Paca Talk # 19–Alpacas in the News for August 21, 2009
Welcome to Alpacas in the News, the weekly segment of Paca Talk dedicated to bringing you alpaca-related news items from around the world. I’m your host, Maren Bradley Anderson, and this is Alpacas in the News for August 21, 2009.
Alpaca Industry News
AOBA Member Death
It is with great sadness to let you know that Susan Ratti died after a brief illness. She had been sick for only a few weeks, and late last week Russell and Susan learned that she had metastatic cancer.
Susan and her husband Russell operate Affaire de Coeur Alpacas and have been members of AOBA since 2003. The Ratti’s are also members of Calpaca.
The family will be holding a memorial for Susan at their farm in Oakdale, CA
Wednesday, 9/19.
Please keep Russell and their daughter, Micala in your thoughts and prayers.
AOBA Office
AOBA office welcomes Michael Trubee as Information Technology Manager
News from AOBA’s home office – Nashville, TN
We are pleased to announce Michael Trubee has accepted the position of Information Technology (IT) Manager for AOBA. He officially started last week, though Mike has been with our staff here in Nashville since early June, when he was instrumental in getting our website up and operational along with securing our local and web-base database systems. Mike has also outlined and documented our complete computer system allowing us to forecast strengths, weakness and future needs for IT.
Mike brings to the job over 16 years of direct technology management experience with a focus on team enhancing management, business, security, technology, computer operations and system administration. His broad work experience includes, technical design and planning, managing operations and professional support teams, project management of network infrastructures, departmental budgets, disaster recovery, administration of customer and vendor systems, supervision of support, engineering, and technical staff nationally and internationally.
Mike’s extensive background fits perfectly in meeting the needs of our association’s information technology manager, supervising the overall growing needs and operations of our IT segment. He will be responsible for all aspects of the association’s technical requirements including computer systems, websites, telecommunications and general association automation systems.
William A. Edmunds
Executive Director - AOBA
AOBA Fiber Committee Needs Volunteers
If someone asks you, “What do I do with this fleece,” and you know the answer, why not consider applying to join the AOBA Raw Fiber and Fiber Products Committee?
The Fiber Committee is a very dedicated bunch. We share the mission to build public awareness and demand for alpaca fiber and products by encouraging members to improve the fiber they produce and by educating members on options for producing finished products.
We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic and creative. We are currently working on the Alpaca Fiber Characteristics Study, Student Design Competition and creating protocols for spin off and fiber arts/skein competitions.
There are other ongoing projects that we feel will help our mission. Committee members are assigned tasks that suit their background and abilities and all committee members are expected to participate.
The future of alpacas will definitely include the advancement of the fiber industry. Our committee members are very passionate about this goal and all work very diligently to promote this part of the industry.
If you have a strong interest in fiber and are willing and committed to working toward promoting an alpaca fiber industry, then please log in to your AOBA account by clicking here and complete the membership application.
Thank you,
Raw Fiber & Finished Products Committee
Alpacas in Mainstream Media
Things that Make You Go “Hmmm.”
What is an alpaca? Find out at savethealpacas.com
Los Angeles Times
As it happens, alpaca puns are about the only category of items relating to the alpaca — defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “a mammal with fine long woolly …
See all stories on this topic
Farm Shout-Outs
| Swiss Line Alpacas, Saskatchewan | Alpaca business continues to grow in Herbert Southwest Booster Swiss Line Alpacas continue to grow and expand and owners Max and Hedi Gossweiler couldn’t be happier about their Herbert-based business. … See all stories on this topic |
| Beau’s and Common Leys Farm near Worminghall, UK | Beau the alpaca will return! - Thame THE delightful young alpaca that charmed the crowds at Tuesday’s Thame Farmers Market birthday celebrations, enjoyed himself so much, that he will be … See all stories on this topic |
| Alpaca Showcase at the Palisade Peach Festival, CO | 41st annual Palisade Peach Fest adds new attractions Grand Junction Free Press The Alpaca Showcase will bring breeders together from throughout Colorado’s Western Slope. This Showcase will provide information about alpaca farms, … See all stories on this topic |
| Johanna Alpacas Bed and Breakfast, AUS | Coast and country The Age There are photos of the alpacas and balls of their luxurious earthy-toned wool in a basket by the sofa. Malcolm shows me where to find an alpaca blanket, … See all stories on this topic |
| BMR Acres and Foothill Farms, NY | Buy Local Week kicks off today CNYLink from Eagle Newspapers Their on-site country farm store specializes in alpaca products and other locally made products. Feed and pet the animals, watch as fiber is spun into yarn, … See all stories on this topic |
| Camillo Valley Alpaca Farm near Dahlgren, NH | They found a future in fleece The Free Lance-Star There, grazing contentedly on their 131/2-acre Camillo Valley Alpaca Farm near Dahlgren, is the herd of 34 alpacas they’re raising for their fine, … See all stories on this topic |
| Meon Valley Alpacas in Droxford, UK | Going animal crackers at farm’s open day Hampshire Chronicle IT was animal magic when a Hampshire alpaca farm flung open its doors to members of the public. One of the first to pay a visit was Jazmine Reynolds, … See all stories on this topic |
