's supplied by local farms, the cooking by local chefs, the setting is the lovely Stone Ridge Orchard, and the wine is chosen by Tim Sweeney. It's heaven-- and a great fundraiser for the RGVA organization.

Find out more here. And get your ticket early--this event sometimes sells out!
Our Own Yard Sale -- Sat. 9/3 in Accord
It's at 21 and 23 Main Street, Accord, 10 am to 3 pm. Greta, Britt, Ron, Chris and I are having a yard sale. Lots of household stuff, furniture, and some vintage. No early birds, please!
The pumpkins are getting bigger and the corn is getting taller on the mini-golf. And we are very pleased that our little ponds are growing cattails and are still hosting hundreds of tadpoles. Now that the days will be growing cooler it's just right for playing a mid-day or after-school round.

Happy putting!
maria

Maria Reidelbach
Proprietress
Homegrown Mini-Golf

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