The Summit Bulletin IISSUE 1 | APRIL 2020
In this issue: MARCH'S TOP REPRESENTATIVES Recognizing this month's top performers, as well as highlights and success stories.
WORDS OF WISDOM Looking back on this month's highlights, from spectacular speakers to stories from the community.
SOLO ACTIVITIES FOR PET OWNERS Keeping healthy, active, and sane during times of trouble.
Why Leaning On Your Community Is More Important Than Ever
APRIL 2020
Issue Highlights
Solo Four-Legged Fun You're never alone when your four-legged family members are around! Here, we highlight some easy, fun, and free activities that you can do at home with your pet while the world is on lockdown.
Appreciating Your Team In times like these, it is more important than ever that we lean on our community. Even virtually, knowing you have a support system is vital to our mental health. Let's talk about how we can all take care of each other.
Summit Cares Our Summit family is the community that keeps on giving, and the network that doesn't stop caring. This month, we'd like to talk about how we can extend our "Summit Cares" initiative past our community.
Summit Spotlight Meet Lynne Phipps, the owner and proprietor of The Beachwood Center for Wellbeing, and learn a little bit about what she does, and why it is so important to our Summit family.
Four-Legged Family Social distancing may be a hassle, and the idea of quarantine may be daunting, but if there is one thing that can get us through it, it's our furry family members.
Representative Roundup Highlighting this month's top representatives, top teams, new faces, success stories, and more!
Editor's Note Featured Stories
ON THE COVER “There’s something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” – Winston Churchill
Summit Marketing Editor Megan Bontrager summitjp.com megan@summitjp.com
Dear Summit Family,
A letter f rom the editor
When I sat down - at home, amongst my cats - to begin work on a monthly newsletter to be sent to Summit representatives, I realized that the task before me was twofold. Both exciting and daunting, I was given a blank page and a veritable treasure trove of content, stories, and people to work with, and a week and a half to make it all happen. When I first began working on this newsletter, I was asked what it would be about. I was asked to define the theme with a single word - which is quite the undertaking for a writer who talks too much, and a talker who writes too much. I knew I wanted to make you all feel appreciated, that I wanted to bring the light of positivity to a time that's lacking it on all fronts. I knew I needed to find a decent balance between the business side of Summit, and the community, although those things overlap more often than not. I brainstormed ideas for articles, features, fun little goofs that could make you all smile. I made charts and lists, wrote emails and proposals - but I still couldn't think of just one word to describe what I was trying to do here. But then it hit me. The question I needed to ask was not what the newsletter's purpose was; I didn't need to worry about themes, or trends, or topics. What I needed to focus on was how it would make you all, my Summit family, feel. Writing, after all, is supposed to make you feel something. It's one thing to be informed, and to be relevant. But it's another thing entirely to use your platform, no matter how small, to make people feel something. So what is the purpose of this newsletter? It's to make you feel celebrated. From top sales, to relevant articles, to features highlighting successes and connections, this newsletter is built around, and for, each and every one of you. There is no Summit without family, and without community. And so this, and every newsletter following, will be for you - all of you. I hope, above all else, that today and every day, you feel celebrated. Together we will!
Megan Bontrager
Sammy says: "Find something to celebrate today!"
Meet Lynne Phipps
This month, we were lucky enough to have the wonderful Lynne Phipps on one of our Tuesday opportunity calls. Summit is proud to partner with a number of charitable organizations such as The Beachwood Center for Wellbeing, which is a center for integrative equine therapy with a message near and dear to the hearts of our Summit team.
OF BEACHWOOD CENTER FOR WELLBEING
Lynne has been an avid equestrian and an ordained minister for twenty years, developing a highly intensive form of equine therapy that capitalizes on the idea that nothing can heal us more effectively than animals. Her clients at The Beachwood Center for Wellbeing work with highly trained warmblood horses, all of whom have been hand-selected for their sensitivity, personality, and strength of character. This specialized form of treatment deals primarily with those suffering from anxiety, PTSD, and grief. And Lynne's expertise could not have come to the Summit family at a better time, or with a better message.
INTEGRATIVE EQUINE THERAPY So how does it all work? CAREFULLY SELECTED EQUINE COMPANIONS “It takes just as much time and effort to select a horse suitable for this work as it does for you to find a horse that you hope can reach Grand Prix in four to six years,” says Lynne. Trained and vetted horses, known for their intelligence and empathy, are chosen to work one-on-one with clients. The therapy itself comes from a special bond with the chosen horse. This is what makes Beachwood so different from other equine therapy facilities. TESTED, TRIED, AND TRUE Independent data collected by Brown University (Dept of Public Health) shows that Beachwood’s protocol is remarkably effective and efficient at helping clients build bridges from the part of the brain that holds trauma, to the rational brain; transforming the way individuals experience their lives and interact with others, and building lasting healthy coping strategies.
"It shows up in a really gentle, wonderful way. A horse creates the most judgment free space in the world." When asked what she is passionate about, Lynne says that she is "passionate about making a difference in the world." Lynne says that she founded Beachwood because of how significantly horses have helped her, and how they have helped others. Her mission, and the mission of Beachwood, is to give people access to the "profound healing work that horses do", which is something that we at Summit can all understand. On the most recent opportunity call, Lynne spoke about how stress, anxiety, and burnout are often major factors in physical health-related issues, and why horses are an excellent source of stress relief. We rely on our furry friends for love and companionship every day, and how wonderful it is that Lynne uses that gift for the good of everyone she meets.
EXPERTISE, EXPERIENCE, AND EMPATHY
So who is the woman behind the method? Executive director Lynne Bryan Phipps is a long-time equestrian, with life experiences that prompted her to extend her training in theology and counseling to equine therapy, developing new approaches to emotional healing.
A minister for over twenty-four years, Lynne received her Masters degree from the Andover Newton Theological School and has served congregations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. She was the first University Interfaith Chaplain at Mount Ida College and the founder of The Compass School, one of the leading charter schools in Rhode Island. A revolutionary in her field, Lynne understands that anxiety, trauma, stress, and PTSD are often underestimated. With a unique blend of empathy, experience, and education, she has implemented a system that has proven results. In times of uncertainty such as these, it is important that we take care of ourselves, and Lynne has shown just how animals can do it.
FEATURED STORY
THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR SUMMIT
TEAM
The Summit family is in the business of helping animals, but the key to success is helping each other.
A FAMILY. AFFAIR: The Farmer family, the founders of Summit.
MORE THAN A BUSINESS - A SUPPORT SYSTEM We at Summit are lucky enough to have the comfort and security of a consistent, supportive, and lucrative sales opportunity that is only moving onward and upward. In times of such incredible financial uncertainty, there is little more comforting than the presence of a safety net. And while the Summit family is just that, it is so much more than a financial opportunity, and so much more than an outlet for consistent income. What, now, is so much more important than pushing sales and tracking numbers is the act of community support. If there is one thing that has proven true time and time again, it is that the Summit family will always be there to support one another. It is a rare thing to find, and we are all incredibly lucky to have not only a business community, but a team that we can always lean on. We have the opportunity to capitalize on the strength of our community, and it is entirely in line with Summit's values to wield that sense of community as a tool for good.
Our reputation of integrity and
SUPPORT IN ALL SIZES. Summit customer Kathi Motley's daughter, and her horse Charlie.
community isn't just a reputation it's an asset. The idea of "together we will" can carry us beyond the Summit family and into a world that desperately needs it. Needs us! The Summit Opportunity is one that we will always have to sustain us, and to bring our community together. But what we must consider now is how our community and our values of togetherness and integrity can help the community at large. Normally, this is where we would talk at length about the importance of your team, and the key to building strength within itself. But you all already know this - it's no secret that your teams, and your Summit family, are stronger together. And because of it, we now are presented with another opportunity: to reach out beyond the tight-knit circle that makes us so strong.
Many large companies have taken advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to be opportunistic, in a way that does more harm than good to their global community. Advertising "quarantine sales" and "pandemic promotions" is a harmful narrative to perpetuate, as it takes advantage of people's vulnerability. The Summit family hopes to turn this on its head in the same way that we began - through compassion, integrity, and a desire to help those who aren't able to help themselves. In addition to keeping Summit sales available as a consistent source of supplemental income, we are implementing a new initiative that encourages community aid and outreach. On the next page, we've listed some of the best and most universal ways to help your community.
The Summit family can easily mobilize to help the community - and here's how. Donate Blood
Donate Masks & Gloves All across the United States, hospitals and other
Giving blood is important now more than ever.
medical offices are experiencing a shortage of
All across the country, blood drives have been
masks and gloves. Because health care workers are
cancelled due to "stay at home" directives and
on the front lines of the pandemic, it is more
quarantine orders. But the need for blood donations
important than ever that they have access to the
hasn't lessened any, and it won't any time soon.
proper protective equipment. We encourage
Healthy individuals are needed to supply blood in
anyone with access to these materials to donate
order to prevent blood shortages, and to continue to
them to your local hospital.
provide for hospitalized patients. 60% of the Red Cross's blood supply comes from
Community Outreach For the elderly, the sick, and the
mobile blood drives - and so 60% of the blood supply is no longer accessible. Blood has a short shelf-life, and so maintaining a consistent supply
immunocompromised, there is not much that can
line from healthy individuals is vital to ensuring
be done safely in light of COVID-19. So that these
that there are no shortages in the community.
people can continue to keep safe, it is important
So where can you donate blood? Donating blood
that we reach out to lend a helping hand where we
at blood banks and medical facilities is sterile and
can. Here are some ways that you can continue to
safe. Many blood centers have substantially
support your community while maintaining a safe
increased sanitation precautions, with staff
social distance:
members conducting regular temperature checks,
Shop at small businesses. As we all know, small
on both themselves and donors. It’s recommended
businesses are feeling the impact of the global
that gloves be changed more often. Efforts are
panic more than anyone. Supporting local
being made to clean equipment more frequently
businesses can ensure that they don't go out of
and space donors at least six feet apart.Â
business.
Places like One Blood, The American Red Cross,
Buy groceries for neighbors. Lending a helping
and hospital-based blood banks are still open, and
hand to those who can't get outside themselves
are encouraging of all healthy and willing
will go farther than you might think. Dropping
contributors to donate.
off a bag of groceries on a neighbor's stoop can
Giving blood is free, easy, and rewarding. And
make a world of difference.
who doesn't love the idea of getting free cookies for
Foster a shelter animal. Ensure the safety and
your trouble?
care of your local adoptable four-legged friends, and free up space and resources for other homeless pets.
The financial services industry has been called on to "meet the financial needs" of those affected.
However, we are all facing more challenges than health concerns as a result of COVID-19. Many workers have lost their jobs until further notice, and those who still have jobs to attend are faced with the decision to risk showing up sick, or catching something in the workplace, and losing valuable income needed to keep up with bills and rent. Not everyone has Summit as a safety net and even then, it is always good to know what your options are. In response to this, many large financial institutions are offering aid to those with few financial options. Many local organizations are providing relief and services in their area, but a number of national banks and companies are providing benefits like free internet and financial relief. While many banks are offering relief based on their individual policies, what could benefit our Summit community most is access to unemployment benefits and relief from student
Unemployment Benefits: The U.S. Department of Labor has issued guidance giving states flexibility to amend their laws to extend unemployment benefits to workers impacted by COVID-19. Many states allow you to file for unemployment benefits online, while other states provide toll-free numbers and alternative ways to file. Typically, most states will pay benefits for up to 26 weeks. In general, benefits are based on a percentage of an individual’s earnings over a recent 52-week period, up to a state maximum amount. Student Loan Relief: All borrowers with federally held student loans will automatically have their interest rates set to 0% for a period of at least 60 days. In addition, each of these borrowers will have the option to suspend their payments for at least two months to allow them greater flexibility during the national emergency. This will allow borrowers to temporarily stop their payments without worrying about accruing interest.
loan payments.
Follow this link for a list of banks offering financial assistance.
WHEN I WAS A BOY AND I WOULD SEE SCARY THINGS IN THE NEWS, MY MOTHER WOULD SAY TO ME, 'LOOK FOR THE HELPERS'. YOU WILL ALWAYS FIND PEOPLE WHO ARE HELPING. FRED ROGERS
SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES
MONA'S MONOGRAMS A PROUD SUMMIT PARTNER
YOUR ONESTOP-SHOP FOR CUSTOM SUMMIT GEAR
THE ULTIMATE LIST OF
SOLO ACTIVITIES FOR PET OWNERS There's nothing like spending a little time with our four-legged family members to ease the stress of everyday life. And there's nothing like the love of a pet (or a fostered shelter animal) to help beat social distancing blues. During this time of social distancing, it is important to our mental and physical wellness that we keep busy. Be it in the backyard with your dog, curled up in bed with your cat, or getting some fresh air at the barn with your horse, pets give us the companionship we need to survive this strange time. There are plenty of ways to keep busy - and to keep your furry friends occupied - while social distancing. Our pets are our best friends, and there's no time like the present to take advantage of that! Here are some at-home activities that the Summit team are doing with their own pets. Send us pictures of your bluesbusting activities!
Include your pet in at-home exercises, like Pilates, Zumba or yoga. Rearrange blankets and pillows to create a safe, cozy hiding place. Teach an old dog new tricks (or a new dog old tricks). Set up a webcam in your horse's stall. Go for a "walk" around your backyard. Make your own cat toys, and watch them go wild. Cook pet-friendly recipes, like dog treats.Â
MAKE-AT-HOME CRAFTS
DIY PEANUT BUTTER DOG TREATS PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES COOK TIME: 25 MINUTES
INGREDIENTS 2/3 cup pumpkin puree 1/4 cup peanut butter 2 large eggs 3 cups whole wheat flour, or more, as needed
DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees, Beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter and eggs until well combined. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups flour at low speed, beating just until incorporated. Add an additional 1/4 cup flour at a time just until the dough is no longer sticky. Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out desired shapes and place onto lined baking sheet. Bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely, and enjoy!
MEET AND GREET
LISA LOCKHART Q: How did you first get into horseback riding?
We are thrilled to welcome well-known barrel
I grew up on a farm/ranch, and my
racer Lisa Lockhart to the Summit family! A fan of
pony was my babysitter when I was
Lisa's since my teenage years, I had the absolute
quite little. I have had a love for horses as long as I can remember, so I
pleasure of chatting with her (and learning a bit
consider myself a horse crazy person in
about her life, and about Louie, too!), and now am
my entire life. I used to always “play
excited to share with you all what I learned.
pretend” that I was a horse when I was little, but that’s another story…;).
Q: Did you always envision yourself in a competitive environment? I’ve always been a very competitive person by nature, whether it be school athletics or academics, so combining the passion that I have for my horses and being competitive person was a perfect match! I love competing, but I also love training horses, and being competitive drives me to continue to train and try to make the best horses that I can.
Q: What would you consider to be your proudest moment? I am really not good at picking favorites
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about Louie?
Q: What does an average day look like for
as there have been so many proud
Louie has been my partner in crime for many
you?
moments over the years. Each and
years (13 already), and he is the most honest,
Depending upon whether I am on the road or
everyone of them is so valuable and
willing to please, fun loving horse I have ever
on the ranch, it involves horses first and
special to me. Obviously some big wins
thrown a leg over. The amazing consistency
foremost every day. We own about 30 horses,
where the stakes are really high
he has put forth in his runs throughout his
so whether I’m at home with them or on the
probably stand out the most, so I will
career is above and beyond. He has always
road with 4 head, just caring for them is at the
say: accomplishing getting to my first
been a true champion at whatever he does,
top of my agenda everyday as well as their job
NFR, being the first “The American“
starting out in the Reined Cowhorse industry
for the day, whether it be competing,
champion, as well as adding being a
when he was younger to the barrel racing
training, or ranching. My kids are also
champion at Calgary and Cheyenne to
industry since he was 4. He’s an amazing
involved in the sport of rodeo, so if I’m not
my list.
athlete with a huge heart!
doing something for myself, I also will be found helping them or watching them in their endeavors!
MEET AND GREET
LISA LOCKHART Q: Who do you consider to be your greatest influences? My husband is my greatest influence along with my kids, as they are always pushing me to continue in the career that I love so much. We are a very close family and all involved with horses, so we make a great team! I am a mom first, barrel racer second.
Q: What words of wisdom would you have for anyone looking to follow in your footsteps? I always tell people that whatever your dream is, go for it! I never imagined I would be where I am today, but I believe with sheer work and determination, you can go a long way! There are so many factors that go into each and every person’s situation, so I just tell people do the best with what you are given, enjoy the ride, and take it as far as you can go!
"Our horses are our teammates, our soulmates. It is a team effort. You can't do it without people behind you." LISA LOCKHART
Breaking
SUMMIT'S LATEST BREAKTHROUGH Summit Joint Performance is a pioneer in the field of natural joint supplements. Our product is cutting edge in that it is natural, safe, and constantly evolving. Today, Summit has made headlines by doing something that no other veterinary medicine has been able to do.
On March 30, we received word from a source in the field that our concentrated formula was used on the livestock at a pig farm in the wilds of central Idaho. Very little testing had been done to this point in regards to the effects of Summit's concentrated formula on pigs, but thanks to one intrepid rancher, we now have an answer. Thanks to the advances made by Summit Joint Performance, it has been reported that pigs can fly. The pig in question, a Yorkshire named Alexander Hamilton, was administered with a concentrated dose, and within half an hour was found perched atop the barn with his pigeon neighbor, who could not be reached for comment. Hamilton then soared over the pastures, evading capture by the farmers who had administered the dose moments prior.
"Well Hamilton's been known to hog all the attention. A bit of a ham, you could say," said the farmer, who seemed so stricken by the flying pig that he still clutched the concentrated vial in his hand when our field correspondent arrived for an interview. "But this has just taken his antics to new heights. I always thought that pigs flying was hogwash, but thanks to Summit Joint Performance I guess it's possible after all." When Hamilton returned to the farm, after flying to take a lunch with the cows on the next property over, he could not say enough about the wonders of Summit's revolutionary formula. Our field reporter asked what he liked most about the experience, and he left us with this: "Well, Summit sure isn't boaring!"
News
Happ y April Fool's Day
FRO
M Y OUR SUM MIT TEA M
I gave the kids away. The dogs were allergic. I
life, lesson s, and dog s
have had children and dogs, and I am here to tell
BY ST EVE
SCEAR
CY
you, dogs are more dependable. You know what to expect with a dog. That is not the case with a child. I
As the bell rang, announcing church was over,
recently had to say goodbye to a four-legged family
everyone came up to pet the newest member of the
member. It is always hard because it means a
congregation. The next Sunday, there were three dogs
chapter has closed. In fact, the chapters of our lives
in church. I am also pleased to report that after his
become marked by the names of our dogs and cats.
introduction to religion, Brown Dog never got in the
There are chapters in my life entitled Sheppie, Big
trash again.
John, Little John; the list goes on and on. These chapters of life have their beginning, middle, and ending, each so unique, written with love and laughter. Let me share a few excerpts from my favorite chapters.
From the chapter of my life entitled, Brown Dog: For a while, we had a lake dog. He was of unknown lineage but could tell time. He would meet us every weekend at the cabin, just like clockwork. We called him Brown Dog because his fur was black. We'd yell "Brown Dog," and people would look at us and then to the dog trying to figure it all out. He ate with us, played with us, and protected us. The only bad thing about Brown Dog was his habit of getting in the trash. We figured you take the good with the bad.We attended a little country church about a mile or so away from the cabin. This particular Sunday, we arrived, and there sat Brown Dog in front of the church. It was hot, so all of the church doors and windows were wide open. Brown Dog greeted us and walked in and jumped up in the pew next to my mother. After a couple of hymns, there was dissension among the faithful. Whispers about the disgrace of a dog in church. It was at this time that the minister stepped in front of the podium. "I can tell that a lot of you don't approve of a dog in church." He shook his head," You shouldn't feel that way, because you don't know what the dog will get out of the service."
From the chapter of my life entitled: Little John. Little John was a Cocker Spaniel. He was extremely smart and loving and loved to rough house. He would jump on the bed, dive under the covers, and the fun would begin. John went with us everywhere, and so when it was time for a little vacation with my parents, he was my dad's navigator. We stopped one night in Indiana. With room keys in hand, Dad and John hurried to investigate the hotel room, leaving us to bring in the luggage. Loaded down, we could see John and my Dad as they moved down the hall looking for room 710. Finding it, Dad inserted the key and opened the door. John shot in. Dad motioned for us to hurry up.
At that moment, yells and screams erupted from room 710. "My lord, it's a dog!" "He's got my panties!" Dad rushed in to find a happy honeymooning couple trying to make sense of the black dog that was also now under their covers. John was up to his old tricks barking, licking and jumping around. We arrived on the scene dragging the luggage. Now our entire family was in their room yelling, "John! Come here!" It didn't help that the grooms' name was John as we found out later. We introduced ourselves to the newlyweds as they lay in bed, covers pulled up to their chins. Frantically the desk clerk arrived in the room apologizing for the mistake. He asked everyone to be the hotel's guests at a 7 pm dinner later that night. We picked up our luggage and said goodbye to the couple in bed. Awkward! When we arrived for dinner that night, we were seated next to the newlyweds. More Awkward! From the chapter of my life entitled Fat Boy: Fat Boy was a noble black lab. He watched after my boys, guarding them with unwavering eyes. An incredible judge of character, he once bit a prominent lawyer. One day I picked the boys up from school and returned home. Immediately upon opening the door, we knew that something was wrong. Dining room chairs were overturned, and a lamp was on the floor. Wide-eyed, the boys both exclaimed, "Robbers!" That's
Chapter after chapter, our lives are enriched by those with four paws. I have three chapters currently being written, entitled: Kitty Kitty Meow Meow, Bella, and Muggsy. There will be more chapters in the future, but having just closed a chapter entitled
when we heard a bump and crash from the next
Sweet Nellie, I had to take a moment to reflect. Our
room.
pets not only give us love, but they are markers and
I have to admit that my heart was beating a bit faster. Grabbing an umbrella from the entryway as a
signposts in our lives, reminding us of just how sweet and fun life can be.
weapon, the boys behind me, we edged our way into the living room. It was a mess, and there, in the middle of the chaos, was the noble Fat Boy. A cereal box was stuck on his head. He would go in one direction until he crashed into something, then would change directions and crash into something else. He was like one of those windup toys. I removed the box from his head. Sheepishly he retreated to under the dining room table. Fat Boy's nobility was no match for Captain Crunch.
On my walk this morning, a small dog followed me. He appeared homeless. I gave him a dog treat that I had squirreled in my pocket. We seemed to hit it off. One chapter ends, and maybe a new one begins. Oh, I didn't really get rid of the kids. I just keep them in their kennels.
FROM OUR DESK TO YOURS -
THANK YOU! We hope you've enjoyed Summit's inaugural monthly magazine. This project was made for you, about you. If you would like to be featured in next month's edition, please contact Megan at megan@summitjp.com Thank you!