We recently held our Annual Meeting and Volunteer Celebration to honor our loyal volunteers and board members. The annual meeting is an integral part of the business and governance of The Shea Center and is a chance to recognize new leadership.
Our board welcomed the new board chair Greg Talbott, and thanked former board chair, Susan Chaney-Purel, for her three consecutive terms of service. The Mark E. Aldrich Board Leadership Award was presented to long-time board member Kevin Walker for his excellence in Board and servant leadership. His institutional knowledge, “boots on the ground mentality”, and profound love for Shea make him irreplaceable.
Our Volunteer Services Manager Michele Gingras announced the Horse of the Year as Major and gave out the following awards to our incredible program volunteers.
Youth Volunteer of the Year: Ashwin
Ashwin comes every Saturday and always has a smile on his face. Our therapists and clients cannot say enough nice things about him! He is also going to school full-time, is an assistant Scoutmaster, and will be an Eagle Scout before this summer.
Volunteer of the Year: Judy Corr
Judy has been with us since 2017 and has given over 944 hours to Shea. She is a pleasure to be around and volunteers in multiple spots every week. Judy is both a leader and a sidewalker, and can be found cleaning up around the barn in between lessons.
Hall of Fame: Deana Bergquist
Deana has logged well over 7.300 hours since she started volunteering in 2012. She has been the campaign chair for Drive to Ride, teaches our sidewalking classes, and so much more.
Rookie of the Year: Paul Elwart
This volunteer is here all day every Thursday and helps in the barn, at special events, and is a leader and sidewalker. He started back in June of 2022 and has already logged over 186 hours!
Award of Excellence:
Recognizes volunteers that show leadership, collaboration, dedication, positivity, and professionalism.
- Nolina Beauchamp
- Judy Shumaker
- Brent Turner
Above and Beyond Award:
These volunteers show up early and go above and beyond. They show dedication and are always finding ways to keep busy.
- Linda Owens
- Carly Green
- Carol Schlick
Triple Crown Award:
These volunteers give their time, treasure and talent. Not only do they help in lessons but also special events, summer camps, and more.
- Shari Crane
- Dixie Sparks
- Rita Quinn
Golden Manure Award:
It takes a village to keep the arenas clean and we would like to acknowledge one volunteer that deserves the special poop scooper award!
- Don Iler
The Exceptional Volunteer Award:
These volunteers do it all! If they aren’t leading or sidewalking they are helping with barn chores, pulling tack, or working special events and programs like summer camp.
- Bonnie Eastman
- Nadine Glass
- Greg Talbott
5 Years
- Susan Cox
- Kitty Fesler
15 Years
- Doug Armstrong
20 years
- Jan Kimble
