12th Annual Friends of Connetquot Fun Trail Ride - 2009

(Note: Click any of the images below to view larger versions.)

Despite clouds and rain, over 100 brave and loyal “Friends” of Connetquot came to our beautiful preserve on May 3rd, 2009. Gil Bergen and his loyal but sparse staff did a great job of cleaning and preparing the barn for the event. A mostly steady drizzle did not keep some riders from still going out on trail for a ride. Most friends opted to come by car and enjoy the company, food and prizes. Thanks to Marianne Kinane, Bob and Edith Wilson, Bob Lubuski and Janice Kryl and her friend Darren for helping me set-up and collecting money and selling many raffle tickets. Charlie Arciello, our designated parker was on hand and many thanks to Ken and Annette Leitch, Tom and Nina Conroy, Ken Wilvert and Pete and Lissa Colombo for picking up the food.

Speaking of food...a feast was had. Five gallons each of The Snapper Inn’s award winning bisque, and Rita’s homemade Chili kept us warm. Bagels on the Terrace, East Islip Bagels, Terrace Garden Deli and Dunkin’ Donuts provided breakfast. Lunch at 1:00 was a culinary delight. Sammies from Quizno’s, heroes and salads from Terrace Garden Deli, Stuff A Bagel and Handy Pantry in Bohemia, Antipasto from A-S Pork Store and Greek salad from C and L Café. Water was donated by Chester Mountain Spring Water in Lindenhurst. Desserts were cookies from Stanley’s and Audrey’s bakeries and Rita’s homemade cakes. Rain or shine, Connetquot is the place to be on the 1st Sunday in May.

Over 70 generous sponsors and raffle donors make the day worthwhile for many winners. The Smithtown Hunt, NSHA, IHA, Paumanok Driving Club, Dawn Electric, Landscaper Chris Pratt, Carin Winter of Embrace Yoga, Bohemia Medical Center, Acme Radiator, Greenrose Farm, Peace and Plenty Farm, Sofie Aloisio, John Fasulo, Ted and Margot Hubbard, Cathleen Springer, Wendy Hodor, Ramona Gillings and LI Equine Medical Hospital all gave generously to sponsor the event. Publicity was donated by LIEquine.com, Horse Directory, NY Natural Equestrians, East End Livestock, SonnyGarguilo.com, IHA, NSHA and the PDC.

Raffles, many of which were valued well over 100-200 dollars were generously donated by Martha Clara Vineyards, The Riding Shop, Rider’s Choice, Diamante Jewelers, Sonny Garguilo, Tony Simonetti, Chris and Gigi Simonetti, Coram Equestrian Center, MiniMax Web-services, Sue and Bob Seele, Bob and Edith Wilson, Lynn Penna, Country Farms, W.E.S. Trailer Sales, Cross Country Trailer Sales, Pet Bowl, Janet Plympton, Outlaw Acres, Wendy Burling, Lakewood Stables, Shirley Feed, Mida Supplements, Papa’s Farm, Mineri’s Parkview and Sweet Hills Stables, West Hills Riding Shop, Total Pet Care, Marianne Flanagan, Wendy Hodor, Triple F Farm, Cindy Hilary and Christine Anderson, Indian Head Ranch, Hobby Horse Saddlery, Cindy Benedetto and the Smithtown Hunt, Pete and Lissa Colombo, Great River Hardware, Dream Come True Farm, Happy Horse Supply Depot, Deirdre and Jim O’Malley, Andrew Goetz & Sons, Islandia Farms, Pam Stokes, Good Shepherd Farm, The Hayloft, Annie’s Acres, Neptune Feed and Port Jefferson Agway. Rita Trapani lent her artistic talents to present many of the baskets. Janine Ewald donated cute buttons for the kids. Horse treats were donated by Joe and Mike Botti from Andrew Goetz & Sons.

As you can see it takes many, many people to make our ride a success. Please support all those who are generous to the Friends. All the monies stay in Connetquot. We hope to see you all next year and hope the sun god smiles upon us, but rain or shine the spirits are high in the barn at Connetquot on the 1st Sunday in May.

Thank you all,
Jerry and Rita Trapani event chairs