Questions about TEC?

Contact: Autumn Zick

Phone: (269) 429-0671

E-mail: info@tecfarm.org

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ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 17 – 22, 2021

“To succeed in life, you need three things:  a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone." – Reba McEntire

COVID UPDATE – Since the CDC released their new guidelines for mask wearing last week, we are getting clarification from the State of Michigan and our local health department.  What we do know is the CDC shares the information but it is up to each state and local health department to determine what is best for your area. Please continue with our current policies to wear a mask and follow our cleaning protocols. We will pivot and adapt as soon as it is safe to do.

END OF SPRING SESSION – The last day for this session is Thursday, May 27.  We won’t have classes on Saturday, May 29 because of the Memorial Day weekend.  Participants, please complete a schedule request form for the summer session.  If you aren’t participating this summer, we need to know that as well.  Forms are available from the BSO’s at the barn.  You can also contact Lisa Mearing, our Rider Coordinator, at 269-806-6892 or meariment@aol.com.  Summer session is from June 14 through August 28.  We hope to also have 2 Summer Day Camps:  July 26 – 28 and August 26 – 28.  They will be held for 3 hours each morning.

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT VOLUNTEER TRAINING – It will be held on Wednesday, June 2 at 6 p.m. at the TEC barn.  Volunteers need to be 14 years of age or older.  This is an opportunity for new volunteers, a refresher class for those that haven’t volunteered in a while, or for those who were unable to attend a previous training. YOU MUST SIGN UP by contacting Beth Christy at 269-325-8833 or beth.christy@yahoo.com. 

FIRE DRILL – It’s time to conduct a fire drill in each class this week.  Please help the instructors remember to do them.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR POSITION – The TEC Board of Directors has regretfully accepted Beth Christy's resignation to devote more time to her family.  Beth has graciously agreed to stay in her role until a replacement is found.  Please continue to contact her for volunteer scheduling and participant absences. 

Beth wanted to share with all of us the following:

"Your dedication, love of horses, and caring for the participants is an inspiration to all who enter the barn.  TEC would not exist without you and I applaud our commitment and service to our community."

We are currently accepting applications until June 14 or until the position is filled.  Click here to view a job description for this paid, part-time position.  Please share this information with anyone who would be interested.  Questions, please contact TEC at 269-429-0671 or azicktec@gmail.com.  Applicants should send their resume to:  Autumn Zick at azicktec@gmail.com.     

ONCE UPON A TIME 5K RACE – Once again, TEC is the benefit partner with SWMI RACERS for this year’s event.  The race is scheduled for Saturday morning, July 24 in Baroda, MI.  We won’t have TEC classes that day, so please think about volunteering.  We need at least 30 volunteers to help with the event.   To sign up as a volunteer, please contact Beth C. at 269-325-8833 or beth.christy@yahoo.com.  

THANK YOU, HARDING’S SHOPPERS! – Thanks to those who shop at Harding’s, we recently received a check for $73.41.  If you shop at Harding’s Super Markets you can sign up to have TEC receive a percentage of your purchase.  Please visit their website Hardings.com and sign up under their Community Rewards Program.

CAN YOU HELP? – TEC would welcome donations of paper towels.  Thank you ahead of time!

PLEASE PICK UP TEC CLOTHING ORDERS – The following volunteers have items at the barn for pick up:  Steve B., Suellen R., Allie R., and Jane I.  If you have questions about your order, please contact Beth D. at 269-932-5005 or beth.drollinger@gmail.com.   

HELPFUL HINTS FOR OUR PARTICIPANTS – Directions can be confusing for some of our participants.  For example, they may not know their right from their left or what “behind” or “in front of” means.  You can help by giving them a point of reference such as pointing to the direction they are to turn.  Another example is to have them turn towards something they can see in the arena; such as, the green apple or the black cat.

TIME TO SMILE WITH A “DAD JOKE” – I’ve started a boat building business in my attic.  My neighbor asked me how it was going.  I replied “the sales are through the roof!”

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE WEEKS OF MAY 3 and 10, 2021

“If you are fearful, a horse will back off.  If you are calm and confident it will come forward.  For those who are often flattered or feared, the horse can be a welcome mirror of the best in human nature.” – Author Unknown

To all the moms, we wish you a HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

THANK YOU, BETH C. & MEMBERS OF THE VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE – We appreciate the treats and decorations that you gave to our volunteers for National Volunteer Appreciation Week.  There are a few treats left in the Observation Room, please enjoy!

PLEASE PICK UP TEC CLOTHING ORDERS – The following volunteers have items at the barn for pick up:  Steve B., Suellen R., Allie R., and Jane I.  If you have questions about your order, please contact Beth D. at 269-932-5005 or beth.drollinger@gmail.com.   

GARTH IS A STAR! – Garth had a very nice article written about him and his Heart of the Horse Award.  It was in the Thursday, April 29 edition of the Herald-Palladium.  It can be seen at the barn or online at https://bitly.com/3h2FTAi.

COVID UPDATE – We know that the CDC has updated the requirements for wearing masks in light of more people getting vaccinated.  At this time, though, TEC will continue with our current policies for mask wearing and monitor future guidelines.

TRIBUTE FEED PROOF OF PURCHASE SEALS – We appreciate horse owners who collect these horse feed seals as they are each worth $0.25 cents.  Just cut them out of the grain bag and bring to TEC or place them in the canisters with the cashiers at Family Farm & Home.  Please don’t turn in the paper tag that is on the outside of the bag.  Thank you!

PLEASE LET US KNOW – Volunteers and participants, please let Beth C. know ASAP when you will be absent.  We understand life happens requiring you to cancel without much notice.  But, please, if you have a planned vacation or doctor’s appointment, her know as soon as you can.  You can reach Beth C. at 269-325-8833 or beth.christy@yahoo.com. 

LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME – Ms. Riley is a 6-year-old grey, tiger cat who is looking for a home where she is the only princess. 

MEET Ms. RILEY:  

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My family found me six years ago, when I was 6-weeks old after have been dumped on a country road, left to survive on my own.  I been living the life of "Riley" – hence my name – until another stray kitten showed up and I've had to live with him for two years.   I've decided I much prefer being the queen of the house and not dealing with another pesky cat!

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I know my name and will come to it. I also enjoy dogs and people!  My favorite thing on cold winter days is sitting in front of the fire or by the heat register.  For entertainment, I    love to play with that feather on a stick toy and also chasing the laser dot.

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I'm the perfect work from home cat as I'm very comfortable sleeping on your desk as a paperweight.  If you need a rubber band, just open your desk drawer and I'll find it for you.

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I'm very happy staying inside – my experience outside as a kitten was terrifying!  I do have my claws but give me a cat scratching post and I'm happy.  Although as a queen, a manicure once in a while is nice.

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If you would like to add me to your work team or just your home team, please let Autumn Zick know at 296-921-4610 or LeeAnn Kendall (her sister and owner) 517-414-1018.  I'm an independent thinker and would make a wonderful addition to your team!!

HELPFUL HINTS FOR OUR PARTICIPANTS – We are building resilience for our participants.  The 7 C’s are:  Competence, Confidence, Connection with others, Character (knowing right from wrong), Contribution (giving to the wellbeing of others), Coping (healthy ways to cope), and Control (they control the outcome of their decisions). 

TIME TO SMILE WITH A “DAD JOKE” – My wife says I have 2 major faults.  The first is I don’t listen to her and the second …… LOL

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 19 – 24, 2021

“The purpose of life is not to be happy — but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you lived at all.” – Leo Rosten

THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS – We are so blessed to have a wonderful group of volunteers who bring a wide range of skills to TEC.  We couldn’t operate without you!  This is National Volunteer Appreciation Week so we are celebrating how blessed we are to have each of you!   Please help yourself to the treats in the Observation Room and the refrigerator. You have made a difference, THANK YOU!  

WE MISS YOU – For those TEC volunteers who aren’t able to help right now we want you to know we are thinking of you and are very thankful for the difference you have made as well.  It takes a village so we look forward to the day when you are able to return! 

TEC CLOTHING ORDERS – Will be passed out this week at lessons or by arrangements made with TEC Volunteer Coordinator, Beth C.  Any questions?  Please contact Beth at 269-325-8833 or beth.christy@yahoo.com.

THANKS FOR PICKING UP HAIR – We are doing a good job of putting the hair from grooming the horses in the trash can.  If you have to scoop the poop from a grooming stall or arena, please dump the manure in the large pit behind the barn.  Please don’t leave it for someone else to take to the manure pit.  Thank you!

LIGHTS OUT PLEASE – As it stays lighter longer, it’s easy to walk out of the barn and forget to turn off the lights.  The last one out at the end of lessons or doing chores, please check that the lights are off.  We appreciate your help in saving us costs on the electric bill.

LOOKING FOR HORSE LEADERS AND BIOSECURITY OFFICERS – Please spread the word that we welcome people not able to walk for lessons but would be willing to be a TEC Biosecurity Officer (BSO).  They greet people who come for lessons, take temperatures with a touchless thermometer, ask the COVID questions, etc.  Training will be provided.  We are also in need of people with horse experience who would be horse leaders during lessons.  You don’t need experience, just have to be eager to learn.  We provide training.  For both positions, please contact TEC Volunteer Coordinator, Beth Christy, at 269-325-8833 or beth.christy@yahoo.com.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR OUR PARTICIPANTS – Horse leaders, please give the rider time to process the instructor’s direction and see if they can do the task without your help.

TIME TO SMILE WITH A “DAD JOKE” – A detective asked me where I was between 5 and 6.  I answered kindergarten.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 12 – 18, 2021

“Use your voice for kindness, your ears for compassion, your hands for charity, your mind for truth, and your heart for love.” – Unknown Author

WELCOME TO SPRING SESSION – We want to welcome our new participants and volunteers!  We also wish to welcome back Marilyn, our Monday instructor; as well as, our “old” participants and volunteers.  This session will run through May 28 with lessons on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.   Participants and volunteers, if you will be absent, please contact Beth Christy, our Volunteer Coordinator, at 269-325-8833 or beth.christy@yahoo.com. 

PIVOT, SHIFT, AND ADAPT – COVID is teaching all of us patience and the need to adapt.  We will be closely watching for updates concerning the most recent rise of cases in Michigan.  As of Friday, April 9, the Berrien County Health department in a communication with Berrien County school leaders made this statement: “While there are many regions in the state with exceptionally high rates of new COVID-19 cases, Berrien County has one quarter the rate of new cases per day compared to areas currently the hardest hit in Michigan.  The evidence in Berrien County does not show a need for the same level of new action at this time.”  For this reason, we are starting our Spring Session while we continue to follow sanitizing hands, surfaces, and requiring masks at all times.  Please maintain vigilance about your health and any symptoms of concern.  As a participant, if you have to miss a class due to COVID you will not be charged.  TEC is revising our wellness policy which will be e-mailed to everyone.  Please watch for it.

PEOPLE AND HORSE FIRST AID KITS & SUPPLIES – They can be found in the bathroom cupboard as well as in a black tool box on the counter.

SHEDDING SEASON IS HERE! – The horses are telling us that spring has sprung and so is their hair!  If you are grooming a horse in a grooming stall or their “bedroom” stall, please pick up the hair you remove and place it in the trash can or dumpster in front of the barn.  Thank you!

LOOKING FOR HORSE LEADERS AND BIOSECURITY OFFICERS – Please spread the word that we welcome people not able to walk in lessons but would be willing to be a TEC Biosecurity officer (BSO).  They greet people who come for lessons, take temperatures with a touchless thermometer, ask the COVID questions, etc.  Training will be provided.  We are also in need of people with horse experience who would be horse leaders during lessons.  Don’t have experience but want to learn?  We are willing to train.  For both positions, please contact TEC Volunteer Coordinator, Beth Christy, at 269-325-8833 or beth.christy@yahoo.com.

THE HORSES WILL LOVE YOU! – The weather is warming up so come join the TEC Chore Team!  WE WILL TRAIN.  TEC is in need of substitute morning chore people.  Duties would include feeding between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. in the morning.  Horses are then turned out into their pastures.  Other duties include cleaning the horse’s feed dishes and occasionally cleaning 5 to 6 stalls.  Cleaning stalls could be negotiated.  For more information, please contact Lynn Pica, TEC Barn Manager, at 269-861-6886 or lynnpica@yahoo.com. 

NEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY – TEC is looking for someone to assist Autumn Zick, TEC Board President, with coordinating our fund development opportunities.  This position can be done from your home and we will train.  Must have excellent communication skills, be able to work independently, and meet deadlines.  For more information, please contact Autumn at 269-429-0671 or azicktec@gmail.com. 

GARTH IS A CELEBRITY! – Last week Garth was awarded the Heart of a Horse Award that is given by Bill and Cathy Alwine.  It is to honor the memory of their horse Boru, who embodied a kind, gentle spirit, and a huge heart.  One horse from the Michiana area is chosen each year.  Garth was this year’s winner!!!!  Thank you, Cathy and Bill, for giving Garth this well-deserved honor.  To view the WNDU story and read the press release, visit TEC’s Facebook page or our website at www.tecfarm.org/horsenamesandbio. 

COVID VACCINATION UPDATE – Michigan residents ages 16 and older with disabilities or medical conditions that put them at high risk of negative COVID outcomes are now eligible for COVID vaccinations. This also includes their caregiver, family members, and guardians.  Everyone 50+ years or older will also be eligible.  The state announced that beginning Monday, April 5, all Michigan residents age 16 and up who were not previously eligible will be eligible to receive a vaccine.  This was from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website and e-mail messages.  To sign up for the vaccine, contact various drug store websites; such as, Walgreens, Meijer, and Rite Aid.  Your county health department, local hospitals, and some senior centers are also offering clinics. 

HELPFUL HINTS FOR OUR PARTICIPANTS – When sidewalking, please stay within an arm’s length from the rider, with your hands out of your pockets and cell phone off or on mute. 

SAVE THE DATE – We are thrilled to have SWMI RACERS select TEC to be their benefit partner for the Once Upon a Time 5K walk/run, which will be held on Saturday, July 24 in Baroda, MI.  More details will follow very soon and we are looking for sponsors for this event.  If you are interested in sponsoring the race, please contact TEC at 269-429-0671 or azicktec@gmail.com.

TIME TO SMILE WITH A “DAD JOKE” – I went to get my first COVID shot and the nurse said to me, “I bet you’ll be glad to get this under your belt.”