Jack Pine Stables Named Beltrami Electric's Touchstone Energy® Community Award Winner

Bemidji, Minn. – Beltrami Electric Cooperative has selected Jack Pine Stables, of Walker, as the winner of the local 2015 Touchstone Energy® Community Award, according to Beltrami Electric's Marketing/Communications Specialist, Angela Lyseng.

Entering into its 16th year, Jack Pine Stables is a non-profit therapeutic horse riding program located in the Walker area. The program involves 6-8 horses, 40-50 riders and many adult and student volunteers. People with special needs ranging from developmental disabilities, autism, emotional disorders and physical disabilities are provided with the opportunity to interact with horses in a safe environment. Skill levels and abilities are wide ranged and lessons are individualized to meet each rider's needs. Some ride with assistance from volunteers, but others ride with total independence and even participate in drill teams with other riders. It's a unique environment where the focus is on the riders and what they have learned to do with the horses. Additionally, the riders have two opportunities each year to showcase their horse skills, at the Minnesota Equine Special Olympics and at the end of season show at Jack Pine Stables. Hundreds of people have been positively impacted by this organization, and it is a wonderful asset for people with special needs in our community.

Beltrami Electric sought candidates for the Touchstone Energy® Community Award, which recognizes organizations for outstanding contributions to the local community. "This area is blessed with many citizens and groups that are willing to donate time and effort to better our community," Angela Lyseng said. "We are pleased that as a Minnesota Touchstone Energy cooperative, we have this opportunity to recognize those who impact our community in a positive way."

Jack Pine Stables was nominated by Sandy Munson and Mike Kerrigan.

Jack Pine Stables' award application will be submitted for consideration in the statewide Minnesota Touchstone Energy® Community Award. The statewide award recipient will be selected from numerous local award winners from around Minnesota. The winning organization will receive $1,000 to go toward their community cause. The Minnesota Touchstone Energy® Community Award will be presented to the award recipient in March, during the Minnesota Rural Electric Association's annual meeting in St. Paul.

Beltrami Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative located in Bemidji, Minn. Established in 1940, Beltrami Electric provides power to approximately 17,000 member-owners within a 3,000 square mile service area located in the lakes region of north-central Minnesota.