SPHO-NJ Newsletter – May 2025
Dear Members,
Welcome to our first monthly newsletter! In our continued effort to enhance transparency and connection within our community, we’ll be sending out a summary after each Board of Directors meeting. These updates are meant to keep you informed about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into running SPHO-NJ—from financial planning to event coordination and everything in between.
We hope this new format makes it easier for you to stay engaged and feel informed. As always, thank you for being part of our growing, passionate community!
Financial Update
Debra is currently working on filing the 2024 taxes for the club. In addition to this, she is heading up an initiative to implement new systems and software to ensure our financial processes run smoothly and efficiently moving forward. We appreciate her dedication and proactive approach to strengthening the club’s financial management.
Club Outreach & Fundraising
Helene has been hard at work on outreach and fundraising efforts for SPHO-NJ. From tracking down potential donors to managing communications and logistics, she’s working hard to expand our reach and secure support for upcoming events including the National Standardbred Show, our annual awards banquet, and clinics.
Want to support the SPHO-NJ National Show?
We welcome donations and sponsorships of all sizes! Your support helps us cover event expenses, awards, and more—and directly benefits the horses and riders who make this community so special.
To donate or become a sponsor, visit our website https://www.sphonj.org/, or contact Helene for more information.
Additionally, Destiny is working with SPHO member Carolyn Welsh on updates to our club’s bylaws that will support our application for a state-issued gambling license. This license will help formalize our ability to hold raffles as a fundraising tool and ensure we’re fully aligned with state guidelines moving forward.
Points & Standings Updates
The SPHO-NJ Year-End Awards Program is designed to encourage members to showcase their Standardbreds as ambassadors through participation in horse shows, parades, hunter paces, trail rides, and exhibitions. Once members submit the online points submission form, Kelly records their points in a centralized spreadsheet.
Colleen has developed an automated script that sends each competitor an email with a copy of their current points. Kelly will be updating the points regularly throughout the year, and competitors will receive an email each time points are updated.
If you notice any discrepancies with your points, please contact Kelly Conn.
If you have questions or feedback about the script or how the emails work, please reach out to Colleen Nolan-Tran.
Scheduling Updates
We’re excited to host a Zoom Membership Meeting on Tuesday, June 17 at 6:30 PM—we hope you can join us! Everyone will receive an email with a calendar invite in the coming week, and the Zoom link can also be found below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88014931729?pwd=BvQhXvFr1vVstUWV8aH3qG0SqZT6eY.1The SPHO-NJ is hosting a Dressage Clinic with FEI Trainer, Lisa Martin that has been rescheduled for June 8. Members receive a subsidized entry fee and auditors are welcome at no cost. Please note that saddle fittings will not be available at this session. Sign up on our website, or contact Colleen Nolan-Tran for more information.
National Show Planning Update
The SPHO-NJ board is actively preparing for this year’s National Show, with a focus on making the event more efficient and enjoyable for all competitors. From refining class structures to improving show-day logistics, the entire board has contributed time and energy to planning. Special thanks to Taylor, whose behind-the-scenes work on organization, technology tools, and data management has been essential to keeping everything on track.
Transparency & Communication
To increase transparency and make our work more visible, the board has committed to releasing a newsletter following each monthly board meeting. Additionally, we’ll be holding a quarterly membership meeting to provide updates and answer questions from the members. As a reminder, you may reach out to any board member with questions or feedback for the club or at https://www.sphonj.org/anonymous-feedback if you wish to share anonymously,
Thank you again for your continued support—we’re looking forward to the exciting season ahead!
Best,
The SPHO-NJ Board of Directors
President
Destiny Sheard
SheardDestiny@gmail.com | 732-570-2580
Vice President
Colleen Nolan-Tran
cnolan12393@gmail.com | 410-913-2956
Secretary/Treasurer
Debra McCluskey
debralmccluskey@yahoo.com | 609-203-6142
Marketing & Communications
Taylor Benson
TaylorCFBenson@gmail.com | 732-407-5546
Membership & Points
Kelly Conn
Kelly.Marshall13@gmail.com | 732-547-0954
Sponsorship
Helene Gregory
kickan@comcast.net | 609-439-7818
