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Howie Visits Seniors at The Meeting Place
Newport – Seniors at the Meeting Place were surprised on Friday by a visit from Howie, a miniature horse. Wearing specially made booties, Howie was led up the wheelchair ramp and right into the facility where he spent an hour entertaining a group of senior citizens who receive care at the Newport adult day program.
Howie is a 12-year-old miniature horse belonging to Tara Moulton of Holland. Moulton has worked with Howie to enable him to visit children and seniors.
Debra Hunt, Administrator of The Meeting Place, had previously experienced the benefits of bringing seniors and horses together and worked to make the event happen. On Friday Howie joined the group in Newport where each of the seniors got to pat him, stroke him and talk to him.
“I never had a horse before,” said Grace Sybes of Barton, who jumped the first time Howie nuzzled up against her. But they quickly became good friends, with Howie taking special notice of her burgundy and purple print dress.
“My father raised sulky horses at our home in Maryland,” said Ted Walbert of Orleans. He recalled traveling to county fairs where his family raced them.
Evelyn Blay seemed a little reluctant to get too close, but then she discovered that Howie likes crackers, and holding her hand flat, as instructed by Tara Moulton, Evelyn got right involved feeding him.
The Meeting Place is a Vermont certified adult day program that provides care and activities for seniors who are concerned about being home alone, or who benefit from socialization and activity.
Activities range from games and artwork, to field trips and outings. Recently, caregivers have taken clients to garage sales, miniature golf, and even a picnic at Crystal Lake.
The Meeting Place also provides breakfast and lunches to clients, and is becoming known for their gourmet senior meal program which opens to provide lunch on a space available basis on Tuesdays.
For more information about the Meeting Place, call 334-7604