Carol Boudreau Recognized As NEECA's Volunteer of the Year for 2024

Every year at the Fall Social we like to recognize a NEECA member/supporter who has gone "above and beyond" in their efforts to help NEECA. This year Carol Boudreau was the recipient of that award. This is actually the second time Carol has received this much deserved recognition.

The importance of volunteers to NEECA's continued growth cannot be overestimated because without volunteers there would not be a NEECA. No events would take place at NEECA, ever, if it wasn't for the hard work and efforts of a number of people who generously volunteer their time and talent every year.

This year alone Carol volunteered at the Work Day, the Poker Ride, the Ride-Review-Ride, the Hunter Pace, and the Triathlon. You also might have seen her at the Food Booth lending a helping hand during some of the gymkhanas this year, and she has taken over the responsibility renting the NEECA arena/facilities.

Carol is shown with her two mares, Nikki and Dixie, and helping put a coat of stain on the speaker box next to the main arena at this year's Work Day in April. If something needs to be done, Carol is always willing to help!

We are already planning our 2025 Calendar of Events and we hope that all our members will be able to help out for at least one event next year so that we can continue to offer the number and variety of events that we have been providing to local equestrians in recent years.

2024 Fall Social Raises Nearly $4,000 for NEECA!

We're profoundly grateful to be able to report that this year's NEECA Fall Social was yet another resounding success thanks to the support and generosity of our members and supporters.

Both the Live and Silent auction tables were overflowing with donated items and services. A few people got pretty good deals on some stuff, but NEECA members were the big winners of the night because the money raised from these auctions will be used for NEECA's continued growth and improvement, for the benefit and enjoyment of everyone who uses the park.

The nearly 120 attendees enjoyed a meal "Fit for a King" by Black Crow Caterers, followed by some delicious cupcakes made by our own Kory Laughlin, not to mention pie baked by Sue Ellen Mowcomber. Perfect end to a great meal.

After supper there was a brief update on what's been happening at the park, with Board president Caroline Mansfield reporting that over $60,000 has been invested in NEECA over the past 3 years on projects such as our new Food Booth, the new well, and having the footing replaced in the warm-up arena. Other smaller projects such as speakers being added to the trailer parking driveway, new signage, widening of the road leading to Confidence Course, expansion of the driving area have also been accomplished in recent years. To date, NEECA has invested over $400,000 in the past 20 years for park improvements.

Equally exciting, it was reported that NEECA membership for 2024 topped out at an all time high of nearly 280 members, with 80 of them being NEW members. Apparently the good word is spreading. ;)

Linda LeBlanc spoke about her ongoing efforts to create a Nature Trail at NEECA, which was established this year with special signage, Althea Bramhall presented a report from Pam DeGregorio (who unfortunately couldn't be with us) on everything the NEECA Drivers has been up to, and Tina Dixson hand out some pretty darn impressive looking awards for the Gymkhana Series year end champions.

It was a wonderful ending to another great year for NEECA.