 |
Upcoming Events
Thanksgiving- No Classes
Thursday/Friday, November 24 & 25
Classes resume for last day, November 26
Volunteer Holiday Party
Sunday, December 11, 5pm
*Details below
Santa Cruise/Festival of Trees Fundraiser
November 25 - December 30, 2022
*Details below
Winter Session 2023
January 9 - March 4
|
|
|
|
"Doctor" Doc and patient, Jeannie at this year's 5k event! |
|
|
|
2023 Calendar
The calendar has been solidified for the 2023 program year! One big change we are making is moving to 8-week sessions instead of 9-week sessions. This will allow us to have a little more time for special events, volunteer training, and continuing education workshops during our break months. We are also able to avoid most holidays! Here's the session calendar for 2023:
Winter Session: January 9 - March 4
Spring Session: April 1 - May 26 (*this session begins on a Saturday)
Summer Session: July 3 - August 26
Fall Session: September 25 - November 18
|
|
|
Winter Session
January 9 - March 4
Winter Session is right around the corner! The students are starting to sign up now, so we will send out the volunteer sign up as soon as we have the class schedule set. Please look for that in your email and in the December Volunteer Newsletter!
|
|
|
|
|
This month's training video is focusing on catching and haltering our horses when they are in their stall. This can be challenging because they are typically finishing up their hay, and may try to avoid being caught. We can help you with this by watching this training video! |
|
|
Santa Cause Fundraiser for SMILES
The 2022 Santa Cause Tree Festival is almost here! Our "Great Outdoors" themed tree and raffle prizes are at almost an $8,300 value! Raffle tickets are for sale in the SMILES office. $20 for 10 tickets (one sheet) or six sheets of tickets for $100 (buy five sheets, get one free!).
|
|
|
We are in need of a little bit of help for this event! We need ONE volunteer to help sell raffle tickets at the event on Saturday, November 26th from 3pm to 9pm - must be very comfortable typing information on a laptop and running credit cards. You won't be alone as one of our students, Hamza Jaka, will also be there to represent SMILES!
|
|
Here's a little sneak peek at our GRAND Prize this year... |
|
|
We are also looking for just a couple of last minute donations for the event. To view and sign up for the remaining items we need, you can Click Here!
The Tree Festival is free admission and open to the public! If you want to take the Santa Cruise, a fee does apply. Click HERE for the Santa Cruise pricing and schedule, running November 25 - December 30. Both events are located at the Winter Harbor/Gage Marine in Williams Bay, WI. Thank you for supporting SMILES in this unique fundraiser!
|
|
|
Miles for SMILES Recap
The Miles for SMILES event was a huge success! We are so grateful for everyone who participated, volunteered, or supported this event in some way. We had beautiful weather, spooky costumes, and lots of fall-themed fun! More photos coming soon!
|
|
|
Volunteer Holiday Party!
Sunday, December 11, 5pm
Invitations for this year's annual volunteer party are being mailed to your home addresses this week!! Please watch for those, as they contain important details about the event, and make sure to RSVP soon to attend! The staff cannot wait to celebrate all of you! We hope you can attend!
|
|
|
Give the gift of SMILES logowear! We have new styles in stock- hurry to get yours today! Here are the prices:
New Items!
Long Sleeve T-Shirt, Blue- $20
15" Laptop Backpack- $35
SMILES Beanie, Blue- $15
|
|
|
Popular Items!
1/4 Zip Sport Shirt, Long Sleeve- $25
Polo Shirts- $25
Crewneck Sweatshirt- $30
Wine Tumbler- $15
Christmas Ornament- $8.00
|
|
|
November Volunteer Spotlight |
|
|
November Spotlight is on....Mark Hanson!!
How did you become involved with SMILES, and how long have you been volunteering?
For years prior to my retirement as a teacher, I had wanted to volunteer at SMILES. But due to my schedule as a teacher, volunteering was out of the question. Upon my retirement, I volunteered as soon as possible. I started volunteering in June of 2011.
|
|
|
Where did you grow up?
I grew up on a farm (with my ponies and horses) in rural Stoughton, WI.
Who is your favorite horse at SMILES and why?
I am not sure that I have a specific favorite horse. I appreciate the fact that each horse has its own personality and qualities. Currently, I am working often with April and have grown to appreciate her patience and willingness to make sure that her rider is safe. In addition, she has an amazing little jog trot.
If you were gifted a million dollars, what would you do with it?
After fighting off all temptations to spend it foolishly, I would make sure it was well invested. That retirement community is right around the corner!
|
|
|
What is something you like to do in November?
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday, even as a kid. It was always a time when my mom would spend days going out of her way baking traditional Norwegian foods and preparing an extra special huge meal with extended family members coming to the farm to eat and to tell stories. That tradition, of getting together with family for a Thanksgiving celebration, is still something I look forward to doing.
What do you enjoy about volunteering at SMILES?
I truly do enjoy every aspect of my volunteering opportunities at SMILES. From weekly working with riders and horses, to special events and projects, to serving on the Board of Directors. All of it is very fulfilling. Walking away from a lengthy career as a teacher was extremely difficult for me. SMILES has filled that void, allowing me to make connections with amazing riders, equally amazing fellow volunteers and SMILES staff.
|
|
|
November Birthdays at SMILES! |
|
|
Happy Birthday!
Heather VanPaassen, November 1
Leslie Warnecke, November 2
Marilyn Traver, November 7
Paula Smieszkal, November 9
Amanda Harder, November 10
Lianne Fritz, November 11
Grace Finet, November 6
Julia Tretter, November 18
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
