NEECA NEWS - November, 2023 | |
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THAT'S A WRAP!!.......
Hard to believe that NEECA's 2023 Season is finally drawing to a close. But what a year it has been! Our organization was busier than ever this year, and there are no signs that we are slowing down anytime soon. As per custom, our last official event of the year was the NEECA Fall Social. 136 NEECA members "gathered up" at the Ellinwood Country Club in Athol to enjoy an evening of companionship, good food, awards and recognitions, and some enthusiastic bidding on the numerous auction items that were donated by supporting members and businesses. Thanks to the generosity of these donors, and the enthusiasm of the folks who bid on these items, we are thrilled to report that the two auctions raised over $6300 for NEECA's continued maintenance and development!! wow...wow....wow...
Click here for video of the evening.
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All of the profit raised by the various events NEECA sponsors throughout the year is used for projects designed to improve and enhance the park. In 2022 we installed the new NEECA Nibblers Food Booth, and in 2023 we installed a new well. These two projects alone represented an investment of over $40,000. But we didn't stop there. If you were up at the park this year you may have noticed our new blue/white directional signage that allows visitors to find their way around NEECA more easily. Our new well required an addition to the food booth in order to house the well tank. We added a couple of new obstacles to our Confidence Course. Improvements were made to the Elwin Bacon Trail that had become washed out and bony. And we added two new speakers to the trailer parking driveway so that folks parked back there during events could hear announcements clearly. | |
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In addition to the physical improvements made at the park, 2023 saw a few more important milestones being reached. For the first time ever, NEECA had over 250 members join our organization! Those members had PLENTY to do since between events hosted directly by NEECA, and events hosted by other organizations that took place at NEECA, we had nearly 40 events on our 2023 calendar. Better yet, the Board of Directors is already working on the 2024 Calendar of Events, and we've got some fun, new ideas in mind, along with the "oldies but goodies".
The most important thing to note is that NONE of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication of our members who step up to help out at our various fundraisers, projects and events throughout the year, and the folks who support us by becoming NEECA members and attending our events. We want you all to know how much we value and appreciate your support.
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ALTHEA BRAMHALL RECEIVES WELL DESERVED RECOGNITION | | |
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At NEECA's recent Fall Social, Althea Bramhall (pictured right) was recognized for formally bringing Driving to the park. Next spring, the sign next to the arena will be changed to the "Althea Bramhall Driving Arena" and a 10 x 16 bronze plaque will be mounted at the front corner of the arena.
Under her leadership, we now have a beautiful Driving Arena beside the Confidence Course and have been having a series of driving events that continues to grow in number and in participation. Our last event this fall was a very successful Open Schooling Driving Trial, which included a dressage test, a 3.23 marathon on our trails with 4 obstacles, and a Cones Course, judged by Sue Rogers.
Congratulations, Althea Bramhall, on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for all of the fun that our drivers have been having!
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Larry Marshall is NEECA's 2023 Volunteer of the Year
Every year at the Fall Social NEECA recognizes a member who has gone "above and beyond" donating their time and talents to help with projects and/or events up at the park. This year we chose Larry Marshall from Barre as the recipient of our Volunteer of the Year Award. Larry is a finish carpenter who donated all the labor, and some materials we suspect , to build both the new steps leading into the registration booth, and the addition to the Food Booth that will eventually house the new well tank. We can't overestimate the importance of members such as Larry who are willing to step up and give so generously of their time and talents towards the development of the park. We are so sincerely grateful.
THANK YOU LARRY!!
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Recently members from the New England Equestrian Center of Athol (NEECA) met with Athol Fire Chief Joseph Guarnera, and other members of the Athol Fire Department, to present the Department with a donation of an Equine Rescue Glide Kit that can be used to aid in the rescue and safe transport of horses, and other large animals, in emergency situations. Through a series of fundraisers and generous donations from its membership, NEECA was able to raise over $3000.00 needed to purchase the Kit and arrange transport from the manufacturer in California. | |
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**IMPORTANT UPDATE: You are welcome to ride at NEECA for as long as the weather permits, but please note that as of Nov. 1st the porta potties have been closed for the season, the mounting blocks have been removed, and some of the equipment from the Confidence Course has been put away for the winter months. | |
What to know about riding at NEECA..... |
- The NEECA gates are usually closed in order to deter mischief, but they are NEVER LOCKED
- Park is open from Dawn to Dusk every day
- Members are welcome to ride at the park anytime
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If you would like to use the Main Arena, cost is $5 per 90 minute session, and you need to contact Carol Boudreau at [email protected] to schedule a time
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We ask that you sign a waiver before riding at the park. You can do so online: https://www.neeca.org/liability-release-form
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Please close the gate when you leave, as long as there is no official event taking place that day
- Clean up around your trailer before leaving. There is a dumpster on site for trash, and please pick up all manure left in parking areas
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SUPPORT THE BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT NEECA WHENEVER YOU CAN! |
Interested in listing your business? Sign up and payment can conveniently be done online at neeca.org, follow link from home page.
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A NEECA membership is only $25/year, and comes with all the great benefits listed below. But, more importantly, it is your introduction into a community of caring, dedicated horse owners who are committed to creating something very special and unique. Your membership fee goes towards the continued development of NEECA. | |
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Want to join NEECA, or renew your membership?
Here's How!
Go to
neeca.org/ membership
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Learn more about some of the great money saving benefits that come with your NEECA membership. Click here for details. | |
"The mission of NEECA is to preserve and protect land for equine interests while promoting good horsemanship and educating equestrians for the betterment of the horse now, and for the generations to follow."
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