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December's Volunteer of the Month: 
​Vicki Ferris

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Congratulations, Vicki, for being  December’s Volunteer of the Month!
We’d like to recognize your valued contribution to BITS, and let others be inspired by your generous nature. Please tell us a little about why you volunteer. You can schedule a ONE HOUR RIDING LESSON OR GROUND WORK with Melissa for you and a friend anytime over the next thirty days. See you “Back in the Saddle!”
And THANK YOU!
Please tell us:
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS: I heard it from a friend.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: Summer of 2017.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW? I do a lot of things around the farm. I muck out the stalls, grooming the mini horses, walking the horse, sometimes I help with lessons, cleaning out the grooming buckets, helping with feeding time.
FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: It’s a toss-up between grooming and walking the horses.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? When I am not at the farm I am at one of my two jobs

November Volunteer of the Month:
Megan Sherman

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Congratulations, Megan, on being November’s Volunteer of the Month!
HOW YOU LEARNED ABOUT BITS:  I learned about BITS from the connections fair at NEC.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING:  I began volunteering this fall.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER AT BITS?  I decided to volunteer at BITS because I used to ride in a large lesson barn that did offer therapeutic riding and it brings me closer to horses and while at school I miss mine.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW?  At BITS I help with lessons by leading, I do barn chores and occasionally ride.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?  My favorite part about volunteering is making the connection with the families and seeing the clients improve and be happy.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?  My least favorite part about volunteering is the cold weather.
WHAT INFORMATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS ABOUT BITS?  I would like other people to know it is more than just riding horses, it gives people a different kind of confidence in themselves.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE?  When I’m not there I’m either at NEC attending classes, working as an RA at NEC or at home in Florida at the beach or with my horse.


October Volunteer of the Month:
​Ken Ames

CONGRATULATIONS, KEN!  
HOW YOU LEARNED ABOUT BITS:  My Lady Sandy loves to ride and teach so I need to learn about horses and also learn to ride!
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING:  I started shortly after retiring.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW?  I am new to horses so I'm starting at the beginning, i.e., mucking stalls, cleaning areas as needed and painting the barn.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?  Learning the character of each horse.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?
N/A.
WHAT INFORMATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS ABOUT BITS?  BITS has been a wonderful experience for me and I am starting to learn about horse; much yet to go.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE?  Being retired with an active and joyous lady we play many outdoor activities!

2017's Day of Caring

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In spite of all the rain that fell this past September 6th, BITS was fortunate enough to have over 60 volunteers come from all around the community to help out on the farm.  We were thrilled, and thank them all enough for everything they did.

On the right is a wonderful article from the Elektrisola Inc. newsletter about their time spent here.  Many, many thanks, everyone.  Hope to see you here again!

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August Volunteer of the Month: 
​Alex Crocker-Duhamel

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CONGRATULATIONS Alex!
​
 THANK YOU! 
HOW YOU LEARNED ABOUT BITS: I used to work with a student who came to BITS and Iheard about it from her.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: Spring 2014.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER AT BITS? I volunteered at a similar program in high school and wanted to continue working with horses when I returned from college. I found BITS at the perfect time.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW? I have been doing chores, helping as a horse leader for lessons, and helping with Cowboy Camp. I also ride Brandy a few days a week.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? My favorite parts are working with younger students (I teach 5th graders all day) and spending time with horses.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING? My least favorite part is filling water buckets for the round pens.
WHAT INFORMATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS ABOUT BITS? BITS is a great organization, and volunteering is a great way to get outside, get some exercise, and give others the opportunity to enjoy horses, too.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? I am a 5th grade teacher in Weare. I also take dance classes, cook, read, and spend time with my family.


July Volunteer of the Month:
​Arianna Hollenbeck

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​Congratulations Arianna,
On being July’s Volunteer of the Month!

HOW YOU LEARNED ABOUT BITS:  I learned about BITS through a friend of mine who also goes to BITS, Nicole Sylvester.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING:  April 24, 2017.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER AT BITS?  For one, I love all animals, but horses are at the very top of the list.  I also love to help people, especially kids – they are so much fun.  So, BITS just combined the two things I love and I love this “job.”
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW?  I help with lessons, mucking stalls, grooming, working horses, feeding and watering, and even the weird jobs, like spray painting logs.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?  Horses.  I don’t have one of my own yet, but coming to BITS makes me feel like I have one.  I also like playing and helping with the kids.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?  I don’t have one.  I love it all.  Although hot summer days, or cold rainy days can dull your mood.
WHAT INFORMATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS ABOUT BITS?  I think more people should help out here; it’s truly a very fun job.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE?  I’m home schooled, so I work on my school, but I also play with my dogs, or milk my goats.  My family owns a mini, so I work with her.  I just love being outside or reading.


June Volunteer of the Month:
Hannah Davis

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Congratulations Hannah!
You have been chosen as June’s Volunteer of the Month
HOW YOU LEARNED ABOUT BITS:  I learned about BITS through my school’s volunteer program.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING:  I began volunteering in April of this year.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER AT BITS?  I decide to volunteer at BITS because I have r horses and helping people.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW?  I help with lessons and Saturday morning chores.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?  My favorite part of volunteering is being able to watch the students progress and their riding abilities.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?  My least favorite part of volunteering is working through all weather.
WHAT INFORMATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS ABOUT BITS?  BITS is a great place to work with wonderful people and horses.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE?  I ride and work with my horses.


May Volunteers of the Month:  
​11 Hay Day Volunteers!

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Congratulations Everyone!
You have been chosen as May’s Volunteers of the Month
 
This month we have more than one person receiving this recognition.  There was a large hay delivery from New York requiring numerous strong backs to help with getting 600+ bales up into the loft and packed.  Everyone worked together and it all went off without a hitch.  We hope you all enjoyed the cookout afterwards.
 
We couldn’t have done it without all of you (sorry we don’t have a photo of everyone)!
Craig, Heather, Matt, Jane, Heather, Jesse, 
David, Hannah, Keaton, Joe, Mike

We’d like to recognize your valued contribution to BITS, and let others be inspired by your generous nature.  You can schedule a ONE HOUR RIDING LESSON OR GROUND WORK with Melissa for you and a friend anytime over the next thirty days...see you “Back in the saddle! 
 
And THANK YOU!


April Volunteers of the Month:  Sisters Magoon and Bobo

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Congratulations Sisters Magoon and Bobo!
And THANK YOU!
HOW YOU LEARNED ABOUT BITS:  We learned about BITS from a member of our church.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING:  Sister missionaries have been volunteering at BITS since December, 2016.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER AT BITS?  We decided to volunteer because we were both raised on farms.  We love being around animals.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW? What we do at BITS is help groom, exercise horses and clean stalls.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?  Our favorite part of volunteering is walking the mini horses.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?  We really don’t have one.  We are just happy we can help.
WHAT INFORMATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS ABOUT BITS?  BITS is a place where you can feel like you are a part of the family.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE?   We are full time missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  We invite and help others to come unto Christ.


March Volunteer of the Month:  
Craig Meriwether

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​Congratulations Craig!
You have been chosen as March’s Volunteer of the Month
HOW YOU LEARNED ABOUT BITS:  I was living at Liberty House Veterans Transitional home in Manchester,  The opportunity was offered to participate in the Ride UP program in the fall of 2013.
 
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING:  In the spring of 2014 I began volunttering doing barn chores.  I was soon trained to assist during lessons as a sidewalker and leader.
 
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER AT BITS?  Coming to BITS the first time I was able to feel like it was a place of wellness and healing.  The supportive and knowledgeable staff create a friendly environment.  Most of all I answer the call to action for the harvest is plenty but laborers few.

WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW?   I have volunteered 3 days a week since July 2016 executing a variety of tasks that include barn chores, grounds maintenance, making minor repairs, assist with lessons as leader and sidewalker.  Moreover, when I wear my Board of Directors hat I am able to use my leadership skills and my hands-on experience to relay to the Board our needs for capital improvements, program expansion and create fundraising events and activities.  In the community I do outreach with Concord Chamber of Commerce at Business After Hours and Business Showcase.
 
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?  I enjoy interacting with our clients and their parents.  Knowing that much of the work I do are essential to the therapeutic lessons given at BITS.
 
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?  Leaving!  Only here can I leave the problems, challenges and pain I carry every day behind.  Leaving means returning with new perspective on meeting Life on Life’s terms.
 
WHAT INFORMATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS ABOUT BITS?  Much of the therapeutic work done here is individualized.  A dynamic treatment plan can be created to meet each individual’s needs.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE?   Because of the physical work I do, I sleep much better.  In my conversations with others we often talk about the excellent work we do at BITS and the positive effect our programs have on their lives.


February's Volunteer of the Month:
Casey Bryson

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​Congratulations Casey!
You have been chosen as February’s
Volunteer of the Month 
HOW YOU LEARNED ABOUT BITS:
I learned about BITS through the student volunteer coordinator for my school’s Physical Therapy program.

WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING:  I initially started volunteering for BITS in Februrary of 2016.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER AT BITS? Initially, I had decided to volunteer at BITS in order to meet my school’s volunteering requirements for graduation. But after just a few weeks, I was hooked and didn’t stop.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW?  I typically help with lessons as a Horse Leader, assist with evening chores, and any other odds and ends!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?  My favorite part of volunteering is the positive and welcoming environment, made by the staff, volunteers and program participants.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?  My least favorite part of volunteering is the unpredictable weather (rain, snow, hail… been in it all), and the commute over from Manchester.
WHAT INFORMATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH OTHERS ABOUT BITS?
 I would like everyone to know about the great work that is done at BITS, as well as stress how rewarding volunteering is!
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE?  When I am not spending time volunteering at BITS, I am working on my coursework pursuing a Doctorates in Physical Therapy. I enjoy spending time outside kayaking, and snowboarding, but also have been known to occasionally have 6-8 hour gaming marathons. BITS has been a fantastic way to take a study break and enjoy the outdoors! 


January's Volunteer of the Month:  
​Monica Blunt

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​Congratulations Monica!
You have been chosen as January’s
Volunteer of the Month

And THANK YOU!
Please tell us:
HOW YOU LEARNED ABOUT BITS:  Michele at MRF Dressage
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING:  Summer 2016
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER AT BITS?  I helped out at a rescue barn in New York and wanted to continue doing horse-related work.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW?   Help out with lessons, feed, general horse and barn work.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?  Don’t have one specific part --  working  with children.
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING?  None
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE?   Volunteer at Blue Ocean Society, do work with my Border Collie, hike.


Back In The Saddle
Equine Therapy Center
334 College Hill Road, Hopkinton, NH 03229
603-746-5681   •   info@bitsetc.org