2002 (Summer) Newsletter

HIGH HOPES HAPPENINGS

VOLUME6, NUMBER.2, SUMMER.2002 Melissa Everett, Editor

1ne 1 - High Hopes 1-,th Annual Horse Show and Family Day 1e3 - Summer Riding Program Begins 1ne 8 - Symphony in the Meadows 1ne 8 - General Volunteer Orientation, 10 :00 AM . June 12 - General Volunteer Orientation, 5:00 PM 1e24 - Summer Camp Program Begins 1ly6 and Sunday, July 7 - A Weekend in the Country - High Hopes Hosts FDNY ladder 7 families

friends 1ly27 - Old Lyme Mid-Summer Festival ru August 9 - NAR.HARegistered Instructor On-Sit e Workshop and Certification August 21 - Instructor Training Course Begins ,st 23 thru Sunday, August 25 - Ox Ridge Horse Show i.cgust24 - General Volunteer Orientation, eptember 5 - Fan Program Begins

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n this issue: , Region 1 Conference

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NARHA Advanced On-Site Certification

eAWebsite

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Clothing Sale

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IDGH HOPES THERAPE UTIC RIDING , INC. 36 TOWN WOODS ROAD , P. 0. BOX 254, OLD LYME, CT 06371-0254 PH ONE (860) 434-19 74, FAX (860) 434-3 723 EMAIL: mceverett@highhopestr.org

HlGH HOPES BOARDAND STAFF Board

of Directors

Honorary Board Members

Officers Jeffrey Ridgway, President Barbara Earle Ballard, Vice President John C. Evans, Vice President Cheryl Heffernan, Vice President for Development Elizabeth M. David, Treasurer Jane A. Bolles, Secretary

Directors Sally H. Aubrey Linda F. Bierrie Jane I. Davison Geraldine U. Foster Katharine H. Gildersleeve Heather Leigh Harrison William D. Irving, M.D. Charles C. Kingsley Judith F. Lightfoot A. Rives Potts Lee Pritchard Roger M. Smith Kelvin N. Tyler

Lyttleton B. P. Gould, Jr. Frank Hamilton, Jr. Grace Hamilton Wayne Southwick, M.D. Staff Alison Zack Darrell, Executive Dire ct or Kitty Stalsburg, Program Director Helene Fenger , Director of Development Petra Shearer, Business Manager Kristin Elliott Leas, Barn Manager Dawn Nelligan, Program Associate Kristin Mason, Volunteer Coordinat or Melissa Everett, Program Administrator Judie Driscoll, Administrative Assistant Barbara Abrams, Instructor Patti Coyle, Instructor Jonnie Edwards, Instructor Bill Nelligan, Instructor Holly Ridgway, Instructor Erica Stachura, Instructor Carolyn Jagielski, Physical Therapist Janine Stoner, Occupational Therapist Linda Almeida, Barn Staff Carol Brining, Barn Staff/Administrative Ass't Heather Rice, Barn Staff John Driscoll, Caretaker

'My dream house is a horse.

I see a horse.

I see a sun. "

by Kate Nichols, age 7

This news1etter is underwritten

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Service &T~n

by

Bank ce 1851

ff'S EVERYJJODY'S BUSINESS

PROGRAMNEWS

by Alison Zack ~n Greetings of Summer to everyone in the High Hopes family!

As we anticipate our summer programs and activities in our new facility , I want to take this opportunity to say "Thank You" again to all of you who participated in the Capital Campaign to expand and renovate the Sis Gould Center for Therapeutic Riding. Our Center is unique and beautiful, and we are so very proud of our wonderful community that is the life of High Hopes.

Our latest mark of distinction is that we are now one of the North American Riding for the Handicapped's (NARHA) Premier Accredited Therapeutic Riding Centers! This means that we are recognized nationwide , through NARHA Premier Accredited Center status, as being one of the leading therapeutic riding centers in the country. The accreditation process is voluntary , and of the 718 NARHA member centers , 164 of them are Accredited at the Premier status.

Our history with NARHA goes back to our humble beginnings. Sis Gould was on the NARHA Board of Directors soon after High Hopes (then called the Lower Connecticut Valley Educational Riding Association - L.C.V.E .RA.) was incorporated . She was followed by longstanding High Hopes program volunteer and Board member, Judy Lightfoot, who became a NARHA Board member and , eventually , President of the NARHA Board.

Our most recent NARHA representation and "claim to fame" is having High Hopes 's Program Director, Kitty Stalsburg, serving as President of the NARHA Board. It seems to run in the family, this leadership thing!

Both Judy Lightfoot and Kitty are also NARHA trained site visitors . They volunteer their time to conduct site visits for the NARHA accreditation process. They are joined by High Hopes ' s Barn Manager Kristin Elliott Leas, Assistant Program Director , Dawn Nelligan, and Advanced Instructor Patti Coyle as site visitors .

by Kitty Stalsburg The twelve weeks of the spring program have flown by! We welcomed a brand new school group that comes all the way from Coventry Middle School for a six-week session.

The 2002 Summer Camp Program is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever . Great care and consideration was taken in planning the integration of our camp program.

Due to summer growing 2001 ...

VERY popular demand, we have expanded our weekly riding program tremendously this year, from thirty-five riders for a four-week program in to nearly SEVENTY riders in 2002!

Plans will soon be underway for scheduling our fall classes . If you or your rider have specific scheduling requirements or changes for the upcoming semester, please be sure to let me know by early summer .

With our ever-growing program (and barn) needs, we are always reaching out to recruit and train new volunteers. If you 've never tried volunteering at High Hopes, I strongly urge you to come for a visit I think that you ' 11love what you find.

If you have a friend who might be interested in lending a hand, bring them along! We'd love to meet them!

Are you part of a group that would enjoy a visit from a High Hopes staff person (or our therapy "pets" - Smokey and Chelsea)? We offer talks on many different topics related to Therapeutic Riding, and would enjoy the opportunity to meet you and share our knowledge.

As we face the second half of 2002 (already!), I find myself warmed by the continued presence , participation and support of so many High Hopes family members . You are the reason we are here . . . and the reason that we can continue to do what we do. You encourage us to strive to become the best that we can be , to surpass old standards . For that, and for so many other things, I thank you .

Site visits to other programs give our staff knowledge and inspiration, creative ideas, and a frame of reference for always improving upon what we do for our riders and horse s. Having active representation at the NARHA level bring s a world of good to the heart of High Hopes - our Missi on. It enables us to not only be standard bearers for our therapeutic riding services , but it keeps our staff and volunteers striving for excellence and professionalism in our field.

Our leadership and participation at the nati onal level is an important part of our history . I am very proud of an d want to thank our Board and Staff members who volunteer their time, over and above their High Hopes duties, to keep High Hopes visible and on the leading edge of the field of therapeutic ridin g.

Rocky with Casey and Lois Snyder (Photo Credit: Kristin Elliott leas )

SPECl4l THANKS TO ESSEX SAVINGS BANK'S COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAM-AND YOU!

by Helene Fenger For the seYenth year in a row. Essex Savings Bank invited its customers in the Essex. Old Saybrook and Old Lyme service areas to rnte for their favorite nonprofit or community deYelopment organization. Fifty-eight nonprofit organizations were listed on the ballot. and 6.3 17 votes were cast. Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of our many friends who arc customers of Essex Savings Bank, High Ho1les came in third, receiving 305 votes and $2,271 - our largest award to date! These much needed funds will be used toward therapeutic riding scholarships for the more than 50% of our riders who require financial assistance to participate in our programs .

An awards reception for the top ten recipients was held at t11e Plains Road. Essex Branch of Essex Savi ngs Bank on April 10. and it was truly an honor for us to stand among our peers and accept Ill.is wonderful. generous contribution. We are grateful to Essex Savings Bank for support mg local nonprofits in t11isunique way. and we extend our heartfelt t11anksto all of YQ!! for voting for us once again. How fortunate we arc to be part of a community where businesses and individuals work together to make a difference .

OUR WEBSITE IS UP AND RUNNING!

by Helene Fenger We arc proud to announce Ille completion of our website!

Please visit us at www .highhopestr.org and sec what's new. A very special thanks to two long time High Hopes friends who patiently took our ideas. photos and drawings. and created a terrific. user-friendly site - Li;,. Michalski of Gryphon Media and Bob Vankeirsbilck of Long Cat Grnphics.

Staff members Melissa Everett and Judie Driscoll will post information on tl1c What's New and Calemlar pages in t11e mont11sto come. For your convenience. we have included a Forms & Applications page where you may download applications for our tJ1crapeutic riding programs or our Instructor Training Course. You may also send us email with questions or comments at tltc following address :

info@highhopestr.org.

We hope you find our website infonnativc and easy to navigate. If you have difficulty accessing the site. or have specific questions about its content. please feel free to ca.JIme al High Hopes al 860-434-1974. extension 22.

HATS OFF TO ... ... our good friends Leslie and Richard Strauss of Century 21 Heritage Company, located at 1 Main Street in Chester! In conjunction with the Town of Chester , tlteir office participated in a community-wide tag saJe on May 25. High Hopes was selected by employees of Century 21 Heritage Company to receive lhe proceeds from their office 's tag sale, thanks to a nomination by l-ligh Hopes volunteer and Century 21 Heritage employee Karena Garrity. To everyone who participated in tlte saJe by donating or purchasing items , and to our good friends at Century 21 Heritage Company - tltank you for Hi.inkingof the riders and horses of High Hopes.

HIGH HOPES HOSTS RRST ADVANCED ON-SITE CERllRCA noN

EVER

by Kitty Stalsburq NARHA honored High Hopes by choosing it as tlte site for the first Advanced On-Site Certification.

Titree levels of certification are offered for instructors: Registered. Advanced and Master. Until tlte event in April, only the Registered certification was offered via tlte on-site metltod.

NARHA is striving to raise professional competency in tlte field by ensuring tltat instructor candidates meet tlte criteria of tlte level of certification t11ey are seeking. Until now, Advanced certification had been achieved by successfully passing a written exan1 and submitting a multi-part video. The on-site process turns this into a live evaluation of teaching and a demonstration of proficiency. Five participants visited High Hopes to be evaluated on teaching , riding , stable management, lunging. and to take a written exam. Many High Hopes participants volunteered to take part in the 20-minute lessons during the certification process.

REGION 1 CONFERENCE

by Kitty Stalsburq High Hopes proudly hosted tlte NARHA Region I Conference April 19 - 21. Over one hundred and twenty people attended from all over Ille Northeast. th

began with a Reunion for Ille The afternoon of the 19 grnduates of our numerous Instructor Training Courses. (To date. we have graduated 75 students.) High Hopes staff and rctunting instructors enjoyed a lunch catered by Cloud Nine in Old Saybrook. Keynote speaker was rider parent and Special Education Specialist Kim Swan. who reminded us of tlte value High Hopes has to tl1e families we serve. She encouraged us to remember tlte viewpoints of tlte participants. families and caregivers. Reunion attendees spent the rest of tlte afternoon on horseback. catclting up on news. and having fun.

The Region I Conference kicked off tllat evening witll lectures on games and activities in tlte arena. and desensitizing tlte horse. A Center Accreditation Training (CAT) was held for

centers tliat will experience the accreditation process this year.

On Saturday. participants chose from three tracks: Disabilities. The Horse. and Business and Administration .

The da~ "as perfect for enjoying t11e sensory trail during a break. and t11e speakers were phenomenal! The Wine and Cheese Networking on Saturday evening allowed everyone sufficient time to meet and mingle. On Sunday morning . groups worked on longlining and exercises. unmounted acti,·ities. and volunteer management.

Thank you to all who made tltis weekend a success. (The best news is tliat our newly renovated facility easily accommodated a crowd of tJtis size. Visitors were delighted to tour t11e facility and we enjoyed sharing. We ' re already planning for t11ene:>..1 ..big .. conference!)

led to anot11er, and Smokey made t11e journey entourage in tow .

with his

Smokey was a true --matinee idol " as he stood quietly during t11e interview taping. Unfortunatel y, the cameras failed to capture his better side - none of his gorgeous mane was showing!

Smokey has plans to continue making visits in the community .

His ne>.1trip will be in June. to our wonderful neighbors at the Lymes ' Senior Center.

GOOD NEWS FOR EVERYONE AT HIGH HOPES Kristin Mason, who worked so hard as one of tJ1e part-time Barn Crew. has joined our full-time staff as the new Volunteer Coordinator. Titis position focuses on volunteer management. and includes a substantial teaching component. Please join us in welcoming Kristin to her new position!

Dr . Jonathan feftrey works on Poncho at the Region 1 Conference (Photo Credit: Kristin Elliott Leas)

UCONN 2002 EQUINE SYMPOSIUM

by Kitty Stalsburg High Hopes rider Kate Nichols and her equine pal Norm participated in the recent Equine Symposium at UCONN in Storrs. Nomi, unfazcd by the numerous drnft horses strutting tlleir rather big stuff. remained his usual calm. un0appablc self. Kate. ever Ilic star. played the crowd as she demonstrated her skills. High Hopes volunteers and staff were instrumental in maintaining a booth at tJ1c exhibition hall. A lecture presentation providing an overview of Tiicrnpcutic Riding was given as part of the educational aspect of the symposium.

Altllough attendance was a bit light. it was a wonderful opportunity for High Hopes to be visible in the equine community.

Kristin Mason and buddy Ben (Photo Credit: Kristin Elliott Leas) AND. we gleefully welcome back Heather Rice to our Barn Crew! She's been busy witJ1 school. instructing, and raising her ADORABLE son Christopher wit11her husband James. but c,·cn tliat full plate couldn't keep her away from High Hopes for long.

PET TALK

by Kitty Stalsburg Our very own star. Smokey. made his tcleYision debut on Channel 12 's PET TALK. When I was invited to speak about Therapeutic Riding , I was asked if mere was a special --pct'· that I ntight like to bring along to tllc sl}ow. Well. one tlting

Heather with her favorite mare, Lady (Photo Credit: Kristin Elliott Leas)

CONDOLENCES ... ♦

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W,! mourn the loss of Pete Pierson, High Hopes's first Board President. Time took Pete away from southeastern Connecticut, but he never forgot us. In fact, he returned as Guest of Honor for our 25th Anniversary. To quote High Hopes volunteer and former Board Member Joseph N. Greene, Jr., "Pete had an infinite capacity for compassion, and the capacity to make a difference in the world." to rider Jonathan Recor and his family on the death of his paternal grandmother, Hazel F. Recor. to instructor Erica Stachura and her family on the death of her grandfather. to rider Kelsey Fournier and her family on the death of "Grandma Betty" Kane . to the friends and family of Carroll Boynton.

Richard and two West Highland White Terriers. She has two married children, and one grandchild

WE GET LHTERS! Words cannot express my appreciation for the opportunity that you gave us in visiting your outstanding facility. My students and staff were not only in awe of the beautiful horses, but in the kindness you shared with us while we were there.

Smokey and Ann are both gentle souls who brought out the best in my students. Some of my students have never been thaJ close to a pony and Ann's calming demeanor made all the difference in the world. Her patience and understanding of my students made the experience one that they will always remember. She is truly outstanding in her role. Please share with her my appreciation and the kids' observation that "she 's cool."

Thanks again for the great I-shirts and hats. It was a great treat and will remind us all of our wonderful day.

CONGRATUIA TTONS! ♦

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to Lee Holstein (and able midwife Beth Olmstead) on the delivery of eight black Labrador puppies over the course of TIIREE days! Mama dog and babies are doing well , and Lee is finally getting some sleep. to Kenny and Theresa at Coffee's Deli on their engagement. One thing's for certain -- no one in that family is ever going to starve. to Kelley Cahill on the birth of her daughter Chloe. to Ann Bailey and John Gardner on their engagement. to Kate Tyler on her birthday present - a pony named Jack Frost!

BOARDPRORLE KOKO GILDERSLEEVE

Sincerely, Susan Baier

••• I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for organizing the Instructor Certification Workshop and Exam.

I appreciated the opportunity to go through the testing process on site. I also enjoyed visiting your center and your hospitality.

I am truly honored to become a participating member of the therapeutic riding field. The work being done with children and adults throughout the U.S. is profound. I am looking forward to offering therapeutic riding opportunities to the atrisk children in my community.

Thank you for your support and assistance in preparing for the exam.

Katharine Howe Gildersleeve (or Koko) is one of our two new Board Members.

A graduate of Connecticut College with a BA in Art History , Koko worked as a travel consultant in New Haven and Milford, and as a docent at the Wadsworth Athenewn. She is heavily involved as a volunteer, with the largest part of her time being donated to The Community Foundation of Southeastern Connecticut (where she is on the Board and Grants Committee), serving as PT A Cultural Arts Coordinator in New Haven, Outreach and the Children's Ministry Boards in church, and High Hopes where she serves not only on the Board, but as a program volunteer . She has been with High Hopes since 1996.

Her main interests include travel, writing children's stories, and gardening. She lives in Stonington with her husband

Best Regards, Cherie Ansin Harmony Farm, Inc.

••• Hope you 're all really well at High Hopes and thanks for your newsletter and the !TC-reunion invitation, which I unfortunately will not be able to attend, but please give my love to all of my recent new buddy's. · I have an offer to make in respect of my proposed Riding Therapy Centre. As it is, things with receiving financial grant-aid are looking very positive at the moment. We, as well as our partner (in Northern Ireland) will hand in the final application for this unique joint "cross-border" project (for three years) by mid-March 2002. Please say a prayer for us you all. We might just qualify for it!

However, my offer concerns, if we receive this grant ( which I will know by June/July) the opportunity to offer some of your international and American ITC students to visit the West of Ireland for work experience. Sadly, I will not be in a position to offer a wage, but for long-term (4-12 week's minimum) students, I can offer .free accommodations and meals in my house. Shorter stay-ers can be put up in the local B&B nearby.

As we will employ seasonal staff only, there may be an opening for a paid full-time assistant post for six months in 2003 (Ireland hosts the Special Olympics World Games!).

Also, naturally, if you had a local team participating in the Games, we will find you sound accommodation. So, talk to me. There may be wcys to accommodate all sorts of needs, work-holidcys and other inspirations or aspirations.

Don 't forget to light a candle for my dream to come true. I know well myself that Ireland, especially the West, if full of fairy-tales. Luckily enough, the realfairies come with them.

Love and blessings, Tina &hmi/1 ITC Graduate

*** I apologizefor not having written for such a long time. I have been very busy with my work, and now it takes me a lot of lime to write in English. I tried to write a feller many times. but I couldn '/ complete any of them. Lots of unfinished fellers are sleeping in the drawer of my desk. I presume that you are all getting along well.

Thank you very much for the invitation of the Instructor Training Course Reunion. Unfortunately I can'/ attend the reunion because I'm moving from Hokkaido to my hometown Kamakura, near Tokyo, and going to get married this summer.

Please say hallo to everyone. I enclosed a copy of newspaper that is my riding lesson for handicapped children. I've enjoyed work with them. After I move new place, I 'II try lo do riding/or handicapped again.

leave this wonderful place, I take with me each of your spirits and know my life has been enriched because of all of you.

Peace to all, Ann Bailey (We 'II all miss you, Annie, and those sweet girls, but we know that you 're headed off into a grand adventure with your new husband and new life in Pennsylvania. Best of luck and lots of love/)

STAFFPROFILES. ..

JOHN, JUDIE, JACKSON, JOEL AND KAINE DRISCOLL The Driscolls have been part of the High Hopes family as our part-time caretakers for three and a half yea.rs. Judie also works in the office part -time as an Administrative Assistant/Receptionist (and computer wizard).

John is a graduate of the University of New Haven with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. He recently completed courses at UConn and has received his certification as a Master Gardener. He has been employed full-time at Connecticut College for over twelve years, working half of the year in the Grounds Department and the other half of the, year in Dayton Arena (where he drives the Zamboni!)

Judie graduated from Tun.xis Community College with an Associate's Degree in Legal Studies. She was employed in the Legal Department at ESPN and pursuing her Bachelor's in Mass Communication at Quinnipaic College, when she decided to take a break from school to focus on raising Jackson and Joel.

The Mighty Kaine is a seven year old Boston Terrier who loves his family , enjoys chasing balls and sticks, playing with his boys , and scaring away our resident geese. But his very favorite pass-time is trying to catch soap bubbles blown for him by his mom.

I hope that you are all has a lot of good luck and a happy life.

Yourfriend, Rio Watanabe ITC Graduate (Rio, it's GREAT to hear from you! We all miss you. And CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement. We all hope that you and your .fiancee have a long. happy and healthy life together. Don't forget to send pictures!)

Dear High Hopes Family, Thank you! Thank you! Those words could never adequate~v describe the heartfelt gratitude that lives in my heart for each and every one of you. I have been blessed by the most precious of gifts -your time. I truly believe that the time we give to another human being is the reason we are on this earth. Thank you for your support and understanding. As I

The Driscolls (Photo Credit: Melissa Everett)

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SPOWGHTON

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NORM

I If you support therapeutic riding in any way , this membership I is for you!

I Iji Benefits of Spirit Club membership

Norm ' s real name is " Crazy For You," and that ' s what High Hopes and our riders and volunteers have become over this 14. l 1/2 grey Connemara/Quarter Horse cross gelding.

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Quiet and easy-going , Norm arrived here in the Summer of 2001. A successful huntseat show pony in New York, he won many championships for his riders. After that career, he went on to help a young rider who had lost her confidence on another horse. After nurturing her for a couple of years, she was ready to move on to more challenges, so Norm looked around for someone else to help. Lucky for us, he picked High Hopes!

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With his extensive show career , Norm is utterly unflappable.

He is calm about trailering and going places, which is great because he has done several demonstrations offsite, the most recent of which was with Kitty at UConn. Lucky Norm has been adopted by Betz Haartz through our annual appeal Adopt-A-Horse program.

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include:

A subscription to The Stall Street Journal (4 issues)

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Membership pin

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Subscription to NARHA Strides magazine (4 issues)

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Subscription to NARHA News (8 issues) Access to the NARHA Membership web site area Rider recognition awards program Volunteer recognition awards program NARHA Conference Scholarship Program

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~ If you join

Spirit Club through High Hopes, $5 is ; automatically donated to our center. Join by June 30, 2002 and the member~hip fee is ~NL Y ~20. (Starting July 1, the ; membership fee 1s $25.) 1lus applies to new members only, ~ not renewing members. ~

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~ For every 50 Spirit Club Memberships sent to NARHA by

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' High Hopes , NARHA will give us a free 2002 NARHA '- Conference registration to the national conference in Virginia l I i (a $400 value!). i

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To join, just fill out a membership application attached to the Spirit Club Member poster located on the bulletin board at High Hopes. You can also join by visiting the NARHA I website (www .narha.org) , or call NARHA at l-800-369-7433 and get your membership over the phone with a credit card I ! payment.

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VOLUNTEER ORIENTA llONS Saturday , June 8, 10:00 AM Wednesday, June 12, 5:00 PM Saturday , August 24, 10:00 AM

"Crazy For You" (Portrait by Jean Barrows)

WISH LIST REQUESTS

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Yes, we know that the Wish List usually doesn't appear until Christmas, but there are just some things that the horses can't ~~ wait to ask for, and we didn't want to disappoint them . . . $$ ♦

Sprinkler system for the indoor arena

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Another set of bleachers

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Arena lights

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Remodel/expansion of the equipment shed

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New footing for the arena

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Window treatments for the building

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Snow-removal equipment

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: JOIN THE HIGH HOPES •WELCOME TFAM"

by Petra Shearwr High Hopcs 's "Welcome Team" is a growing group of helpful folks whose job it is to make sure that everyone who comes through our doors feels welcome. The team is made up of volunteers and staff members who greet visitors in the reception area by our front entry. "Welcome Team" members include volunteers Sally Aubrey, Lee Holstein, Beth Olmstead, Laureen Scranton and Ann Traylor, and staff members Carol Brining and Judie Driscoll.

We are activdy recruiting volunteen to be "Welcome Team" members. Carol and Judie work with new team members to give them an opportunity to learn about High

Hopes and how to help the people they meet and greet. New team members are taught how to use our phone system and assist in answering our phones , with an emphasis on the same need for being as helpful as possible and making people glad that they called High Hopes.

storage area under the indoor mounting ramp, and created a pulley system to secure a first aid kit in one of the sheds.

In his "spare" time , Chris sidewalks and polishes his horsehandling skills.

He even won our coveted Barn Volunteer oftl1e Year Award in 2001 !

Our goal is to have a "Welcome Team " member on duty from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm, Monday through Friday , and for variable hours on Saturday and Sunday, year-round.

The most important qualification for a "Welcome Team " member is an understanding of the importance of a welcoming presence at our front desk. While we sometimes have administrative tasks on which help is needed , we rely first on "Welcome Team " members to be "at their post" (as one of them describes it) , and ready to be of help in person or over the phone.

What does a volunteer need in order to be a ··welcome Team " member? A love of people , the ability to meet new people in person and over the phone , and a desire to help High Hopes ensure that everyone who approaches us feels welcome and like a part of the family!

If you are interested in becoming a "Welcome Team" member (and we hope that you are! ), please contact Kristin Mason, our Volunteer Coordinator, at 860-434-1974 , extension 18.

WELCOMENEW VOLUNTEERS!

Chris Coyle

Please join us in welcoming these new members of the High Hopes volunteer family: Sharon Barnaby , Andrea Blundon, Christopher Carney, Elizabeth Clark-Garvey , Linda Comstock , Caitlin Courtney , Annie Curtis , Donna Dagrosa , Nikole Dagrosa , Ange la Davenport, Christina Denison, Sarah DeStefano , Ann DiCicco , Margaret Drummond, Kimberly Falvey , Karena Garrity , Paul Garrity, Joline Grieder (welcome back!) , Leslie Hall, PhyUis Hobson , Erin Jansen, Hannah Kahn, Jennifer Kearney, MaryBeth Keefe, Beth King, Jenna Klinck , Amanda Kokoszka , Kathleen Kozey, Kathe Lauterbach-Bell, Carolee LeBlanc , Melissa LeBlanc , Cindy MacNeil , Colleen Mason , Melissa Mason , Anne McHutchison, Alysa Mullen , Mary Kate Mundell , Carol Musante, Ashley Fairchild Page, Danielle Page , Jenifer Page, Carolyn Pascarelli , Cindi Richards , Rita Rohrberg, Marian Sanko, Laurie Seer , Ashley Sperry, Sandy Stiephaudt, Rosemary Theriaque , Sharon Waldie, Nancy Watkinson, Rachel Wertheimer, and Emma Willenborg.

(Photo Credit: Melissa Everett)

nlANK YOUSARE DUE TO. .. ♦

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VOLUNTEERPRORLE . . .

CHRIS COYLE

Chris Coyle is probably the closest thing High Hopes has to a Renaissance Man. If there's somethi ng he doesn ' t know how to do, we haven't discovered it yet.

Chris is responsible for such innovations as water purifiers and hot water guards on our faucets , and emergency lighting and toilet paper roll keys in our bathrooms. At the request of his wife (and High Hopes instructor) Patti , he created a special "seat cushion" for one of our riders . And he's the mastermind behind much of our "Sensory Trail ," including the tetherball the ball hoop , and the much-loved Noodle Forest. He built a

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The crews from AIC who helped unload and stack our hay: Jennifer Alai.mo, Rondell Anderson, James Carnelly, Eddy Cartegena, Jared Chafee, Paul Chagnon, John Collett , Anthony D'erocle , Wendy DesJardins, Matfuew Ferris , Sarah Gacioch , Derek Hamlin, Jesse Hunter , Jr., Eric Kratfelt, Jonathan Luiz, James McCarthy , Erin O 'Donnell , Robert Nevico , Tanner Priest , Matt Serra, Thomas Shea, Kenneth St. Paul , and Steven Toledo , Benny Vazquez, Patricia Villone , Mark Wyzykowski , and (as always) fearless leader Ken AJmell.

Our helpers from St. Patrick's Church in Mystic : Colin Cooper , Caroline Georgetti, Laura McCabe , Catherine Schmitz, Debra L. Schmitz , Paul T. Schmitz , Sarah Schmitz, and Lauren Stine.

The following folks, who pitched in on the daunting task of sealing nearly 3000 newsletters: Baxbara Abrams, Eleanor Bonafonte , Carol Brining, James Gilchrist, Caro lyn and John Jagielski , Beth Olmstead and Kate Place. Thanks to Petra Shearer for sharing her office volunteers, to Harry Slifer for taking tlle newslette rs to the post office , and to Judie Driscoll for batching them.

Becky Cz lapinski for britches and books.

Michele Neuroth for tack and gloves.

Joan Mulkey for bridle nametags.

The Zuppe family for Nesquick Hot Chocolate Mix. Ruth and Roy Craven at tlle Clipper Ship Book Store for the book "Horses and Horsemanship Through The Ages. " Heather Harrison for books and resource materials.

Linda Almeida for bridle name tags.

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Kate and Anne Nichols for stuffed horse "Brussel Sprouts."

Martie Sanger for two books on the Frick Family Art Collection and Homes.

Lytt Gould for several books and carbon paper.

Debbie Ament de Nunez for feed bags.

Kitty Stalsburg for a bridle tag.

Petra Shearer for two gallons of com oil and coffee.

Heather Flynn for tack and a trunk.

John Rexroad for six sets of rainbow reins , a short set for Smokey, and 36 double-ended leads.

Helene Fenger for a First Aid stretcher cover.

Richard Donelly at Heska Corp. for ten vials of Flu Avert nasal vaccine.

Martha Crenshaw for an Aussie saddle , saddle pad, and breast plate.

Nancy Kindell for books.

Fife & Drum for shavings.

Susan Strait for Engage supplement for Imus.

Mr. and Mrs. James Moran for 400 wine bottle openers for Symphony in the Meadows.

Bill Nelligan for text books.

Jane Samuels for a muck bucket and cart .

George and Kelly McPhee who , on the occasion of George ' s surprise 401h birthday party , requested that in lieu of gifts , donations be made to the George C. Cain Memorial Fund at High Hopes.

Kristin Elliott Leas for books.

Therese Popinchalk for helmet covers .

Dawn and Bill Nelligan for arts and crafts supplies.

Judy and Alex Lightfoot for the book "I Wanna Take Me A Picture. " Susan Johnson for a metal saddle rack .

Source , Inc. for four buckets of Source .

Whitney Viola for three pair of black britches .

Carolyn Guptill for bandage cotton for leg wraps.

Farnam Companies for five cases of Performax Ration Maximizer .

Collyn Here! and his grandfather Burt Chapman, for horse care supplies .

The Scouts who worked on the grounds and facility with John Sturges : Benjamin Baylis , Cody Butler , Benjamin Rackliffe , Steven Schoppaul , and Thomas Smith.

WH4T HAPPENS WHEN llGHTEN YOUR GIRTH

YOU

DON'T

DON'T BEA FASHION OUTCAST! Jazz up your summer wardrobe with High Hopes logo items!

You ' ll draw appreciative stares on the streets of Old Lyme, London , and Rome in your classy High Hopes clothing .

Adult

Sues

POLOS: Grey shortsleeved in XL , L - $30 (ON SALE!) Tan shortsleeved in XXL, XL, L - $35 Green shortsleeved in XXL, XL , L, M - $35 Grey sleeveless in XL - $20 (ON SALE!)

T-SHIRTS: Purple in XL - $12 (ON SALE!) Tan in XXL , XL , L, M, and S- $15 Green in XL , L, M, and S - $ 15

SWEATSHIRTS: Green crewneck in XL and L - $30 Baseball-style caps in khaki and green - $15 High Hopes lapel pins - $2

Children's Sizes T-SHIRTS: Purple L, M, and S - $10 (ON SALE!) Tan in L, M, and S - $12 Green in L, M, and S - $12

SWEATSHIRTS: Green crewn eck in Man d S - $ 15 (ON SALE!)

Other Merchandise High Hopes Volunteer Thermal Mugs- $5 High Hopes Volunteer Toles - $10 High Hopes mini-n otebook/portfolios - $12

Eclipse

(Photo Credit: Carol Gilchrist)

WANT TO HAVE Fl/NTHJS SUMMER?!?!?

VOLUNTEERFOR THE SUMMERCAMP PROGRAMAT HlGH HOPES! MORNINGSARE SPENTWORl<JNGDIRECTLYWITH CAMPERS AND THEIRHORSES (GROOMING,TACl<JNG,LEADINGAND SJDEWAll<JNG), AND AFTERNOONSARE DEVOTEDTO ARTS AND CRAFTS,SWIMMING,TENNIS,FIELDTRIPSAND OTHER ACTIVITIES. VOLUNTEERSSHOULDBRINGAN ENTHUSIASMFOR WORl<JNG WITH CHILDRENAND HORSES. PRIORHORSE EXPERIENCEJS NOT NECESSARY.TRAININGWill BE PROVIDED. CALLUS PREJUDICED,BUTWE THINKTHATTHIS SOUNDSLIKE A GREATWAYTO SPEND PARTOF YOURSUMMER. FOR FURTHERINFORMATION,OR TO SIGN UP FORA SESSION(OR TWO, OR THREE.~.. ) PLEASECALLVOLUNTEERCOORDINATORKRISTINMASONAT 860-434-1974,

extension 18

TO AND OUT HOW YOU CANBECOMEINVOLVED.

High Hopes Thcra11cutic Riding. Inc. P.O . Box 254 Oltl Lyme, CT 06371

SEE US AT THE OLD LYME MID-SUMMER FESTIVAL JULY 26 - 27