Fall 2017

Ride On St. Louis Brings Smiles Also featured in this issue: • Golf Tournament Wrap Up

• Corey’s Camp Adventures • Pumpkin Patch Fun ...and more!

Pony Bird Visit to Stuckmeyer’s Farm

Stuckmeyer’s Halloween Farm Fun Day was a huge hit with the individuals from all homes. They enjoyed the decorations, hayrides and especially the scares!

Pumpkin Patch Fun!

Cover photo: New Pony Bird individual, Chrissy, showing her joy with the Ride On St. Louis outing. See the related article on p. 3. To learn more about Chrissy see p.7Thanks to Patty Castens, Community Program Assis-tant for our cover photo.

(above left) Sandy (above right) Misty poses with her new friends. (left) Bethany (right) Annette

(above) Employees Ray Hartman, Andrea Wolf, Dan Rutledge and Lauren Lorenze give the individuals a laugh! (pictured right) Whitney

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Letter from the President

Dear Friends,Fall is here and the individuals are enjoying so many wonderful community opportunities such as fall festivals, hayrides and pumpkin patch trips. Numerous visits to Ride On St. Louis equine therapy brought smiles of joy along with the many physical benefits. The warm weather has given us a little more time to enjoy the outdoors and the individuals are soaking it all in as you will see from the great pictures. We look forward to continuing our 40th Anniversary celebration with the community BBQ on Sunday, October 29, 2017. This will be held from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the Mapaville location. Please come celebrate with us and take a tour to see how the Pony Bird family continues to make an impact. In our last issue, I spoke about being a contin-uous advocate for the individuals we serve. Pony Bird will be hosting a meeting in early 2018. The meeting agenda will be as follows: 1) Legislative impacts on our services-how budget cuts impact the individuals we serve. 2) Discussing how others in our community with developmental disabilities will come to rely on the services that Pony Bird provides. 3) How we can best educate both the legislature and the community on the importance of contin-ued funding for our services. We need your voice to help us continue to spread our mission. As we embark on the holiday season please think of Pony Bird, by sharing your talents, time or gifts, Pony Bird is a wonderful place to spend time during the holidays. Our doors are open and your talents are welcomed! If you cannot make it sooner, we hope to see you for the Holiday Open House, Sunday, December 3rd at Mapaville & DeSoto. In this season of thanksgiving, we are so very thankful for your support and dedication to Pony Bird. With gratitude and best wishes, Sara Sucharski

President & CEO

A Visit with a Healing Touch

Loving the Adventures & the Outdoors

Ride On St. LouisIt’s been a fun ride for the individuals at Pony Bird, Inc. who recently experienced equine-assisted therapy through Ride On St. Louis, a local organization.

Ride On St. Louis is a non-profit organization serving adults and children with disabilities, veterans and youth in and around the St. Louis area. Ride on St. Louis focuses on healing programs that utilize the movement of the horse, as well as horse-human interaction, to provide substantial and sustaining quality of life improvements.

In 1998 with just two horses and eight clients, Ride On St. Louis sprouted from the program director’s backyard and became the first equine-assisted activities and thera-pies program to operate in the South County area of St. Louis, Missouri. The initial staff consisted of the director, an occupational therapy assistant and several helpers. They ran the facility entirely on a volunteer basis for four years. In 2002, the Anheus-er Permanent Fund invited the center to move to its current location on the Anheuser Estate in Kimmswick, Missouri.

Ride on St. Louis also helps local organizations, like Pony Bird, find funding to pay for such therapy. A special thank you goes out to Unmounted Activities for their generous grant which helped serve over 20 residents of Pony Bird.

If you would like additional information regarding Ride On St. Louis please visit www.rideonstl.org or call 636-464-3408.

In August six individuals from Pony Bird attended over night camp at Sunnyhill in Dittmer. Additional individuals were able to participate in day activities like swimming, fishing, bonfires and a treasure hunt (as part of this year’s pirate theme.)

Pony Bird’s staff enjoyed assisting the individuals with all the activ-ities along with the Sunnyhill staff. The weather was cooperative, memories were created and laughs were abundant. They look forward to returning next year!

Corey’s Camp

New individual to Pony Bird, Christian, enjoys brushing the horse.

Ray Hartman, Weekend Supervisor, assists Nathan with horse-human interaction.

(left) Carla Ripp, Nurse, gives a quick fishing lesson and is pleased with the results! (below) Individuals and staff pose for a quick picture after unloading. (above) Nicole Kyle,

Program Manager, works with Jennifer in the pool. (left) Pony Bird indi-vidual, Ellen, spends some time enjoying her day with Melisa Pullen, Direct Support Staff, and her family.

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(left) John Matlock was the happy winner of the golf ball drop. The ball with his number, 75, was closest to the target.

(above) The Keilholz Team is awarded “Most Honest Golfers.” (left) The Don Kelley Team accept-ing their cash prize for Skins.

“Driving” Home Another Success!

Pony Bird’s Annual Golf TournamentPony Bird Inc. is elated to announce that their 21st Annual Golf Tournament, held at Pevely Farms Golf Club in Eureka, MO on September 25, 2017, was a huge success raising over $45,900.00.

Sponsored by the Ferguson Family Foundation, the tournament featured a dramatic golf ball drop by the Eureka Fire Department, a $10,000 hole-in-one contest and other exciting games for amateur golfers from various businesses around the St. Louis and Jefferson County communities.

Funds raised from the annual golf tournament will go toward supporting overall operations of the organization and increase community awareness of our important mission. We thank our participants and sponsors and sincerely hope that each will continue to spread the word about Pony Bird and this exciting event!

Bobby, Ann Ferguson’s son, loves fire trucks. He enjoyed the time spent with the Eureka Firefighters and their truck! We appreciate the time and effort the Eureka Fire Department contributed to help make this event a success.Ann Ferguson and Don Ferguson started the Ferguson Family Foundation in 2003 in memory of Don’s brothers, Dave and Doug Ferguson.

Presenting Sponsor: The Ferguson Family FoundationGold Sponsors: CJC Transport Fabick Cat Lakeside Children’s AcademySilver Sponsors: The Brinkmeyer’s & The Gormley’s Innovative Construction & Roofing Roberts, Wooten & Zimmer, LLC Roland Machinery CompanyBronze Sponsors: Auditsolv Andre’s Banquet Center Bloomsdale Bank Domash Design Source Erb Turf Equipment Foam Products Corp. GMP Plumbing The Garbacz Group Health Direct Pharmacy JLL Commercial Real Estate Keilholz Family Laborer’s Local 110 MEEH Climate Service NuMotion

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December 3, 2017Share in the joy as you watch the individuals open their gifts after a surprise visit from “the man in the red suit.” Enjoy refreshments and take a tour all while getting to better know everyone who calls Pony Bird home.

Mapaville Party 1:00 – 2:30pm DeSoto Party 2:30 – 4:00pm

Hope to see you there!

Betty was recognized with a Service Award from Sara Sucharski, President and CEO. (shown above, left to right) Sue Hockensmith, founder and mother of Philip; Betty McKim, Linda Dallas, Director of Business Development; and Sara Sucharski.

Celebrating 40 Years of Love & ServiceBetty McKim

Come Celebrate with Pony Bird at the

Christmas Open House!

How do you say “Thank you” for 40 years of ser-vice? A party with cake, flowers and friends of course!

Betty shared her recollection of the first day Pony Bird opened in June of 1977. She was there to warmly welcome the first individual, Philip Hockensmith. She then continued to reflect on the many friends she has made over the years, including a special mention of those who are no longer with us. We were all reminded of how special it is to be a part of the Pony Bird family.

Throughout the event, Betty, her husband Mike, friends and board members reminisced about the early years.

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Special Visits and Gifts

Special thanks to the Master Gardeners who contributed to the beau-tification of Pony Bird’s grounds at both locations. Their plant selections were chosen to bring a big pop of color, increase in size and number, as well as return each year. Chyree de Roode and Dorothy Schuette donat-ed plants from their own gardens and Judy Price coordinated the efforts. Thanks again for making the Pony Bird home look more like home!

Arnold Rotary Club presents a $1,000 check to Pony Bird. (left to right) Teresa Gau, Director of Development; Jeff Jorgenson, Rotary President; Donna Lawson, Rotarian; and Sara Sucharski, President & CEO.

Rock 4 The Cause is a community fundraising event benefiting eight local charities that serve the St. Louis Metropolitan area. The annual concert featuring Dr Zhivegas, Smash Band, Javier Mendoza and Brian Owens shared proceeds equally among local organizations including health and wellness, veterans and animal support. We would like to thank Brian Lunt, Josh Levey, Olu Darden and the Medici Media Space Team for making the first year memorable and such a success. We are looking forward to Rock 4 the Cause 2018!

Donna Hickman, District Office Director of Congressman Jason Smith’s Farmington Office, presents a proclamation for 40 years of service to the community to Pony Bird. (left to right) Andrea Wolf, Director of Operations; Linda Dallas, Director of Business Develop-ment and Donna Hickman.

(left and bottom corner) The individuals loved doing crafts and visiting with volunteers from New Hope UMC of Arnold.

(left and below) Laura Hockensmith (green shirt), Director/Owner of Lake-side Children’s Academy visited on July 25 & 26 and helped the children, along with staff, do activities with the individuals.

Brian Lunt presenting a $500 check along with a commemorative book to Teresa Gau. 6

In Honor ofAnn Ferguson Lois CramptonDot Gormley Momma Dot, thank you for being with me on my 49th birthday. I love you, Your Colleen Rosemary SchusterMy Grandchildren Joseph & Kathleen PerksPooh, Myrna & Steve Winchester Cindy Sullivan

In Memory ofAngelina Corich Frank & Anna HarnackerBrenda Willcutt Jim & Jackie Pedro Warren & Belinda Matheney Martha & Doran Thompson Bill & Barb Mueller Greg & Laura Derrousse Manda Harris Benny & Kim IsomDale Moore Michael & Brenda PicarellaDon Wilson Michael & Brenda Picarella

Felica Banks Denise Fitzgerald Robert & Peggy Keilholz Connie & Brian Basel Donald Burns Jennifer Drake Mildred Laas Judy Joy George & Mary Jo CoughlinJoe Ruppe Frank & Anna HarnackerJohn (Jack) Moenster Annie & Dave MoensterMarion Bennie Denise FitzgeraldMarlene Koch Leo F. Koch Trust

Mike Sutter Annie & Dave MoensterRichard Brown Dave Manglesdorf Home Service Oil Company Katherine Millburg Diane Brown Robert & Michelle Self Pauline ClowerRobert Bauer Annie & Dave MoensterRobert Schweigert John ShainWalter Yuengel Terry ArnoldPony Bird would like to thank

all the individuals and organizations that have generously donated over the past few months. If we have missed your donation or there is a mistake, please accept our apologies. Tribute & Memorial donations are a loving way to honor family and friends. Contact Teresa Gau at 636.931.5818 or tgau@ponybird.org.

In Tribute Donations 07/01/17 – 09/30/17

Marion Bennie was born on January 11, 1984 and quickly became an integral part of the Pony Bird family upon moving here in 2005. Being outdoors or gossiping with her friends and family brought a smile to her face. She loved to be involved in every conversation and was not shy to give her input. Marion loved listening to pop music such as Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Adele. She touched many lives and will always be remembered with an overabundance of love and the fondest memories.

Pony Bird, Inc. welcomes Sue Curfman to our Board of Directors. Sue has a special place in her heart for the individuals that Pony Bird serves. This passion is evident by her years of volunteerism in organizations that improve the quality of life for the severely disabled as well as other less fortunate individuals. In her current position as CEO/President of COMTREA, she is also on the board of Friends of a Safe Place Foundation and Jefferson County Community Mental Health Care Association (MPCA).Sue and her husband, Ken, have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. She is committed to being a part of continuing Pony Bird’s mission and is uniquely qualified to be a strong force for advocacy, ensuring access of care and funding for the individuals.

Calendar of EventsOct. 29 Pony Bird 40th Anniversary 2017 BBQ at Mapaville: 1 – 3:00 pm Memorial Garden Dedication: 12:00 Dec. 3 Christmas Open House2017 Mapaville Party: 1 – 2:30 pm DeSoto Party: 2:30 – 4:00 pmFebruary Give Your Heart Campaign2018Mar. 10 Pony Bird’s Great Taste 2018 Arnold Eagles Club: 6:00 – 9:00

Upcoming

Pony Bird Supporters

Remembering Marion

Introducing the Newest Individuals to Call Pony Bird Home!

Welcome to Our Newest Board Member

Welcome

Sue Curfman

Bonnie is a delightful eighteen-year-old young lady who recently moved into the Hockensmith home. She has quickly bonded with staff. She is engaging and loves to create music on the drum with a rattle. Her parents, Erv and Pat, and her siblings visit her often in her new Pony Bird home.

Chrissy is a joy to be around. She is happy and vibrant, just like her bright red curly hair. She loves stuffed animals and is happy in her new home. Chrissy has made many new friends and is bonding with staff. Her parents are very involved and visit her often at the Hockensmith home.

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JOINUS!Pony Bird’s

11th Annual Great Taste Saturday, March 10th, 2018 Arnold Eagle’s Club 1725 Jeffco Blvd, Arnold, MO 63010 6:00 – 9:00 pm $35 per person

This fun filled evening will feature a wide variety of food and beverages from local restaurants and wineries. We an-ticipate a sell out with over 350 guests! Our theme this year is “TIKI Time” with a luau flare. We encour-age all who are participating to dress in Hawaiian attire.

We are requesting items for our silent & live auction as well as sponsorships. The levels of sponsorships are listed. We are looking for unique items such as sports, entertainment or musical event tickets, hotel or vacation packages.

Hope to see you there! Donations can be sent to Pony Bird or call and we can arrange pickup. Included is our Tax ID #43-1188096 number for your convenience.

Volunteers and Section Leaders are needed for this event. Please contact Kelly Feldmann at 636-931-5818 or email kfeldmann@ponybird.org if you have questions or need additional details.

Sponsorship Levels:

Volcano $5,000 Tropical $2,000 Sunset $1,000 Surf $500 Sand $150

Program Ads:

Full Page $400 ½ Page $200 ¼ Page $150

Pony Bird, Inc.P.O. Box 190Mapaville, MO 63065

636.931.5818www.ponybird.org

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDST. LOUIS, MOPERMIT #495

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