The VetsConnection Podcast

Ep. 65 - LIVE at HERD Foundation's Annual Fundraiser, Fall At The Farm

• Scott McLean • Episode 65

Share episode

Send us a text

We record live at Fall at the Farm, where veterans, families, and neighbors gather to celebrate HERD Foundation’s Freedom Patch program. Short conversations show how horses teach presence, why aftercare keeps people connected, and how community partners expand the work.

• live fundraiser energy and purpose
• overview of Freedom Patch equine-assisted services
• veteran reflections on reading horse signals
• skepticism turning into trust and change
• Tiffany on camps, families, and Fallen Friday aftercare
• Carly on mutual relationships with horses
• Glenn on legacy of service and nonprofit impact
• Rhonda on founding HERD and a place to belong
• Do Good Delray partnerships building awareness and funds
• city perspective on a hidden community gem
• kids’ joy with pony rides and minis
• alumni veteran return and the power of welcome

Join us for our many events at Do Good Delray


Like, Subscribe and Share. If you have comments or suggestions email us at: vetsconnectionpodcast@gmail.com. You can also find the video of this podcast on our YouTube Channel - Vetsconnection Podcast

SPEAKER_14:

The following episode was recorded live at Heard Foundation's annual fundraiser. This is why you'll hear people in the background and music. Fun time. Helping veterans. And this was a wonderful fundraiser. Alright, welcome to the podcast. This is a different type of podcast. This time, this is being recorded live at the Herd Foundation's Fall at the Farm. So if you hear the music in the background, the people in the background, oh, that's why. This is recorded live. Of course, not live when you get it, but live nonetheless. So what I'm going to be doing here is I'll be interviewing random people that come to the found the foundation's fundraiser. They offer equine assisted services for veterans in their Freedom Patch program. So go to their website, look them up. You can Google them, Heard Foundation, H-E-R-D Foundation. And uh yeah, see what they're all about. It's a beautiful program. I am personally a member. I am a participant. I'm a veteran that goes through their Equine Assisted Services program. I have for the last uh looks like uh three years I've been coming here, and it made a world of difference in my life. Working with the horses is something that is extra special. It's it's very different than anything I've I've dealt with, and I I highly recommend it uh for veterans. Uh so look up the program, Freedom Patch program, and I think you'll like it. That's for local veterans, unless you want to fly in from anywhere in the country. We'll be glad to offer the services for you. So right now uh I'm going to be talking to our first interview. And like these are gonna be five-minute snippets, uh, just could be random people, doesn't necessarily have to be veterans, it could be kids, it could be parents, it could be a veteran that's here, and maybe part of the uh the team, the Heard Foundation team. So we'll see. So let's get our first interview. All right, so tell us your name.

SPEAKER_03:

Lorraine Hannah.

SPEAKER_14:

Lorraine Hannah, and you're a veteran?

SPEAKER_03:

Yes, I am.

SPEAKER_14:

What what branch?

SPEAKER_03:

The Air Force. There you go.

SPEAKER_14:

That's a good first interview. Oh, yes. So, what brings you to Fall at the Farm?

SPEAKER_04:

Well, I think this is my third year of coming to Fall at the Farm. I had gone through one of the Freedom Patch um um classes with the horses and learned all about the horses and the way that they can tell you different things, different emotions with their eyes, their mouth, everything, you know. You have to their ears, the way they turn their ears. So I loved it here, and I find I always Rhonda always gives me an invitation, you know, tells me on, gives me an email, and I'm like, oh yeah, we're going.

SPEAKER_14:

There you go. So when did you serve?

SPEAKER_04:

I served in 1976.

SPEAKER_14:

Okay. All right, and you were in for how long?

SPEAKER_04:

I was only in for a year.

SPEAKER_14:

All right, where were you where were you at in that?

SPEAKER_04:

I was well, start out in um San Antonio, of course. Yeah, Lackland Air Force Basic. Lackland Air Force Base. I so I was gonna be a cook. So they sent me to Denver, Lowry Air Force Base in Denver. And my like they pretend like they're giving you a choice of your base. Myanot, North Dakota. Oof.

SPEAKER_14:

Why not my not?

SPEAKER_04:

Why not my not? They told me all about the um the snow snakes and that. What was the other one? Jack-Ope. Well, I was 21 at the time. Okay. So I was looking out for the jack-aloupe.

SPEAKER_14:

That the infamous and then hard to find jack-alopes. That's right. Yes, yes. I had friends, I was stationed in the Philippines. Oh, wow. And that was a lot of us that was our first base. There were canine handlers like myself. Nice. So their two years is up, and uh imagine going from the Philippines to my knot.

SPEAKER_04:

Oh.

SPEAKER_14:

And there were a bunch of people that did. Yeah.

SPEAKER_04:

But not you.

SPEAKER_14:

Not me. I ended up in Northern California. I was one of the two. Only two of us got California. The rest got North Dakota, South Dakota. Oh, yeah. Yeah.

SPEAKER_04:

So they really needed us there, yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah, yeah. Yes. Well, I want to thank you for coming on the podcast.

SPEAKER_10:

You're very welcome.

SPEAKER_14:

And uh thank you for coming to be a part of the herd. I got sent through the VA, right? The VA sent us here. And I I when the VA recommends it, you know, sometimes they, you know, SR veterans were skeptical at times. And I was when I came in, but I'll tell you what, this place changed my life.

SPEAKER_04:

Right.

SPEAKER_14:

I can't say that enough.

SPEAKER_04:

It really the setup is great. You learn so much from the horses.

SPEAKER_14:

Oh, oh, more than I ever thought. And I'm still learning from the horses.

SPEAKER_04:

Definitely, yes.

SPEAKER_14:

Well, thank you for coming on. I appreciate your time. Enjoy Fall at the Farm.

SPEAKER_04:

I will. Thank you.

SPEAKER_14:

You got it.

SPEAKER_00:

Did you video me?

SPEAKER_14:

Okay. Tell us your name.

SPEAKER_00:

Hey Scott. My name is Tiffany Van Hill.

SPEAKER_14:

Okay. And what is your relationship to Fall at the Farm, Heard Foundation, all this beautifulness? Is that a word? Beautifulness?

SPEAKER_00:

I think it is today.

SPEAKER_14:

It is today.

SPEAKER_00:

It is a really beautiful day in Overcast. It's so nice. My relation to Fall at the Farm is I've been coming to this farm since I was a little kid, and I've always wanted to help people and always been connected to horses. And so over the past few years, I've been able to combine two of my interests and help people with horses. So that's been really cool.

SPEAKER_14:

And you also do something else here in the summertime, right?

SPEAKER_00:

I do. I love kids, and so I run the summer camp program here at the farm.

SPEAKER_14:

And what does that consist of?

SPEAKER_00:

That consists of the kids coming out, learning how to ride, but most importantly to me is learning about the horses on the ground, learning how to connect with them. So it's a real well-rounded um experience.

SPEAKER_14:

And you your classes fill up fast, right?

SPEAKER_00:

They do, yes. I had I limit it to nine spots because I really like the small groups. We all take care of each other. Um and so that nine spots fills up very fast.

SPEAKER_14:

And that's in the summer starting when?

SPEAKER_00:

The summer um starting when school's out, usually around June 1st, and then all of the holidays we're usually here.

SPEAKER_14:

Oh, and how long does each camp last?

SPEAKER_00:

Um so we go from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. And so the kids get dropped off anywhere from like 8 45 and then they stay till about 2 15.

SPEAKER_14:

Here at the farm.

SPEAKER_00:

Here at the farm.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_00:

And we have a beautiful air conditioning room, which is unheard of almost in Florida. So when it gets super hot and we're all overheated, we go cool down and then we come back out and hang with the horses again.

SPEAKER_14:

Right. And what do you do with the Freedom Patch program? Do you help with the Freedom Patch program?

SPEAKER_00:

Yeah, I just started recently helping with the Freedom Patch program. I've been with Heard for about three years working with Fallen Friday, and so just in the last eight weeks that we had it, I started with Freedom Patch, and I really enjoyed it connecting with the veterans and showing them about the horses and how to connect with them.

SPEAKER_14:

It's an amazing program, right?

SPEAKER_00:

It is. It was my first experience in it, and I am in love. I don't think I'd be anywhere else at 8:30 on a Tuesday morning.

SPEAKER_14:

Right, right. That's beautiful. Well, uh, let's see what else can we talk about? This this event right here, right?

SPEAKER_00:

Isn't it so cool? It really is. I really love when the all the families come out. With Heard, we've really been trying to expand into that families program because we believe it's not just the veterans' experience, the whole family is involved in that experience. And so to be able to heal not just with the veteran but with their family is so important. And so with this fundraiser, I love seeing the families come out, the kids, the veterans introducing the kids to the horses. It's really cool.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah, it really is. And as the you, the listener, can hear in the background, this is not an empty place. It's it's and this is the first session, right? There's two sessions on Fall at the Farm, right?

SPEAKER_00:

And they have the hay ride and yeah, the haunted hay ride, as we call it. We set that up yesterday, and it's a beautiful tour of the farm. They get to see all different parts of the farm. A lot of people don't know this farm exists. We call it the best kept secret in Del Rey. We're trying to let the secret out just a little bit.

SPEAKER_14:

A little bit, yeah. It's eight acres of paradise in the middle of like East Del Rey that I've met people that live a mile from here and never knew it existed. So it's a beautiful thing. You mentioned Fallen Friday.

SPEAKER_00:

Yes.

SPEAKER_14:

Tell the listeners what Fallen Friday is all about.

SPEAKER_00:

So Fallen Friday is for any of the veterans that have gone through Freedom Patch 1 and 2 to stay connected to the horses. And we think that's so important because other programs they might say, okay, eight weeks and then see you later. But we want you guys to keep coming back if that's what you need. And the horses love to see you guys too. And so for the veterans to come back on Fridays and that just be open to anyone anytime they need to come back. It's really been, I think, beneficial for the veterans to stay connected, but also beneficial for us to get to see the veterans again, connect, catch up, and then show them a couple new tricks and tools.

SPEAKER_14:

And I am part of this Fallen Friday, and it is the aftercare program for Freedom Patch. And aftercare programs are very important when you're a nonprofit and you're working with veterans. Uh some I'm yeah, I'm not gonna be disparaging, it's just some might not have an aftercare program. But this is the the gate is always open every Friday. I believe they've been here open on holidays too, if it's a Friday. And the veterans can show up. And I've been here for a couple of years now. I wanted you to explain it because for me to explain it would be might sound biased and one-sided, right?

SPEAKER_00:

I think we're both a little biased.

SPEAKER_14:

Yes. I think we're both a little biased.

SPEAKER_00:

But we do love our Fridays. I mean, when I don't see you walk through the gate at 1105, I'm texting you. Where are you?

SPEAKER_14:

I've got those texts, yes, yes, yes. And it's really great because we've seen veterans come back a year later, like they just they know it's here. Which is, I mean, I always find that fascinating. And it's also heartwarming because the way you do this program, you don't forget. Yeah, you don't forget, and this farm is a very special place. I it sounds like, oh, you're being all mushy, but I am dead ass serious. This is a very special place.

SPEAKER_00:

Well, just this Friday, we had a veteran come back that hadn't been here in two years. And to see her connect with the horses and to connect with the other veterans again was just so heartwarming.

SPEAKER_14:

It was great. It was great. Well, Tiffany, I want to thank you for coming on. Uh, your five minutes is up, young lady.

SPEAKER_00:

Uh, you know, it's okay. We could talk forever.

SPEAKER_14:

I don't think it's been five, but you know, it doesn't work. Kicking me off, guys. Uh I'll see you on Fridays anyway.

SPEAKER_00:

You'll see me on Fridays and then maybe a Tuesday here and there. But thank you so much for having me. I love talking about the work we do here, and I'm so excited for more people to get to know about it.

SPEAKER_14:

Absolutely, absolutely. And I will see you Friday.

SPEAKER_00:

See you Friday, or I'll text you.

SPEAKER_14:

All right, tell us your name.

SPEAKER_06:

Hey, my name's Carly.

SPEAKER_14:

All right, Carly, what brings you to Fall at the Farm?

SPEAKER_06:

Um, well, I used to work here and um I miss it so much, but I had a child. Um, so just coming to see the horse family and the family family.

SPEAKER_14:

So you were part of you'll always be a part of Herd Foundation, but you worked here and what did you do while you were here?

SPEAKER_06:

I was um mental health professional, so fills facilitating groups. Okay.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah. With the with the horses. Yeah, with the horses. And you still do that?

SPEAKER_06:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

Where do you do that?

SPEAKER_06:

At Vinceremos.

SPEAKER_14:

And where are they located?

SPEAKER_06:

It's like 40 minutes north of here. Okay. Palm Beach County, yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

In Palm Beach County?

SPEAKER_06:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

How long have you been working with horses?

SPEAKER_06:

Um, like uh as a profession, I've been at Vincer Ramos like 17 or 18 years.

SPEAKER_14:

Wow.

SPEAKER_06:

Yeah. And I think it's just Well, you're only 21.

SPEAKER_14:

How did this happen?

SPEAKER_06:

I know. I was born there now. Um, and I think it's just it's really cool because the horses continue to teach me so much to like, and how I can like step in this world differently. And it's really interesting to see how um like I started and in my relationship with horses when I started versus like now, um, and just seeing how they've taught me to like be in so much more of a mutual relationship with them and really like looking at them for guidance, and yeah, so it's great. And you know, the horses here at Heard are like masters at it because they're allowed to be. Um, with at Heard Foundation, they're allowed to do their job and exactly what they've come here to do to work with people, and so I think that has given me like so much um insight in how to work with them, and I have to say, um, working here and with this family is like one of the most refreshing and um soulful families I've ever worked with.

SPEAKER_14:

So I I come here as much as I can. It's a special place. It is, that's for sure. It is. What is your uh experience with horses and veterans? Uh I now does it make a difference. Let me ask you that. Is it real I mean, I know veterans come here for one program, uh-huh, but I think, and and I'm one of those people, but I think overall it's it's good for everybody, right? So there's really maybe a little it's hard to differentiate the the veterans from from the the non-veterans that go through equine therapy or equine assisted services.

SPEAKER_06:

That's a good point. I I would say like in some ways you can't really differentiate, and then other ways you can. Um you know, when when you started like bringing up the veterans, um, you know, some of the things that I notice that are like similar with horses and veterans is that um they're they're more like aware and in tune of their environment, horses and vets.

SPEAKER_10:

Yeah, right?

SPEAKER_06:

That's a good point. So um I think that they really connect in that way and can kind of find that like trust and um like foundation together and like a in a powerful way, like not a oh my gosh, we're both hyperaware, but like, ah, okay. Yeah, yeah, you notice that, I notice that. And then the horse notices and lets it go. It's like, am I safe or not? I'm safe. Okay.

SPEAKER_14:

I'll tell you what, I learned it was I'm still learning, and I've said this in a earlier in this podcast. I'm still learning, and it never ceases to amaze me.

SPEAKER_10:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

Uh, when you go into the arena, uh, and I can only speak as a veteran, when you go into the arena, uh, it's no two days are the same, no two sessions are ever the same. Uh you can't expect anything, right? You have to go in there totally open. I've gone in there with expectations, and it it didn't really work for me, right? I set myself up, right? Yeah. And then when I go in there with no expectations and a clear head, that's when it really happens. That's when the horse will come out of nowhere and just come up and kind of nudge you. And it's so it's it really is a fascinating experience from the veteran's perspective.

SPEAKER_06:

Yeah, it's so funny when you say, like, when you go up and then the horse like comes up to you and is like the horse is like, ah, you're here. Like you're actually totally all here, mind and mentality.

SPEAKER_14:

Mentally and physically, yes. Yes.

SPEAKER_06:

They're like, welcome to our world.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah. And uh, I I just want to say congratulations on your new child. Beautiful.

SPEAKER_06:

Yeah, beautiful. I've been telling them for days, we're coming to see the families.

SPEAKER_14:

Yes, yes.

SPEAKER_06:

Rhonda hasn't really put them down, which I love so much.

SPEAKER_14:

I've seen that. I'm trying to get her to sit down, yeah. But she she keeps, she has the baby. She's like, I'll be back. So, well, this is a great event, right? I mean, Fall at the Farm is really uh uh this is a beautiful day, too.

SPEAKER_06:

Yeah, you know, it's really like turned into, you know, over the years, like such a community event. It's really cool to see like how big it gets and how many different people from different like areas of the community and lots of kids and yes, and every year there's new faces, yeah, which is that's the key, right?

SPEAKER_14:

That's what you want, and it shows that this works. Yeah, this farm is a is a is a hidden part of the community, but it's still part of the community. Yeah, and the people that find it are very blessed, like you and I. Yeah, like you and I. Well, Carly, thank you for coming on the podcast.

SPEAKER_10:

Thank you.

SPEAKER_14:

All right, all right, I'm just gonna put the cards on the table. I know Carly, and she is absolutely an amazing person, human being. Always, when I came here, always gave me, and she's blushing right now, so always gave me good vibes. Very, very just always, it's always nice to be around you. You're an amazing person. Thank you for what you do.

SPEAKER_06:

The feelings are mutual.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah, well, I can't take compliments, so I'm gonna end this segment right now.

SPEAKER_06:

We gotta be done. Thank you, Carly. Thank you.

SPEAKER_08:

All right, tell us your name. My name is Glenn Van Lenten, longtime resident of uh Delry Beach. And although I haven't served, thank you for your service. You're welcome. My father, who's been gone many, many years, was an amazing man, and he came on D-Day, came on the beach on D-Day two, which he never really wanted to talk about it until I got into high school. And and even then, it was quite painful. So when I when I realized my father's been gone, he died at 57 when I was a 20-year-old, and now I'm about to turn 65 and realize I'm eight years older than my dad actually lived. The service of all these generations uh of people that have served this country is just it's really staggering sometimes. And with all the I've I what was the last uh anniversary for D-Day? What year was that? I'm trying to think. What was what did they celebrate? How many years I think it was 50, right? It was 50. Yeah, and you got so many few last remaining survivors from that. So I'm so appreciative of the sacrifice that he's made, that you've made, and uh we we just got to continue to recognize all these generations of yeah. That's what I like to call the greatest generation, but I think every generation has their greatness. So that's a good point. That's a very good way to look at it. I just thought of it. I think you're right. You know, they've claimed the greatest generation, but every generation has its greatness. Yeah. Look at this generation. I'm actually gonna get a tattoo on that, right?

SPEAKER_14:

There you go. I mean, look at this generation, TikTok, right? How great can you be, right? You created TikTok. God.

SPEAKER_08:

I think if my dad's generation could embrace TikTok.

SPEAKER_14:

I'll leave that one alone.

SPEAKER_08:

Well, let me ask you some questions now that this is your podcast.

SPEAKER_14:

Flipping the coin.

SPEAKER_08:

But uh, who do you focus on? Who do you like to talk to? Mainly veterans? Is it the focus?

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah, this podcast is geared uh toward veterans, but mostly nonprofits that work with veterans, because I came to this uh Heard Foundation like three years ago and I I didn't know that these existed. I floated around out in that ether for 20 years, avoiding the VA, not knowing that I could have gone to a nonprofit for free and and maybe seek the help that I thought I needed, or maybe I didn't think I would have found out. But everything happens for a reason, so that's why I created this podcast to bring awareness to nonprofits. I love it.

SPEAKER_08:

I remember hearing your testimony, your story two years ago, and the skepticism. Yeah, you know, like seriously?

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_08:

I I can't even imagine. And as I've really got the note Dave and Ronda asking Rhonda multiple times, please explain it to me.

SPEAKER_10:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_08:

Like I'm a kindergartner, and and this magical thing that God created in horses to connect with people that have earned struggle is is truly amazing.

SPEAKER_14:

It's I think um there there's a there's an instant connection. You know, the PTSD thing. Horses live in that PTSD, they're born into it. They're they're not predators, they are prey. So they live in that with that.

SPEAKER_08:

That's what she explained to you. Yeah, I had never heard that explained to me before.

SPEAKER_14:

It's the best way to put it and how the how uh they can relate to people that are living in that type of they feel it, they feel the whole thing. But uh, and that's how I met your your your wonderful and beautiful wife, Lynn. She is right over there. I'm gonna get her on this podcast because I want to talk about what she does too.

SPEAKER_08:

I'll brag on her a little bit.

SPEAKER_14:

Absolutely. There's a lot to brag about.

SPEAKER_08:

Year five of Do Good Delray, 24 Profits, partnering with 25, 24 nonprofits. And the fundraising is up with the awareness and bringing people into the fold, exposing people to all different types of nonprofits and outreaches, niche to big ones. It's incredible. Yes. I think it's she's doing her greatest work she's ever done. She will not say that when she's on this podcast, but make sure you get her on here. Got a bright arm a little bit.

SPEAKER_14:

Good man, that's right.

SPEAKER_08:

Thanks for letting me be on. Absolutely. Thanks for coming on, I'm sure that I can hear my whiny voice. There you go. I'll give you a sticker, too. Thank you, my man.

SPEAKER_14:

There you go. All right, my friend. Thank you.

SPEAKER_02:

Hi, Scott.

SPEAKER_14:

Okay, tell us your name.

SPEAKER_02:

My name is Rhonda Fritchell.

SPEAKER_14:

And Rhonda, what what what connection do you have to Heard Foundation and Fall at the Farm?

SPEAKER_02:

Wow, so my connection is um I am the proud co-founder of Herd Foundation. So I get to walk around today and see all of these little children and parents, and it just it warms my heart and reminds me of this is why we do what we do. And um, I've even met some of the other community providers, um, nonprofits here supporting us today, which is one of my favorite parts.

SPEAKER_14:

And how long has Heard Foundation been around?

SPEAKER_02:

2018. Nan Gay Johnson and I started Herd Foundation.

SPEAKER_14:

Beautiful. And so tell us about the the Freedom Patch program. How did that come about?

SPEAKER_02:

Well, it just kind of unfolded. There goes Nan Gay now, in a way that it just went in the direction of working with veterans, and it just so happens that Nan Gay's brother is a uh Marine, and my dad is Army, a Korean War veteran, Purple Heart. And so our passion for serving veterans, and the more that we've worked with veterans, the more that we've just this is this is meant to be.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah, yeah. And so Freedom Patch was born.

SPEAKER_02:

And so Freedom Patch was born. Yeah. It's an eight-week program where veterans come and they partner with with our horses, our herd, and so you can learn a lot about yourself when you hang out with a horse, as you know, Scott.

SPEAKER_14:

I do know, and if you're a veteran here in South Florida, I highly recommend uh if this is something you might be interested in, reach out to Herd Foundation. So tell us how did Fall at the Farm come about?

SPEAKER_02:

So we were approached um five years ago by the Delray Chamber, and they started something to see how it would work, is they would partner a for-profit with a nonprofit, and the for-profit would help the nonprofit raise funds for their programming, and this is our fifth year, and it's incredible.

SPEAKER_14:

Yes, and it certainly is it's certainly grown. Every year there's something new is added. Yes, and the fact that you get to come here pretty much every day, and this is what you do, I think it's it's extremely enviable. This is the place that you get to come.

SPEAKER_02:

Needless to say, I love my job.

SPEAKER_14:

Yes, absolutely, absolutely. Uh tell us how Fallen Friday came about.

SPEAKER_02:

Fallen Friday came because once a veteran wrapped up their eight weeks and they might have got done another eight weeks, they were they wanted to stay connected to the horses, to each other, um, maybe to us. And so we have this group every Friday. It never fails. Um 11 to 1230, our veterans come. That they it's a drop-in group, and I know that's a that's a special place for you too. Yes. Um and it's where veterans come and they might even just sit on the bleachers and visit. I think yesterday the group was over at 12.30, and veterans were still hanging out till 2.30 talking to each other. Yeah. And Nange actually called me yesterday and said, Wow.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02:

Wow.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah. I looked over there because I was helping set up with this, and yeah, they were still on the bleachers, just kind of, and that's a big part of it. A lot of the times veterans come here. You don't have to go in the arena if you don't want to. You know, uh the facilitators don't say, Hey, come on. They do it to me because they know they just know.

SPEAKER_02:

Well, the horses, no slack.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah, they call you in. But uh uh, there's veterans that come just to kind of be with other veterans in this beautiful oasis, really. It is.

SPEAKER_02:

And that's exactly what our vision was was to have a place of belonging and connection and community.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_02:

And that's what it's about.

SPEAKER_14:

You and Nange built it, and I want to thank you for it.

SPEAKER_02:

I want to thank you.

SPEAKER_14:

And you're one of my favorite people in the world.

SPEAKER_02:

Likewise.

SPEAKER_14:

There you go. Likewise. All right, Rhonda. Thank you for everything you do, and thank you for coming on the podcast.

SPEAKER_02:

Thank you.

SPEAKER_14:

All right, tell us your name and what brings you to Fall at the Farm.

SPEAKER_01:

My name is Lynn Van Lenten, and I am the director of the Nonprofit Council, which does do good del Rey. And today I'm here for this beautiful Fall at the Farm event for Doo Good Del Rey with my granddaughter Noah and my husband Glenn.

SPEAKER_14:

And Glenn was just on a little while ago touting you, touting you to the heavens. And I must admit, he's right. He's absolutely right. So uh you are here basically uh for you as a as a as a participant in to see the farm, but what you do, your connection to this is through the Delray Chamber of Commons Nonprofit Council, right?

SPEAKER_01:

Exactly. Tell us about that, and this is going to be brief, but I will want you as a full episode on my podcast because what you guys do is briefly we pair a partner and a uh we pair a profit and a nonprofit together to do an event to bring awareness to that nonprofit. We have 24 in the month of October, and we call the month Do Good Del Rey because we're doing good in Del Rey.

SPEAKER_14:

So you have 24 nonprofits paired with 24 for-profits in 31 days.

SPEAKER_01:

In 31 days.

SPEAKER_14:

Each one of these uh nonprofitslash for-profit groups has a fundraiser.

SPEAKER_01:

Exactly. They do an event, and the most important thing is to bring their two worlds together so that they can learn about the nonprofit. And we know when you raise friends, you raise funds.

SPEAKER_14:

There you go. That's that's the that's a very key phrase right there. That's a very key phrase. How long have you been doing it for?

SPEAKER_01:

I have been this is our fifth year of doing Do Goods Already. So we're really, really proud of what we've done. Over the last four years, we've accumulatively raised$275,000 in the community. About 8,500 people have participated this year alone. So far, we've raised up to$80,000 accumulatively, and we're not even done. So we're gonna hit the$100,000 mark for this year. It's amazing what's happening in our town.

SPEAKER_14:

That's a beautiful thing. So Fall at the Farm, always great, right?

SPEAKER_01:

So wonderful. We love Fall at the Farm. It gets people on the property to learn about the profit side of it, where people board their horses, but the more importantly, the foundation where people come for echoing therapy for a variety of um needs. And uh we continue to be to marvel at how the horses change people's lives.

SPEAKER_14:

Yes. Now this this is this one. If I'm not mistaken, you don't live far from here.

SPEAKER_01:

The pool in my development looks right at me.

SPEAKER_14:

And you never knew this was here.

SPEAKER_01:

Not until we met you guys. Isn't that amazing? Amazing. We kept saying, What's over there? Is there a riding school? Well, there is. But we didn't know about the foundation until we got acquainted with you guys in the chamber.

SPEAKER_14:

It's a beautiful place, right? I'm getting all sorts of gifts.

SPEAKER_01:

Butterfly away. Yes.

SPEAKER_14:

Thank you, Noah. Do you like the horses?

SPEAKER_01:

Did you ride on the horsey? Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Artie. She rode on Artie today. Too fun. So, yes, we're very proud of what's going on and just thrilled for uh the Heard Foundation.

SPEAKER_14:

Yes, yes. Well, thank you for coming on, Lynn. I appreciate your time, and we will sit down and we will figure out a full interview for the Delray Chamber because there's a lot more to it than only five minutes can give us.

SPEAKER_01:

Exactly. And join us for our many events at Do Good Delray.

SPEAKER_14:

There you go. Thank you. Alright, so what's your first name?

SPEAKER_13:

Oceana.

SPEAKER_14:

Oceana, that's a beautiful name.

SPEAKER_13:

Thank you.

SPEAKER_14:

I'm sure people tell you that all the time. Yes. So you hear it fall at the farm, right? Yeah. What do you think of the farm?

SPEAKER_13:

I think it's pretty good and fun.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah, it's fun, right? Yeah. What's what's what do you think your favorite part is? Is it the horses? Or is it the pumpkin bowling?

SPEAKER_13:

My favorite one is when we ride on the horses.

SPEAKER_14:

Oh yeah? Excellent. Excellent. So how long have you been here for? A little bit?

SPEAKER_13:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah? Did you go on the hayride?

SPEAKER_13:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

How that was fun, right? That's always fun, isn't it? Yeah. Yeah. So you liked it? Did you get anything to eat at one of the food trucks or anything?

SPEAKER_13:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

What did you get?

SPEAKER_13:

I got fries and ranch and some chicken eggs.

SPEAKER_14:

And they were good, weren't they? Yeah. Yeah. Fries are always good, aren't they? You catch up on your fries? Or no?

SPEAKER_13:

Um yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah. So what else are you gonna do here? Is there anything else left for you to do? Did you go over to the Arts and Crafts?

SPEAKER_13:

Yeah, I'm about to leave.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah? Okay. Well, I want to thank you for coming on the podcast. You did great. Oceana, right? Yeah. That's such a pretty name. But you know that, right? Yeah. Okay, you want to say goodbye?

SPEAKER_13:

Goodbye.

SPEAKER_14:

There you go. And what's your first name?

SPEAKER_12:

Jade.

SPEAKER_14:

Jade. Okay. And what brings you to Fall? What's your favorite part of Fall at the Farm?

SPEAKER_12:

Probably the pony rides.

SPEAKER_14:

The pony rides, right? Yeah. So who's your favorite horse?

SPEAKER_12:

Cinnamon.

SPEAKER_14:

Oh, you said that very boldly. Like you knew. Cinnamon is why is cinnamon your favorite horse?

SPEAKER_12:

She just um was the first one that like got along with me better than the other horses.

SPEAKER_14:

Beautiful. So what's different between cinnamon and the other horses? Is she smaller, bigger? What's what is cinnamon?

SPEAKER_11:

She's like more calm.

SPEAKER_14:

She's a mini too, right? She's one of the mini horses, yeah. And she's like the coolest one, right?

SPEAKER_12:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

Very calm, like she's just a cool horse, right?

SPEAKER_12:

Sammy's my second favorite because um he like explores the world with his mouth.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah, Sammy's Sammy's a funny horse, huh?

SPEAKER_12:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah, yeah. Don't get too close though, right? Yeah. He'll trick you, right? Sammy and Cinnamon are really good friends, right?

SPEAKER_12:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

Because what they're their stalls are right next to each other, right?

SPEAKER_12:

And they're both the minis.

SPEAKER_14:

And they're both minis. There you go. Yes, yes. So, other than that, what else do you like about Fall the Farm? Isn't this a beautiful farm?

SPEAKER_12:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

It is, right? Yeah, did you do any pumpkin bowling or arts and crafts? There's a lot to do with that.

SPEAKER_12:

I did arts and crafts, but that's kind of what I did the whole time.

SPEAKER_14:

Okay. You just wanted to see cinnamon, huh?

SPEAKER_12:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah, you did, right?

SPEAKER_12:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

Excellent. She's right over there. She gets a lot of attention, doesn't she?

SPEAKER_12:

Yeah, she does. I have a like a mini plushie of her.

SPEAKER_14:

Ah, okay. Alright. Well, I want to thank you for coming on the podcast.

SPEAKER_12:

Thank you.

SPEAKER_14:

Alright, and I hope you had a great time at Fall the Farm. And I know before you go, you're gonna stop by and see cinnamon, right?

SPEAKER_12:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

Tell her I said hello.

SPEAKER_12:

Okay.

SPEAKER_14:

Okay, then I will too. You will too, alright. Alright, so tell us your name. Joel J-O-E-L-B-L-A-U. Alright, Joel. So uh what brings you out to fall at the farm?

SPEAKER_07:

Oh, I came out to see some of my old friends and some of my uh friends in the herd.

SPEAKER_14:

Ah, because you were you came through the program, right?

SPEAKER_07:

I came through the program. If I remember everything, I need somebody to help me remember it.

SPEAKER_14:

Yes, yes, and I think you and I came through the program together, my friend. Right, right. It was the best class they ever had. Yeah, best class they ever had. It really helped you. It did, it did, and I know it helped you too. We talked a little bit, you know, at the time. So you're a veteran, correct?

SPEAKER_07:

Yes, yes. A veteran of Korean vet veteran. Korean War.

SPEAKER_14:

Okay. All right. So what do you think of Hurd Foundation? Tell us.

SPEAKER_07:

I think it's great. It's the greatest place for somebody to come to. You sh feel like sharing, you feel like uh doing something. The horses are great.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_07:

They make you feel your feelings. I feel that the horses really they can feel what you're feeling.

SPEAKER_14:

Right.

SPEAKER_07:

So it's a great feeling. That's what the veterans say. I don't know any of the people say.

SPEAKER_14:

Well, the veterans are all that matters here, right?

SPEAKER_07:

So they the Herb Foundation is doing a very good job for all the veterans. It's free to veterans who come here with their families and uh with their herb found action, and they're doing a wonderful job.

SPEAKER_14:

So I I believe that maybe you and I were both kind of skeptical at first, right?

SPEAKER_07:

Yeah, we were just checking everybody out. We checked ourselves out. But I knew that you would do the best.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_07:

Oh, you knew that. I I just knew that. I just knew that. The other ones just disappear after a while. Well, well, it took me two years to come back, but uh and I only live eight minutes away.

SPEAKER_14:

Isn't it? Yeah, but you still can come back because it's always open in. And I'll have the the listeners know that when Joel came through the gate, there was people were applauding, and it was like the returning hero came back to the farm.

SPEAKER_07:

They couldn't believe I was still alive.

SPEAKER_14:

And you know what? You look exactly the same as you did two, three years ago.

SPEAKER_07:

I'm not lying when I said the body don't fail it though, that's the whole thing. So the whole thing. I I got a little uh dog in between the time. It's over two years, so we we rehomed a little Jitsu and she became my baby, and a lot of responsibility. That's why I didn't come back to the farm. That's fine. Because I had all responsibility with her.

SPEAKER_14:

Like the prodigal son.

SPEAKER_07:

Prodigal son returns. Yeah, the prodigal son. Yeah, but the only thing is you want to get rid of the prodigal son. The dog, the old baby you want to keep.

SPEAKER_14:

We want to keep, exactly. Yeah. So that was a good that was that was a good thing for you. You got the dog, and you I remember when you first got it, she was you were all excited about it. Right, right. And then and that became your your focus, which is beautiful.

SPEAKER_07:

It's amazing. I came back, you know, it's two years, and I'm looking at everybody, they all look good. Some of them look younger. But look, really, look at it. It's it's really God's been good to them.

SPEAKER_14:

Well, it's this place. I I people don't believe it until they come here, right, Joel?

SPEAKER_07:

Right.

SPEAKER_14:

Like it really is a different kind of place.

SPEAKER_07:

It is, you know, it is. It's welcoming.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_07:

Uh you just feel good coming here.

SPEAKER_14:

And there's no pressure when you're here. Although you did you did catch a little pressure a little while ago saying, when are you coming back on Friday? Yeah, yeah. Women love you, buddy.

SPEAKER_07:

Yeah, yeah. My wife has been pushing me to come back on Fridays and all the time. It's okay. Even uh one of my doctors are always telling me, go back to the Herb Foundation. You need that, go back.

SPEAKER_14:

How old are you now, Joe?

SPEAKER_07:

92.

SPEAKER_14:

92. Look at that.

SPEAKER_07:

It's two years since I've been with you guys. I know. I had a birthday with you, and it's low.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah. Went fast. Went fast, right? Yeah. And you still look the same? You're still as spry and as lively as you were two years ago. That was more like a nightmare.

SPEAKER_07:

It's all right. I used to think about you. And also think about what's his name. He came from Boca. Uh oh, I remember.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah, so we had Delton was here, and we had Reggie, and we had um He had a he had a red Mercedes, not a new one, but an Yeah. I know, yeah. I forget his name now that I think about it.

SPEAKER_07:

I thought he would be coming back up.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah, yeah. Well, I stuck around. I was I I'm always holding a seat for you, my friend. Always holding a seat next to me for you. It's good to see you. You too, my friend.

SPEAKER_07:

Okay. Really was thinking about you.

SPEAKER_14:

You're well, we were we became friends. We had a good friendship, you know what I mean? And that's the thing about friends. You don't have to talk to each other all the time. But when you see each other, even after two years, it's like you never missed a moment. Right, right. You know, and that's a beautiful thing. And thank you. So I always say this, thank you for laying the groundwork for me to join the military and walk in your shoes. And I appreciate, I've always appreciated that. You're a good man, Joel, you're a good friend. And come back on Friday. I will. It's good to see you. I hope to be around next year to shake you off. Oh, I'm sure you will, because that's a grip you just gave me. All right, my friend, thank you. All right, so tell us your name.

SPEAKER_05:

My name is Julie Casal, and I am a city commissioner here in Delray Beach.

SPEAKER_14:

All right, Julie, nice to meet you. What brings you out to Fall at the Farm?

SPEAKER_05:

I'm here for the Do Good Del Rey event to support the Heard Foundation.

SPEAKER_14:

And Do Good Delray for the listeners, give a little background on that.

SPEAKER_05:

Do Good Del Rey aligns for-profits with nonprofits so that the nonprofit can get some exposure in the community and also, you know, look for donations. Just let residents know what's happening here. Delray Beach has approximately 100 nonprofits that are doing a lot of great work for our residents, and many of them don't even know they exist. So this event, which is is you know, uh a chamber, Delray Beach Chamber event, and a shout out to our chamber and Delray, they're amazing. Uh it pairs up, there are 24 events, all different locations, all to um focus on individual nonprofits, and it's amazing. The best part of all these events is when you come, you see the other nonprofits coming to support. And that is what I love about it, and that is why Delray is so amazing.

SPEAKER_14:

Alright, so I'm gonna ask you a question that might put you on the spot. I'm not good at trap questions, I don't like them, but gotcha. When you when you found out that this eight-acre horse farm existed where it is, did you did you know this was here? In all honesty, did you know it to be honest?

SPEAKER_05:

I was here once before, but prior to that I had no idea. And had to look at on the map of the city to find it. Yes, it's it's it's a gem, a hidden gem. The listeners an amazing surprise to our city.

SPEAKER_14:

It is, and I think the listeners are probably sick of hearing this because everybody I've talked to today said the same thing. Like, what did you how did you find this place? I remember when uh uh Rhonda reached out to me, I was referred here through the VA and I went through the veterans program and I never left. That was about three years ago. But Rhonda gave me directions, and I I live over in Polka, but I know the area, and she gave me directions, and I I take this turn at the at the tire store, and I'm like, Wait, what is down here? Like it's right off Atlantic, it's a major street.

SPEAKER_06:

It's amazing.

SPEAKER_14:

And I'm I'm like, well, okay, there's a gate, and then so I kind of open the gate and I was like, what the wow? It really has that effect when people first get here, you just don't know it's here.

SPEAKER_05:

Yes, and travel four miles and your feet are on the sand. Right. Fabulous city. It really is. We're very lucky here.

SPEAKER_14:

Yes, yes, and we're lucky to have Heard Foundation.

SPEAKER_05:

We are lucky to have Herd Foundation. Very impressive what they do, both with the veterans and you know, their for-profit with children and adults.

SPEAKER_14:

Yes. It's all about Rhonda.

SPEAKER_05:

Yes, it is. She's amazing, and her partner is also Nunge, yes, yes, yes. They're doing a wonderful job.

SPEAKER_14:

Put a great program together. Well, I want to thank you for coming. I know you you have a lot to see here at the farm. And I appreciate you coming back. Lovely meeting you.

SPEAKER_05:

And thank you for your service. And to all those listening, thank you for your service.

SPEAKER_14:

All right, so I have uh uh double trouble here. All right, I'm gonna say uh tell us your name.

SPEAKER_09:

Uh I'm Grace. I'm Chloe.

SPEAKER_14:

All right, Grace and Chloe. Grace and Chloe, one of the what brings you to Fall at the Farm?

SPEAKER_09:

Um, well, our school is doing um a for French Club. We're in French Club and uh our school's American Heritage, and we're here to help um donate the big sale and just donate our time to help. Yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

Beautiful. So what do you think of this farm?

SPEAKER_09:

Oh, it's great. It's very big, it's a very big one. Very big, right?

SPEAKER_14:

It goes even further back there.

SPEAKER_09:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

And so you're you're here for the second session, right? Yes. Yeah, yeah. So uh did you know this even existed here?

SPEAKER_09:

No, not necessarily no. This is our first time hearing about it. Right?

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah, and so you're in the French club.

SPEAKER_09:

Mm-hmm. Yep.

SPEAKER_14:

How do you like that?

SPEAKER_09:

Oh, it's great. Very good. Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

Yeah, my son was in the French club. He went to Olympic Heights though, so he wasn't in and he loved it. So when I I saw you guys over there, and I know it's the French club, and I'm like, I know they like what they're doing over there. Yeah. And so this is like volunteer hours?

SPEAKER_09:

Yeah, it is. Community service hours.

SPEAKER_14:

Community service hours, all right. And and get what grades are you in?

SPEAKER_12:

Freshman year by freshman.

SPEAKER_14:

You gotta get those numbers up, right? Gotta get those community service hours up, right? All right, I'm gonna ask you the big question, and I know it's only you're you're young in this, but what college do you want to go to?

SPEAKER_09:

Ooh, okay. Have you thought about it yet? Oh, yeah. Of course you have, yeah. Um, I'd like to go to Columbia or you, Miami.

SPEAKER_14:

Okay.

SPEAKER_09:

Yeah.

SPEAKER_14:

All right.

SPEAKER_09:

Um, I'd like to go to either Harvard or Cornell, which is kind of like those are like big schools. Yeah. You know, if I if I get those service hours, then if I get to those service hours, then maybe. Who knows? Who knows?

SPEAKER_14:

Absolutely. Well, I want to thank you guys for coming on the podcast. See, that was nice and easy, right? Yeah. And I we appreciate what you guys are doing with the bake sale and showing up, and and it's really beautiful that you guys are doing this, and I wish you all the luck, and you will get into the colleges you want to get into. Just put in that time, right? Put in that work and get those community service hours. Thank you. That's very important. All right, guys, thank you.

SPEAKER_01:

Yeah, do you see the horse?

Head Shot

Scott McLean

Host