“Horses help calm and heal our inner being – often when humans can’t get the job done.” That’s been the experience of Kelly Franklin, Executive Director of Farmtown Canada, and Joe Preston, Board President, and at the farm’s location at 46703 Mapleton Line in Aylmer they see the equine therapy programs they offer having a positive effect on hundreds of young lives, most of them girls aged 7 to 19. Help and support is provided regardless of ability to pay (and 80% of those attending need financial help) and that is why a vigorous fundraising effort is necessary so that mentors and care – including horses – can be provided.

 

The mission of Farmtown Canada is “to provide hope, wellness and good values for at-risk or disadvantaged girls, teens and women through the use of animal interaction by means of equine therapeutics, mentoring and supports.” It is a registered charity. Farmtown Canada operates its equine programs under certification with Eagala (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association). Peer mentoring, empowerment sessions, specialized counselling supports, mental health education and leadership training are also provided. None of the Farmtown Canada programs is duplicated within the region, but Farmtown Canada does cooperate with other agencies such as Ontario Works and the Thames Valley District School Board. And it gets results.

 

Long-term benefits are emphasized; indeed, some girls in the program go on to become mentors themselves. Goals are realistic and achievable. Says Kelly, “Girls need to be well, not to be perfect.” One girl in the program stated that she was good enough for the horses and that was good enough for her. A parent noted the dramatic turnaround in behaviour after her mildly autistic and anxious child’s exposure to the Farmtown program. Children and teens who have suicidal thoughts leave with a positive outlook on life.

 

Farmtown Canada seems to make good – horse – sense.

 

 

 

NO HORSING AROUND….On a day that left no doubt that winter has returned for another year, our meeting was brightened by the appearance of guest Maggie Horn, wife of Bill….Next week (November 28), the long-awaited breakfast with members of local service clubs takes place from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Wayside. There is a program so be sure to be at the Wayside at 7:30. Price per person is $10. Please let Trudy know if you are coming (if you have not already done so).… The Club’s annual Christmas party will be held at the Wayside on December 5. There will be a social time at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. Cost per person is $25. President Nancy urged members to once again bring socks, hats or mitts to the party for donation to the Talbot Teen Centre. On December 12, Heather Robinson, new CEO of the St. Thomas Public Library, will be guest speaker and on December 19, we will welcome the Rev. Margaret Bell who will deliver the annual Christmas Message. There will be no meeting on December 26 (Boxing Day).

 

Trudy Kanellis was pleased to report on revenue from the 2016 Tour of Homes Auction. From 98 Christmas balls sold, $1980; from 71 auction items sold, $5717.99; a total of $7697.99, well over $2000 more than was received in last year’s Tour. Ed Willson noted that all ticket outlets have reported, but that he was still waiting to hear from some Rotarians regarding tickets sold and money collected. Nevertheless he categorically declared that sales this year were “great!”

 

The St. Thomas Interact Club’s biennial Pony Poopin’ Bingo event will be held May 6, 2017, lots of time for Rotarians to sell the 20 tickets presented to them by Trudy Kanellis. Tickets are $5 each…. Malcolm Rust has copies of Rotary Music Festival promotional leaflets that can be yours for the asking if you know a music teacher or someone else who might be interested in the Festival. Contact Malcolm or Ron Somerville if you are interested….Charles Mossman, President of the Rotary Club of Lambeth, is looking for people to act as tax preparers for low income tax filers as part of Revenue Canada’s volunteer program. Training is provided.

 

Kelly Franklin was winner of today’s 50/50 draw. President Nancy was Fine Master. She advised us that yesterday (November 20) was United Nations Universal Children’s Day, founded in 1954 and dedicated in part to improving children’s welfare throughout the world, a fitting complement to the theme of today’s program.

 

HAPPY FINS- Donations of $5 to The Rotary Foundation - Annual Programs Fund - credited to the donor in celebration of something good in our lives. This practice was started in this club in 1985 to raise funds for polio eradication at the suggestion of Darwen Lowe, a member of the club.

 

Bill Horn (3) – He and Maggie enjoyed attending the great 80th anniversary Wayside reception hosted by Nick and Trudy Kanellis last Tuesday; for a great grandson’s birthday.
Maggie Horn (1) – She was happy to see the Rev. Mavis Currie back at Knox Presbyterian on Sunday following her illness (she is expected to resume her clerical duties in the new year).
Ron Somerville (2) – Thanks to Kelly and Joe for their presentation today; Ron received a phone call from his son who is now in Bangkok, having arrived there after travelling to India and Kathmandu.
Malcolm Rust (1) – It is his granddaughter’s birthday today.
Stew Shouldice (2) – For the presentation made today by Kelly and Joe; Stew says that horses pull their ears back on his approach (but Trish says, in his defence, that dogs and cats love to be with him).
Trish Shouldice (2) – For Kelly and Joe’s talk today; she enjoyed shopping with her granddaughter for items to put in a Christmas “Good Samaritan” box.
Nancy Lovelock (1) -- For the Farmtown presentation made today.
Jennifer Babcock (1) – Her son was happy to receive a hug from his teacher in the course of the Dutton Santa Claus Parade.
Trudy Kanellis (3) – For a great Wayside 80th anniversary party on Tuesday; for a successful Tour of Homes Auction; for Joe and Kelly’s presentation today. Trudy said that she would donate to Farmtown the saddle and other gear that once belonged to her horse “Thunder” who passed away two years ago.

 

 

	ASAA	Greeter	Fine Master
Monday, November 28	Ron Somerville	Ken Ferguson	No Fine Master
Monday, December 5	Davey Moffatt	Brenda Merrifield	Trish Shouldice
Monday, December 12	Ron Somerville	Pat Martyn	Dave Rock
Monday, December 19	Ron Somerville	Malcolm Rust	Suzanne Ferguson
Monday, December 26	No meeting (Boxing Day)

 

Photo: Trudy Kanellis

PEB