Central Illinois Riding Therapy 305 Neumann Drive East Peoria, IL 61611 (309) 699-3710 cirt@cirt.info

CIRT F A L L 2 0 1 2

NEWS

Like the words of a country song….. “You’re going to miss this”….. The horses that give their all, the staff and board that always find a way to make the impossible possible, volunteers who come and fill so many needs, the young people whose lives take a different direction like physical therapy, teaching, special ed, vet assistant or speak up to let neighbors know that the people living in the group home proposed in their neighborhood are just grown up kids like those who ride at CIRT and the young man who stopped by one day with his wife and 2 young children and said, “You probably don’t remember me, I was at the Youth Farm when we used to come and clean stalls and sidewalk with the kids. My life is different now and I wanted to show my family where I made a difference.” Then hearing the new young father with a son with downs syndrome who headed up the tootsie roll drive for the Knights of Columbus, say he chose to live here because of the youth like his son he saw working in the local businesses (all who had rode at CIRT). Then there are the parents who share their problems, suggestions and ideas with each other and find camps, teachers, doctors and advocacy groups that can make things better for their children. And then there are the riders who started at 3 and 4….some taking their first steps to hug an instructor, then growing before our eyes and writing their first school paper, a letter to their CIRT horse. Then as teenagers and young adults that compete in not only local horse shows but go on to national and international UPHA and Special Olympic competition and school activities that let others know what might be possible. And those adults who still come to CIRT for fun and exercise that make your day by saying “you weren’t at the Christmas Party, I missed you”.

Yes, after 29 years, I’m going to miss this, but when family obligations make it hard to give even 10 hours a week, it is time. I still plan to serve on the Advisory Board, teach classes when needed, and remain working with the national organization, PATH, Intl. The CIRT program has grown and with volunteer hours and the wonderful continuing help from the Fon du Lac Park district we have a facility and grounds to be proud of. The board, instructors, and staff know what to do to make CIRT continue to grow and be a program that ….. as one special ed teacher said when she came to visit, “I have 4 students that have changed so much I came to see where the magic is”.

Thanks for the memories. And thanks to my whole family who have always been there to support and help when and wherever needed. —Judy Kruse

Executive Director of Central Illinois Riding Therapy, Judy Kruse, announced her retirement at the October board meeting. After 29 years of dedication to students, staff, volunteers and horses, Judy needs to spend more time with her family which needs her care. She also needs to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

Judy began with CIRT as a volunteer when the organization began 29 years ago. In the beginning, 4-Hers and others shared their horses with our riders. Judy was one of the original 4-H leaders and served on the formation board as 4-H liaison and co-treasurer.

In the beginning CIRT did not have a home so the group of dedicated volunteers operated the program out of homes of rural volunteers. The mobile program only had classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings which made for a 2 year waiting list for riders.

When CIRT was offered a home at Fon du Lac Park in East Peoria, a dedicated group of volunteers, including Judy and Ron Kruse, worked tirelessly to turn a storage building in the park into an equestrian facility. Moving to the Park allowed CIRT to have horses on site and more classes. Judy bought a horse

to be used in the program (Montana) and free leased her daughter’s horse and granddaughter’s mini. At this time Judy was named Executive Director. Over the last 20+ years hard working volunteers have changed that bare-bones facility into the wonderful home CIRT has today. Both Judy and Ron have donated countless materials, equipment, time and money. Always helping in any way they could.

Over the years Judy has enjoyed working with hundreds of students and parents, hard working instructors, staff, horses and volunteers. CIRT would like to have all these important friends join the CIRT Christmas Party/Retirement Party to honor Judy and Ron. Even in retirement, we know they will always be a part of CIRT. —Lynda Gustafson

CIRT Christmas Party/ Retirement Party When: Friday December 7 6:00-8:30 p.m. Where: Fon du Lac Park Administration Building East Peoria RSVP to CIRT By December 5 309-699-3710 Dinner is tacos Please bring a dish to share

A note from the desk of the Executive Director 

A special thank you to Bob & Virginia Weaver and Chuck & Laurie Weaver for inviting CIRT to participate in and benefit from this event. Thanks to Bosch Tools for allowing CIRT to use their parking lot East Peoria Fon du Lac Park District for the use of their vans

Paul Pisula, announcer for the polo match Dusty Polhemus, Auctioneer for the live auction Walter Christ and Dave Sheets, callers for the live auction American Speedy Printing, invitations and program printing Peoria County Sheriff’s Posse, Color Guard.

Thanks to the following for donating items for our door prizes, raffles, live and silent auctions: A New You-Karis Parkin, Apples Bakery, Applebees, Asian Jewelry-Linda Osika, Aupperle Construction, Avanti’s Ristorante, Baum Investments, Jeanette Blackwell, Braunstein Family, Body Language-Leanne Kruse, Burger Barge, CIRT Board of Directors, CIRT Riders, Curves, Dixon Fisheries, Ray Eldridge Jewelry, Exhibit A Gallery, Great Harvest Bread Co, Bill & Terry Joerger, Jonah’s Seafood House, Jones Bros. Jewelers, Jumer’s Casino & Hotel, Harp & Thistle Imports Ltd, Nancy King, Krogers-East Peoria, Krogers-Morton, Judy & Ron Kruse, Kuhl & Company Insurance, Litte “D” Designs, Longhorn Steakhouse, Jim & Mary Jane Mattingly, Maui Jim, Monical’s Pizza, Ellen Monteith, Peoria Chiefs, Peoria Civic Center, Peoria Riverman Hockey Club, Pzazz Entertainment Center & Catfish Bend Casino, Quail Meadows Golf Course, RFD Chicago/Rockford International Airport, Russell’s Cycle & Fitness Center, Theresa Sanders, Six Flags St. Louis, Six Flags Great America, Skin Dimensions Day Spa, Spirit of Peoria, Joan Stanisic, Stauthammer Family, Susan Palmer Studios, Agneta Stanesa, Target, Texas Roadhouse, TGI Fridays, TNT’s Sport Bar & Grill, Tractor Supply Company-Pekin, Dee Tucker, Carlene & Joe Venovich, Village Courts Athletic Club, Rick & Myra Walker, Walmart-Washington, Jerry & Nancy Weaver, Weaver Ridge Golf Club, George Weers, Gary Welch, Wild Berries.

Also, thanks to the following for their support throughout the year: East Peoria Fondulac Park District, Ron Kruse, Chuck Walker, Hoerr Veterinary Service, Dawn Alwan, Carl & Velda Glueck, Kris McCormick, Marge Mattern, Roanoke Motors, Gerald & Nancy Nannen, Roy & Micky Welsh, all who brought cookies for our volunteers, all the 4-H Clubs who have helped, those who have so generously fulfilled our “wish list”, and to all of our wonderful volunteers who come weekly to help,

And to the Polo Committee for their dedication and hard work. Co-chairs Lynda Gustafson and Jenna Walker. Anita Burdette, Walter Christ, Kathy Griffin, Terry Joerger, Nancy & Dave King, Nan Kleffman, Judy Kruse, Ellen Monteith, Kay Ruschau, Sherry Saathoff, Chris Soderstrom, Agneta Stanesa, Joan Stanisic, Carlene Venovich, and Chuck Weaver. Thanks to the 100+ dedicated hard working volunteers without whom CIRT could not continue to serve those who benefit from our program and to the generous individuals who have shared their horses with CIRT.

Polo on the Green, CIRT Fundraiser, August 18, 2012

Help Santa help

CIRT. Check out

Santa’s Wish

List on page 7.

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Pewter Spur - $100 - $249

Alwan and Sons Meat Company Morton Mini Storage Tazewell County Floor Covering Marilyn and Bud Elward Karen and Ed Scott Washington Veterinary Clinic Floral Designs, Ltd Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehab The CIRT Board of Directors Judy and Ron Kruse Lakeview Veterinary Clinic Mike Murphy Ford Parrish Tack Shop The Chapman Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors

Gold Spur -$1,000 -$2,499 Walter and Kathy Christ Kris and Michael McCormick Kris & Chuck Rinkenberger American Speedy Printing

Thank you to our 2012 Spur Sponsors Platinum Spur - $5,000

Maui Jim Visit their website www.mauijim.com

Congratulations

to

Rob Hohulin

Winner of the

iPad raffle

More donations: James Flannelly, Marge Mattern, James McGinn, Gerald Nannen, Roanoke Motors.

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Our Advertisers

Craig Miller Financial Services Dick Thulean, State Farm Agent

Exhibit A Gallery Fritch Heating/Cooling

Lakeview Veterinary Clinic Morton Mini Storage

OSF St. Francis Medical Center Pekin Insurance

Hats off to Gitza Peterson from Gray Horse Farms For the halftime Dressage performance!

And …… Thank you to Chuck &

Laurie Weaver for sponsoring

our band—Midnight Flyer!

Thank you to Brewers Distributing for our signs!

Silver Spur - $500 - $999

Kurt Baum Pekin Farmers Insurance

OSF St Francis Medical Center

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Weaver

Wagenbach Builders

Warren Webber Glenn Werry Jr.

Bronze Spur - $250 - $499

Craig Baum CEFCU

Dust Control Technology, Inc. Jim & Lynda Gustafson Heartland Bank & Trust

Karla & Lawrence Kane & Family Knapp Johnson Funeral Home

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Youth Charity Benefit Horse Show Springfield, IL — It was a cold, cold (did I say cold?) weekend for the Youth Charity Horse Show on October 5,6 and 7th. Fourteen CIRT riders braved the chill and demonstrated what CIRT is all about. All fourteen riders com-peted in the Trail Class. Congrats to first place winner Erika Burdette. Three of CIRT’s independent riders competed in the UPHA class. Con-grats to first place winner Jaimee Ruschau.

Our thanks….

To the YCHS Commit-tee for all their help, for allowing us to once again be a part of their show, and for once again choosing CIRT to be the beneficiary of this year’s show.

To the fourteen CIRT riders for representing CIRT. To all the volunteers, parents, and staff who worked so tirelessly the entire weekend.

Awesome event!

Fun at Stone Country

“Kids

Helping

Kids”

Bartonville, IL — On November 3, Stone Country Saloon, owned and operated by Laura and Dan Stone, hosted a benefit concert for CIRT. The Midnight Flyer Band provided an evening of great music!

We appreciate all who attended and for their support. With part of the door cover charge and donations $971 was raised for CIRT!

A special thank you to Laura and Dan, the staff of Stone Country, and the Midnight Flyer Band for making all of this possible. Every-one had a wonderful time!

Stone Country is an all age country dance club located at 4208 W Pfeiffer Rd in Bartonville, IL

Trail Class Riders

UPHA Class Riders: Meghan, Jaimee, and Erika

With owner, Dan Stone

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CIRT HORSE SHOWS & EVENTS

Tazewell County 4-H Show 7-30-12

Illinois State Fair Jr. Horse Show, 7-27-12

Check out

Santa’s Wish

List on page 7!!

“Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid

down like a game of Solitaire. It is a grand passion. It seizes a

person whole and once it has done so, he will have to accept that

his life will be radically changed.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

In Memory of Jay’s Lucky Hank …AKA Hank. Hank

came to CIRT in 2003 and was free leased from Sandy

Mercier and her family. Hank passed away in September.

Hank was an easy going and very willing horse. He had a

sense of irony in that he loved the camera but just the flash.

Hanks was a reliable, dependable horse that took care of

his riders. Hank was a exceptional member to the CIRT

family and will be greatly missed.

THANKS A BUNCH …FOR ALL YOUR DONATIONS TO CIRT

CIRT’s doors are open because of the many generous individuals, organizations, corporations, bequests, and gifts in kind. We thank you and look forward to our partnership in the future.

Thank you to all who have brought snacks to

the barn!

Congratulations and thank you to Katie and Mike Powers. They recently celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary and requested donations to CIRT in lieu of gifts. CIRT received a very much appreciated donation of $410. Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who came out to eat during our recent fundraising events at Culvers, Old Chicago, and Hickory River. $204.19 was raised on the Culver’s night with an additional $80.66 in donations! We are still await-ing the other totals but received $135 in donations on those 2 nights!

Thank you to the East Peoria Fondulac Park District for their continued support!

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Help Santa help CIRT. Check out Santa’s Wish List on next page.

ALUMINUM CAN

DRIVE

December 17-21

Bring your cans to the barn

Received in memory of ……...

Leesa Bettcher Francis & Donald Cihak D. Gail Rodenburg Joanna Hotzler Bill Wilson Washington Elementary School Elaine Hammond Allred Thompson Mason Daughtery Ins William and Mary Bates Richard & Cindy Carvey Timothy & Janet Holmes Donald & Laurie King Martha Koch Elizabeth & Oliver Mack Shirley & James Maddalozzo D.W. & Karen McClelland Terry & Sandra Post Charles & Gail Seei Janice & Rick Swan John & Donna Thornton Ronald & Inge Wright Barrios Technology

Thanks to the Riders

Who participated in the Rider Letter Fundraiser. The funds

raised were greatly appreciated!

Angie Massner Laura Walters Jillian Payne Alayna Reed

Thank you to Volunteer Spur Sponsors: Sharon Good, Jenny Mandel, and Denise Roberts

For the Trophies…..

Pam Evans Dr Debra Ryhoff Bud Fair Jerry Stark Paul Gruber Tom Sullivan Marilyn Hermann Don & Shirley Wylie Luann Hranka American Legion Post 979

Happy Birthday, Lydia! And a big THANK YOU from CIRT!

When Lydia celebrated her birthday this year she asked guests to make a donation to CIRT in lieu of gifts. Lydia presented $265 to CIRT! Awesome!

Thank you to those who helped Lydia with her request: Troy & Jennifer Behnke, Wendy & James Defrees, Scott & Angela Gilles, Randall & Tammy Grieder, Michael & Janet Kirkton, Jeffrey & Bliss Muniz, Scott & Erin Patton, Terry & Chelsea Phillips, Harold & Betty Rogers, and Brett & Heidi Woerner. And thank you, Lydia!

For donating items …..

Agneta Stanesa, vacuum sweeper for the office; Head Start, apples, carrots, Clorox wipes, paper towels, kleenex; Dan Keyt, saddle; Donald Rockhill, saddle, saddle stand, blanket; Marissa Meister, tack, bridle, reins; Chuck Walker, Polo snacks; Andrea Matsko & Family, two brooms.

Thank you for your donations John & Helen Braun John & Karin Baumgarner Dorothy Belser Michael & Charlotte Cronin Darnell & John Garber Karen Goloff Judy Hoerr Ryan Jeffery Phyllis Knobloch Janet Mallinson (Star 482) Kenneth & Christina Maloney Dorethy Oliver Sally Payne & Family Curtis & Debra Pederson Emily Ropp Norman & Barbara Ricketts Michael & Cherie Rinaldo William & Billie Schoedel Marjorie Scholl Brian, Amy & AJ Selburg Ron Smallenberger Matthew & Linda Smutz Larry & Patricia Stagen Vicki & Christie Stauthammer Rob & Karen Thomas Dennis & Judith Triggs George Voorheers Daniel & Lynne Walters Laura & Lynne Walters Chuck & Laura Weaver Fondulac Park District Frey Bros. Knights of Columbus Council 4194 Laurus Strategies Northside Sons of American Legion Post 979 Tazewell County PDD Board Zabanen Franchises, LLC

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2012 Board of Directors

President Lynda Gustafson Vice President Rob Grahek Secretary Kay Ruschau Treasurer Anita Burdette Michael Braunstein Charles Danner Nancy King Ellen Monteith Sherry Saathoff Joan Stanisic

Advisory Board

Dawn Alwan Brett Hoerr, DVM Teresa Kitson Nancy Kleffman Amy Koch Kris McCormick Agneta Stanesa CIRT Staff

Judy Kruse, Executive Director Jenna Walker, Program Coordinator Maggie Roberts Stable Helper Kathy Griffin, Volunteer Coordinator CIRT Instructors

Lynda Gustafson Judy Kruse Tammy Moore Tekla Sperry Emma Tanner Jenna Walker Maggie Roberts, Intern

CENTRAL ILLINOIS RIDING THERAPY

Donation Form

Name _____________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________ City ___________________________State _____Zip _______ Email _____________________________________________ I am enclosing a check for $______________

• Manure Forks • Shovels For the Riders: • 1-month Scholarship $100 For the Office: These items can always be used for the office. When one of these items is donated it is one less expense for CIRT which leaves more money for the program! • White or colored copy paper • Postage Stamps • Envelopes ( 4 x6 #10 ) • Post-it Pop-up Notes • 5x8 Index Cards • 2013 Calendars

These items are always in need throughout the year. Just like home we work to keep the office, kitchen area & waiting area clean. • Oust Air Sanitizer • Kitchen Paper Towels • Paper Plates • Plastic Silverware • Napkins • Clorox or Lysol Wipes • Windex

For the Horses: • Hay ( grass or grass/

alfalfa mix ) • Alfalfa pellets • Moorman Senior Grain • Money for VET care • Farrier Fees Trims—$35 Shoes-$100 • Hoof Picks • Salt & Mineral Blocks • Brushes • Wahl ’ s Clipper Blades

( 1 0-15-30 ) • Hoof Black • Show Sheen

The horses love these and the riders love giving their favorite horse a treat! • Peppermints • Carrots • Apples For the Cats: The barn cats earn their keep by keeping the“ v armits ” And the riders enjoy playing with them while they wait to ride. • Cat food For the Barn: These items get a lot of use and wear out over the course of the year. Help us stretch our budget by donating one ( o r more ) of these items. • Muck Buckets • 2 gallon plastic buckets • Brooms ( big & small )

Santa’s Gift Ideas/CIRT’s Wish List • Bleach • Liquid Laundry Soap • Vinegar • Swiffer Duster & Refills • Toilet Paper For the Waiting Area: • Kleenex • Hand Sanitizer • Cookies & Snacks No Time to shop? How about……. • Farm & Fleet Gift Card • Tractor Supply Gift Card • Walmart Gift Card • Gas Gift Card • Monetary Donation • Why donate?

1. Invest in people, not things 2. To be a part of something

bigger than yourself 3. Give back to the community 4. Tax benefits 5. We can’t do it without you!

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PEORIA, IL 61601 Permit No. 793

Fon du Lac Park District Central Illinois Riding Therapy 305 Neumann Drive East Peoria, Illinois 61611

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Central Illinois Riding Therapy would like to wish you and your family a HAPPY HOLIDAY SEA-

SON and invite you and your family to the

CIRT Christmas Party & Judy Kurse Retirement Party

Friday, December 7, 2012, at 6:00 p.m.

Fon du Lac Park Administration Building (across from Gyros in East Peoria)

Bring a dish to share (vegetable, salad, potatoes or dessert)