Published: October 17, 2009 11:55 pm      

Jean Lowrey: Ira D. Goat has until Nov. 6 to find home

Since Ira D. Goat, a real live pygmy goat, was introduced in this space last month, she has been busy getting to know the town and making many friends. Her reign as Dalton Education Foundation’s (DEF) symbol of community support for our schools ends Nov. 6 with the raffle drawing in which Ira will finally settle down as a pet in someone’s home.



Goat Raffle is really about schools and community

If you are having trouble equating a goat with community support, perhaps a little explanation is in order. Ira is the grand prize in the local education foundation’s “The Great Goat Raffle.”

DEF and many Dalton Public Schools supporters are selling “Goat Dollars” for just $1 to qualify the bearer to win the goat. Don’t need a goat? “Goat Insurance Policies” are available for just $5. One policy covers you no matter how many goat dollars are purchased in your name.

Proceeds from “The Great Goat Raffle” the Dalton Public Schools through the Dalton Education Foundation. Dalton Education Foundation promotes excellence in the Dalton Public Schools through education, recognition and enrichment.

When the whole community comes together with a $1 (for a Goat Dollar) or $5 (for a Goat Insurance Policy) donation, the results can be additional classroom grants to teachers for innovative, instructional ideas; the “Learn-and-Earn” program which introduces students to the world of fiscal responsibility and money management; a new Dalton Public Schools Alumni Association, educator awards and student scholarships.

The Dalton Education Foundation can continue its on-going work of “friend-raising” and fundraising for the city school district, including DEF’s “Community Conversations,” which match community groups with school personnel to enhance communication and cooperation between schools and community. When people communicate with each other, they begin to understand and support each other. That is when bigger and better things begin to happen.

Dalton Public Schools, DEF and other community groups joined forces in September to roll out “Team Dalton,” a public display of collaboration and teamwork for the good of the Dalton community. Dalton School Superintendent Dr. James Hawkins explained the six priorities the district is addressing this year.



Ira does her own communicating

Ira D. Goat has a temporary home among two other pygmy goats, a barnyard of chickens and guineas, sheep, horses, cows and assorted other loved animals with the total numbering around 53 critters.

Ira’s initial shyness melted away when she led the two other pygmy goats out to the pasture to taste their first grass. Up until that point, the other two thought store-bought goat food was all there is. The farm owners are grateful to Ira for teaching the two pygmies that free food is good. Education is good, yes?

Meanwhile a boy goat has “taken a shine” to Ira. During her sojourn, Ira has slept one night in a dog’s house much to the dog’s chagrin; been kissed by a Dalton High School teacher who received the most Goat Dollars from students; presided over her very own DHS Homecoming float; enjoyed “coffee” at Pentz Street station; and made new friends at Downtown Dalton Development Authority’s Street Party. Nothing has puzzled her more than “Boy Goat.”

As with people, however, it appears that when pygmy goats communicate with each other, they begin to understand and support each other. That is when pygmy and better things begin to happen!

Who knows? The winner of the Great Goat Raffle may actually be the winner of a “community” of pygmy goats.

There is still time to support Dalton Public Schools by buying Goat Dollars and Goat Insurance Policies. In addition to all the Dalton Public Schools and DPS Central Office, you can find these dollars and insurance at The Oakwood Café; The Green Spot; The Little Dipper; and Dalton Animal Care. Or call Dalton Education Foundation at 706-278-5427 or e-mail: def@dalton.k12.ga.us.



Jean Lowrey is the executive director of the Dalton Education Foundation. She can be reached at 706-278-5427 or e-mail: jean.lowrey@dalton.k12.ga.us