Eleventh Annual Friends of Connetquot Fun Trail Ride - 2008

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Despite the unfortunate postponement of the ride last week [I’ll never listen to the weathermen again] most everyone showed up today and many more who did not preregister. The weather today was perfect for a day in the country, riders, drivers, and hikers all enjoyed the day tremendously. I don’t know the exact amount collected today but with over 100 players and many taking advantage of a yard of raffle tickets for $ 20 I’m sure we did well. Many repeat riders, who come for the food and fun, were joined by new friends of Connetquot.

Many good friends help make this day happen. Gil Bergen, Brian, Pat, Linda, Pam, Gary and the rest of the capable staff at the park. Friends board members Bob Labuski, Richard Remmer, Dottie Andersen, Edith and Bob Wilson, Bob Hoover and our new treasurer Marianne Kinane and family. Volunteers, Ken and Annette Leitch, Doug and Jean Kruger, Charles Arciello, Donna Quent and her daughter Donna , Maryann and Gil Kelly, Sofie Lowe, Ed Handibode, John Linitz and my best friend Rita who does so much.

All the delicious food was prepared by generous friends of the preserve. Long Island’s best seafood bisque by The Snapper Inn, the great heroes and salads and coffee and hot drinks from Terrace Garden Deli, breakfast bagels and cream cheese from Bagels on the Terrace, super party bagels and salads from East Islip Bagels, sammies from Quiznos in East Islip, sumptuous antipasti from A-S Italian Specialties in East Islip, Greek salad from C & L Café in Islip Terrace, fancy cookies from Stanley’s of East Islip and Audrey’s of Oakdale, Rita Trapani made all the chili spiced with help from Andrew Goetz & Sons from Ronkonkoma, and she also baked 10 cakes for your pleasure.

We would like to thank all our generous donors who helped make this year’s edition a success. Our generous sponsors who help underwrite the expenses, include The Smithtown Hunt, Jacquie and Doug Harned, The Nassau-Suffolk Horseman’s Association, The Islip Horseman’s Association, The Paumanok Driving Club, Dawn Electric, Farm Family Insurance Vincent Daley broker, Landscaping by Chris Pratt, Ted and Margot Hubbard, Chris Simonetti real estate, Green Rose Farm, The Old Westbury Polo Club and LI Equine Medical Center Dr. Greg Beroza.

This year we have 49 generous friends who donated the many raffles, some donated more than one. Super baskets from Neptune Feed and Port Jefferson Agway. Gift packs from The Riding Shop, Rider’s Choice, Hobby Horse Saddlery, Go West, Janine Ewald, Wendy Hodor and Triple F Farm, Donna Quint Gifts, Great River Supply, Wendy Burling, Rita and Jerry Trapani, West Hills Saddlery and Mineri’s High T’s Tack. Lessons from Sonny Garguilo.com, Lakewood Stables, Bethpage Park Stables, Jamaica Bay, Knoll Farm, Country Farms, Good Shepherd Farm, Outlaw Acres, Indian Head Ranch, and Sweet Hills and Parkview Riding School. Gift certificates from Pet Bowl, The Hay Loft, Shirley Feed, Happy Tails Dog Grooming, Dawn Aquaviva Roth Equine Massage, Eldorado BBQ restaurant and Spur of the Moment Photography. Gifts from Cross Country Trailer Sales, Pamela Stokes, Farm Family, Maryann and Gil Kelly, Chris and Gigi Simonetti, Tony and Alison Simonetti. Long Island Natural Equestrians.com, Linda Hopkins. The 11th annual pitchfork from Andrew Goetz & Sons. Jewelry form Diamante Jewelers, etched glasses from Pete and Lissa Colombo, bells from Smuckers Harness. Horse health products from Mida Enterprises and Farrier’s Formula. Carrie Anderson and Cindy Hilary and Dottie Andersen thanks for the last minute prizes. And a special thanks to www.liequine.com, Long Island Natural Equestrians and LI Horse Directory for helping to publicize the event and the unfortunate postponement.

The Friends of Connetquot have done so much for the Preserve since we founded and we will continue to enhance your enjoyment of the park. Please come and support us on the first Sunday of October for our 11th Annual Gala with food, auction, entertainment and the good feeling of being part of a very good thing. We are blessed to have this jewel of a park in our backyard and hope to keep it forever “L.I. the way it used to be”

Please visit our website www.friendsofconnetqout.org. for more info on events.

Thank you all,
Jerry and Rita Trapani event chairs