Fainting goats?

Recently my neighbor, Alice, and I had the opportunity to visit Pam Weeks at Fall Over Farms in Topaz. Pam raises and shows a breed of goat known as "fainting goats." They are a little smaller than other breeds and, as we quickly found out, they are adorable. The breed gets its name from the fact that when they are startled, their muscles contract and stiffen, often making them fall over as if they had fainted. It isn't really fainting, but it sure can look like it. During our visit we went into their pens with them, let them loose, hand-fed them, and just fell in love with the little guys. They are very friendly, tame and gentle; all of Pam's goats have names and respond to being called by name. The Fall Over goats recently went to their first show, in Idaho, and walked away with lots of ribbons and glory. The big winner was Spatter, who became a grand champion and won best in show over more experienced competitors. Pam loves and breeds these special pets and will sometimes part with one at a very reasonable cost. If you want to learn more about them or maybe have one of your own, she can be reached at (530) 495-2783.

Coleville boosters dinner

Saturday, beginning 4 p.m. at the Walker Community Center, will be their annual fundraising dinner, raffles, silent auction, and door prize drawing. It is an event that's not to be missed for the fun, good Mexican dinner and the opportunity to win some neat prizes, as well as supporting Coleville High School's athletics and an academic scholarship. Dinner is $10 for adults and $5 for children younger than 12. Tickets are available at the Walker General Store, as well as Saturday at the door. Hope to see you there.

This and that

n Last month members of our fire department attended an Antelope Elementary School assembly, bringing a smoke trailer that simulates a house fire. The kids all really enjoyed learning how to deal with such a fire by using the trailer. The other day, I saw some of the letters, with drawings, that third-grade class members sent to the firemen to thank them. The artwork was fire-themed and very good, as were the letters. I know the firemen really appreciated them and enjoyed being there that day.

n The elementary school's basketball team played their first Sagebrush League game against Bridgeport last week, winning a tough game by a score of 42-40.

n Nov. 9, there was a combined assembly of elementary and high school students to commemorate Veterans Day, which was also attended by seven members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3567. The color guard from the Mountain Warfare Training Center presented the flag; the first-graders sang "It's a Grand Old Flag," and the second-graders sang the National Anthem. Principal Jason Reid spoke to the students, explaining the significance of this holiday. At the conclusion of the assembly, the VFW members shook hands with all the students attending. It was a very special and rewarding experience for the VFW members and hopefully for the students.

n The Antelope Valley Cemetery Committee would like to thank the Antelope Valley Lions Club and everyone else who came out Friday to clean up our cemetery. Anyone who would like to "adopt a plot" to keep it clean, may do so by contacting 495-2341 or 495-2149. Thanks again for a job well done.

n Nov. 10, the Coleville High School volleyball team lost to Pahranagat Valley in the Division 1A semifinals of the state championship. I know how disappointed they are to have lost, but they had a wonderful season and should be very proud of their accomplishments, as we all are.

n The Women's Club Bazaar and the Antelope Valley Art Show were both Sunday. After Saturday evening's dusting of snow, I was hoping for good weather for both groups. It turned out fine, and there were a lot of people checking both sites. My first stop was the art show. As always, I was so envious of their talents. There were oil paintings, watercolors, pencil drawing, jewelry, ceramics, photography - so many beautiful things. I then went across the street to the bazaar. There were many booths with a big variety of items available. They ranged from handmade birdhouses to food to Christmas decorations to crocheted items. There were plenty of gifts to be selected for everyone on your list.

n Now we can move on to planning our Thanksgiving dinners.

n Lynne Katusich can be reached at lynnekat@gbis.com or (530) 495-2552.