2016 Volunteers of the Month
December's Volunteer of the Month:
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November's Volunteer of the Month:
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We are so happy to have all the dedicated volunteers who keep BITS going strong. There is a special story behind everyone who comes to BITS. We’d like to share that story with others as a way to thank Volunteers for their service. In addition to a picture, a bio, and a big Thanks, this monthly recognition comes with 2 free riding lessons with our therapeutic riding instructor: one for the volunteer of the month, and one for a friend. Whether from the ground, or ‘back in the saddle’ we’d like you to experience some of the pleasure our horses bring to others, and why we do all the hard work to keep our herd happy and healthy.
-- Pauline Meridien, Director, BITS ETC
-- Pauline Meridien, Director, BITS ETC
October 2016 Volunteer of the Month:
Nicole Sylvester

Congratulations, Nicole! As you know, every month we like to recognize a volunteer’s valued contribution to BITS and hope others will be inspired by their generous nature. We thank you and a friend by offering you both a free one hour lesson, either riding or groundwork, sometime during the next thirty days. THANK YOU!
“Hello. My name is Nic!
“I heard about BITS from Melissa, and have been volunteering here since April, 2016.
I love my time at BITS! It makes my heart happy that I am able to give encouragement and assistance to others. Sometimes I even get to ride a horse, which is my absolute favorite thing! I do not always like cleaning the paddocks, especially when it is very hot outside.
“I do a little of everything here, from cleaning stalls to lesson assistance. My two girls ride here and really enjoy their time with the horses and their leaders. My husband has also spent time here at BITS, although he is slightly afraid of horses!
“As a family we enjoyed helping Miss Pauline and Mystique at a Monarchs game this summer selling 50/50 raffle tickets. We really love giving our time to our community, especially in fresh, clean air!
“Outside of BITS I work as a waitress and bartender at The Country Spirit and Pats Peak Ski Resort. I like to ski… but much prefer horseback riding.
“When I am not at BITS or working, I love spending time with my family. I knit scarves for friends and just try to breathe. My mom would like for me to “volunteer” my time to clearing the top of my dryer, but I sometimes conveniently forget!
“I come to BITS to fill my heart and soul with loving to the people who ride here, the people who work here, but mostly to the animals who live here. We are such a fortunate family and being able to share my time allows me to relax, be myself, and remember that life is for living happily.
“I would volunteer on a full-time basis if I was financially able to. My time is so precious and I will continue to work hard and listen carefully so that I can volunteer here indefinitely.
“I want to thank everyone who has guided me along and I feel I have made some life-lasting friends.”
“Hello. My name is Nic!
“I heard about BITS from Melissa, and have been volunteering here since April, 2016.
I love my time at BITS! It makes my heart happy that I am able to give encouragement and assistance to others. Sometimes I even get to ride a horse, which is my absolute favorite thing! I do not always like cleaning the paddocks, especially when it is very hot outside.
“I do a little of everything here, from cleaning stalls to lesson assistance. My two girls ride here and really enjoy their time with the horses and their leaders. My husband has also spent time here at BITS, although he is slightly afraid of horses!
“As a family we enjoyed helping Miss Pauline and Mystique at a Monarchs game this summer selling 50/50 raffle tickets. We really love giving our time to our community, especially in fresh, clean air!
“Outside of BITS I work as a waitress and bartender at The Country Spirit and Pats Peak Ski Resort. I like to ski… but much prefer horseback riding.
“When I am not at BITS or working, I love spending time with my family. I knit scarves for friends and just try to breathe. My mom would like for me to “volunteer” my time to clearing the top of my dryer, but I sometimes conveniently forget!
“I come to BITS to fill my heart and soul with loving to the people who ride here, the people who work here, but mostly to the animals who live here. We are such a fortunate family and being able to share my time allows me to relax, be myself, and remember that life is for living happily.
“I would volunteer on a full-time basis if I was financially able to. My time is so precious and I will continue to work hard and listen carefully so that I can volunteer here indefinitely.
“I want to thank everyone who has guided me along and I feel I have made some life-lasting friends.”
September 2016 Volunteer of the Month:
Deb Johnson

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.
And THANK YOU!
Please tell us:
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS: Internet
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: 2008
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW? Barn chores
FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: The great people I have met.
LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: N/A
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? Work
Deb may not say much, but her actions speak volumes. There have been times when we've been quite short-staffed and she always seems to be able to step in at a moment's notice to help in any way possible. For that we can't thank her enough.
And THANK YOU!
Please tell us:
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS: Internet
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: 2008
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW? Barn chores
FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: The great people I have met.
LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: N/A
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? Work
Deb may not say much, but her actions speak volumes. There have been times when we've been quite short-staffed and she always seems to be able to step in at a moment's notice to help in any way possible. For that we can't thank her enough.
August Volunteer of the Month: Mike Boldini

Congratulations Mike! You have been chosen as August’s Volunteer of the Month.
We’d like to recognize your valued contribution to BITS, and let others be inspired by your generous nature. The work you do around the grounds is incredibly appreciated! 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!
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS: I heard about BITS from Kathy Foote.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: I started volunteering in May 2016.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW? I’m helping with yard work, equipment maintenance, horse feeding and grooming.
FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: Meeting the other volunteers and staff.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? Work and work and build computers and work…
We’d like to recognize your valued contribution to BITS, and let others be inspired by your generous nature. The work you do around the grounds is incredibly appreciated! 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!
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS: I heard about BITS from Kathy Foote.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: I started volunteering in May 2016.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW? I’m helping with yard work, equipment maintenance, horse feeding and grooming.
FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: Meeting the other volunteers and staff.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? Work and work and build computers and work…
July's Volunteer of the Month: Marie Wilson
June's Volunteer of the Month - Aidan!
April's Volunteer of the Month - Lynn Clough

Congratulations Lynn! You have been chosen as April’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. THANK YOU!
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS: I first heard about BITS while working at a school and some of our students attended. A few years later I was babysitting and brought the kiddo to BITS and realized that I just HAD to be there and help.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: I don’t remember the day, but I know that I began as soon as I could after finding out about the volunteering opportunities at B.I.T.S.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW: I volunteer on Sunday mornings so I get to feed the horses, pick fields/stalls, and a variety of other chores that need to be done; depending on the weather and what the horses need.
FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: Everything is my favorite! I love knowing that I am helping an organization support people in positive ways. I love B.I.T.S. and the work they do.
LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: Paperwork, thanks Ritz!!!
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? I am often reading, doing fun activities with my dogs; living the dream!!!
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. THANK YOU!
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS: I first heard about BITS while working at a school and some of our students attended. A few years later I was babysitting and brought the kiddo to BITS and realized that I just HAD to be there and help.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: I don’t remember the day, but I know that I began as soon as I could after finding out about the volunteering opportunities at B.I.T.S.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW: I volunteer on Sunday mornings so I get to feed the horses, pick fields/stalls, and a variety of other chores that need to be done; depending on the weather and what the horses need.
FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: Everything is my favorite! I love knowing that I am helping an organization support people in positive ways. I love B.I.T.S. and the work they do.
LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: Paperwork, thanks Ritz!!!
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? I am often reading, doing fun activities with my dogs; living the dream!!!
February's Volunteer of the Month - Gale Fligg

Congratulations GALE! You have been chosen as February’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 anytime over the next thirty days...see you “Back in the saddle! And THANK YOU.
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS: Through a friend that volunteered here.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: About three years ago.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW: A little bit of everything.
FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: Taking care of horses, cleaning paddocks
LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: (she has no answer!)
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? I work with people with disabilities, do sewing crafts
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS: Through a friend that volunteered here.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: About three years ago.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW: A little bit of everything.
FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: Taking care of horses, cleaning paddocks
LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: (she has no answer!)
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? I work with people with disabilities, do sewing crafts
January 2016 Volunteer of the Month: Kori Low

CONGRATULATIONS to Kori for being BITS' Volunteer of the Month for January! Kori started coming to BITS as an intern and we are thrilled she continues to volunteer. Thank you for your dedication, Kori. We love having you on our team!
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS: I heard about BITS while doing research for an internship site.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: I started volunteering in September 2015.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW? I’m an intern through NHTI – Concord… so a little bit of everything, I think! Helping with lessons, riding, chores…
FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: The dynamic between all the staff and volunteers! It’s so awesome being a part of the “family” here…I haven’t met anyone yet whose company I don’t enjoy!
LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: Wet gloves.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? Spend even more time in the Saddle! And I spend a lot of time staying active and drinking good coffee. ….And wedding planning!
HOW YOU HEARD ABOUT BITS: I heard about BITS while doing research for an internship site.
WHEN YOU BEGAN VOLUNTEERING: I started volunteering in September 2015.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT BITS ETC NOW? I’m an intern through NHTI – Concord… so a little bit of everything, I think! Helping with lessons, riding, chores…
FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: The dynamic between all the staff and volunteers! It’s so awesome being a part of the “family” here…I haven’t met anyone yet whose company I don’t enjoy!
LEAST FAVORITE PART OF VOLUNTEERING: Wet gloves.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT HERE? Spend even more time in the Saddle! And I spend a lot of time staying active and drinking good coffee. ….And wedding planning!