Inside this issue: Board Chairman & Executive Director Message " It 's Academic"
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Ways to Give ■ Wish List ■ Dime Bank ■ The Evans -Cockerline Foundation ■ BruceMcGhie The Spirit of Giving ■ Janie Davison From the Horse's Mouth ■ Careand Caregivers High Hopes Happenings ■ Hoedown ■ Lord Creek HorseTrials and Hunter Pace ■ lee CreamSocial ■ Annual Meeting In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, The High Hopes Rider is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact Wendy Knight at Ext. 19.
HOP E S
Therapeutic Riding ,lnc. Phone : 860 .434 . 1974 Fax: 860.434.3723
www.highhopestr
''It's Academic'' aching, instructing, mentoring, working with intern s, professional development, wo rkshops and clinics, it is truly amazing when we begin to add up the various ways in which educational activities are incorporated into the daily events at High Hopes.
Spotlight On Success ■ New London Participants
H IGH
Summer / Fal I 2010
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Education has been an emphasis from our earliest days. Even in our original name, Lower Connecticut Valley Educational Riding Association, the concepts of learning and education were inco rporated . Our roots as a school based program reaching out to children with learning disabilities in the EssexSchool system have held strong. We now work with over six different school districts and children from preschool to high school. As a NARHA Approved Instructor Traini ng site since 1995, we teach all aspects of the curriculum to instructor candidates. From effective instruction and tea ching techniques to human anatomy and equine topics, over 100 hours of lectures are provided twice a year. These lectures are also open to returning ITC (Instructor Training Course) graduates and our dedicated volunteers. Volunteer enrichment through additional learning opportunities is a vital part of the volunteer program. We continually offer workshops and lectures throughout the year on topics ranging from Horse or Human Behavior to Risk Management. Our staff is always seeking ways to improve their personal instructional methods and expand their teaching tools. Educational opportunities here include riding clinics or lessons and specialty clinics such as vaulting or driving. We also host a number of on site instructor workshops and certifications throughout the year training and certifying instructors at the Registered and Advanced levels. Within the academic world, in addition to our weekly school groups who participate, we have strong working relationships with several colleges and universities. Post College in Waterbury brings students to view the facility and discuss our equine management protocols. Springfield College comes each fall with students majoring in Sports Management, Therapeutic Recreation and Physical Education . We are very fortunate to have had int erns from many other institutions including UCONN, Mitchell College, Connecticut College and Wesleyan University to name a few. High Hopes fosters an environment in which to both share and seek know ledge. The pastoral setting, the very willing nature of our equine partners and the sense of unconditional acceptance translate into a positive learning environment . All of us, participants, volunteers and staff, are eager to learn and push ourselves to continually grow and excel. We enjoy sharing our knowledge with others and are open to learning. So, while school might be out for summer, learning at High Hopes takes place everyday all year long!
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Chairman Cheryl KellyHeffernan Vice Chlllnnen Michael V.Ganey Anthony C. Thurston Vice Chairman For Development John M. Catlett
Board Chairma Executive Directo ------
from the
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Deborah A. Welles Secrewy
Elizabeth l. David Barllara Earle Ballard Sarah HIiiCanning James M. Childs Christopher M. Coyle Jane I. Davison Jeb Embree Katharine H. Gildersleeve laura Glordano Jennifer Johnson Pauline C. Knoll Margaret Mummert Penny Nelson Jeffrey Ridgway Hugh Scott KelvinN. Tyler
ne of the strengths that has always been an integral part of High Hopes is the stewardship of our Board of Trustees. We are fortunate to benefit from the expertise and governance of a diverse group of individuals who understand the mission of the organization and support its values. This is evident in the progress that we have seen over the past year in the implementati on of our Strategic Plan.
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Lyttleton B.P.Gould, Jr. t Frank Hamilton, Jr. Grace Hamilton Wayne 0. Southwick, M.D. John C. Evans Pete Pierson t SherleyFurgueson A. RivesPotts BetsyHom Jeffrey Ridgway• Barbara Kashanskit Roger M. Smith Judith F.Lightfoot Anthony C. Thurston • KelvinN. Tyler•
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Charles C. Kingsley,L*I Advisor David E. Walker, M.D.,Med/ca/Advisor
BarbaraAbrams, lnstructor/LPC Elizabeth Adams, Program Dlrecror MikeBlanca,Farm Can,ta/cer
DavidBradham,Instructor/Driving
Program
Sarah Carlson,Specfa/ Programs Coordin.1tor RenyaCraig. Reaptlonist/Program Assistant
Jonnie Edwards,Instructor LaurenFitzgerald,LessonCoordinator MichelleHayward,Instructor CarolynJagielski.PhyJ/a,I
One of the key considerations in our plan is to first ensure stability within our current structure and then examine means to further promote a sustainable future. Committees and task forces have been busily meeting, gathering information, formulating plans and making recommendations that will position us on a solid foundation for future opportunities. These committees have examined many of our resource needs, volunteers, staff, equines and finances, as well as organizational needs such as communica tion , marketing and research. Within the next year we will begin an indepth review of current programs and services to determine areas of growth and opportunity.
Therapist/Instructor
WendyKnight.Development Ass/mint DonnaLatella, o«upational Therapistllnstrustor
Unda Lee-Ptcazlo, FinanceDlrecror laura Moya, Specfa/ Programs Manager DawnNelligan,Instructor Juanita Paris, Sam Assistant Jeanna Pellino,Volunieer Manager PattiePeoples,Instructor Karenpfel~ VolunteerCoordinator HollyRidgway, Instructor
SusanShulman.OfficeManager SaraSlaytonQua. DevelopmentDln,cto, HollySundmacker; EquineOperations DlfKIOr
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KathrynVine, lnsrructor/BamAssistant
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Another strength throughout our history has been the expertise of our staff. We are fortunate to have a wonderful cadre of individuals both full and part time who are dedicated to High Hopes and who go above and beyond to ensure that our services are safe, effective and of the highest quality. From instructor s and therapists to our skilled and gifted administrative staff, we are truly fortunate to have a strong team of like-minded individuals who prioritize the needs of our participants, volunteers and horses. Their relentless commitment enables High Hopes to continue to promote
our field through training and educational endeavors as well as play an active role in . the development of our field worldwide. Within our Program area we have begu n examining our current and future volunteer needs. A Volunteer Task Force has made some significant recommendations that will help to guide us into the future. The first step was to add an additional staff membe r to our Volunteer Team. We are thrilled to welcome Karen Pfeil, who has joined our staff as Volunteer Coordinator. Karen works closely with Volunteer Manager, Jeanna Pellino. This change has already produced noticeable improvement s in the support of our volunteer area. We look forward to ongoing educational opportunities, as well as improved communication and a Volunteer Ice Cream Social this summer! It also gives us great pleasure to welcome a new Program Director to our family. Liz Adams joined our talented staff in June. Liz brings life long horsemansh ip skills and 13 years of experience in therapeutic riding to High Hopes. A graduate of St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, NC Liz has a BA in Therapeuti c Horseback Riding and a MA in Education with a concentrat ion in Special Education. She is a NARHA Advanced Instructor with Specialty Certification in Interactive Vaulting. Originally from Cape Cod, Liz has been the Program Director of Ride-Like-A-Knight in North Carolina for the past eight years. Please be sure to take a moment when you are next at High Hopes to meet and talk with Liz. She will be spending her days this summer learn ing all aspects of our program and meeting all of our wonderful volunteers , participa nts and extended family.
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ot 0 1 High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, ou expect to see many kinds f vehicles: cars, tractors, horse trailers, carriages, riding mowers ... and school buses! School buses? Specifically, you will often find buses that boast "New London Public Schools" on their sides. Each week, they carry school chi ldren from New London to High Hopes where students participate in riding classesand the Equine Learning Program. Two of these students, Jonathan Rodriguez-Torres and Bret Wilcox come from Bennie Dover Middle School. Each week, they spend about half an hour working with Smokey, High Hopes' resident Shetland pony. The boys practice the grooming sequence, picking Smokey's hooves, and have even begun leading Smokey around the outdoor ring. Once in a while, they let Smokey grab a bite of grass. Jonathan and Bret work on giving Smokey verbal commands and developing team work with each other. They often pass grooming tools back and forth and take turns leading. When asked how the boys benefit from their visit to High Hopes, Judy Sevin, a Paraprofessional from Bennie Dover, says: "It's almost unexplainable. They gain pride, confidence and self-esteem. After coming here, Jonathan has begun to challenge himself more. I see it in the classroom, too." Another Bennie Dover staff member elaborates, "The students learn to explore, interact, and build relationships when they come to High Hopes." Kim Stefanski, special educator from Bennie Dover, adds: "For Bret to become a part of something, to be included in this weekly trip to High Hopes, has been
t uccess really important. He talks about High Hopes. He says it clearly, he wr ites it, and he knows the trip is every Tuesday. This has helped him become more open to other new experiences as well." Ms. Stefanski also makes the point that the trip to High Hopes has become a weekly event that goes beyond the lesson component and that the ent ire school group looks forward to. "We use this whole facility. We look at the pond. We sit at the picnic tables and have lunch." "It's a sensory oriented experience," adds another staff member, "which conforms to these boys' needs. It's relaxing for them to come here." Just at that moment, rider Nigel DeJesusapproaches the table where the New London educators are waiting for their students to f inish riding. Nigel has just finished his ride and he comes over with a broad smile on his face. "Look at that smile!" says Ms. Sevin. "That's what High Hopes means to these boys!" Jonathan, Bret, Nigel and their classmates come to High Hopes each week with a cooperative spirit and they certainly enjoy the time they spend here. They are two of forty-five active participants who travel from New London each week. When Jonathan finishes grooming Smokey and he thinks that Smokey has done a great job, Jonathan says, "Congratulations, Smokey !" Jonatha n, we agree! Congratulations to you and Brett, Smokey, and all our New London participants for embrac ing new learning experiences here at High Hopes!
Summer I Fall 2010
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Summer/Fall 2010 Wish List
0 Fence line mower
0 Special cones for Driving Program (see Lauren Fitzgerald)
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or over 25 years High Hopes has been fortunate to have the support of a truly remarkable woman, Janie Davison. ·
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Janie grew up on a farm outside of Cleveland, Ohio and has been an avid equestrian since she was a small child. In 1979, Jane and her late husband moved to Lyme where they bought 450 acre Lord Creek Farm on the Connecticut River and shortly, thereafter, she became involved as a volunteer with High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. Over the years Janie has contributed to High Hopes as a tireless volunteer in many varied roles. She has served as a member of our Boarg of Trustees, volunteered as a horse leader and side walker, helped in the barn and worked on countless benefits. Janie, along with her late husband Endicott ("Cotty"), was a key member of our Capital and Endowment Campaigns which Cotty chaired.
0 Muck Buckets 0 Leather Halters 0 Leather Bridles 0 Daffodil Bulbs 0 Plastic jump
cups 0 Corn Brooms 0 Future Forks 0 Fly masks with
ears 0 We always need paper products & Office supplies
One of the greatest gifts Janie has given to High Hopes and countless equestrians over the years is her willingness to make her beautiful horse farm, Lord Creek Farm, available to all who wish to ride. Over the years Lord Creek Farm has played host to Pony Club rallies as well as annual Horse Trials and a Hunter Pace, the proceeds from which benefit the Pony Club and High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. Janie is also a strong supporter of Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Inc. in Salem, Connecticut and has hosted several benefit events for them in recent years. Through these events and countless trail riding excursions, Lord Creek Farm has become a critical stepping stone for riders from the High Hopes program looking to expand their skills, while remaining under our instructors' supportive care. In addition to her support of High Hopes, Janie was the Chairman of Volunteer Recreation of Howard Rusk Institute in NY and has served on numerous nonprofit Boards including the Connecticut River Museum, the Lyme Land Trust, Lord Cove Nature Conservancy, the Lockland School for Retarded People in Geneva, NY and the Hammonasett School in Connecticut. Reflecting her strong interest in conservation and the preservation of the land for recreational use by many, including riders, Janie has put her magnificent waterfront property under an easement to the Nature Conservancy. This generous act ensures that generations will be able to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Lord Creek Farm for years to come. Janie's giving spirit and enthusiasm have shaped the lives and instilled the love of riding, particularly outdoors, in generations of equestrians. Further, through her example she has set the highest standard for how one should care for horses and the land. Looking to recognize Janie's philanthropic commitment with her genuine interest and concern for young people, High Hopes created the Janie Davison Youth Service Award which is given each year to an outstanding high school volunteer in our program. Through this award and her constant presence in our lives, Janie continues to enrich and inspire us all.
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1ve Evans-Cockerline Foundation
Dime Bank
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his spring, High Hopes was honored to again receive a significant grant from the Evans-Cockerline Foundation in support of our Equine Care Fund. The Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2001 by the late Elizabeth Ann Evans Cockerline c;1nd Alan Wesley Cockerline to help charitable organizations in Texas and Connecticut. The Foundation encourages full family involvement, intergenerational sharing of values and volunteerism by family members. Grants are made based on annual gifting themes that are determined by the family each fall. The partnership between High Hopes and the Foundation began in 2007 when Mary Cockerline, the Foundation's Managing Trustee, discovered High Hopes on the web and then came for a visit and tour. The first gift from the Foundation made it possible for us to respond to the growing demand for our carriage driving program by providing scholarship funds and the means to help purchase a new carriage and hire an additional driving instructor.
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In 2008, a grant from the Foundation was essential to the establishment of our Equine Care Fund which is dedicated to ensuring that we are able to provide the highest quality of care to our gentle partners throughout their lifetimes. The Foundation made a generous contribution to maintain the Fund in 2009 and again this spring. Each of our horses gives their all while at High Hopes and we are committed to making certain that they continue to receive all of the love and attention that they deserve once their working days are over. Thanks in very large part to the generosity of the EvansCockerline Foundation, we have been able to provide the most supportive environment available to those loyal and noble members of our herd who have reached retirement age. Mary Cockerline with Geri
CherylCalderada,Senior VP and Gra11tAdmi11itrator. BeckyFrechette , EastLyme BranchManager(middk) andj ohn Estelle,Commercial Lentkr. with someof 011 rparticipants.
During Horse Show Week High Hopes was very pleased to welcome a group from the Dime Bank who presenteduswith a checkin support of our
programs. High Hopesisthankful to Dime Bank for their on-going generosity.
This past winter High Hopes lost a dear friend and constant suppo rter in the passing of Bruce McGhie . Bruce served as an advisor, Board member and inspiration to High Hopes. Whi le Bruce will be missed we are blessed with constant rem inders of him at High Hopes as he dedicated his talent to the building of our long term sustainability. High Hopes wou ld like to thank Bruce's beloved wife for her donation back to High Hopes of an iron horse sculpture to match the piece that has graced our entrance for many years. These sculptural images of prancing horses will rem ind us all at High Hopes how Bruce's spirit soared above his physical anchors .
SummerI Fall 2010
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What a magical evening! The rain held off, the sun ca for a great evening. With guests were treated t c of goods and servi ce: debut of maestro To Connecticut Sympt Orchestra in a wo1 varied musical pre Thank ¡you to all V\ kept the faith and attended all who worked so hard on t wonderful event.
with the..Eastern Connecticut Symphony
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Symphony in the Meadows was a great success. ne out and we had all the ingredients the Connecticut River as a backdrop our , a delicious picnic supper, an exciting array ; for the silent auction and the High Hopes shiyuki Shimada leading the Eastern ,ony 1derfully ,gram.
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What a magical eveni11 The rain held off, the sur for a great evening. v, guests were treate of goods and ser\i debut of maestrc Connecticut Syr Orchestra in a ¡ varied musical Thank you to a kept the faith and atten c all who worked so hard c wonderful event.
6 Summer I Fall 2010
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1g! Symphony in the Meadows was a great success. 1 came out and we had all the ingredients i ith the Connecticut River as a backdrop our d to a delicious picnic supper, an exciting array rices for the silent auction and the High Hopes :>Toshiyuki Shimada leading the Eastern nphony wonderfully I program. 1 1wh<? led and to
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Holly Ridgwayand Kate Srmdmmm Summer/
Fall 2010
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8 Summer / Fall 2010
From the ,
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Care & Care 1vers verydayat High Hopesin the arenasand on the trails, resources cometogether to providesafe and fun activities for the High Hopes participants .
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As you have read in previous "From the Horses' Mouth" columns, High Hopes goes to great lengths to find, screen and train the horses that work in our specialized programs . In the end, we are lucky to have a herd of horses that bring fun, excitement and the pure joy of riding, driving and being around horses to all who come to High Hopes.
Once we welcome a new horse to the herd at High Hopes, our focus shifts to keeping the horses happy and comfortable in their jobs. Even though we are lucky enough to have a 21 stall barn, our horses live outside 24 hours a day with accessto run-in sheds. Full time turnout offers many benefits, both physical and mental. We are very careful to allow our horses to "just be horses" as much as possible. Every day at 8am, 3pm and 10pm our horses are fed hay and grain by a member of the farm staff (Holly, Kathryn, Juanita and Mike) and a group of dedicated barn volunteers. The farm staff and volunteers feed our horses some 200,000 lbs of hay and 17,000 lbs of grain every year! Each horse is groomed and has it's hooves cleaned at the morning feed. At every feeding the horses are looked over for any injuries and watched carefully for any variations from their normal behavior. Any deviation in normal eating, mobility or attitude can be an indication of a serious health concern. The horses are fitted with blankets in the winter and fly masks and sheets in the summer as needed. The paddocks, pastures and sheds are picked clean of manure four or more times per week and fresh bedding is added to the sheds on a regular basis. The automatic water hydrants in every field are cleaned and checked for correct operation twice per day. Keep in mind that this all happens out in the fields of High Hopes regardless of the weather, be it pouring rain or blind ing snow, 10 degrees or 100 degrees, three times per day, seven days
perweek. We take great pride in putting the horses' comfort before our own and doing what is best for the animal no matter what Mother Nature dishes out. Beyond the daily maintenance of the horses and their environment, there are many more efforts made to keep the horses performing at their best. Our herd receives individualized, regular veterinary and farrier (blacksmith) attention by dedicated professionals. Beyond traditional veterinary care, the horses are treated by a veterinary chiropractor who also performs acupuncture and prescribes Chinese herbs. We are fortunate to have access to the expertise of a Reiki master, a certified equine massagetherapist, a natural hoof care practitioner and master saddlers who evaluate the fit of each of our saddles. The horses are bathed and clipped frequently to keep them looking as good as they feel! Each horse has an exercise and training schedule that allows them to maintain physical fitness so that they are physically and mentally prepared for classes. Think how great it would be to have a personal trainer, nutritionist, clothes stylist, hair dresser,podiatrist, psychiatrist, chiropractor , doctor, and housekeeper at your disposal to cater to your every need ...ahhh, to be a High Hopes horse! ¡ Summer / Fall 2010
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Join us at our ••citing berl nt in Septem High Hopes eve Hoedown is The High Ho= tamllles end tunl geeredtowe Featuresof the HighHopes Hoedowninclude: .. n betweenloca1 • A friendlycompelttl~ents drawnfrom volunteerfirthe d~~:relineregion throughout e . , . elrvmakingand • face ~amtmg,1ewstumefor a zany dressingup m a c~t a few of the fun, photdo shnooa~~i~-:J~s for ell ages han S·O • Gamesandteem~ompetitions amongstareabusinesses , by HighHopes • A ridingdemonstrat1Hon participantsandsta . from CTsbestcounllV • Livemusic bend.Smokehouse A deliciousOutback Steakhouse • barbequepicnic supper
Hoedown is en The High Hopes t to benefit the annual family even d progra articlpants an of High Hopes Theral)8utlc Riding·- , mission, P
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4 \ sQUA@HIGH 434.197 . HIGHHOPESTR,ORG
www.
Fall 2010
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Join us to celebrate our I (jth Anniversary! Elementary, Beginner Novice, Novice and Dressage Only Schooling Show Rte. 156, Lyme, CT
Please conracr Debbie Welles S , ecrerary for more information (860) 434-1038 or dwelles53@ WWwb· bb art.net . ig opesrr.org/upcoming-evenrs .brm -------:--------------.._
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Celebratewilh Ice CreamI lfi9h HopesVolunteersare the tops. You do so much for us, u/e are hostin9 an Ice CreampartlJ.in IJ.OUr honor! Pleasejoin us ThursdalJ., Au9ust 26t" from 5:30â&#x20AC;˘6:30 pm Forlots of IJ.UmmlJ. ice cream with all the toppin9s! Summer / Fall 2010
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID Old Lyme, CT
High opes Therapeutic Riding, Inc.
Permit #1
Su Gou/,d Center for Therapeutic Riding 36 Town Woods Road Old Lyme, CT 06371
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Contributors to the July 22-25
NARHAO5WC
August 8
Lord Creek Horse Trials
Aug ust 23
Volunteer Orientation & Training
August 25
High Hopes NARHA Approved Instructor Training Course Starts
August 26
Volunteer Ice Cream Social 5:30
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September 1
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September
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High HopesRider
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September 14
Fall Semester of Classes Begin
September 23
Volunteer Orientation & Training
September2S
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September 25
WEG (World Equestrian Games) - Lexington Kentucky
October2
Volunteer Orientation & Training
October 17
36 111 Annual Meeting,
October 21
Volunteer Orientation & Training
November2
Volunteer Orientation & Training
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November 4-7
NARHA Conference Denver, CO
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November 13
Autism Symposium with L & M Hospital Groton, CT
November20
Volunteer Orientation & Training
December 1
Volunteer Orientation & Training
December 11
Volunteer Orientation & Training
December 4-7
NARHAOSWC
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Annual Lord Creek Hunter Pace
Award Ceremony
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Summer/ Fall 2010 Photos & Articles:
Cheryl Heffernan Wendy Knight Karen Pfiel Jennifer Piner-Wyman Sara Qua Kitty Stalsburg Holly Sundmacker
Editor:
Sue Chodorov Designer
Linda Fiorentino Essex Printi n g
This newsletter is underwritten by