Of Brownies, alpacas and snow

Warwick — When Warwick educator Tiffany Megna offered to become leader of Brownie Troop #299, she felt that the organization should supplement the education of its members with innovative programs. When Tiffany heard about the Rock Ridge Alpaca Farm on Gibson Hill Road in Chester, she called to find out about a tour. She spoke to Marsha and Wayne Oliver, the farm owners, and made an appointment to visit the morning of Monday, Dec. 5. Though there was a heavy snow storm the day before, the troop gathered at the farm for an educational program led by Marsha Oliver, a former teacher. Filled with questions and handfuls of grain to feed the alpacas, the Brownies were surprised to see that the animals were just as pleased to see them. Megna and the accompanying mothers were able to learn, too. When the session was finished, many of the girls asked to go back to see the alpacas once more before they left. A few even thought they might add alpacas to their wish list to Santa.