Passion, Generosity and Building Mane Stream

The Legacy of Helen Gordon

Helen Gordon with former Volunteer Coordinator, Carol Ferris at the 2006 Horse Show.

Through the years there have been people who have been pivotal in Mane Stream’s history; those who have believed so strongly in our mission and programs that worked tirelessly to ensure Mane Stream’s success. Helen Gordon was one of those people. A lifelong equestrian and community philanthropist, Helen Gordon joined Mane Stream’s [then Somerset Hills Handicapped Riders Club] Board of Directors in 1991 and served until 2008, for many of those years she was President of the Board. Helen’s dedication to Mane Stream and her important role is revealed by memories of friends who knew her.

 Octavia Brown, Mane Stream’s founder, suggested Helen join the Board of Directors, “Helen joined the Board of SHHRC when it was still at my farm in Bedminster. She was a very active member of the local community, serving on the Board of what was then the U.S. Equestrian Team. Helen hunted with the Essex Fox Hunt and knew everyone in the equestrian community locally and nationally on a first name basis. She traveled often to international [equestrian] events in Europe and the USA.”

Another good friend of Helen’s was Sheila Tweedie, "Helen Gordon was an absolute class act. She was an ardent supporter of the program and brought many of her friends along to support  Mane Stream over the years. I served on other Boards locally with her and she never missed an opportunity to promote the program to other groups. She was a good friend, always ready with sage and sensible advice and I miss her."

Helen speaking at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Helen came to the Mane Stream Board with a lot of community-based fundraising experience and she knew how a non-profit Board should run. It was said that when Helen walked into a room, and the conversation was about a local nonprofit’s financial need, people just got out their checkbooks before Helen could make a formal ask.  According to Octavia, “She also made sure that any special event had lots of local people on the committee who would support it nicely.”

 Octavia also shared, “Helen and I teamed up to find a new home for SHHRC [Mane Stream], raise funds to purchase the property, and then, as I was moving on to Centenary University, Helen led the capital campaign to build the new center. When Helen believed in a cause, she gave it her whole attention and energy and it is safe to say Mane Stream would not have the facility it has today without her efforts.” It is true that Helen was the driving force behind locating the property and raising the money to build the building that is Mane Stream’s home today.

 Jill Thomas, a former Board Member and volunteer remembers, “Helen had a sweet smile and was always kind and generous with her words. She would always be firm in her suggestions, which were right on, as well as being a very knowledgeable horsewoman. When Helen had hip surgery several years ago she continued to ride her beloved Nelson. Quite a strong and admired woman by all.”   

 Helen retired from the Mane Stream Board after 17 years and relocated to Connecticut. She passed away in 2018 at the age of 93. She was mourned by many from the equestrian community as well as close friends from Mane Stream. When Helen believed in a cause, she gave it her whole attention and energy and Mane Stream is certainly the beneficiary of her efforts. As her final generous fundraising effort for Mane Stream, Helen left us a generous bequest in her will. Almost every year Mane Stream receives funds from bequests made by former volunteers and community members. These gifts are often a wonderful surprise for us and make a positive impact on all of our programs and participants.

Summer Spirit Wear

Get ready to shop more 50th Anniversary gear!

This time you will be sporting the NEW 1 color 50th logo with tone-on-tone ink. You’ll find a selection of items for men, women, and even 2 styles for the kids. We didn’t want to limit your wardrobe so we added a few different colors to the usual Mane Stream blue, black, and grey.

Remember, spirit wear isn’t just for volunteering at the barn. Show your spirit at the gym, school, and in everyday living. Take a peek and get shopping in support of Mane Stream.

The online store closes at midnight, Monday, June 6th so don't delay! Clothing can be picked up after June 27th - just in time for CAMP!!

Can't Thank YOU Enough!

2022 National Volunteer Appreciation

The 3rd week of April is traditionally National Volunteer Appreciation Week but with weather cancelations, Spring Break for the horses and volunteers alike a week just wasn’t enough time to celebrate and spotlight so we took the whole month!

2022 is our 50th Anniversary and we have been looking back and reminiscing about all the fun times and growth of the organization (have you been following along?). That’s why this year we brought back an old tagline... “Mane Stream Volunteers are Hot to Trot!” A play on words because we know our volunteers are often jogging here and there, up and back all afternoon long. Several of our most tried and true program volunteers continue to help out several times a week as the pandemic keeps others from returning. We thank them for sticking with us and hope to continue to grow our volunteer base throughout the summer. We couldn’t do it without you!

Each day the volunteers were treated to a spread of snacks and drinks, including an oldie but a goodie, pretzel rolo bites. Additionally, 50th Anniversary Mason jar mugs filled with candy were presented to everyone as a small token of our esteem.

Managing the volunteer schedule is a hard job. As the 1st Volunteer Coordinator, Carol Ferris stated in her recent “spotlight article”, “It’s the Giant Jigsaw Puzzle of Constantly Changing Pieces”. It requires the volunteers to be flexible, super flexible, and thank goodness they are. The staff thinks the volunteers are amazing and the participants do too!

Thank you to everyone who volunteered during Volunteer Appreciation Month! Additionally, thanks go out to another 150 or so who help throughout the year with on-site programs and annual fundraisers. Without their commitment to our programs, Mane Stream would not be able to provide the consistent level of care our participants require.

Finally, we must thank all the volunteers that take pride in keeping our herd looking good. We know time spent in the barn is YOUR therapy but the horses truly adore you and all the LOVE you shower upon them.

Puffy Paint, Costumes, and a Serious Heart of Gold

50 People for 50 Years: Anne Davenport, Volunteer

Anne Davenport with Norwegian Fjord, Beyra at the 2001 Horse Show.

It was a sign in King’s Market, “looking for volunteers” that caught Anne’s eye. She and her husband had just moved back from Tokyo and Anne was deciding what to do. “When I saw this flyer, I knew this was something I wanted to do. I have been riding horses, off and on, since I was a little girl and I loved being around horses.” Growing up, Anne’s best friend had a sister with Down’s Syndrome and Anne always enjoyed spending time with them, helping out when she could.  So, the combination of horses and therapy at Mane Stream seemed like a win-win! It is the successes of the clients, no matter how small, that keep Anne volunteering year after year at Mane Stream. “Working with the same clients over many weeks allows me to see the improvement. It is really exciting when some clients are able to move from therapy to adaptive [riding].”

Anne has mainly volunteered on the therapy services side of business at Mane Stream and has worked with a lot of wonderful therapists, including Gina Taylor and Melanie Dominko-Richards. “When I started volunteering, Mel was just a little girl and was also a volunteer. I was so shocked when I saw her back at the barn and she was a grown woman, and was working at Mane Stream.”

Melanie Dominko-Richards, Director of Therapy Services MS, CCC-SLP, HPCS was quick to share, "I am not sure who has more fun during a therapy session, the therapy clients or Anne! From her endless supply of Mane Stream spirit wear personalized with puffy-paint, to her endless supply of Halloween costumes, Anne brings so much happiness and joy to each session. However, when needed, Anne is a great horsewoman who enjoys being with the horses just as much. Her attentiveness to their needs and moods on any given day is such a help to therapists."

Anne cannot remember the first year she began volunteering at Mane Stream (our records only go back to 2006, but this photo may have been taken around 2001!), but she does remember when her three-year old son needed speech therapy that was done is a traditional classroom setting and how different therapy at Mane Stream was. “The use of hippotherapy (the use of the horse’s movement during a session) takes therapy (OT, PT, SLP) to a different level. I feel the horse takes them out of the traditional setting and allows them to not even realize that they are in therapy.”

Anne also has the knack of knowing what Mane Stream needs and often before we even know we need it. She’s been known to bring in a brand new western pad, which she purchased from the local tack shop, because… “Mane Stream needed a new one and aren’t the colors great?!” OR “It was on sale!” She’s also been known to take a spare 45 minutes if a client cancels at the last minute to tackle weeding projects. She’s one of those special volunteers who likes to keep busy and the busier she is the happier it seems to make her.

Thank you, Anne for being such a bright light of the organization!

We're WINNERS

Winners and 1st FINALISTS in Hunterdon Happenings 2022!

Thank you to everyone who voted for Mane Stream in two categories! We were excited and humbled to find out recently that our EQUUS 50th Anniversary Gala won for BEST FUNDRAISER and Mane Stream was also the 1st FINALIST for BEST CHARITY.

What an added bonus to find out during National Volunteer Appreciation Week! We couldn't do what we do without the hundreds of volunteers each year.

50/50 Raffle Tickets Now on Sale

1 FOR $5   5 FOR $10   15 FOR $20

The winning ticket will be pulled at the Boots on Bourbon Street at Red Tail Farm in Bedminster on May 21st at 10pm but you need not be present to win. 

4 easy ways to
purchase your tickets:

Call the office at 908-439-9636
or
Stop by the office before 5/20
or
Mail your check to Mane Stream
PO Box 305 Oldwick, NJ 08858
or
Come to Boots on Bourbon Street
(Do you have your tickets yet?)

DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!!

For questions regarding raffle tickets or the Boots on Bourbon Street event please contact:
Jen Dermody at Jen@manestreamnj.org  OR  908.439.9636

Getting together with good friends, while making a difference.

50 People for 50 Years: Volunteer, Stacy Megna in her own words…

Stacy Megna, heading Dart for a Speech-Language Pathology Session

I love horses and was always trying to find a way to work with them. Through a work colleague, I found out about SHHRC (now Mane Stream). So, I attended an orientation and I really liked what I heard so I became a volunteer and was a regular Wednesday night volunteer for many years. 

I have so many great memories and met so many really wonderful people and of course horses. Some of the volunteers I met in my first couple of years are still good friends today. And there are so many horses who will always be unforgettable, Beyra, Minnie, Goldie, Dunkin, Sara, Justin, Dart, Annalise, Prince, are just a few of the ones I loved working with.

I became a volunteer because I wanted to work with horses but what turned out to be one of the most rewarding and fun experiences was working with the kids. I met little ones at 3 years old that I saw grow up and become strong young adults. It was amazing to be part of a team of instructors, therapists, volunteers, and horses that worked together to help kids with some of the most difficult challenges they had to face. Seeing the kids overcome challenges and improve each week was wonderful and we would have so much fun during the lessons. What I loved about volunteering at Mane Stream is that it felt like you were getting together with good friends each week while you made a difference in someone's life.

I had never long-lined [leading the horse from behind using long-lines during therapy sessions] before joining Mane Stream and I really loved doing that. One time when I was warming up one of the horses, getting ready for the session, she spooked at something and took off running. Remembering my training to always keep control of the horse, I held onto the long-lines trying to keep up with her and slow her down. Well, I was no match for her and I eventually lost my balance and had to let go which made her stop right away. I looked up to see my fellow volunteers with a look of concern on their faces as they asked if I was OK. I assured them I was fine and then they all busted out laughing. They said I looked like Superman flying in the air behind a horse as my feet left the ground. We still laugh about that today. 

50 years is an incredible accomplishment! I’m glad I was a part of its history and I miss it.

Enthusiasm for Everything Mane Stream

50 PEOPLE FOR 50 YEARS: Nancy Grossweiller, Volunteer

Nancy’s enthusiasm has led to crazy shenanigans!

Nancy cannot remember exactly when she drove down Oldwick Road and saw the “Volunteers Needed” sign at Mane Stream. At that time, Mane Stream was still known as Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center and Nancy was ready to get involved. Whether it is Summer Camp, therapy sessions, or adaptive riding lessons, Nancy does it all. She did say though, “I love summer camp and think that some of my favorite memories involve camp. I loved the trail rides and western day, and I love tie-dye day, the messier the better!”

Nancy also assists with the spring event and fall gala. She enjoys brainstorming with the committees and the events are great fun. Jen Dermody, Event Coordinator, truly values Nancy’s contributions as part of the team and stated, “Nancy is a wonderful asset and ambassador for Mane Stream. She is ready and willing to help in any way and at any moment to make any event a success.”

Over the years Nancy has seen many riders literally grow up at Mane Stream. “It’s an absolute statement to the benefits of the programs to see the enjoyment and progress of the individuals.” Rebecca Jablonski, former Volunteer Coordinator was quick to interject, “We know how long Nancy has volunteered with Mane Stream. It’s lucky number 13 and she has over 2,000 hours of service not including all the hours spent soliciting for silent auction items! Nancy can be found doing anything and everything possible to help make sure the organization is fully supported from programming to events. Her enthusiasm for the Mane Stream mission never ceases to amaze those around her.”

Nancy mentioned that she receives so much joy and satisfaction from volunteering, and from the friendships she has made with other volunteers and staff. Nancy’s impression over the years is that, “no matter the struggles, everyone works together to keep Mane Stream marching on!”

Finally, our Director of Therapy Services, Melanie Dominko-Richards, MS, CCC-SLP, HPCS, who has worked with Nancy for many years commented, “Nancy is a long-time member of our therapy services team. Her enthusiasm has led to crazy shenanigans - from her collection of colorful, patterned Wellies to her creative naming of therapy equipment, where the lunge whip is called the tickle stick. Nancy is a ray of sunshine.”  

Thank you Nancy!

The Giant Jigsaw Puzzle of Constantly Changing Pieces

50 People for 50 Years: Carol Ferris, former Volunteer, Instructor, and 1st Volunteer Coordinator

 Carol Ferris first began at SHHRC (now Mane Stream) as a volunteer when the program was housed at Octavia Brown’s (our founder) farm. With a lifelong love of horses and an educational background in Speech Pathology, Audiology, and a M.S. in Education of the Hearing Impaired, this volunteer opportunity was “the perfect blend of my lifelong love of horses and my experience with & interest in working with individuals with disabilities.”

 At that time there were no formal training sessions for volunteers, so training was “on the job”, which proved a bit daunting for Carol at first. She remembers, “Although I had some experience with horses, I never had the opportunity to learn how to tack up, and remember the first time putting the halter on upside down under Octavia ‘s watchful eye.” Of course, Octavia set Carol straight, and before long Carol caught on to things and quickly fell in love with volunteering. “I was thrilled to be a part of improving riders’ confidence in themselves and loved the fact that increasing their strength & dexterity through riding carried over into their daily lives. And being responsible for someone’s safety was a responsibility I took very seriously. I loved being around the horses and was really pleased that the volunteers were encouraged to take riding lessons from Octavia. She felt that this helped us to get to know the horses on a deeper level, enabling us to work more effectively with them.”

As sometimes happens in growing non-profit organizations, Carol was asked to help out in the office for a few hours twice a week. From there, as Octavia had done with others, she encouraged Carol to become an instructor. She took classes at Centenary College under the direction of Octavia and achieved the goal all while watching her daughters play sports, and studying between games. Carol always felt that being an important member of the team, consisted of the horse, rider, instructor, and volunteer in equal parts. The more knowledge and experience the team had, the better.

This concept and model helped Carol to create Mane Stream’s volunteer program as the first Volunteer Coordinator (eventually becoming a full-time employee). Carol knew how important it was to put a good team together in order to provide the safest and most beneficial environment for the riders. “I felt it was vital to develop a more structured and comprehensive volunteer orientation and training program, stressing the importance of safety, the responsibilities of being a volunteer, combined with the knowledge and support a new volunteer needed in order to become a confident member of the team.”

Carol remembers a spook incident while she was volunteering. “As the rider slid off towards me, the only thing I could think of to do was to break her fall, so I managed to position myself underneath her & down we both went. Luckily, she was just fine, and as we both got over our shock, we began laughing hysterically and it was several minutes before we managed to untangle ourselves, and retrieve her prosthetic leg (which was still attached to the horse) & get off the ground.”  These types of learning experiences resulted in the creation of a training video (created in partnership with HRH (Health and Recreation Through Horses of New Jersey) which is still being used at some NJ affiliates today. (take a peek at Carol’s “cell phone” at 2:50min and guess who makes an appearance at 22:06 and 22:18?)

When asked what was the most challenging parts of being our Volunteer Coordinator, she replied, “Putting together a schedule that had volunteers with the necessary experience and skill level to fill the right spots. I always felt like I was working a giant jigsaw puzzle with constantly changing puzzle pieces.”

In the following years, Carol valued ALL of her volunteers and celebrated their efforts by hosting an annual Volunteer Appreciation Party with a different creative theme each year. “It was so much fun to see how pleased the volunteers were to receive their little plastic trophies, ribbons, certificates, and sashes and to have their photos taken on the podium.” 

Being a part of the Mane Stream team for so many years was a very special time in Carol’s life. Each of her daughters volunteered as well as her husband helped with special events. Carol reflects, “Life-long friends were made and everyone shared the common goal of helping individuals who faced challenges in their daily lives. It made all of us realize how fortunate we are.”

We honor Carol’s many years of service this week on National Volunteer Appreciation Week 2022. The processes put in place years ago are the bedrock of what is used today at Mane Stream. Thank you, Carol!

Any Worries, Fade into the Background When I’m Volunteering

50 People for 50 Years: Barbara Burke, Volunteer

Volunteer Barbara Burke sidewalking for a PT Session with her favorite pony, Ian the Fjord.

Wow, it’s almost 18 years since I started volunteering! When I left AT&T after 24 years I was too young to stop working but I knew I wanted to incorporate regular volunteering into my life. Thanks to a search for “working with animals” and “working with people” on Volunteer Match the opportunity came up with Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center (now Mane Stream). I’m so glad I did!

I love horses and used to ride as a child, so it’s fun to be around our horses and ponies, and to help care for them and prepare them for their important work with clients. I love their different personalities and quirks. That part, I expected to love, and I do.

What I didn’t realize, was how much I would love working with our clients! It is SO rewarding I have seen children get stronger, calmer, more outgoing, and more verbally proficient. I’ve seen adults who light up when they get on that horse. Working with the same clients for an extended time enables me to see their growth and form relationships with them, which have been really special. I watched one client grow over the years into a beautiful young woman with skills I never could have imagined. One of my favorite clients is a young man named Charlie. One freezing day I was sidewalking with him, and his pant leg rode up exposing his bare leg. So, I said, “Charlie, you need to wear nice warm socks! Ones that come up farther!” Well, ever since then, it became a standing joke with us that he would show me his socks every single week and say “Check out my socks, Barb!” Little moments like that warm my heart.

From the start, I was, and continue to be, impressed with the professionalism of what we do at Mane Stream. Staff are fully credentialed and absolutely know their stuff. They are always willing to explain what we are doing and why (we’ve had interesting continuing education over the years too.)  I know that the instructors keep up with the very latest in the field, and it shows. It’s great to work with an organization that is known for its excellence and results. I would say in the earlier years it felt a bit more “homey” because things were smaller but as the organization grows and changes you know you are always making a difference!

As for the volunteers…they are fantastic. Everyone is upbeat and friendly. I’ve become friends with many over the years. For a period of time about 10 years ago, we had a group called Team Friday: Anika, Jay and me as therapy volunteers; Angela Rodrigues as speech therapist; and Jen Dermody as instructor. That was the “dream team” and we had so much fun every week. Anika made us all Team Friday T-shirts. I still have mine! Those same bonds that are formed can be hard if a client or instructor moves on, or I switch sessions, or a horse is retired – I really miss them! But there is always someone new to get to know.

Speaking of horses, I have to give a shout out to my favorite horse, Ian, who is a Norwegian Fjord who was retired a few years ago. He was a sweet, fuzzy teddy bear of a horse who I still miss. Prince, a pony with more personality than some of the people I know, and the Fjord Beyra, “the queen of the barn” who liked to sleep in her stall and wouldn’t get up no matter what.

The other thing I remember with a smile is Nikki who would call when she needed me to substitute, saying “This is the begging and pleading line calling!” I love the sense of purpose I get from being able to help. And, when I’m at Mane Stream, I’m in the moment. Any worries or cares I brought in, fade into the background when I’m volunteering.

When I first started volunteering, I had no idea I would get so much out of the experience myself. I’ve worked to “spread the word” by bringing my work group here for our “corporate cares day” and my colleagues still talk about how fun and rewarding it was to help out at Mane Stream, even for a day!

I can honestly say that being a volunteer at Mane Stream has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my life.

Barb has tallied up over 1,000 hours of service so far. Thank you Barb!