October 2015 Volunteer of the Month: Meri Hirtle
Congratulations, Meri! As October's Volunteer of the Month, we'd like to recognize your valued contribution to BITS and let others be inspired by your generous nature. Remember that you can schedule a one hour riding lesson or ground work with Melissa. Again - THANK YOU!
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS: I found you online.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: 2013
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS NOW? I exercise the horses, both with roundpenning and riding, and am a horse leader for lessons.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? Joining each rider with a horse and watching them grow.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? Mud season.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? I play the flute and piccolo and am a member of a hand bell ringing group.
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS: I found you online.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: 2013
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS NOW? I exercise the horses, both with roundpenning and riding, and am a horse leader for lessons.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? Joining each rider with a horse and watching them grow.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? Mud season.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? I play the flute and piccolo and am a member of a hand bell ringing group.
September’s Volunteer of the Month:
Jane Potyondy
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS: I found a flyer at a local restaurant advertising a fundraiser for BITS. I had just recently moved to New Hampshire and hadn’t been around horses for about 40 years and thought, “What the heck… check this out.”
WHEN DID YOU BEGIN VOLUNTEERING HERE? Spring of 2012.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS NOW? These days I do a little of everything. In the beginning I helped muck out the stalls and slowly got acquainted with the horses. Having been in an office environment most of my working life, I later found myself back in an administrative position in the BITS office. Nowadays I split my time between the office and helping out with the horses, lessons or whatever else I’m asked to do.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? Being around the horses is a large part of it, but the biggest thrill is seeing how the lessons transform the students.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? This is a difficult question since I truly enjoy everything I do here.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? During the summer months much of my time is spent out in the gardens. Traveling, photography, reading as well as working on my family genealogy keeps me busy.
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS: I found a flyer at a local restaurant advertising a fundraiser for BITS. I had just recently moved to New Hampshire and hadn’t been around horses for about 40 years and thought, “What the heck… check this out.”
WHEN DID YOU BEGIN VOLUNTEERING HERE? Spring of 2012.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS NOW? These days I do a little of everything. In the beginning I helped muck out the stalls and slowly got acquainted with the horses. Having been in an office environment most of my working life, I later found myself back in an administrative position in the BITS office. Nowadays I split my time between the office and helping out with the horses, lessons or whatever else I’m asked to do.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? Being around the horses is a large part of it, but the biggest thrill is seeing how the lessons transform the students.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? This is a difficult question since I truly enjoy everything I do here.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? During the summer months much of my time is spent out in the gardens. Traveling, photography, reading as well as working on my family genealogy keeps me busy.
July's Volunteer of the Month: Diane Krause
Diane has been selected as July's Volunteer of the Month! It means so much, and we are so happy to have all the dedicated volunteers who keep BITS going strong.
CONGRATULATIONS, Diane! We couldn't do what we do without people like you.
How I heard about BITS: through Volunteer NH
When you began volunteering: February of 2015
What do you do at BITS now: groom horses, muck fields/pens and other chores around the farm.
Favorite part of volunteering: meeting the other volunteers, and being around the horses.
Least favorite part of volunteering: mud season
What do you do when your not volunteering: I work, ride horses, take pictures of nature and spend time with my animals at home.
CONGRATULATIONS, Diane! We couldn't do what we do without people like you.
How I heard about BITS: through Volunteer NH
When you began volunteering: February of 2015
What do you do at BITS now: groom horses, muck fields/pens and other chores around the farm.
Favorite part of volunteering: meeting the other volunteers, and being around the horses.
Least favorite part of volunteering: mud season
What do you do when your not volunteering: I work, ride horses, take pictures of nature and spend time with my animals at home.
June's Volunteer of the Month: Scott Hayes
Scott has been a faithful volunteer for years. He has been a support volunteer, working hand in hand with a man he brings with him to the barn. The two of them have been a tremendous asset to BITS, and we can't imagine the place without them!
Congratulations, Scott! You are an inspiration!
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS:
Through my employer and the individual I support(ed). I am a Direct Support Professional.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: Fall 2007
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW?
Continue to volunteer and visit when I can as well as attend gatherings and provide music for functions.
FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: Experiencing the joy felt by those who interact with the horses.
LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING:
The hottest, humid days of summer. The manure is much easier to muck when it is frozen in the winter months, the flies are not around in those months, and one can always add a layer for warmth when they can only take off so many layers in the summer.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE?
Be a husband and father. Also play guitar, ski, work as a DSP, stay connected with my family, work in my flower garden and small vegetable garden, photography, go to live music. I could go on and on but to sum up, I live my life of passions and try to do as much as I can and also relax and take time to smell the roses.
Congratulations, Scott! You are an inspiration!
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS:
Through my employer and the individual I support(ed). I am a Direct Support Professional.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: Fall 2007
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW?
Continue to volunteer and visit when I can as well as attend gatherings and provide music for functions.
FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: Experiencing the joy felt by those who interact with the horses.
LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING:
The hottest, humid days of summer. The manure is much easier to muck when it is frozen in the winter months, the flies are not around in those months, and one can always add a layer for warmth when they can only take off so many layers in the summer.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE?
Be a husband and father. Also play guitar, ski, work as a DSP, stay connected with my family, work in my flower garden and small vegetable garden, photography, go to live music. I could go on and on but to sum up, I live my life of passions and try to do as much as I can and also relax and take time to smell the roses.
May's Volunteer of the Month: Kristen Solivan
Congratulations to Kristen Solivan! She has been chosen as May’s Volunteer of the Month. We like to recognize her valued contribution to BITS, and let others be inspired by her generous nature. Kristen told us a little about why she volunteers. By being chosen, she is entitled to a ONE HOUR RIDING LESSON OR GROUND WORK with Melissa ...see you “Back in the Saddle! And THANK YOU!
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS: Through the NHEP Program
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: June 2014
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW? Barn chores, leading, exercising the horses, gardening in summer.
FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: Spending time with the horses and learning about their personalities.
LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: Getting stepped on.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? Read books or watch movies.
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS: Through the NHEP Program
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: June 2014
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW? Barn chores, leading, exercising the horses, gardening in summer.
FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: Spending time with the horses and learning about their personalities.
LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: Getting stepped on.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? Read books or watch movies.
April's Volunteer of the Month: Sandy Davis
Sandy has been a most valuable volunteer here at BITS and we are thrilled she is part of our team. Hopefully we will have a photo of her to post here shortly.
THANK YOU, SANDY, FOR ALL YOU DO!!!
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS:
When I retired I was looking for a Therapeutic Riding stable at which to volunteer. I have been a rider most of my life and my career has been teaching children, including those with disabilities. My grandson has autism and he rode at Up Reach while attending Crotched Mountain School. All those things rolled together and made me want to work with children and adults with challenges and horses. Luckily I found BITS through Google and have been volunteering a couple of times a week ever since.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: I started volunteering in August 2013.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW?
I do just about anything that needs to be done. I feed and turn out in the AM and PM, exercise horses, clean stalls, pastures and pens, take down cob webs, clean tack, and have been a leader and side walker during lessons.
FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING:
I really like it all. I, of course love to ride but being around horses just generally makes me happy so I enjoy the care of them. Watching the riders progress in ability as well as confidence is so rewarding. For many children and adults with mobility, cognitive and emotional issues, finding something that they can progress doing is a challenge. Working with an animal that they can bond with and care for is so exhilarating for them. This is wonderful to watch.
I also like working with the staff and other volunteers at BITS. Staff has the horses' and students' best interests at heart and never fail to be appreciative of what the volunteers do. I don't think I have ever left the stable without being thanked for my time and effort. Although none of the volunteers are at BITS for the kudos, it still is a warm and inviting experience when you are appreciated.
LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING:
Winter chores when it is freezing outside but who likes to do that!!!!!
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE?
What I like doing most is playing with my grandchildren but since six of the eight live out of state and the other two are in school that doesn't happen as often as I would like.
Before retiring I was a principal for two area elementary schools. I still volunteer at the two schools when they need help. I volunteer at the St. Paul's Food Pantry, am active in my church and choir, play Mah Jong and card games with a group of friends a couple of times a month. I love plays and musical events so attend those in Boston, Ogunquit, Concord and Manchester whenever possible.
THANK YOU, SANDY, FOR ALL YOU DO!!!
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS:
When I retired I was looking for a Therapeutic Riding stable at which to volunteer. I have been a rider most of my life and my career has been teaching children, including those with disabilities. My grandson has autism and he rode at Up Reach while attending Crotched Mountain School. All those things rolled together and made me want to work with children and adults with challenges and horses. Luckily I found BITS through Google and have been volunteering a couple of times a week ever since.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: I started volunteering in August 2013.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW?
I do just about anything that needs to be done. I feed and turn out in the AM and PM, exercise horses, clean stalls, pastures and pens, take down cob webs, clean tack, and have been a leader and side walker during lessons.
FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING:
I really like it all. I, of course love to ride but being around horses just generally makes me happy so I enjoy the care of them. Watching the riders progress in ability as well as confidence is so rewarding. For many children and adults with mobility, cognitive and emotional issues, finding something that they can progress doing is a challenge. Working with an animal that they can bond with and care for is so exhilarating for them. This is wonderful to watch.
I also like working with the staff and other volunteers at BITS. Staff has the horses' and students' best interests at heart and never fail to be appreciative of what the volunteers do. I don't think I have ever left the stable without being thanked for my time and effort. Although none of the volunteers are at BITS for the kudos, it still is a warm and inviting experience when you are appreciated.
LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING:
Winter chores when it is freezing outside but who likes to do that!!!!!
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE?
What I like doing most is playing with my grandchildren but since six of the eight live out of state and the other two are in school that doesn't happen as often as I would like.
Before retiring I was a principal for two area elementary schools. I still volunteer at the two schools when they need help. I volunteer at the St. Paul's Food Pantry, am active in my church and choir, play Mah Jong and card games with a group of friends a couple of times a month. I love plays and musical events so attend those in Boston, Ogunquit, Concord and Manchester whenever possible.
March Volunteers of the Month:
Chris & Melissa Moultroup
Chris and Melissa are a husband and wife team who have been a valuable part of our BITS family of volunteers. Even with the birth of their new baby, they have continued to come! As March's Volunteers of the Month they have won a one hour riding lesson for themselves - complete with babysitting service - and another for a friend of their choice! They have agreed to let us share some of their thoughts below.
The Moultroups heard about BITS from the New Hampshire Volunteers Website, and began coming to BITS in the summer of 2013. They come every Tuesday afternoon to do the evening chores. Chris and Melissa love interacting with the horses and socializing with the student who takes lessons while they are there. They love giving their daughter the opportunity to "volunteer" with them as she is just getting old enough now to notice the horses and love to watch them! The least favorite part of volunteering? All the horse hair they're bringing home - especially this spring while everyone is shedding!
When Chris and Melissa are not at BITS they both work full time - Chris is a forestry supervisor for an electric company and Melissa is a middle school teacher. Generally, they enjoy watching sports (baseball, softball, hockey, basketball, etc.), watching movies, going on hikes, traveling, and spending time with family.
Thank you, Chris and Melissa, for all you do here at BITS!
The Moultroups heard about BITS from the New Hampshire Volunteers Website, and began coming to BITS in the summer of 2013. They come every Tuesday afternoon to do the evening chores. Chris and Melissa love interacting with the horses and socializing with the student who takes lessons while they are there. They love giving their daughter the opportunity to "volunteer" with them as she is just getting old enough now to notice the horses and love to watch them! The least favorite part of volunteering? All the horse hair they're bringing home - especially this spring while everyone is shedding!
When Chris and Melissa are not at BITS they both work full time - Chris is a forestry supervisor for an electric company and Melissa is a middle school teacher. Generally, they enjoy watching sports (baseball, softball, hockey, basketball, etc.), watching movies, going on hikes, traveling, and spending time with family.
Thank you, Chris and Melissa, for all you do here at BITS!
February's Volunteer of the Month - Alex Crocker
Alex has been a valuable part of our BITS family of volunteers. As February's Volunteer of the Month she has won a one hour riding lesson for herself and another for a friend of her choice! Alex agreed to share some of her thoughts below.
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS: I heard about the program from a former student who does riding lessons at BITS.
WHEN DID YOU BEGIN VOLUNTEERING HERE? I started volunteering last spring, about a year ago.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS NOW? I do evening chores a few days a week, help with a riding lesson, and occasionally ride Mikey.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? My favorite parts are being outside and seeing the progress that the students I help with are making.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? My least favorite part is filling and carrying the water buckets -- I always get myself soaked!
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? When I'm not at BITS I am a special education teacher for 4th and 5th grade in Sunapee, NH. I also like to cross country ski, cook and garden.
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS: I heard about the program from a former student who does riding lessons at BITS.
WHEN DID YOU BEGIN VOLUNTEERING HERE? I started volunteering last spring, about a year ago.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS NOW? I do evening chores a few days a week, help with a riding lesson, and occasionally ride Mikey.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? My favorite parts are being outside and seeing the progress that the students I help with are making.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? My least favorite part is filling and carrying the water buckets -- I always get myself soaked!
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? When I'm not at BITS I am a special education teacher for 4th and 5th grade in Sunapee, NH. I also like to cross country ski, cook and garden.
January's Volunteer of the Month - Rebecca Jordan
I learned about BITS from the VolunteerNH web site when I was looking for volunteer opportunities that involved working with animals, specifically horses because I've always been interested in working with them but assumed it was something you had to grow up doing and couldn't just decide to get into as an adult. I'm glad I decided to try it after all!
I started volunteering at BITS last April, but I've been doing volunteer work of one kind or another since I was a teenager. I've volunteered at the SPCA and the New Hampshire State Council On The Arts and other organizations, mostly in the Concord area.
When I'm at BITS I usually feed the horses their morning hay and/or grain, throw hay in their field for them to eat, pick their hooves and turn them out. Sometimes I also muck stalls, and when the weather is nice I occasionally get to take one of the mini horses for a walk down the driveway, which is like walking a very large dog that likes to eat grass!
My favorite part of volunteering is feeding the horses their morning hay and grain. It's very peaceful in the barn when they're all crunching away at their breakfast, and very satisfying to help take care of such big beautiful animals.
My least favorite part of volunteering is mucking stalls, but I don't really mind it that much. It is a lot like housework, which isn't one of my favorite things to do!
When I'm not at BITS, I'm usually working at Windswept Farm in Canterbury where my other horse friends are, or at home with my dogs, watching movies or reading. I also go to Plymouth State University part time.
I started volunteering at BITS last April, but I've been doing volunteer work of one kind or another since I was a teenager. I've volunteered at the SPCA and the New Hampshire State Council On The Arts and other organizations, mostly in the Concord area.
When I'm at BITS I usually feed the horses their morning hay and/or grain, throw hay in their field for them to eat, pick their hooves and turn them out. Sometimes I also muck stalls, and when the weather is nice I occasionally get to take one of the mini horses for a walk down the driveway, which is like walking a very large dog that likes to eat grass!
My favorite part of volunteering is feeding the horses their morning hay and grain. It's very peaceful in the barn when they're all crunching away at their breakfast, and very satisfying to help take care of such big beautiful animals.
My least favorite part of volunteering is mucking stalls, but I don't really mind it that much. It is a lot like housework, which isn't one of my favorite things to do!
When I'm not at BITS, I'm usually working at Windswept Farm in Canterbury where my other horse friends are, or at home with my dogs, watching movies or reading. I also go to Plymouth State University part time.
December's (2014) Volunteers of the Month - Susy and Kiley Sullivan
Meet Susy and Kiley Sullivan, the amazing mother and daughter volunteer team at BITS. The Sullivan team travel from New London. Susy moved up to NH from Cape Cod 23 years ago with her husband Bob to start their family. She had always wanted to "grow up on a farm". She has little experience with horses, but loves animals and the idea of working in a farm type atmosphere and getting fresh air and exercise suited her just fine. When her daughter found BITS ETC as a possible volunteer opportunity, Susy was excited and decided to join her. A vibrant, energetic woman with sparkling eyes, Susy is a mother of four (two in high school and two in college.) She works full time and still finds time to manage “Nantucket Jewels,” a NH Made company which she owns. Look for her at the many craft fairs in N.H. She came for the training with Kiley, because of an interest in what we do here, and stayed to help with the horses after training was complete.
Kiley, 14 and a freshman at Bishop Brady, was searching for an opportunity to volunteer as a part of a school requirement. Her favorite subjects: Math and Science. She maintains a busy schedule with soccer and lacrosse in season, and she LOVES to Ski. She is going to be a ski instructor this year at Mt. Sunapee. When commenting on her experiences here, she says “I already know that I would like to continue volunteering here at BITS for the next three years!” For Kiley, BITS ETC was her ideal choice for volunteer service. She has always loved horses, even though she was a little nervous being around them. She hoped this would give her the opportunity to meet nice horses, and face her apprehension too. In less than two months she has grown comfortable with the therapeutic horses that she leads to the barn for the night. She moves with ease among the miniature herd to halter and restrain them for dinner. Her calm attitude keeps the horses calm too. She has gotten to know each and every one of the horse personalities; especially Gideon.
Susy and Kiley have made the commitment to a year of volunteering at BITS doing “Evening Barn Chores.” Evening chores begin at about 4 PM and run until 6 PM. They bring the horses from the fields into the barn for the night. They feed them hay and water, groom them and also clean their feet. (Pick out their hooves) Kiley likes to call this "tuck them in for the night". They come to BITS on Sunday afternoons, once a week and share this "our time" together. Susy feels good about helping the horses, which in turn, helps the program. For Susy, the private time with her daughter and the time away from work and being outdoors is priceless. With sparkles in her eyes she exclaimed “this is such a positive atmosphere, there is something here for everyone." She went on to conclude "volunteering here, everyone is different, but when we are in the barn, we are all the same- we are kind, there is such a kindness here".
What do I see? An amazing woman named Susy, leading and supporting her daughter in this volunteer endeavor. Leading by example. As she said, she had no idea, this experience would exceed her expectations. Kiley, a very busy young lady, engaged in her school, her family and her community; enjoying all the experiences life has to offer her.
Kiley and Susy are examples of the volunteers behind BITS, I am honored to have met them. As they told me tonight- BITS is a program of kindness with something for everyone. submitted by Joanne Bates, BITS Volunteer
Kiley, 14 and a freshman at Bishop Brady, was searching for an opportunity to volunteer as a part of a school requirement. Her favorite subjects: Math and Science. She maintains a busy schedule with soccer and lacrosse in season, and she LOVES to Ski. She is going to be a ski instructor this year at Mt. Sunapee. When commenting on her experiences here, she says “I already know that I would like to continue volunteering here at BITS for the next three years!” For Kiley, BITS ETC was her ideal choice for volunteer service. She has always loved horses, even though she was a little nervous being around them. She hoped this would give her the opportunity to meet nice horses, and face her apprehension too. In less than two months she has grown comfortable with the therapeutic horses that she leads to the barn for the night. She moves with ease among the miniature herd to halter and restrain them for dinner. Her calm attitude keeps the horses calm too. She has gotten to know each and every one of the horse personalities; especially Gideon.
Susy and Kiley have made the commitment to a year of volunteering at BITS doing “Evening Barn Chores.” Evening chores begin at about 4 PM and run until 6 PM. They bring the horses from the fields into the barn for the night. They feed them hay and water, groom them and also clean their feet. (Pick out their hooves) Kiley likes to call this "tuck them in for the night". They come to BITS on Sunday afternoons, once a week and share this "our time" together. Susy feels good about helping the horses, which in turn, helps the program. For Susy, the private time with her daughter and the time away from work and being outdoors is priceless. With sparkles in her eyes she exclaimed “this is such a positive atmosphere, there is something here for everyone." She went on to conclude "volunteering here, everyone is different, but when we are in the barn, we are all the same- we are kind, there is such a kindness here".
What do I see? An amazing woman named Susy, leading and supporting her daughter in this volunteer endeavor. Leading by example. As she said, she had no idea, this experience would exceed her expectations. Kiley, a very busy young lady, engaged in her school, her family and her community; enjoying all the experiences life has to offer her.
Kiley and Susy are examples of the volunteers behind BITS, I am honored to have met them. As they told me tonight- BITS is a program of kindness with something for everyone. submitted by Joanne Bates, BITS Volunteer