Winter/
Spring 2012
Inside this issue: The Power of the Horse Board Cha irman & Executive Director Message
The Power of the Horse
The Spirit of Giving ■ An Extraordinary Coup le Spotlight on Success Achievements with Horses ■ Summer Immersion Program ■
Ways to Give ■ Corporate Support ■ Wish List The Hoedown Report The Horses' Mouth ■ Pony Power High Hopes Happenings ■ Domin ion Bank Grant ■ Welcome Megan ■ Volunteer Enr ichment ■ Chili Open House ■ Horse Show Days ■ Symphony
In accordance with the Americans with Disabi lities Act, The High Hopes Rider is available in a lternative formats upon request. Please contact Susan Shulman at Ext. 28.
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HOPE S
Therapeutic Riding,lnc. Phone: 860.434.1974 Fax : 860 .434 .3723
www .highhopestr.org
Major
imals and umans ave long shared a common bond that cannot be accurately captured in words. Instead, it is best understood when watching a once timid child give her horse a hug and listening to her as she whispers to the horse, "You are my best friend" at the end of an hour long ride. This show of affection and execution of expressive language is not typically demonstrated by this rider who is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD. Many people ask just what is it about horses and their movement that enables individuals who are diagnosed with ASD to benefit. The answers to this question are complex and varied, but all share the same sentiment : the horse works . At this time, quantitative research about exactly how the horse helps individuals with ASD is in its infancy. The rhythmic movement of the horse helps these individuals to better organize their thought processes which in turn helps them to increase their overall focus and attention to the task at hand . In addition, individuals with ASD are motivated by the horse's movement to increase expressive language such as "walk on" or "trot" .
This increased desire for sensory input translates to vocabulary other than that which is specific to horseback riding. Riders with ASD seek different levels of input from the horse. Some receive the most organization through the rhythmic movement of the four beat walk while others need the jarring motion of the trot to help regulate and manage their thought processes. The end result is the same: those riders with ASD benefit from the movement of the horse during the time that they are actively riding as well as for a period of time after riding. The movement of the horse helps to ground individuals with ASD while fostering relationships between riders, their horses, volunteers, classmates and instructors. This improvement in social interaction is one of the many benefits from time spent with horses. During a therapeutic riding lesson, individuals with ASD are often better able to follow directions and answer questions asked of them as the lesson progresses and see improvements in attention, communication and socialization. Time spent with a horse for most people is magic. Time spent with a horse for indivi duals with Autism Spectrum Disorder is liberating in ways that other people cannot understand. Through continued research and further examination of the benefits of therapeutic riding we may one day be able to support the truth that we, as instructors, parents, caregivers, and volunteers, know to be fact: the relationship between individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and the horse is unmistakably powerful.
ess from the
Board Chairman & Executive Director
W
th the holiday season behind us and months of snowy weather ahead, our thoughts turn to how grateful we are for all that we have and for sharing what we can with others who might not be as fortunate. It is at this time of year that High Hopes reaches out to its community of participants, volunteers and supporters with its Annual Appeal.
For over 37 years, High Hopes has led the therapeutic riding industry in developing and adapting programs to meet the needs of people with disabilities. And, despite the challenging economy of the past few years, High Hopes continues to provide the highest quality services and leads the field in maintaining innovative programs that serve a wide portion of our community. Over the last year High Hopes has continued to provide quality services for school based participants, summer campers and conduct specialty immersion programs in collaboration with professionals at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital. Our veterans program, Horses for Heroes, is currently serving a number of veterans with long term physical and emotional disabilities from throughout the state in mounted and carriage driving activities. The Horse Sense program is a summer camp which uses mounted and unmounted activities in an alternative learning environment to help inner-city youth build self confidence and learn mutural respect
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and cooperation. Tuition for these services covers only a small fraction (23%) of the actual cost to High Hopes and many fam i lies require additional scholarship help to participate in the programs . In 2010-11 High Hopes served 1550 people through our various programs. The demand for scholarship support rose by 10% and direct scholarship assistance was provided to 196 of our participants. The ability of High Hopes to keep its fees affordable and to provide critical scholarship support is dependant in large part upon contributions to its Annual Appeal Fund. The Annual Appeal is High Hopes' single largest source of revenue in support of its valuable work. Meeting our goal for this year's Appeal will be a major challenge in this economic environment. We need your help . As we launch into the new year, all of us at High Hopes are excited by the opportunities for the future . 2012 will bring new connect ions, horses, riders, volunteers and even staff . High Hopes is strengthened by each connection new and old. Thank you for being a part of the High Hopes family . Best wishes for the New Year,
Cheryl Heffernan
Kitty Stalsburg
Board Chair
Execut ive Director
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An Extraordinary Couple n this section High Hopes acknowledges and features an individual, family, foundation or corporation who has made a meaningful gift to High Hopes. Sometimes it is a story of dedicated volunteer support, another time it may report on a significant grant from a foundation or a planned gift being made by an individual. This month we want to tell the story of a couple who have given in many ways and have truly made supporting High Hopes a part of their lives!
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Linda Rogers retired from the corporate world and came to High Hopes in 2006 as a program volunteer. To date she has logged nearly 2000 hours working as a team captain, horse leader, sidewalker, horse feeder and schooler and special events volunteer. In 2009, Linda's efforts were recognized when she was awarded the Program Volunteer of the Year award. Linda was also a committee member in the first High Hopes Hoedown and oversaw the successful raffle done in conjunction with that event for two years. She has taken her organizational talent and warm engaging personality and put them to good use on behalf of High Hopes. Linda's husband, Gary, was introduced to High Hopes as a result of her deepening involvement and is now an invaluable member of our volunteer team. Gary has lent his vast marketing experience to help move High Hopes into the 21st century with input on our website design and content and the creation of a High Hopes Facebook page. In addition, Gary was the Marketing Chair for the inaugural High Hopes Hoedown and helped to attract a new whole audience to our facility. Besides giving thousands of volunteer hours, Gary and Linda have also been generous contributors to the High Hopes Annual Appeal and have ensured that their gift is matched by Gary's employer, Lane Construction. Support for High Hopes also runs in the family ... their daughter, Nikki, is an avid supporter of High Hopes and their niece, Allie, has attended summer camp at High Hopes for the past two years. Three years ago, looking to ensure High Hope's future stability, Linda informed us that she had made a provision for High Hopes in her estate planning and on a more immediate front Gary h'as been looking at entertainment options for our 2013 June benefit by calling some of his personal contacts in the entertainment
Gary& Linda Rogers
industry. Gary and Linda are always the first to purchase tickets to a High Hopes event and usually one of the last to leave as they often help with the clean-up! This past October, Gary won an employee pool at Lane Construction, which is generously matched by the company, and when asked what nonprofit he wanted his winni ngs directed to he responded, "High Hopes of course! I can't think of a more deserving organization that has enriched our lives and the lives of so many others through the wonderful bond with horses. High Hopes is truly a magica l place! " It is because of that matter of fact "High Hopes of course " that we wanted to feature Gary and Linda Rogers in this Spirit of Giving sectio n. Through their actions over the past five years, they have truly emb raced the pr ogram and participants of High Hopes and made giv ing to th em a part of their daily lives. We are thankful fo r all of the ir eff o rts on our behalf and look for w ard to w ork ing wi th them on many more endeavors.
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Success
Achievements with Horses ay in and day out instructors, participants, parents and volunteers witness first hand the miracles and progress that occur through interactions with the horse. One such miracle transformed a shy girl with limited expressive language into a confident and social young lady. Emily Nygard began her relationship with High Hopes in the summer of 2010. She was referred by the therapy department of Lawrence and Memorial Hospital to participate in the Summer Immersion Program . This is a cooperative effort between Lawrence and Memorial Hospital and High Hopes to serve a population of young individuals with autism .
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When Emily first arrived at High Hopes she had limited language to express her apprehension about being at a new place and sitting on top of horse. After completing the program Emily was still adjusting to her new challenge, but her confidence was growing. Eager to continue Emily's development we were able to find her a spot in the
fall program schedule . To prepare for this next transition Emily came to the farm on a quiet day to meet Bert who would be her mount for the semester. Her mother took photos of Emily and Bert together which eased her anxiety when it came time to begin lessons. A year later Emily is a confident and talkative rider who transitions to riding different horses w ith ease! She is developing skills to guide her horse through obstacles on the trail. At the trot Emily is balanced and gaining posting rhythm. Perhaps the most dramatic progress of all has been in her language skills. She eagerly greets her horse, volunteers, instructor and fellow riders, continuing her chatter throughout the lesson. These achievements culminated in her ability to perform in front of a crowd at a demonstration event, filling the air with infectious laughter. This story of progress and achievement is one of many victories enjoyed at High Hopes each and every day.
Emily Nygard
2012
Summer
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Program
he Summer Immersion Program is a collaborative effort between Lawrence and Memorial Hospital and High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. which offers professional and innovative therapies for children on the Autism Spectrum and with varying developmental and sensory challenges. Participants ride every day
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and enjoy unmounted activities that provide a variety of sensory experiences which incorporate the horse, while receiving one-on-one support from PT,OT, and Speech and Language therapists . 2012 Dates: June 25 - 28.
For more information contact Laura Brown , Special Programs Manager at lbrown@highhopestr .org.
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1ve CL&P Ways to Give
We welcomedonationsof itemsor gift cards. Your generosityenablesus to allocatefinancialresourcesto other areasof need.
0 Books:Our libraryoffers books,videosand CD for referenceuseor for loan. RenyaCraigat the receptiondeskmaintainsa list of titles that havebeen recommendedfor additionto the collection.Consider too a gift cardto Amazon,Barnesand Noble,or a local bookstore. O ConsultingExpertise:Have experienceand expertise in marketing?Websitedesign?Socialmedia?Video production?Considerdonatingyour time to consulton theseareas. 0 Classaccessories: Balls,bean bags,toys for usein classes.(seeLizAdams) 0 Facilities:Considera gift cardto Home Depot,Lowe's or localhardwarestorethat would help us purchase toolsand suppliesto help us keepthe buildingin good shape. (seeHollySundmaclcer) O Horserelateditems: Oncethe snow startsflying the horseswelcomea warm blanketand other coldweather aids. Other equinesupplieslike joint supplementsare welcometoo. (seeHollySundmaclcer)
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1he CL&P and High HopesHoedownand Holiday Ma rket committee s a utility, Connecticut Light & Power's (CL&P) pr imary goal is to provide safe, reliable electricity throughout ts service area. However the compa ny's role does not end there. CL&P is focused on supporting Connecticut communities to make a positive difference. The company believes in supporting nonprofit organizatio ns important to its employees. This was how CL&Pcame to partner with High Hopes on its Hoedown and Holiday Market. Many of our employees were already actively volunteering at High Hopes and donating their time to the organization. When the opportunity to support the High Hopes event presented itself, both groups saw an ideal fit . The day's entertainment even included a CL&Pemployee band! CL&P employees have supported High Hopes every year during its United Way Day of Caring campaign. A group of employees spend the day at the High Hopes facility helping with maintenance such as fence repair and grounds keeping. CL&P has also supported the High Hopes annual fund raiser with financial and in-kind resources. Another way CL&Pcontinues to support its employees' volunteer engagement is through its Dollarsfor Doers program. With Dollarsfor Doers an employee's volunteer time earns them money in the form of grants. Indiv idual employees can earn up to three $100 grants for their chosen organizations per year, while volunteer teams can qual ify for a team grant of $1,000. One team supported the Hoedown this year with a $1,000 grant to High Hopes. "Many of our employees engage in volunteerism on their own without looking for recognition," says Lindsay Parke, CL&P'sEconomic Development and Community Relations Manager. "We want to support what is really important to them and how they choose to be involved in the community. Helping High Hopes is one of the many ways we can support our employees' volunteer engagement ."
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In November High Hopes launched what will become one of Connecticut's 'don't : arena into a marketplace with something for every member of the family. ThE marketplace, there was food from Connecticut's hottest food vendors, hay rides, i were lots of games and activities for the children. Admission was free with a noi pounds of~ood. Be sure to reserve Sunday, Novem l
Lisa Swanson, 1
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High Hopes instructor, assistingwith a purchase
Kevin Hoganand Cheiyl Heffernandrawingraffle winningtickets
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Froni the
orses
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Pony Power Kerra t High Hopes you would be hard pressed to find an individual who does not believe in the magic of our horses but few know about the immense power generated in the community by our three smallest herd members. Despite their stature, Smokey, Kerra and Al play an enormous role in educating the public through Pony Power Demonstrations.
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Each of the three ponies takes turns welcoming people to our facility and educating groups about horse care and therapeutic rid ing. In addition to working w ith people at High Hopes, Kerra has the bragging rights of being our off-site ambassador, meaning that she travels off High Hopes grounds to teach the community about therapeutic riding, equine assisted activities and horses in general. She has visited town festivals and fairs, school and church groups, local businesses and nursing homes as well. Each time, with her quiet presence and adorable personality, Kerra imparts the wonders of our equine friends on her newfound fans. A typical pony power demonstration may only last an hour, but the positive effects of being around one of our ponies lasts much longer. Most of the groups served through these demonstrations are not able to come to our facility and may have never even seen a horse before! It is amazing to witness the smiles, laughter and excitement produced when Kerra arrives. The magic of Pony Power is immediate. The questions begin: how old is she and why is she so small? What are these white marks on her back? How do you know that she's healthy? What does it mean when she makes that noise? Does she like it when I pet her? As staff, we enjoy being reminded of what it must have been like the first time we touched a horse. While Kerra quietly munches on grass, our staff goes about answering questions while inviting small groups of children and adults to approach her and learn how to groom. While touching her neck, gently grooming the loose hairs off of her, feeling her breath and watching her nostrils , eyes and muzzle move we learn about the horse and experience its magic. She captivates the crowd while providing an educational and sensory experience that is unique and memorable regardless of age. Pony Power Demonstrations allow High Hopes to bring the benefits of equine assisted activities to the back yard and front steps of others. Kerra's travels reach beyond the borders of our facility, to extend the acceptance, kindness and quality education High Hopes is known for to even more people each year. Since June of 2011, Kerra has delighted over 150 children and adults with her demonstrations, solidly confirming the power of a pony. She and our staff look forward to many more public appearances in the future. If you know someone who could benefit from a little Pony Power, contact Laura Brown at High Hopes at lbrown@highhopestr.org or 860-434-1974 ext.18 for more information on how to schedule a visit or get involved!
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f you are old enough to remember Princess telephones , then you know how phone systems and styles have changed dramatically over the years. Email, cell phones and texting have replaced some of the communication that was previously handled by the landline phone, especially for personal use, but these forms of communication have done little to address our growing phone needs here at High Hopes.
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With 25 staff members, over 600 volunteers and 240 participants the telephone plays an important role in our day to day operations. You may have noticed that w hen you call High Hopes a "live" person answers and handles your call. Given the natu re of the services we provide, timely communication is at the heart of our dail y operations and phone calls have a high priority. Accessto secure and reliable telecommunications is essential to our program for weekl y scheduling of riders and volunteers, recruitment of new volunteers , cultivation of financial supporters critical to our operations and finally, the important communication we must maintain with our participants and their caregivers. Our telephone system is 13 years old and limits us to four incoming lines and only 14 extensions for our 25 staff members. As with all technology, phone system prices fall over time. New systems offer expanded features and benefits that a few years ago would have been beyond our price range. Nonetheless, in this era of other rising costs and growing scholarship needs, our operating budget requires that we try to do more with the same amount of funding. It is for this reason that we were pleased to be notified by Dominion Bank that High Hopes is the recipient of a grant specifically to fund a new phone system. Calls will still be answered by a High Hopes staff member but the behindthe-scenes technology will insure the highest quality and reliability. High Hopes sends a big Thank You to Dominion Bank for helping us stay connected!
Sara Qua, D evelopment Director,Al, Kitty Stalsburg, ExecutiveDirector, and Nancy Bulkeley,Community Affairs Representativefrom D ominion presentingthe check to High Hopes.
riginally from Sarasota, Florida, Megan became interested in therapeutic riding while a student at Wake Forest University. She signed up to volunteer as an inexpensive way to be around horses on a student's budget, but therapeutic horsemanship quickly became a passion for her. Megan graduated from Wake Forest University in 2004 with a B.A. in Religion. She then spent four years in the Army as a Patriot Missile officer , and was stationed in El Paso, TX and South Korea. While in El Paso, Megan continued her volunteer work at a local therapeutic riding center. In 2008, she became a student and assistant barn manager at St. Andrews University in North Carolina, graduating with a degree in Therapeutic Horsemanship in 2010. During this time she also ran the college's Community Lesson Program and taught therapeutic riding lessons. After her graduation, Megan remained at St. Andrews as the Ride-Like-A-Knight Program Director, where she served 117 riders and mentored 20 instructorsin-training. Megan also continues to serve in the National Guard .
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Megan is currently a PATH International Advanced Instructor and Mentor. Her teaching philosophy is to create a safe environment that fosters healthy relationships in the horse-rider-volunteer team and promotes horsemanship skills for people of all abilities. Megan tru ly enjoys bringing the magic of horses into peoples' lives. Megan is also active in PATH International. She has presented at a regional conference and is a member of the Equine Services for Heroes committee, promoting horsemanship for veterans . She is excited to join the High Hopes team as Volunteer Manager because of High Hopes' strong values and dedicated volunteer corps. "Volunteerism is near and dear to my heart, and I hope to get to know each individual High Hopes volunteer and help make the time you donate to us meaningful and enjoyable ."
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en1n s Volunteer Enrichment and Winter Lecture Series igh Hopes celebrates and thanks volunteers each winter with the gift of learning! Frorn January through April 2012, we will offer two lecture series designed for volunteers and professionals in the field . Volunteer Enrichments are free to all volunteers and provide lectures and demonstrations which delve into the world of therapeutic riding covering topics from horse behavior to visual processing and balance. The Winter Lecture Series is full and half day lectures led by High Hopes staff and professionals. These lectures are offered and handouts provided for a nominal fee, however fees may be waived for High Hopes volunteers based on need and hours served. Choosethe ones that suit you best - you can umix and match" between the two . Some of these opportunities have limited space, so be sure to register early. Visit the High Hopes website for a full list of offerings and to register, contact Laura Brown, Special Programs Manager, at (860) 434-1974 ext 18 or lbrown@highhopestr.org.
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Come One ... Come All! To High Hopes for a Chili Open House Saturday, Feb 11, 11am to 1pm If you'd li ke to learn more about High Hopes or want to int roduce family, friends and neighbors to our program, then join us for this informative and delicious open house. No reservation is required and the presentation is fun and low key. Just come, take a tour of the barn, hear staff talk about the various equine programs High Hopes offers and eat some delicious homemade chili. What could be more f un on a "chilly" winter day!! Show classesrun from ■ Monday thru Friday 9:30 am - 7:30 pm ■
Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm at High Hopes
This is a Free Event! Mark your calendar, the High Hopes Horse Show Days are coming!!!
Join usfor this veryspecialweekwhenour ridersshowoff their equestr ian skills to family,friendsandsupporters. Wehavea full weekplannedof ridingdemonstra tionsandevents.Special activitiesfor theweekinclude: • Awardsfor our participants • Refreshments & goodiesfor riders,familiesandfriends • A teacupraffleof goodsandservices • VIPguests,ribbonpresen ters andthe opportunityto highlightriderskillsfor families,neighbors,teachersand friends • A commemorat ive programfilledwith a schedule of the week'seventsalongwith the goodwishesof individualand businesshorseshowsupporters . Sponsored by the George C. Cain Memorial Fund
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SATURDAY June 9, 2012
for the event are Sandy Thurston & Dianne Embree and tfze_r/1ave put together afabulous commitLee who promise to create a uni qu e evening with great music in a spectacular setting.
at High .fl opes 'pastoral location in Old Lyme
lf_rou are int e rested in becoming a Co rporat e S pon so1· of this popular event or would lik e to rece ive an invitati o n plea se con I.act Alicia Barrows al 860-434-1974 x 23 or email abarrows @high hop es tr.org
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ESSEX SA\lNGS BANK AND ESSEX FINANCIAL SER,1CES \\1LL BETJ-IE E\'ENT'S SPONSORS
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For more informat£onon any of these events contact: Sara Qua, 860-434-1974 x 22 squa@highhopestr.org Winter/
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
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PAID Old Lyme, CT
High opes Therapeutic Riding, Inc.
Permit #1
Sis Gould Center for lherapeutic Riding 36 Town Woods Road Old Lyme, CT 06371
January9 January18 January20 January29 February6-8
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Spring Program Breek~1.10dasses Meeting Board of Tru~ Volunteer Orientation and itaining Balante andVlstial A~ntion - Volunteer Enrichment-Demonstration PATHIntl . Region1 (;OtJ_fere nce, Putney, VT Donor cocktail party and demonstration
May2 May12 May 18 May 19-25 May29-31
Volunteer Orientation and Training Volunteer Orientation and Training Big_Green Pizza Truck donor party & demo Horse Show Days PATHIntl. Advanced On-Site Certification
June 2 June 6 June 9 June 13 June 18 June 20 June 2S-28
Volunteer Orientation ~nd Training Volunteer Orientation and Training Symphony Volunteer O~entation and Training 6 week Summer Program begins Board of Trustees Meeting Summer Immersion Program
July S-7 July9-12
PATHIntl. Registered OSWC Summer Camp begins
August August August August
Horse Sense begins Volunteer Orientation and Training Volunteer Orientation and Training ITCStart •
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PATHIntl . Advanced Preparatory Workshop Chili Open House Volunteer Orientation and Training Yoga for the Special Child - Volunteer Enrichment Lecture 12 week Spring Program begins Volunteer Orientation and Training Vision Affecting Balance and Judgment of the Therapeutic Rider - Volunteer Enrichment lecture Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury - Volunteer Enrichment Lecture Volunteer Orientation and Training
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6-weekWinter ProgramSemesterbegins Boardof TrusteesMeeting DisabilityEtiquette- VolunteerEnrichmentlecture Tim HayesNaturalHorsemanship - VolunteerEnrichmentDemonstration
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September 19 September 23 October 14
Board of Trustees Meet i ng Lord Creek Farm Hunter Pace High Hopes Annual Meeting
Contributors to the High Hopes Rider Winter / Spring 2012 Contributors Kitty Stalsburg Chery l Heffernan Liz Adams, High Hopes Laura Brown Susan Shulman Sara Qua Lauren Fitzgerald Alicia Barrows Elizabeth Adams, Northeast Utilities Photos Michael Fanelli Daisy Winkel Holly Ridgway Editor Sue Chodorov Designer Linda Fiorentino EssexPrinting
This newsletter is underwritten
by