Providing Support & Consistency Through the Years

50 People for 50 Years: Kathy Kamine, Board Member and Former Volunteer

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!

The Business Woman with a Heart of Gold

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?!

Remembering Ralph E. Tursini

50 People for 50 Years: Ralph E. Tursini

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.”

Rutgers Study Looking for Male Participants

Share the News:
Rutgers Equine Science Center study

Effects of Equine Assisted Activities on Veteran with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Research Study

Study Participants will be compensated
looking for both veteran and non-veteran males

Are you a male combat veteran?
Are you a non-veteran male who would like to help veterans?

The Equine Science Center is looking for both veteran and non-veteran males between the ages of 18 and 75 to participate in a research study on the effects of equine assisted activities on veterans with PTSD.

For more information contact:
Ellen Rankins, Study Coordinator
848.932.3761 or RutgersEAAT@NJAES.Rutgers.edu


Celebrating Our 50th Anniversary at the USET!

The EQUUS Gala is always the most glamorous event of the year and this year was no exception. Celebrating Mane Stream’s 50th Anniversary made it even more special with the chance to show gratitude and thanks to everyone who made it possible! From the moment the guests arrived at the USET (United States Equestrian Team) on October 1st was like coming home once again.

It has been 20 years since Mane Stream last celebrated at this historic location which was definitely a draw for many of the 250 attendees. Greeted with a glass of bubbly, as guests in festive formal attire walked through the grand arch into the octagon rotunda with fired brick walls and floors, decorated with plaques from international competitions. The Cheers to 50 Years Cocktail hour continued as guests wandered through the aisles of the varnished hardwood stalls with brass finials perusing the selection of silent auction items and live auction experiences. Layered amidst the grandeur were a 50-year timeline and large color posters of riders, therapy clients, and volunteers showing Mane Stream’s mission at work.

When it was time for dinner, guests moved down to the transformed indoor arena. (Who took the groovy party bus?)  From the forest of trees and bushes provided by Country Nursery of Chester to the chandeliers and twinkling lights, the stage was set for an evening of dinner and dancing.

To commemorate the visionaries of the past, this year in attendance were Octavia Brown (SHHRC founder), Tracy Cole, Octavia’s 1st rider, Sheri Marino, MA, CC-SLP, the organization’s 1st therapist, and Karen Bocksel, former Executive Director, While additional important industry partners included, Kathy Alm, CEO of PATH Intl. , Adria Peterson, Assistant Executive Director of AHA, Inc., Major George Paffendorf, HRH of NJ Board President, Bonnie Jenkins, Executive Director at the USET, and Maureen Pethick, Communication & Facilities Coordinator at the USET.

After honoring the people of the past, current adaptive rider Anna, took the stage giving a heartwarming and comedic description of how time at Mane Stream is helping her body become stronger which helps to increase her speech capabilities.

Energetic auctioneer, Charles Antin did a fabulous job getting the crowd pumped up and bidding on those previously mentioned live auction experiences. Then it was time for Charles to start off Adam Friedland’s Helping Hands Pyramid. Spurred on by Anna’s compelling story the generous giving of partygoers raised enough funds to support the many programs offered including adaptive riding, therapy services (OT, PT, and Speech-Language), Summer Camp, Horses for Healing for those living with cancer, and the many field trip groups who visit all year long. 

The vision and tireless work of the committee co-chairs, Laura Brucker, Emily Maillet Kellogg, and Marianne Walsh Saladino, and the whole gala committee came together resulting in a truly special evening worthy of celebrating the 50-year accomplishment of providing consistent, quality programming for the local special needs community. And take note the dance floor was rocking right up until 11pm!

THANK YOU to everyone who gave generously this year, especially our Sponsors and Underwriters!

 

EQUUS COMMITTEE

Co-Chairs: Laura Brucker, Emily Maillet Kellogg, Marianne Saladino

Penelope Ayers, Kristin Brucker, Lora Butler, Erin Chesson, Debra Chipman, Marcella Criscola, Jill Dolan, Dawn Drozjock, Elizabeth Durden, Amy Durling, Carolyn Fahey, Stephanie Glickman, Shelby Godfrey, Sarah Gore, Jazz Johnson, Rachel Kalafer, Karen Kaufhold, Kelley Ketterson, Michelle Lawse, Nancy McCaffrey, Priscilla Miller, Jill Moriarty, Jamie Murphy, Liz Nardone, Trish Reiter, Betsy Parman, Kristen Sameth, Tanya Sameth, Liz Sobel, Maria Takacs, Ali Thebault, Kim Turiansky, Rael Welsh

EVENT VOLUNTEERS

Kyle Boylan, Tina Corcoran, Debi Delorenzo, Juliet Dermody, Tom Dermody, Nancy Grossweiler, Michelle Geise, Grace Harvey, Kerry Scholz, Mary Ellen Yen,

EQUUS SPONSORS

24 Karat $10,000
Frazier Industrial Co., Emily Maillet Kellogg & Kirk Kellogg, Red Tail Farm, Marianne & Jake Saladino

18 Karat $7,500
Maureen & Steve Bezer, Gus & Bucky's, Jeanne Rogalin - Midtown Direct Properties | Keller Williams, Seal-Spout Corporation

14 Karat $3,500
GIBBONS P.C., Karen & Steve Kaufhold, Petillo Companies, Betsy & Kevin Sullivan

10 Karat $2,000
Sacha & Justin Marcucci, Melissa & Mike Refer

EQUUS UNDERWRITERS

Platinum + : Lynn & Bill Mascharka
Platinum: Elizabeth & Jonathan Sobel
Silver: Pine Woods Farm
Bronze: Merck

Welcome Cody!

Show name: Keeping it Blue

From the moment this 14.2 hand Palomino gelding came to the barn he was a favorite with riders and volunteers alike. He has a playful personality and loves lots of attention. We are very excited to have him as the newest member of our herd and we send out a SPECIAL THANK YOU to Elizabeth Salituri for donating this amazing pony!

Participant, Joseph O'Leary in the News!

Echoes-Sentinel - LONG HILL TWP.
Trotting to Success: Joseph O’Leary wins first place at Mane Stream
Gripping the reins, Millington resident Joseph O’Leary, 15, nudged his white horse with his heels, ushering his steed into the competition ring. After taking a few deep breaths, O’Leary led his horse into a walk. He changed up the horse’s rhythm, bringing it into a trot and then a canter. Standing in anticipation with his parents, Kathy and Tom O’Leary, an announcement bellowed over the sound system. Joseph O’Leary had won in his…Continue Reading

Highlighted in the AHA Magazine

We're in the news! This time in the Winter 2022 edition of the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. magazine HIPPOTHERAPY.

Mane Stream Celebrates 50 Years
AHA, Inc. Facility Member Mane Stream is celebrating 50 years of unbridled possibilities. Founded by Octavia Brown in 1972 (formerly the Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center) is the 2nd oldest center of its kind in the nation and was the 1st one opened in the state of NJ. Mane Stream was at the forefront of adaptive riding and therapy services…Continue Reading

Record Breaking Horse Show!

Family Fun & Stiff Competition

Joseph O’Leary accepting the Abby Clay Rutgers High Point Independent Rider trophy.

The Annual Horse Show, a highlight and the most heartwarming event of the year, was extra special this year because of the record-breaking number of rider registrations, sponsorship checks, and donations poured in day after day. What better way to celebrate Mane Stream’s 50th Anniversary than adaptive riders spending an action-packed day of competition with family, friends, volunteers, staff, and our amazing horses?

Despite being overcast and a bit breezy, the parking lot filled up bright and early on October 23rd and didn’t empty out until almost 5pm. A bountiful breakfast spread donated by Jeanne Rogalin of Midtown Direct | Keller Williams was available to get the volunteers off on the right foot. The packed day was made even more special by the Family Fun Day activity table filled with fake tattoos, pumpkin crafts, and face painting all graciously provided and manned by the Checket Family.

And to make this year’s horse show feel even more like all the local horse shows we brought in Norma’s Food Truck! From breakfast sandwiches to a variety of lunch options, everyone enjoyed being able to grab a little something hot on a blustery day.

Once the dust had settled and the generous donations were tallied, a recording-breaking $14,000 was raised by 43 riders, 10 volunteers, and 17 sponsors!! The riders bringing in the largest amounts for Mane Stream were Mary Glaser - Adult, Joey & Stella Andreski - Youth, Blake & Colton Checket - Campers, and Tess Coffee - Volunteer.

Special thanks go out to our Judge, Andrea Davies (Dorito’s mom), who spent ALL day alone on the hill paying close attention to each and every rider as they competed. In addition to the ribbons awarded to each class, eight champion and reserve champion ribbons were also distributed by the tiny and tireless Hadleigh Hendrickson.

Winners Circle

Abby Clay Rutgers Memorial Award – Joseph O’Leary
Champion AM Adult – Danny Nerone
Reserve Champion AM Adult – Josh Ciccione
Champion AM Junior – Dylan Smith
Reserve Champion AM Junior – Stella Andreski
Champion PM Adult – Ben Burghardt
Reserve Champion PM Adult – David Santos
Champion PM Junior – Zoe Timko
Reserve Champion PM Junior – Myla Schultz

Additional thanks go out to our announcer Justin Hendrickson and all our photographers: Michelle Geise, who captured the day’s competitive events, while Michael Gaugler and Maggie Conroy captured all the smiles and hugs throughout the day. And finally, the Pumpkin Patch Photo Booth was set up by Jeanne and Roger Rogalin so that participants, their horses, and families had an opportunity to have pictures taken together. (tons more pictures still to come)

Our sincere thanks to everyone who made the day such a success!

Horse Show Volunteers

Cynthia Barkman, Tess Coffey, Nancy Cunningham, Anne Davenport, Suzanne Davies,
Aimee DiMeo-Fine, Laura Edelson, Lily Fosburgh, Pat Gaugler, Nancy Grossweiler,
Leroy Hunninghake, Gifty Jose, Karen Mikita-Kaufhold, Susan Mallows, Elaine Milano,
Janie Murphy, Mike Murphy, Nancy Poandl, Laura Senator, Emma Yarton, Mary Ellen Yen

Spirit Wear Just in Time for the Holidays

Whether you choose our 50th logo or our traditional logo you can keep warm all winter long while showing your spirit for Mane Stream.

We’ve got something for everyone and it will be ready for pickup before the holidays! Dress it up with a button-down shirt or snuggle up with a hoodie and joggers. You’ll find all that and more in 2-3 colors.

Online Store Closes on 11/20 at Midnight so start your holiday shopping now!

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