Greeter: Larry Reider
Invocation: Joe Hay
Flag Salute: Mike McCoy
Song: Mike Willis led Happy Birthday to himself (And his cockiness cost him a hundred bucks)
Editor of the Week:
Dave Turner
Dave is an award-winning custom home builder and remodeler, offering full service from design and finish selections through project completion. Hence his longtime slogan, “Raising the Standard.”
Guests and Visiting Rotarians:
Nicole Sanders was the guest of Randy Sanders;
Dave & Betty McCarthy was the guest of Dave Turner;
Jim Black was the guest of Dave Turner. Jim is hoping to twist someone’s arm, maybe even including a bribe, to sponsor him for renewed membership. Note - we’re still recovering from his previous membership.
Good News and Announcements:
It’s Willie Boy’s birthday today
Garro Ellis announced an adequate snowpack to open Alta Sierra next Monday
Jay Rosenlieb’s sons are achieving success – his youngest is head baker at an establishment in Santa Monica, and his oldest graduated from THE Arizona State University with master’s degrees in both Architecture and Philosophy.
Today’s Nation Park Spotlight: Petrified Forest National Park, and Justin’s personal favorite, Capitol Reef National Park in Utah.
Program:
M.A.R.E. – Mastering Ability Riding Equines, providing “Hope on Horseback.”
Today’s speaker was Kimiko Kobayashi, Executive Director for M.A.R.E., which is a therapeutic riding center, offering equine assisted therapy allowing special needs children and adults in Kern County to experience freedom of movement, freedom of spirit, and freedom from judgment.
The Equine Assisted Therapy program is directed by a licensed Occupational Therapist. The therapists have special training and are registered through the American Hippotherapy Association (A.H.A.). During an equine-assisted therapy session, the horse’s movement and gait are used to influence the rider’s body. Equine therapy also proves to be effective in treating combat veterans with PTSD, depression, anxiety, conduct disorder, dissociative disorder, and attention deficit / hyperactivity.
Programs offered include:
- Hippotherapy
- Adaptive Sport Riding
- Veterans Program
- Literacy Program
- Freedom Vaulters
- Stable Skills
- Riding Academy
- Internships
- At-risk youth
- Women’s empowerment
Looking to the future, M.A.R.E. has purchased the 15 acres they have been leasing for 30 years. Their five-year plan includes adding a covered arena, indoor event center, and veterans’ services. Organizations they serve include Wounded Heroes Fund, Child Guidance Center, ADAKC, Kern County Mental Health Dept., CASA-Foster Care Program, and League of Dreams.
Several heartwarming success stories were shared.
How you can help: M.A.R.E. is a non-profit organization that serves over 50 riders each week with 12 horses that require daily care. Therefore, many of the daily needs for our rider’s lessons and horse care are provided by volunteers who sidewalk, lead horses, clean stalls, and assist with facility care and maintenance tasks. You do not need to have horse experience; they will train you.
.jpg){kind=logo}
.png)
