Cape Newagen Alpaca Farm and Southport Memorial Library are collaborating in a new program to welcome all veterans and first responders!

“We have noticed over the years the joy and calming affect our alpacas have had on us and our visitors. We want give back to our community and share the alpaca experience with veterans and first responders,” said Anne Gobes and Mike Ciccarelli, owners of Cape Newagen Alpaca Farm at Newagen on Southport Island.

All veterans and first responders are welcome every Thursday, beginning May 11, to visit the farm from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The Southport Memorial Library, just next door to the farm, welcomes all veterans and first responders to a coffee and snack hour from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

This program is a collaboration between the farm and the library to show appreciation and to say thank you to those who have served and continue to serve our country and community. Ciccarelli, a veteran and first responder, and Gobes, former educator, hope to provide an opportunity and outdoor space to relax on their farm and then enjoy some camaraderie at the local library. 

Their expectation is that their alpacas will provide participants with some peace and joy while creating a positive, calming experience.

The program objectives include: get outside and enjoy nature with the alpacas quiet calm demeanor; ​learn how to care for an alpaca and build trust with the alpacas in a low stress environment; develop and promote the health benefits of animal-human interaction; create a program with opportunities for youth and adult interaction either with family members or local youth volunteers; and provide a community space to gather at the library   

Mike and Anne request that your first few visits to their farm are without children or family to be trained on farm safety procedures and acclimate to the alpacas without any distractions. Visiting their farm with your family will be easier and more enjoyable once you are trained to be among the alpacas.

Details to help you enjoy your visit: wear closed toed shoes, sneakers or boots; sunscreen and hat in summer; long light pants or jeans; bring a water bottle; park on our property near our farm sign; restroom available for our farm visitors

We look forward to sharing our farm and library with you!