Volunteer Holiday Party!! |
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Thank you to everyone who attended the 2021 Volunteer Holiday Party! We had such a great celebrating YOU!
Here's a few pictures of this fun day. Click the link below and browse!
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Winter Session 2022
The Winter Session begins on Monday! We still need a few volunteers in the following classes:
Monday 9:30- 2 side walkers needed
Saturday 12:00- 3 volunteers needed (2 leaders and 1 side walker)
Here is the most current Volunteer Attendance. Please review and let me know if there should be any changes.
We can't wait to see everyone next week!
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Winter Weather
We will be sure to contact you if need to cancel classes due to severe weather. Please follow our Facebook page, as that is usually the first place that we post that announcement. Always assume we are having classes unless you get a phone call/text/email from me, or see it posted on Facebook. We will be sure to let you know as soon as possible if we are having classes!
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UV-C Sanitizing Wands
SMILES received the generous donation of two UV-C sanitizing wands for our program. This is to help us sanitize our tack and other equipment without the constant need for harsh chemicals, and it does not leave a residue on our precious leather equipment.
Because volunteers are essential in helping us sanitize our equipment, we put together an instruction sheet that will be posted in the barn. Here is a basic list of what we will use the wand for, and what we will continue using Lysol spray/wipes for:
What we’re sanitizing using the wand:
-Saddles (highly touched areas)
-Saddle pads
-Grooming brushes/totes
Please use Lysol disinfectant still on:
-Helmets
-Belts
-Bolsters
-Reins
The Instructor on staff will be responsible for bringing a wand out to the barn, and then will bring it back in to charge after class. We would like the wands to stay in a temperature-controlled environment as much as possible. Please let us know if you have any questions! Thank you for your help keeping the SMILES facility as safe and clean as possible!
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Join the SMILES Barn Crew! |
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We are looking for help in the barn this winter on Wednesday and Friday mornings! If you are interested in helping, please email Kayla and let her know you can help!
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2022 Annual Volunteer Paperwork |
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Time to update!
It's that time again! Per PATH Intl. standards, every volunteer is required to update their information with us every year. To make this easy and consistent, we try to do this at the beginning of every year. This is the second year we will be using our electronic form. If you prefer to fill out a hard copy, please let me know (or pick one up at the office the next time you are at SMILES.) Please help us by filling out this form at your earliest convenience! It will only take a few minutes!
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Current Volunteers Page- SMILES Website |
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This is just a friendly reminder to check the SMILES Website- For Current Volunteers page if you have any questions or are in need of specific information! I created this page to be a "one-stop-shop" when it comes to necessary information for volunteers. Session sign-ups, class schedules, recent training videos, volunteer opportunities, etc. will all be listed on this page.
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Warming up your Horse!
Because we are heading into the colder months when the horses don't have a lush green pasture to run around in, it's important that volunteers warm-up the horses before class as much as they can. Please review this video from the past as a refresher for warming your horse up.
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SMILES' YouTube Channel
Click the link below to subscribe to our YouTube channel!
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January Volunteer Spotlight |
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January Spotlight is.....Amanda Harder!!
How did you become involved with SMILES, and how long have you been volunteering?
When I moved to Delavan, SMILES was one of the first things I ever noticed. After some research, I started counting down the days to my fifteenth birthday. Well a few years passed, COVID came and I started volunteering in 2020.
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Where did you grow up?
I'm from Wisconsin the long way around. I was three when my family moved to the Great Plains. I spent most of my childhood in South Dakota and Nebraska before moving to Delavan when I was ten.
Who is your favorite horse at SMILES and why?
That's like asking me to pick a favorite brother! I love them all for different reasons, but I definitely have a soft spot for the Drafts. Lincoln is my partner in crime. A little Lincoln a day slobber chases the blues away. But I also can't forget about Henry. I love his spunky personality and his can do attitude.
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If you were gifted a million dollars, what would you do with it?
Some would go to my church, SMILES, some towards college, buying my own farm and horses, and to see the world.
What is something you like to do in January?
I love spending time outdoors when it's nice out, sledding, and exploring our woods and marsh with my dog. On colder days, you can find me with a good book and a warm blanket.
What do you enjoy about volunteering at SMILES?
I love the camaraderie and community, and how even the littlest bit of progress can be a huge milestone.
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Is there anything else you'd like your fellow volunteers to know?
Over the last decade of my life, I spent many of my birthdays with horses. This year was no exception. The best present I got that day was getting called to come in and sub at SMILES with one of my favorite students, plus I got to warm Chaps up! Also when I took my Senior pictures, true to form, I wore a nice shirt combined with the same jeans and boots I had worn to SMILES that morning.
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January Birthdays at SMILES! |
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Norma Jann, January 2
Dennis Dutton, January 3
Beth Baroni, January 6
April Southwick, January 11
Makayla Kosmicki, January 14
Karen Schmidt, January 22
Heather Bluemel, January 29
Kayla Hawkins, January 29
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SMILES transcends traditional therapeutic methods by offering individuals with special needs the joy of participating in an equine-assisted program which provides social, emotional, physical and personal rewards. |
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