Rep. Miceli Receives Friend of Strongwater Farm Merit Award

The Tewksbury Country Club was filled to the brim on Friday, Oct. 30 as volunteers, program administrators, patients, families and supporters attended the Strongwater Farm’s 2015 Support Dinner to observe State Representative James Miceli, who received the prestigious Friends of Strongwater Farm Merit Award for his actions supporting the organization financially and legislatively for many years.

In addition to the presentation of the award, the evening crowd enjoyed raffles, door prizes, dinner, drinks, and dancing in support of the equestrian-therapy charity organization.

“It is a terrific honor to receive such acknowledgement from what is undoubtedly one of the most selfless charities in the town of Tewksbury and across the state,” said Representative Miceli upon receiving the award. “They do terrific work, and I am always happy to help them in any way they need. They have turned the lives around of so many individuals with disabilities, and have given their patients and family great hope. I absolutely look forward to working with them for many more years.”

Representative Miceli was the primary architect and sponsor legislation during the past session, which assisted in the transfer of additional land from the purview of Tewksbury State Hospital to the Strongwater equestrian facility.

Because of the additional land Strongwater farm was able to expand their therapy program by constructing a facility capable of hosting large-scale indoor operations. This means that despite inclement weather, the patients under their care can continue their therapeutic sessions regardless of what may be occurring outside. Prior to the previous legislative session, he also played a major role in obtaining the lease to the grounds, obtaining funding, and awareness for the organization.

As Strongwater Farm Founder Mary Jane Marcucci stated when introducing Representative Miceli, “We are grateful to have a dedicated friend working on our behalf, for whatever we may need we know we can always rely on his support for our cause.”

Strongwater Farm, located on the Tewksbury Hospital grounds, is a frontrunner in providing equestrian based therapy to individuals with physical, cognitive, or psychological disabilities. Through interactions with the horses, as well as assisting in the care of the animals, patients are assisted in further developing social skills, coping mechanisms, and ways to overcome physical impairment. Initiated in 1998 with the original name of T.H.E. Farm, Strongwater has served thousands of patients and riders of various medical backgrounds during their path to recovery.