At the County Sheriff’s Farm, it’s already beginning to look a lot like Christmas. And that’s because Deputy Jeanne Selander and a group of trustees are busily decorating for the Dec. 15 Christmas On the Farm open house.
Normally, the farm, located behind the Stock Island detention center, is open from 1 to 3 p.m. on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, but in December the only occasion at the farm is the Dec. 15, 1 to 3 p.m. event.
“We’ll have Santa Claus handing out gifts, music, face painting, crafts and activities,” says Selander. “And we’ll decorate a Christmas tree.”
As Selander reminds, it’s all free to visitors although, of course, the farm depends on donations to help with the care of the some 200 animals who roam the area.
Selander, who has directed the farm’s activities for seven years, was born in Charleston, S.C., and received her degree in Marine Biology from what is now the University of Charleston.
After being an environmental consultant for seven years, she, like many others, visited Key West, fell in love with it, packed up a 25-foot U-Haul and headed for the Southernmost City, where she became the assistant curator at the Key West Aquarium.
“Dr. (Doug) Mader, who is the veterinarian for both the Aquarium and the Farm, said the position at the farm was open and I should apply,” related Selander. “I did and got the job.”
And, “I absolutely love it,” she says of her job.
Once, only about a dozen visitors would take the opportunity to visit the farm. Now, the twice monthly open houses attract between 150 and 200.
Selander, a non-sworn deputy, also packs up a few animals and speaks at schools, the Police Athletic League, Boys and Girls Club and other functions.
[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]
No Comment