CURRENT HAPPENINGS
the ways YOU can stay connected!
Are you planning to meet friends at the Tewksbury Inn this winter? If so, be sure to order the Mane Stream Manhattan and we'll receive a $4 donation per cocktail ($2 from the Tewksbury Inn and $2 from Pinhook Bourbon). Is there a more festive way to support the organization you love? We don't think so!
Thank you PinhookBourbon !!
Everyone knows the used car market was at an all-time high last year. We were lucky enough to ride that wave when 9 generous people donated a total of 10 vehicles resulting in $19,647.77 for the Mane Stream mission.
Thank you donors!
Shawn Carty, Ruth Fanjoy, Leroy Hunninghake, Zohar Kfir, Barry Kirkpatrick (x2), Steven Messineo, Preston Postlethwaite, Saket Trivebi, and Patrick Wormser
Mane Stream volunteers are the heart and soul of the organization! How many times have we said it during our 50 People for 50 Years series? But it’s true, and we wouldn’t be here without them. When we think about our current dedicated team, there are a few names that come to mind, and one of them is Mary Ellen Yen. She’s a model volunteer who is super flexible, eager to learn, and willing to fit in wherever you need her. We also appreciate that she’s committed to volunteering at least once, and often, twice a week.
About five years ago Mary Ellen heard about Mane Stream from a friend, and since her retirement was on the horizon, she looked up the website as soon as she got home. “I knew this would be my next journey after retiring from Corporate America after 40+ years. I’m an animal lover and used to ride in high school. In college, as a special education major, I volunteered for many events for people with special needs. Mane Stream’s combination of two of my passions sealed the deal, and I started volunteering in September 2021!”
Since then Mary Ellen has racked up a total of 165 hours of service, in addition to numerous hours helping with our fundraising events, and she considers volunteering at Mane Stream a truly rewarding experience. “Being around and working with horses again is so therapeutic for me. The staff and volunteers are a pleasure to work with as everyone works together as a team. Watching the instructors and therapists working with the participants, watching them learn and improve, and the smiles on their faces makes it all worthwhile.”
Mary Ellen’s first impression of the organization was very positive. Since she hadn’t been around horses for many years, she had to re-learn pulling tack, grooming and tacking a horse. She shared, “I required assistance many times, and someone was always there willing to help with a smile on their face. NOW, I’m able to assist the new volunteers and enjoy helping them. It’s very gratifying to feel such a sense of accomplishment when I leave the farm. I know I have helped make an impact on the quality of life of a participant.”
When we asked about the people who Mary Ellen has worked with during her time at Mane Stream, she quickly mentioned the two special riders that she assists as a sidewalker. “I was fortunate to be paired with volunteers Debi DeLorenzo and Laura Edelson who have been assisting these riders for many years. They helped me learn the ropes which even included a little bit of sign language. I also really enjoy watching how the instructors Kelly and Gia work with them during their lessons. And I love viewing the progress made, it’s so encouraging.” Mary Ellen realizes that something so simple for some is such a challenge for them and the riders work so hard. At the end of the lesson, she feels fulfilled in knowing that the team has made a difference in the riders’ day. “It’s the best feeling!”
Mary Ellen also volunteers in therapy sessions with speech-language pathologist, Melanie Dominko-Richards. She noted, “Observing how Melanie works with the clients and how far they come by the end of the session is incredible.”
What’s Mary Ellen’s favorite part about being part of the Mane Stream Team? All of it! “Working with the amazing staff, volunteers, clients, and of course the herd. Everyone works well together and is willing to help out as needed, all the while having fun. And of course, seeing the positive impact Mane Stream has on the participants. The joy on their faces while riding the horses says it all.”
Mary Ellen has also helped out in an area that not many adult volunteers do – that’s volunteer at summer camp. Those who do are a special group and love to see the campers blossom. This past summer, Mary Ellen assisted several campers who have a variety of special needs. She noticed at times that some of the campers struggled to stay focused and participate. But when they were riding their horse she noticed how happy and focused, they became. They enjoyed pulling the tack, grooming, tacking and of course, painting the horses too. Mary Ellen was also impressed with Camp Director, Paige Ball, who always had plenty of daily tasks to keep the campers busy and engaged. “She did an excellent job at managing the many personalities and abilities during camp.”
And though Mary Ellen thinks each day at Mane Stream is special, one particular moment stands out in her mind. “I was volunteering at the Equus Gala this past fall and when the rider, Anna and her mother spoke about how Mane Stream has improved Anna’s quality of life (LINK TO EQUUS ARTICLE?). It brought a tear to my eye. Their speeches had such an impact on me and it really enforced how Mane Stream impacts our clients' lives in such amazing ways.”
While Mary Ellen thinks Mane Stream is pretty special we think the same about her! Director of Program Services, Jen Dermody says, “She's awesome and always upbeat! The way she interacts with the participants, volunteers, and staff adds a level of fun every time she volunteers.”
Thank you for your service Mary Ellen and we look forward to a bright future with you in our ranks!
As always, the cars started pouring in at 7:00 am, that’s a full HOUR before the doors actually opened on Saturday, November 6th for the Mane Stream Tack Sale.
According to Equine Manager, Jen Dermody, this was one of the largest Mane Stream Tack Sale EVER, resulting in $8,500 raised in 8 hours. There were great deals on a bunch of saddles and a mountain of winter blankets, but that isn’t the only reason why some people save this date months in advance and drive more than an hour to shop til you drop. This year, in addition to the TONS of generous donations from the surrounding horse community, we also had a substantial donation of NEW sheets, shoes, boots, bridles, girths, reins, and more from Weatherbeeta.
Thank you to everyone who helps spread the word about our Tack Sales, you made this one pretty EPIC! Tell your friends and share on social media - it makes a big impact. THANK YOU and keep it up!
Don’t forget Mane Stream accepts donations of tack and other horse related items ALL YEAR LONG. You can help make next year’s Tack Sale a success by donating now or setting up a tack drive at your barn or school!
Contact Jen Dermody jen@manestreamnj.org if you need to schedule a pick for large quantities.
We have finished tallying everything up and wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who donated on #GivingTuesday (11/29/22). In keeping with this year’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations, #GivingTuesday’s theme was 50 Items for 50 Years. The staff identified 50 ITEMS that the hard-working herd either uses daily or are found around the barn and farm. We then set a GOAL of $5,050 with the option to DONATE or SHOP our Amazon Wishlist. But we were really hoping people would do a bit of both!
Donors were able to follow the Mane Stream “store” map to discover all that it will take to keep the Mane Stream Herd happy, healthy, and ready for work in 2023.
Late in the day, incoming donations increased and we were extremely excited to achieve our goal all because of generous people like YOU!
We hope everyone enjoyed “shopping” for the herd while getting to know everything it takes to keep the horses happy and healthy on the farm. If you missed #GivingTuesday you can still MAKE A DONATION in support of our amazing herd.
And one last really HUGE thanks from all of us to all our #GivingTuesday donors!
(made via Facebook & the Mane Stream Website)
Cynthia Barkman, Louisa Bartok, Molly Ben-Menachem, Christine Brenner, Laura Brucker, Felicer Ciccione, Mary Beth Cisneros, Patricia Colbert, Linda Condit, Owen Confer, Terry Connell, Margaret Conroy, Carol Coriell, Nancy Cunningham, Claudia Dey, Mary Dickey, John Dickey, Caroline Gaffney, Nina Higgins, Jane Hylicke, IT Radix (Coloff & Verge), Karen Kaufhold, Dana King, Elke Phillips, Evelyn Piazza, Jeanne Rogalin, Andrea Stepnosky, Alex Taylor, and Mary Ellen Yen
AMAZON WISHLIST DONORS
Thank you to everyone who purchased items on Amazon. We won't know who the kind souls are until we get the items - but we THANK YOU TOO!
It’s been a super busy year and our hard-working herd has made their list for Santa. Barn Manager, Anna has checked it twice to make sure they didn’t leave anything off. And then for good measure, the staff have added a few things for certain programs.
Now, all that’s needed is for some kind souls (that’s you) to do a little online shopping to make the season merry and bright. Check out the Mane Stream Holiday Wishlist.
SAVE THE DATE:
Come celebrate our 50th Anniversary at
“Jingle and Mingle” Holiday Open House
December 20th from 4:30-6:30pm
There will be lots of shenanigans as usual, for sure!
For #ThrowbackThursday this week we are honoring Abby Clay Rutgers. A tiny spitfire of a girl who despite being born with a severe heart defect learned to walk, trot and canter at Mane Stream (then Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center) from 1991-2001.
Her love of horses all started because of My Little Pony and though she loved all sports and cheered her friends on at their events she was unable to participate until she found riding. The years she spent learning to ride formed her direction for her college where she studied practical horse management, theories of riding, methods of teaching equine science, nutrition, and physiology at Centenary College.
(photos taken during the demo at the 2000 ribbon cutting ceremony of the 83 Old Turnpike facility)
While there, Abby re-connected with Mane Stream's founder, Octavia Brown, who had become a faculty member at the time. By her last year, Abby became an assistant instructor, teaching riders without disabilities.
Director of Therapy Services, Melanie Dominko-Richards fondly remembers one specific trail ride in Cold Brook Preserve. The group of instructors and most advanced students were getting ready to canter up the hill back to the barn, when Abby and her pony Rocket came galloping by; Abby had the biggest smile on her face! That amazing sense of freedom from riding was later replaced by driving her Mustang convertible when she was no longer able to ride.
In honor of her passing at the age of 22, the Abby Clay Rutgers Memorial Award is awarded to the high-point independent rider at Mane Stream's annual horse show. Twenty years later this impressive trophy is the most coveted of all awards.
Director of Therapy Services, Melanie Dominko-Richards fondly remembers one specific trail ride in Cold Brook Preserve. The group of instructors and most advanced students were getting ready to canter up the hill back to the barn when Abby and her pony Rocket came galloping by; Abby had the biggest smile on her face! That amazing sense of freedom from riding was later replaced by driving her Mustang convertible when she was no longer able to ride.
Many times, new projects bring new people to an organization. And so, in 2005, then President of the Board, Gayle Conover, asked Kathy Kamine to help with the construction of the new barn at the new facility on 83 Old Turnpike Rd. (now Mane Stream). The additional ask to volunteer with therapy sessions would soon follow.
Kathy felt it was most rewarding to see the progress clients made in their therapy sessions all while sharing the love of the horse. “These horses have such great souls and seem to thrive in their partnerships with clients as much as any athletic partnership of horse and rider.”
An avid equestrian herself, having bred and trained some of the world’s best show jumpers over the past 25+ years, Kathy has developed bonds with many of the Mane Stream herd. She even took Axel, one of our hard-working Norwegian Fjord horses, home to her nearby farm when he was ready for retirement.
Kathy joined the Board in 2008 and has held a variety of positions including Assistant Secretary and Vice President during her tenure. A long-time supporter of Mane Stream’s fundraising events, Kathy’s enthusiasm for our mission rubbed off on her two sons, Matt and Justin, who have helped with our Boot Scootin’ BBQ. They did everything from helping with set-up to encouraging their friends to attend the event and learn more about our programs.
Kathy and her husband, Hal, have been extremely generous for years but undoubtedly one of their most generous acts, that has had the greatest impact on the organization and its riders, has been providing exclusive access to their indoor arena, stalls, and paddocks for 5 months out of the year since 2016. Jen Dermody, Equine Manager, and Head Instructor states, “The Kamines let us run our adaptive riding program at their farm as if it were our own. This makes the transfer between locations as seamless as possible and provides our participants with the consistency that they thrive on, allowing them to continue to build on their skills without months of interruption.”
Kathy’s hope for Mane Stream is, “To continue to serve the community with high standards of practice while continuing to adapt to the needs of every client.”
Thank you to Kathy and the whole Kamine Family!
50 People for 50 Years: Linda Dietz, Board Member & Former Volunteer
As a rider, Linda knows firsthand what time spent with a horse can do for a person’s well-being. “I know that I can go to the barn feeling stressed or depressed or just tired, and all those feelings dissipate after just a few minutes with a horse. Even if all I do is groom.”
While riding one day back in 2010 with friend and Mane Stream Trustee Emeritus, Ralph Tursini, he encouraged her to volunteer at Mane Stream. In the middle of a home renovation and a brand-new business, her initial thought of “Where will I ever find the time?” was a real consideration. But all it took was one visit and she knew this would be one of most enjoyable and rewarding experiences of her life. “The clients, no matter their abilities and challenges, are inspirational. Helping people meet goals, whether through therapy or adaptive riding, is seriously life-changing.”
After a couple of years of volunteering in program, Ralph asked Linda to join the Board of Directors. Over the years, Linda has experienced both the highs and lows at Mane Stream. Linda remembers, “My greatest challenge as a Board member came when I was President of the Board and we were suddenly left without an Executive Director, and I had to step into that role. We were facing a critical time and had to make some tough decisions. It was a lot of work, but I really got to know and appreciate our incredible staff. They came together with our equally incredible board members and together we turned the ship around and managed to sail into calmer seas.”
Linda mentions the incredible staff and the staff feels equally indebted to Linda for the almost daily visits to the office, countless hours utilizing her business acumen, and lending both financial and mental support, all given freely during that year and a half. Ready to hand over the reins, Linda remembers fondly when Mane Stream did eventually find the perfect Executive Director, Trish Hegeman, to replace her.
Over the years, Linda has been extremely generous in so many ways. Can you imagine hosting a BBQ fundraiser for 300+ people at your own farm? Linda has done just that for several years, enduring huge tents, valet parking, and all that goes into hosting one of Mane Stream’s largest fundraisers of the year. Thank you Linda and Red Tail Farm!
Also, very adroit at the microphone, Linda enjoys sharing the stories that bring Mane Stream’s mission to life. She speaks annually at our Equus gala, talking about a former participant and his enduring impact on the organization through the giving pyramid named for him. She and her husband Alvin, often start the donations for the pyramid, leading by example and encouraging others to join them.
As she continues on the Board, Linda feels there is still so much to do. “I think Mane Stream is an amazing place where so many people are helped in countless ways. There are other places that offer some of what Mane Stream does. But no facility offers as much as we do. I want to see Mane Stream grow and expand our offerings to more people. And I want to see more of our community know who we are and support us.”
Linda has so many great memories of volunteering and working with the staff and her fellow Board Members, both past and present. For Linda it has always been about community service and charitable giving, “Good people, and good friends all.”
Thank you for everything Linda!! Where would we be without you?!
Mane Stream lost a member of our family, Ralph E. Tursini, Trustee Emeritus, on October 3, 2022. Ralph joined Mane Stream (then Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center) over 20 years ago and quickly became a dedicated program volunteer. His love of horses may have been the reason he came to the farm, but it was the participants and the mission that kept him involved for so many years. Ralph served on the Board from 2003 – 2019, many of those years as the Treasurer.
Executive Director, Trish Hegeman stated, “Kind, generous, dedicated, funny, passionate, and smart are a few of the words that come to mind when I think about Ralph. He was the Board Treasurer when I joined Mane Stream as Executive Director and was committed to ensuring that Mane Stream's finances were in good shape. His love of riding and horses was obvious and he was thrilled when his granddaughter started riding. I consider myself very lucky to have been able to know him and work with him.”
Another staff member who worked closely with Ralph for many years, Jeanne Schroder, Business Manager noted, “He was known for his financial reporting knowledge and attention to detail, which provided a welcome confidence in the accuracy and health of the organization’s financial picture. Ralph was always willing to answer and was especially good at asking questions. He had an eye for detail which served the organization very well during his tenure as Treasurer and set us up for success when he retired from the position.”
Current Board member and former Board President, Linda Dietz, recalled, “Ralph is the person responsible for bringing me to Mane Stream and inviting me to join the board. He was absolutely devoted to the organization and he was a dear friend. He rode my horses and we often rode together. I have wonderful memories of flying through the woods on hunter paces jumping things we had no business even thinking about. He was fun, courageous, brilliant, and loving.”
Mary Dickey, Board Assistant Secretary, shared, “I have such happy memories of this lovely gentleman. When I joined the Mane Stream Board, he was so gracious and so welcoming to me. I felt as though I had found a mentor in my new role.” Current Board Secretary, Jeanne Rogalin, remembered, “In my short time of knowing Ralph a few things were certain...his smile was infectious, kindness contagious and his love for his family and Mane Stream always apparent.” Fellow Board member Kathy Kamine commented “What a kind and smart man Ralph was. He was so welcoming to me when I first became active in Mane Stream.”
Karen Kaufhold, Board President stated, “Ralph was a wonderful Board member of Mane Stream and I remember him holding the position of Treasurer. He was always hard-working, concerned, and conscientious about Mane Stream’s financial well-being. I also remember Ralph always being there to lend a helping hand setting up for Equus. He was a very kind, sweet, and wonderful man who truly loved Mane Stream and will be greatly missed.”
As a program volunteer, Ralph brought his passion for our population along with his extensive equestrian experience to years of volunteer shifts in weekly program and many annual Horse Shows. He dearly loved sharing his love of horses with our participants and developed strong friendships with many of the Mane Stream volunteers.
One such friend is Cynthia Barkman, Vice President of the Board of Directors. Cynthia was eager to share, “Many people have mentioned how kind, fun, and smart Ralph was and that is certainly true. I have all those same memories of Ralph but there are two others that I am blessed to have in my memories. As many know, there are very few men who volunteer in program. At the time Ralph was volunteering, it was just Ralph and a Board Member named Russ. Ralph had a wonderful connection with all the riders and was definitely the favorite of our little boys. During adaptive lessons, I can’t tell you how many times I would hear a little guy look around and say, ‘where’s Ralph?’ And it wasn’t just the little guys, there were tons of little girls who were smitten as well. Ralph projected warmth and safety and our youngest riders were drawn to him like a bee to the hive.”
Cynthia continues, “And not long after I was asked to join the Board, I was approached about being Assistant Treasurer – Ralph was the Treasurer. Easily, there were members of the Board with a deeper financial background than me and I expressed my reluctance to Ralph. He immediately put me at ease, and coached me through the analysis of a P&L and Balance Sheet and I happily served as his assistant for as long as he was Treasurer. But I only felt confident taking that position because I knew there would be no question too dumb to ask Ralph and he had the patience of a saint. Once Ralph retired from the Board, my husband, Ron and I looked forward to seeing Ralph and Bonnie at fundraising events and I’m so glad to have those memories as well.”
That brings us to Ralph’s support of all the fundraising events over the years, from golf outings to spring events to Equus galas. Board Member multi-year Event Committee Chair Marianne Saladino remembers Ralph as a consistent fixture at them all. “I particularly remember that he would always help hang up any artwork we received for the (Equus) silent auctions.”
And though we have many more memories of Ralph, current Board Treasurer, Steve Bezer has summed it up concisely, “Ralph had a heart of gold and was such a pleasure to work with, and he loved Mane Stream so much! We’ll miss him a ton.”
