Blanche was our friendly greeter tonight as 21 Rotarians came out on a windy and sunny January day! We were joined by two first-time guests and our three speakers. Our guests were Jenny Landry and Wendy Pulver. Representing EquiCenter were Michael Shields and Emma Minteer.  Emma and her husband Jack own Rose Hill Ranch on Italy Valley Road. Emma is the founder of Mustangs Making Miracles there.

 

Jack welcomed all and led the Pledge followed by God Bless America. John offered us two Pearls of Wisdom:

"We don't learn much when things go right. It's when things go wrong that we learn the most."
"Though we crave certainty for almost everything, innovation and progress happen when we allow ourselves to embrace uncertainty."

 

Announcements: Dues are due. * Bella Leach will be singing Broadway songs for the Rotary Vocal Contest. Jack has asked her to sing for us at a future meeting. * The District Learning Assembly (DLA) is April 5th at Midlakes HS, 8:30am-12:30pm. It's free and a great opportunity to learn more about Rotary. * The District 7120 Conference is in Corning, 5/2-5/4/25. Reduced registration fee is ending on 1/31/25. * Jack will be officiating the renewal of vows on the porch of the Naples Hotel for Vintage Vines and Valentines day, February 8th at 4 pm. Other events that day include a photo booth, luminaries, the Chocolate Cake contest, and samplings of adult beverages throughout the village. * Rose has relocated to the Victor- Farmington Rotary Club and hopes to visit us once a month. Cindy has taken on her role as the Membership Committee chair until another volunteer is found. * Marty gave a message from Jill that Colleen Betrus, advisor to Interact Club, is in need of help at the indoor soccer tournament concession stand at the High School on February 15th and 16th. If you can help, let Jill know. * Jack asked for volunteers to serve breakfast to the Rotex and Exchange Student group on Sunday 2/2 at 8:30 am. They are skiing at Hunt Hollow on Saturday and staying overnight at Trinity Church. 

 

EquiCenter is a 200 acre facility in Rush/Mendon area that has served the community for 25 years. They "foster growth, wellness, social and educational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities through the power of equestrian, horticulture and outdoor experiences." Michael Shields is a Vietnam veteran focusing on the huge emotional benefits that veterans  and first responders gain from working with the wild mustangs in Mission Mustangs. The wild horses are brought to EquiCenter from large holding facilities out west and are basically untouched by humans. The mustangs learn to trust the veterans as the vets battle post-traumatic stress, building connections that are mutually beneficial. The goal is to find forever homes for the mustangs and a sense of purpose for the vets and first responders. Emma Minteer is the head trainer of the mustangs. She can read the horses and guide the people on how to interact with them. It costs $125 to purchase a mustang from the Bureau of Land Management, plus the cost of transportation and upkeep, etc. The estimated cost of a mustang over a lifetime is $27,000. Other programs at EquiCenter include horticulture on the 3 acre farm, nature based education, cooking with a chef and the BEE-lieve honey project. Emma and Jack also help people surviving trauma at their own farm program called Mustangs Making Miracles. It serves veterans, first responders and victims of abuse here in Italy Valley. They have 20-30 mustangs in training with people's lives changing substantially in the process. When the mustang is ready, their human pulls the number tag and chooses a name for the horse. 

 

Ace of Hearts was $78 today. Liz Bailey had #0235 and drew the King of Hearts. So close!

Many Happy Bills were given for the fantastic program and all they do for people in our community. We were happy to have two new guests today. The Gordon's are excited for their new grandbaby coming soon. It's only 243 days until the 2025 Naples Grape Festival!

 

Jack led the Four Way Test and adjourned at 7:15pm.