I hope everyone is doing well.  Mother Nature has been showing us what Winter in Virginia is all about – a little bit of everything from snow and freezing rain to sunny days.  Although several more weeks of Winter remain, Spring will soon be here with warmer weather!  Despite the weather, BES has been busy preparing for the upcoming year. 

 

BES recently held our annual meeting and volunteer appreciation event.  I believe everyone enjoyed the gathering as well as the lunch, catered by The Bone.  We also welcomed the Park Superintendent Kristofer Butcher and his remarks concerning the Battlefield Park. 

 

As part of the annual meeting, we also held elections.  Here are the Officers and Directors for the upcoming year. 

 

Dewey Brown – President

Janet Pastrick – Vice President

Gail Kelsey – Secretary

Laura Baltas – Treasurer

Mary Ann Beverley – Director

Stephanie Chao – Director

Kim Ellis – Director

Diane Park – Director

 

In addition to our Board members, several others provide ongoing support of BES operations.  These include Trail Master Nola “George” Jurich, Membership Coordinator Liz Thomas, Email Coordinator Lex Trumble, Bill Scott, and Bob Beverley.  These are just a few of the many volunteers who help make BES successful!

 

BES remains committed to its purpose to maintain and keep open the equestrian trails in the Battlefield Park for all to enjoy.  BES has met with Park personnel and developed a plan for trail workdays in 2025.  As we move forward, we hope you will join us for some of our workdays and trail rides and consider joining BES and donating to our worthy cause.

 

BES Membership runs April 1 through March 31 each year.  If you haven’t renewed your membership for 2025 or want to join BES, please visit our website for more information.

 

Please check our calendar to keep up with our activities.  Workdays are scheduled each month, March through November.  The more volunteers we get the more we can accomplish.  The first workdays of 2025 are scheduled for March 14th and 15th.  Upcoming rides include our Bluebell rides on April 19th and another date to be determined.  Our Spring Judged Pleasure Ride will be held on April 27th and is part of the Crystal Crown Series.  Two other clubs will hold rides as part of the series.  We are looking for volunteers to help with both the workdays and the JPR so please let us know if you can help.

 

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns or comments.

 

There’s no place like the back of a horse!!  Be Safe and Happy Trails!!

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  -Dewey Brown

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