Saturday's Celebration

On Saturday, close to 100 Windrush Farm supporters gathered under a white tent overlooking the duck pond to celebrate the Preservation of Windrush Farm.

Thanks to the efforts of so many, the 195 acre property will remain open space and continue to be the headquarters of WFTE, Inc. (Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation Inc.)

“With the generous donations of so many we now have the funding necessary to conserve the land and sustain our services for people with significant disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury autism, or visual and auditory impairments,” said Paul Spiers, President of WFTE’s Board of Directors. “Today we celebrated our appreciation of all the private donors, foundations, and our partners’ commitment to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”

The day’s program led off with Introduction and Welcome Remarks by Whitney Hatch, Southern New England State Director, Vice President of The Trust for Public Land.

John Simons, Chair of the North Andover community Preservation Coalition and Ed Becker, Executive Director Essex County Greenbelt, followed. Natasha Grigg, President of BTA/BOLT, Inc. shared a few words and finally Paul Spiers, President of WFTE Board of Directors championed a toast in honor of Marj Kittredge and her family’s dedication to the this project.

And finally, in between emergency phone conversations regarding the newly burst water pipe, Ian Bowles, Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, offered a few words on the states privilege to play a role in the success of this project.

The cake (which was absolutely beautiful) was served and then a demonstration by a group of 4 physically challenges women performed as a drill team. The crowd mingled and listened to bluegrass tunes performed by Jon Stone and company.

A huge thank you goes out to the 450 plus donors who contributed to the campaign. We could not have done this without you.

Check out the photos and the official program.

Comments

[Boo Martin]

Dearest Marj, Mandy, Jocelyn, Paul and the rest of the FANTASTIC Windrush Team,
I am sooo thrilled that you did this....It is absolutely wonderful!!! I know how much hard work and planning went into the success of preserving the farm. As always, you lead the way for the rest of us who look up to you all so much. I only hope we can be as successful leaving this farm for our riders, horses and families for both Pony Farm and Horse Power. I can not wait to congratulate you in person, Marj. You are my heroine and my great est mentor. I hope you can see me next week.
All my love and excitement that you did it!!! Hooray for the whole team. Love and honors, Boo Martin of Horse Power and Pony Farm in Temple, NH

[Lewis Glenn]

Congratulations Marj! Memree Stuart, a mutual friend, forwarded this link to me, knowing that we were associated at Hurricand Island Outward Bound. How wonderful it must feel to know that Windrush Farm will continue to have this 195 acres for this most important and inspirational work. You are quite a woman Marj. With best wishes, Lewis Glenn

[Patti Kortkamp]

Congratulations Marj! Your love for humanity,your love for our equine friends, and your love for all creation is a testament in itself. The fact that Windrush will now be preserved is indeed the Monument!

You are a very special person. I cherish our friendship.
Love to you!
Patti Kortkamp

[Wayne Bergman]

Congratulations Marj and to the great team at Windrush. This is a fantastic legacy.
Wayne Bergman

[Octavia Brown]

Way to go, Marj and all at Windrush Farm! It is almost 50 years since Marj and I first met, she taking horses to a preschool for children with disabilities in Charlestown, I with my Cheff Instructor certification in hand, with NARHA just founded and a whole new world opening up for both of us.
Wiht great love and affection, and Marj, yes, I STILL do my exercises every day . . .

Octavia Brown

[kc henry]

Marj - Congratulations - what a momentous day! Your beautiful farm brings back many fond memories of my introductory years in therapeutic riding - I learned from the best and the brightest! Thanks for all you have given to EAA and to each one of us....!

KC Henry
and Horses and Humans Research Foundation Board and friends

[Kitty Stalsburg]

Congratulations to all!!
Marj, Mandy, Paul and crew..what a fantastic accomplishment. What a wonderful testament to the love of equine activities and the vital preservation of our land resources. Thank you for your vision and leadership not only in the realm of therapeutic riding but in the stewardship of our earth and the need to foster outdoor activities for future generations.
With much admiration and love,
Kitty Stalsburg and everyone at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc in Old Lyme, CT.

[Teresa Morris]

Best wishes to Marj and Windrush!
Congratulations,
Teresa Morris and the NARHA Board

[Carole Moore]

Ben and I were sorry to miss this exciting event. Thank you for sharing the wonderful pictures. Thank you to all who made this land treasure conserved. Long live WF
And thank you dear Marge, without whom none of this would be possible.
Carole Moore