Aug. 10 President's Message

Thursday, August 6 we had the pleasure of hearing from our own Cheryl Baker, as CEO of Equi-librium, where horses give people the opportunity to achieve balance in body, mind and spirit. Ironically, the program, founded in 2001, is an evolution from the services formerly offered by Easter Seals’ RISE program. The irony comes from the fact RISE started as a gift from Rotary.

The focus of Equi-librium is therapeutic horsemanship activities for those with various physical disabilities, cognitive, behavioral and mental health and developmental issues. The range in ages of participants in the 10 programs offered is from 2 to 84! These programs are conducted by 6 PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) instructors and a legion of 175 dedicated volunteers. The programs are customized to the needs of the individual to most effectively achieve the positive outcomes desired, no matter the disabilities or ages involved.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Equi-librium depends on these people plus fees for services (participants pay about a third of program costs) and special events, grants and donations.

Plans are germinating for a combination Vocational ‘Sweat Equity” project and a Fellowship event at Equi-librium later this year.  More information to follow but don’t throw out those gently worn shoes!  The Shoes for Shoes program helps recycle shoes to families abroad and put shoes on the horses at Equi-librium!

 

Our 25^th Anniversary 5K/10K race is quickly approaching. The Race Committee is asking for everyone's help in soliciting sponsors for the race. Please see the Sponsorship form and information in the Downloads section. Please use this for your personal sponsorship opportunity and pass along to friends, family and colleagues. Ginny Wolkoff and Eileen Dunn volunteered to further coordinate sponsorship efforts.  If you have opportunities in this area please give the information to them.  This event is an “All Hands On Deck” key major event for us.

 

Please join us this Thursday when Kathy Zoshak, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, will tell us about the Rise & Fall of Bethlehem Steel.