Fargnoli Farms announces Kali’s Klubhouse and Ryan’s Superhero Run

Fargnoli Farms, located at 4041 Pennsylvania Ave. in Apalachin, N.Y., recently started their own non-profit organization, Kali’s Klubhouse, and is announcing a special event, Ryan’s Superhero Run, scheduled for Saturday, May 14.

Kali’s Klubhouse provides equine-assisted learning to individuals with social, emotional and physical challenges, a “7 Keys to Success” program for at-risk teens, an outreach program for seniors, and as a place for healing for all family members, includes a program for siblings called the “Sib Klub.”

A privately owned and operated facility, Fargnoli Farms, also a boarding facility, can now manage their own programs via the non-profit, Kali’s Klubhouse, and in addition acquire grants for improvements at the farm.

A reflection of the passion and commitment that volunteers, equine educational specialists and therapists and Executive Director, Linda Fargnoli, have accomplished to date, Kali’s Klubhouse was inspired by the ongoing love of the horses and the lives they touch.

With as many as 20 volunteers, along with licensed and certified professionals, Fargnoli shared, “They are dedicated. Nothing could happen without them.”

And as for the horses, an integral part of the team effort, nothing could happen without them. Many of the horses used at Fargnoli Farms are owned by regular boarders who allow shared use for the programs.

Fargnoli commented, “Every horse here has a story. It’s amazing how the children bond with a particular horse,” and she added, “In their own way, the horses know they are helping in the healing process.”

One miniature horse named Kali has a celebrity status now and is a positive link in the healing process for many, including the senior outreach

program. Kali is one of three minis at the farm that has visited Riverview Manor in Owego several times, as well as other local facilities. Youth program participants are encouraged to go along with Kali and her friends for their outreach visits.

Improving the lives of others and expanding boundaries for youth to grow is all part of the Fargnoli Farms mission. Acknowledging that in today’s society all teens face certain risks, the teen program helps teens achieve success and find hope, strength and friendship.

Step into the klubhouse at Fargnoli Farms and the sense of feeling welcome is immediate. Sayings painted on the walls like, “The best is yet to come,” and “As soon as I saw you I knew an adventure was going to happen,” are positive messages for youth.

One youth who has benefited from weekly riding sessions at the farm is six-year old Ryan Woods of Owego. Ryan, born three months premature and with Cerebral Palsy, rides a horse weekly to improve his strength and balance.

Ryan’s Superhero Run, named in honor of Ryan, is scheduled for Saturday, May 14 at Hickories Park in Owego, N.Y.  Proceeds benefit Kali’s Klubhouse. Last year, dressed as Batman, Ryan completed his 1K in 85 minutes. Fargnoli shared that Ryan has a goal to break last year’s record, and the Fargnoli Farms’ team will be there to cheer him on.

Ryan’s Superhero Run includes a 5K, and Ryan’s 1K is a family-friendly event that welcomes runners, walkers, wheelchairs and strollers. The 1K begins near the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park within Hickories Park, and canine partners are welcome.

All participants are asked to dress in their favorite Superhero costume. Registration fees are $25 in advance or $35 day of race for the 5K, and $10 for the 1K. Online registration and additional race details can be found at runsignup.com/Race/NY/Owego/RyansSuperheroRun.

For information about Fargnoli Farms or Kali’s Klubhouse, find them on Facebook or kalisklubhouse.org. For other inquiries, including volunteer opportunities, contact Linda Fargnoli at (607) 427-3623.