Gazette

Fall 2012

In this Issue:
Sky's the Limit for Students Culture of Learning Supporting Students on the Spectrum Turn Back Time with Green Chimneys Memorable Moments for LGBTQ Youth Spirit of Hillside New 'Kids' on the Farm Parent's Perspective

Celebrating 65 Years: Preserving the Legacy of Green Chimneys

t just 19 years old, inspired by his childhood boarding school experiences and a genuine devotion to animals, Samuel B. Rollo Ross, Jr. had a dream to create an environment where children and animals could live together in a farm setting. And Green Chimneys came to be.
Green Chimneys has since become a recognized leader in animal-assisted activities for children with special needs. Farm and wildlife programs have been a core component of the special education and residential treatment services that distinguish Green Chimneys as an innovator in human-animal interaction and nature-based therapies. Inspired by the remarkable work and lifelong commitment of its founders, Green Chimneys has marked its 65th year with the official launch of The Sam and Myra Ross Institute. Dedicated to education and research on the human connection to animals and the natural world, the Institute positions Green Chimneys prominently, demonstrating how purposeful contact with animals and the outdoors can enhance formal therapies and traditional education to help maximize the potential of children with special needs. Led by Green Chimneys Farm & Wildlife Director Michael Kaufmann, The Institute is the knowledge base for the varied facets of human-animal and nature-based interactions, grounded in evidence-based practices for implementing diverse and ethically responsible educational and therapeutic interventions and activities. Several exciting Institute projects are already in progress. An advisory council of international
continued on page 4

Green Chimneys Brewster Campus 400 Doansburg Road Brewster, NY 10509 845.279.2995 Clearpool Campus 33 Clearpool Road Carmel, NY 10512 845.225.8226

www.greenchimneys.org

Above and right: Green Chimneys recently hosted a group of social workers from Germany, here to study human-animal interaction, a primary role of The Institute

Great Roots and a Bright Future

A Message from Executive Director Joseph A. Whalen

was asked to write about what has changed at Green Chimneys since my arrival over 40 years ago. I felt I could get some leeway and start in the year 1996 when I had the privilege to take the reins of Green Chimneys from our founder and first Executive Director, Sam Rollo Ross. If you know Dr. Ross, this was a humbling, exciting and somewhat terrifying leap for me. Here was Sam and Myra Ross trusting me with their legacy and the product of their commitment and concern for children for close to 50 years. I knew I was not going to replace an icon like Sam; nor did I want to. Instead, I wanted to make my own unique contribution, so I had a plan.

to ensure a strong foundation for the next century. There were some challenges, but we had a good culture and talent. All I had to do was create a vision that our stakeholders, especially our Board, could support. Our hurdles were large but not unusual for a human services organization that grew quickly in the child welfare arena of the 80s and 90s. We had a school and residential facilities that were worn out and in need of updating, a campus that required a complete replacement of the physical infrastructure, a too-small back office that struggled to support an employee base of around 400, and a changing child welfare market that threatened our ability to serve children in the way we had envisioned. There was much to do but over the next 16 years we were able to invest more than $50 million in our facilities to include a new school, health center, residences and infrastructure, creating a state-of-the-art campus ready for what the 21st century would bring to our door. We invested

Words of Kindness
Parents share in celebrating 65 years of Green Chimneys
heavily in Human Resources, IT, Business Functions, Quality Improvement, and Fund Development, building our capacity to grow and accept new opportunities. Our new Clearpool campus is one of the outcomes. One of the most exciting changes has been a return to our roots, shifting our focus on child welfare to accepting school-based referrals to serve children with educational and emotional needs. Looking back, it reminds us of a time when Green Chimneys was a small private school So very much has changed and we are stronger for it!
Parents amily and as I love the F himneys h C at Green th s d tion en ca k u wee tdoor Ed learpool Ou C t a ings, s th u r y fo rn man el that I lea fe I r. er te h ot en C s of the e experience ars through th these semin re ot only a N me . ts ed n re ow pa have all ve, but they ti will a ow rm n fo k in ts, that I n re pa y n to meet ma ds. long frien be my life

Sky's the Limit for Students with Special Needs

iddle school is a challenging time of life for any student but particularly difficult for those with social, emotional and learning challenges. Previous academic failure, social and emotional challenges, and hormonal changes can be overwhelming. Middle school children are far more likely than elementary school kids to experience social stigmas such as bullying, and have more challenges navigating through the social world of adolescence.

Enriched educational environment incorporates challenging and therapeutic programming at Clearpool campus in Carmel, NY

My plan focused on being a good steward of the legacy they built and doing my best

many new challenges, which ultimately lead to improved self-esteem and increased willingness to learn. Students have also had a hand in creating some of the newer activities at the growing Clearpool campus. The farm and organic garden opened this spring and students had the opportunity to tour guests and show off the new residents: 20 chickens (raised from birth), doves, rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep, goats, llamas and Charlie, a duck that was hatched in one of the classrooms in June. The school has continued its growth with three additional classrooms, each featuring dual-touch SmartBoards and student computers. Eight new staff members and two new school psychologists have joined the team of well-trained, certified special education professionals for an approach that recognizes individual learning styles and provides therapeutic support. Call for a tour: 845.279.2995 x115 Need information and support for unique academic and therapeutic needs? Attend our Parent & Educator Workshop Series. View dates and topics at
greenchimneys.org/parent-edu-series

Congratulatio ns to Green Ch imneys on 65 years of success! Than k you from the bottom of my heart fo r all of your good work . My son has be come the child I rais ed--much diff er en t from the boy that en tered Green Ch im ne ys almost 2 year s ago. We were in cr is is and now we ar e full of hope. H at s of f to you all! Here's to another 65 years.....

My How We've Grown

From a farm and school for 11 students to a multifaceted organization serving thousands of children and families each year, Green Chimneys has held a genuine commitment to helping young people maximize their potential.

Earlier this year, Green Chimneys was approved by the New York State Dept. of Education to open 32 additional day school spaces for 5th 8th grade special education students at its Clearpool campus in Carmel, NY. This expansion of Green Chimneys therapeutic day school program leverages Clearpools spectacular natural setting on 350 acres, offering countless ecological resources and extensive wildlife for exploration and discovery. An enriched educational environment incorporates challenging and therapeutic programming. Life skills, experiential learning and outdoor education such as ropes courses, fishing, and orienteering give students opportunities to experience

Happy 65th Anniversary, Green Chimneys. Thanks for all of the guidance, and caring that you provide for the children, and for the parents. You have made our bumpy road smoother, our worries less, and the light at the end of our tunnel, closer and brighter. Words cannot express the thanks for how much stronger you have made me as a parent. I have learned so much about how to live in what can be a difficult situation, all the while knowing that my son is in a safe environment. Thank You, thank you to infinity and beyond!

Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012

Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012

nterns have always enhanced the Green Chimneys culture. Whether they are feeding animals on the farm, working with residents or developing spreadsheets in the business office, interns offer fresh insight and bring new energy to our programs and clients. Interns are fully immersed in Green Chimneys life, working - and even playing - alongside expert staff, as well as each other to gain valuable hands-on experience they can use in their future careers.

Culture of Learning Provides 'Real World' Work Experience

Supporting Students on the Spectrum

arents, schools, and clinicians are well aware of the developmental needs of school-age children, and all have recognized the growing population that shares a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Green Chimneys has seen an increased percentage of the children we serve displaying behaviors associated with the diagnosis, which incorporates Aspergers and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. In response, the Green Chimneys clinical team and dorm staff maintain a carefully designed program to support the emotional and behavior modification needs of these children, both within the residential setting and as part of regular daily activities.

Our most widely recognized program is the renowned Nature-Based Internship, which attracts interns from all over the world from a variety of disciplines. This experiential learning program integrates animals, horticulture and outdoor education into activities for children with special needs. What many may not be aware of are our academic internships that fulfill graduating and field work requirements for Bachelor, Masters, and Doctorate students. Green Chimneys works with colleges and universities to provide placements in education, social work, recreational therapy, and clinical psychology and students interns provide valuable assistance to our children as they apply their learning in real world education and treatment programs.

Among the residential students at Green Chimneys, spectrum diagnoses are characterized by a lack of social awareness, propensity to fixate on themes, people and topics, as well as an inability to communicate effectively. The goal of treatment is to help these children develop soft skills, build tolerance for social situations, develop flexibility, and learn to interact with others confidently so that they can integrate back into their own home and school environment. To ensure an optimal therapeutic environment for the children and best practices among staff, Green Chimneys has established the Spectrum Task

Force. The task force brings together the social services, clinical services, and direct care departments to evaluate the current program within the dorms and identify areas for improvement. Together the team can explore new tools and tactics, continuously train staff, and share successful initiatives for future programming; all key components in providing innovative and effective care for these children, and education and support for their families. Read more about how we serve this special population of Green Chimneys students at greenchimneys.org/spectrum

Jessie Dillon interns with Green Chimneys' Social Services department as she completes her Masters in Social Work at University of New England.

While interns are here to learn, which they do within a highly structured internship plan, they also help employees build skills they might not otherwise develop in their job. Employees learn important supervisory functions and leadership skills that can make them excellent candidates for promotion later on. At the same time, interns often turn into excellent job candidates: in the past ten years we have hired 24 interns into permanent positions! Interns also help Green Chimneys build

its networking connections with schools around the US, and sometimes around the world. For 65 years Green Chimneys has maintained a culture of teaching and learning, for both our residents and our staff. Interns have always been a part of the foundation of Green Chimneys and will continue to be a part of our growth. View available internships at greenchimneys.org/internships

school lobby an aviary, where children train assistance dogs, and where staff can bring dogs to work as long as it has a purpose for the children. Add to this a therapeutic riding program where a pair of camels is being trained to join the horses. Whats different about my job today? Today, over 700 staff members work year-round in our many programs, and the number swells to 800 when camp counselors join us each summer. We train 30 or more interns from the global community who are interested in the model we have created, learning to work with children and animals in the array of nature-based activities that are flourishing in all our locations. Our budget has swelled to $40 million and my job is - together with the fund development staff - to raise sufficient funds to balance our budget, and provide support and seed money for new opportunities to serve more children and families. There is a lot at Green Chimneys we have to provide for but it is our joy and our passion and our commitment to what we know works. If you had told me what we would be today, I would have never believed it. We have a lot of people to thank for this, and no one is more grateful than Myra and me to have been a part of it all.

Then and Now

Institute
continued from page 1

experts in the field of animal and naturebased activities has been assembled to keep the Institute on the cutting edge of this ever expanding field. A generous capacitybuilding grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has facilitated infrastructure and staffing. And this past summer, a graduate student from Brazil surveyed needs and established data storage and information archiving systems. In September, The Institute also welcomed its first interns, an enthusiastic group selected for a fourmonth immersion experience to learn how to incorporate animals and plants into working with children who have

psycho-social issues. Following initial training, each intern will be assigned a group of children to work with in a structured activity program. Looking ahead, The Institute will serve as a living laboratory for academic research on the impact of nature based activities and therapy. Dr. Steven Klee, Green Chimneys Associate Executive Director of Clinical & Medical Services, and his team will partner with academics to gather empirical data on the effectiveness of our clinical and educational work with children in a farm setting. If these projects and activities are any indication, The Sam and Myra Ross Institute is off to a flying start. To find out more, visit greenchimneys.org/theinstitute

A Message from Green Chimneys Founder Samuel B. Ross, Jr., Ph.D.

n 1948, we opened our doors with 11 children. In 2012, we have 242 special needs students in day and residential programs on the Brewster campus, which includes new space for 32 day students at our Clearpool campus.

History Lesson
Green Chimneys was founded on October 27, 1947 when, after a long search, the Ross Family purchased a 75-acre farm in Brewster, NY from the widow of New York State Senator Ward Tolbert. The history of Green Chimneys is a history of transition, reecting decades of adapting to changes in educational and other societal needs to best serve children and families. Turn the page and turn back time >>>
Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012

Gathering of the Minds

In April 2013, The Sam and Myra Ross Institute will partner with the ASPCA and University of Denver School of Social Work to host People, Animals & Nature: Modeling a New Paradigm, a 2-day conference to share best practices and explore ideas with top professionals in elds utilizing nature-based models. greenchimneys.org/hai2013

We believe in the human-animal connection. We have from the beginning. We have nearly 300 animals including over 50 birds of prey, most of whom spend their entire life with us. We pride ourselves in that our students participate in healing permanently injured birds and domestic animals and, in turn, the children are healed. For us it is a total environment where classrooms have fish tanks and the

Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012

Timeline

Spread

Creating Memorable Moments for LGBTQ Youth

he teen years are marked by rites of passage that all of us can recallentering high school getting a drivers permitattending the senior promor simply hanging out and bonding with friends. According to a study by Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Liberty Mutual Insurance, recognizing and celebrating these transitions in a youths life are critically linked to positive decision making.

The Spirit of Hillside: A 40-Year Tradition

Their report states some sobering facts: High school teens whose parents pay the least attention to significant transition periods are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors including drinking, drug use, early sexual activity and dangerous driving and are more likely to experience depression and boredom. Many of the homeless, runaway and foster care LGBTQ youth served by Green Chimneys New York City Division have never experienced these special occasions. They may be disconnected from their families, schools or social networks or feel excluded from such events because of their sexual orientation. Our spirited staff and residents decided to change that and have created their own festive, self-affirming celebrations: the annual Pride Parade and a veritable beauty pageant. Each June, our youth and staff participate in the famous NYC Pride Parade. Adorned in colorful, specially designed t-shirts, they march proudly down Fifth Avenue,

left Green Chimneys Assistant Camp Director Kelly Davey (center) with camp counselors; right 2012 Hillside Summer Camp Counselors

Green Chimneys oat at the 2012 NYC Pride Parade

showing their true colors and celebrating right along with the Citys LGBTQ community. Last years construction of a Green Chimneys float added to their pride and became a great new parade tradition. The event is a wonderful opportunity for our youth to feel the support of a much larger community. And, they have a terrific time together, says Green Chimneys Associate Executive Director Duncan Lester. Coinciding with Pride Month, the Bronx office was totally transformed for the first-ever Miss RHY pageant a fashion and talent contest for the residents of the Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) program. Under the creative and capable leadership of resident Jasmine, the office

was decked out in a black and gold theme with balloons, streamers and, of course, a red carpet. A panel of judges including Americas Next Top Model contestant Isis King and celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz ultimately crowned Rhonika (aka Juan Guadaloupe) Miss RHY while everyone was entertained by staff and residents impersonations of Whitney Houston, Cher and other celebrity icons. These events are about more than having a good time. They give our youth a voice, a chance to celebrate who they are, and something we should all get from our teen yearsspecial memories. Learn more about our services for LGBTQ youth at greenchimneys.org/nyc

illside Summer Camp celebrated 40 years this season, welcoming 250 campers and 85 counselors, many of whom returned for yet another summer of friendship, adventure and memories to last a lifetime. Assistant Camp Director Kelly Davey shares why Hillside is so special.

counselors. The kids taste foods, learn popular sports, games and songs, and even learn how to count and a few native words and phrases. These activities really seem to stick with the kids through the camp season. Q: This summer marked 40 years of Hillside Summer Camp and great traditions have been passed from one generation of campers to the next. What are some of the traditions Hillside staff share with the kids? A: Hillside has a number of traditions and we love sharing with campers old and new. Everyday activities include singing a special camp song every morning and telling campers to drink lots of sunscreen and put on lots of water! - which always gets a laugh - to one of our most important and memorable traditions of reading The Lorax by Dr Seuss. We read from it at every campfire and overnight to encourage campers to understand the environment and how important it is to look after it. Q: Many staff members return every summer for more camp fun. Who are a couple of star veterans and what keeps them coming back year after year? A: The list is endless but a few of our star veterans are Amy Knell, Lindsay Triggs, Natalie Staszak, Liam Barlow, Landy Gaustadisegni, Kevin Lawrence and Michael Alas. We hear its primarily the campers that keep them returning. The staff form such a tight bond with the

Q: How long have you been involved with Hillside Summer Camp, and what first drew you to the organization? A: I first began working at Hillside in 2001. I was one of hundreds of applicants and after learning all I could about Hillside and Green Chimneys, I knew I had to be involved. I feel extremely lucky - and honored - to be part of such a great organization. Q: If you could describe Hillside Summer Camp using just five adjectives, what words would you use? A: Fantastic, memorable, heart-warming, enthralling, and magical. Q: Hillside Summer Camp staff is quite diverse, attracting counselors from as near as Putnam County, NY to as far as Australia. How do campers benefit from such a diverse staff? A: The campers get to experience a whole range of cultures, languages and traditions. Everyone loves our International Day, where campers have the opportunity to travel the globe, visiting the different countries represented by the Hillside

campers that they want to come back and see how they have grown, both physically and mentally. Staff say they learn so much about themselves while working here, and that their experience affects them forever. Every day is full of fun and laughter, and every staff member I have worked with, has walked away at the end of the summer exclaiming that they have had the best summer ever!! Many request a position for the following summer well before they depart. Our staff start each summer as strangers, and end it as some of the very best friends for life. Q: In your view, whats something most people dont know about Hillside? A: On the Saturday after camp has finished we have The Circle. All the staff get together, form a circle and everyone gets the opportunity to say why Hillside has been important and special for them. We always go through at least one box of tissues as everyone is so upset that the summer has ended and they have to say goodbye to their new friends. They have spent the last ten weeks together and when they wake up the next day, it will be completely different. The Circle gives all the staff the chance to say their final farewells and be together as a group one last time. It is a time for reflection on the three months they have spent together and realizing how that has changed their and the campers lives forever.

There's no camouaging this cover chameleon!

Meet our resident Veiled Chameleon along with 11 other dynamic species who not only add to the vibrant Green Chimneys Farm & Wildlife Center but are also a key part of invaluable learning experiences for students. The animal images are from award-winning photographer Jason Houston. Calendars are just $19.50 (incl. shipping & handling). To purchase visit greenchimneys.org/calendar

Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012

Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012

A Peek at Green Chimneys Summer Camp

What I Did This Summer

Connecting with Community Youth

New 'Kids' on the Farm

A Gift Becomes Part of the Community
ow do you like your camels, with one hump or two? This spring, Green Chimneys students and staff received a most extraordinary gift: two Bactrian camels. These beautiful creatures, Sage and Phoenix, were not a familiar species on the Brewster campus

(or even in the state) but their welcome and integration into the Green Chimneys community has been quite like that of the many animals - and students - that came before them. Staff diligently prepared for Sage and Phoenixs arrival, while students began learning more about these animals. One class even made toys for the pair! Sage and Phoenix were officially bestowed to the Green Chimneys community by Stuart Camps of Sacred Camel Gardens at a gifting ceremony in May. Since then, the camels have continued their integration

process, adjusting to their Green Chimneys caretakers and a more public life. Special sessions allow lead farm staff to train colleagues on best practices, including animal husbandry and "sharing space" with the camels. Select students will soon expand their farm skills by helping to care for the camels through our Learn & Earn vocational training program. Learn about Sage and Phoenix and their journey to Green Chimneys at greenchimneys.org/camels

arents and teachers know firsthand how challenging the teen years can be. Parents struggle to communicate with their children, often ending up in conflict. School personnel are baffled as to how to help as students needs often go beyond what school staff can handle in a normal day. Growing pains, peer pressure, and stress at home or in school can cause youth to feel isolated or make poor choices. Knowing where to find guidance and support is sometimes half the battle so Green Chimneys Community Based Services makes a special effort to reach teens and their families at the most likely center of their lives: school.

The Community Outreach Center gave me a place to go, helped me stay away from negative people and things, and get myself on the right track, Catherine, age 17
Youth are encouraged to make use of the Community Outreach Center for supportive socialization, recreation, homework assistance, advocacy and counseling. Open daily, the Community Outreach Center also offers specialized groups such as Anger Management and Risk Takers Anonymous, which help teenagers learn to make healthier choices and understand the consequences of risky behaviors. Monthly Parent Central meetings provide additional support and information for parents. For more information or to arrange a school visit, call 845.279.2378. The Community Outreach Center will host an Open House on Tuesday, October 30 from 1:00-3:30 pm for agencies, schools and providers and from 3:00-6:00 pm for parents and youth.

Throughout the year, staff from the Community Outreach Center and Arbor House Youth Shelter - both in Brewster, NY - travel to schools across Putnam County. Interactive presentations offer information about Green Chimneys services available to teens and their parents, as well as ways school staff can make referrals or help youth to access these services themselves. Surprisingly, teens, parents and even school personnel are often not aware of the myriad of innovative services offered, most of which are free.
It's never too early to start thinking about next year! Online registration for the 2013 summer camp season starts in November, for details visit greenchimneys.org/camps

top left Camel Gifting Ceremony; bottom left Close up of Phoenix right Sage and Farm Facilitator Christina Russell practice "lead from behind" technique

Parent's Perspective
very child is different and needs different things. As a parent of three and someone who works in the field of education, I understand this; however, enrolling my child in Green Chimneys School instead of his district school was very difficult for me.

By Patty Kaufman - President, Green Chimneys Parent Association

same. Would I know what was happening during the day? Would there be a community of parents, like at our own district school, to help me feel connected and involved? I was pleasantly surprised and grateful when I found that Green Chimneys offered so much of what I was used to at my local school. My son has picture day, parent teacher conferences, and he does go on class trips; just like his siblings. Additionally, there have been just as many, if not more, opportunities for me as a parent to be involved. I receive frequent

communication from teachers, help to organize the annual Staff Appreciation Day, attend weekend-long parent retreats, and even serve as president of the Green Chimneys Parent Association. As president, my goal is to work with Green Chimneys to provide more parent training to help us learn how to integrate the behavior strategies used at Green Chimneys, at home. Being involved in my children's schools has always been rewarding, and Green Chimneys has continued that experience for our family, and most importantly, for my son. To find out about the Green Chimneys parent community, contact Patty at pkaufman@greenchimneys.org
Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012

Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012

Contributing Editors: Nicole Andersen, Jane Barr, Lauren Bennett, Anne Cox, Kristin Dionne, Jenna Eckna, Tauna Idone, Donna Kessler, Denise Luft, Jennifer Milillo, Heather Mock, Myra Ross Contributing Photographers: Anne Cox, Jennifer Milillo, Jerry Newell, Deon Williams, Kathy Van Duzee Design: Anne Cox

I wondered if being out of district would make him feel uncomfortable around his peers. I wondered if he would get to experience all the same things - like picture day and class trips - that children remember about school. I also wondered if my experience as a parent would be the

10

Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012

11

SPRING/SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS
1 4-H Tradition Continues Green Chimneys students presented all they learned about cattle, swine, sheep, llamas and goats at the 2012 Putnam County 4-H Fair. It was hard to count all the ribbons and awards received! 2 Come One, Come All Students put on quite a show with Circus of the Kids. Awe-inspiring feats of agility included suspending from fabric and spinning mid-air, cycling demos, acrobatic routines and even a display of re-eating skills. 3 Happy Trails An organization-wide Walk Around the World tness campaign culminated in a Brewster campus walk for all students and staff. Even our littlest legs from Nature's Nursery helped in reaching the 25,000-mile goal! 4 Still Smiling After All These Years Sincere thanks to staff members Felicidad Dukes, Mark Kaplan and Sheila Gallagher who marked 25 years of service to Green Chimneys. 5 Acting Out As part of United Way's Day of Action, volunteers from Cartus gave our Greenery Cafe in Danbury, CT a little makeover. 6 Thanks for the Memories Green Chimneys Co-Founder Myra Ross poses with a former student at Alumni Day. 7 Parading Around Clearpool students and staff proudly celebrated the opening of the farm and garden at our Clearpool campus in Carmel, NY. 8 & 9 A Flock to Remember More than 5,000 visitors arrived for the 20th Anniversary of Birds of Prey Day, including environmentalist and former NHL goalie Mike Richter and actor/philanthropist Richard Gere.

Donor Corner: Support Comes in All Shapes & Sizes

or 65 years Green Chimneys has cherished gifts of all shapes and sizes. Sometimes our donors go beyond simply writing a check and come up with some creative fundraising to support us.

You're the tops...

We know this 65th milestone would not be possible without the generous and diverse support Green Chimneys has received over the years from the unique to traditional, modest to substantial, specic to general its the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations that has enabled our children to grow and thrive. As we celebrate 65 years, we pause to also celebrate you, our donors.
List includes all donors with giving total of $6,500 and above from Jan. 1, 2011 through Sept. 21, 2012.

Explore the Great Outdoors at Clearpool

Weekend Nature Series Enjoy opportunities to experience Clearpool's nature wonderland of trees, open spaces, trails, and wildlife through the fall, winter and spring. Monthly education and recreation programs feature hands-on activities and outdoor skill-building for all ages.
greenchimneys.org/weekendnature

$65,000 and up
The Thomas & Agnes Carvel Foundation Newman's Own Foundation Louis C.K. The Calamus Foundation The Leir Foundation, Inc. The Paul Rapoport Foundation Inc. Schutz Engel Trust Virgin Unite USA, Inc.

$6,500 - $64,999
A Kinder World Foundation Paul and Rosana Agostini Akzo Nobel Functional Chemicals LLC Andron Construction Corporation American Pet Products Assoc. The ASK Family Foundation ASPCA The Barker Welfare Foundation The Viola W. Bernard Foundation Bloomberg Sisters Foundation Bruen Deldin & Didio Associates BTIG, LLC The Bulova Stetson Fund Cheetah Charitable Trust Chem Rx Richard Chorney Wayne and Adriana Cutler Dekeyser & Friends Foundation Demarest Lloyd, Jr. Foundation Inanna Donnelley and Jeffrey Taback Vivian Donnelley Dyson Foundation The Edouard Foundation, Inc. William H. Ellsworth Foundation The EQUUS Foundation, Inc. The Charles Evans Foundation Jesse and Betsy Fink The Charles Gamper Fund GE Capital Corporation Ginsberg's The Keith Haring Foundation Stephen Hays and Valerie Hughes Heineman Foundation Hilda and Preston Davis Foundation Hitachi America, Ltd. The Hitachi Foundation Hitachi Metals America, Ltd. Keefe Family Foundation Kenworthy-Swift Foundation, Inc. KeyBank Foundation Lanza Family Foundation Lawley Service Insurance Robert and Catherine Lehman Walter and Wilma Leinhardt Mark and Layne Lescault Andrew and Barbara Levine The Lily Palmer Fry Memorial Trust Roderick and Robin MacRae Macy's Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. MBIA Foundation J.M. McDonald Foundation, Inc. MCJ Amelior Foundation James A. Mitarotonda Moncler Edward S. Moore Family Foundation Morgan Stanley New York Stock Exchange, Inc. Newman's Own, Inc. Evan and Cindy Nord The Palette Fund, Inc. Peckham Family Foundation PepsiCo, Inc. The Prentice Foundation, Inc. Richard and Lina Priore Raich Ende Malter & Co. LLP Ira and Paula Resnick Michael and Lois Robbins Adam R. Rose and Peter R. McQuillan Samuel and Myra Ross The Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation Katherine Ruttenberg The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust The Peter Jay Sharp Foundation Erik and Dee Sossa The Judy & Michael Steinhardt Foundation SWIFT Swiss Re The Ruth Turner Funds, Inc. The O.P. and W.E. Edwards Foundation, Inc. Van Ameringen Foundation Inc. W.R. Berkley Corporation Jeanne S. Wadleigh Lucy R. Waletzky Tim C. Warner Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Joseph and Mary Whalen XL Global Services, Inc. Richard and Jean Zukin

In celebration of their recent wedding, Marlon Young and James Morgan designated donations to Green Chimneys in lieu of a traditional gift registry. Friend and Board Member Walter Leinhardt did the same for a milestone birthday celebration. Both raised needed funds. For many years Green Chimneys has been the beneficiary of a holiday tradition at W.R. Berkley Corporations annual gingerbread house auction. Long-time friend and W.R. Berkley employee Robert Gosselink and his talented wife Stefani create beautiful houses for auction and Green Chimneys receives all of the funds raised in addition to a 100% match by W.R. Berkley Corporation. To sweeten the deal, our students get to enjoy the beauty and taste of a hand-crafted gingerbread house. This past year the company and employees donated a total of $13,000! Long-time friends Carol and Tom Lowell generously hosted their 2nd Annual Golf Outing which raised more than $35,000 for Green Chimneys. Similarly, Board Member Rick MacRae and his wife Robin, together with neighbors Dee and Chris Blohm, host an annual Independence Day party where guests are asked to donate towards Green Chimneys Boni-Bel Organic Farm. Learn about all the ways you can support Green Chimneys and help strengthen our programs for children and animals, visit greenchimneys.org/giving

Model Forest Education Program Join experts in forestry, nature study and conservation for workshops focused on the ecology and natural resources within Clearpool Model Forest. greenchimneys/modelforestseries Girl Scout Programs Fun and educational communitybuilding activities, outdoor skills, and overnight trips for troops. Grades 3-5: third Thursday of every month; Grade 6 and up: second Sunday of every month. For program schedule, contact: chendershot@greenchimneys.org or call 845.225.8226 x605 Outdoor Program for Home School Students Exciting nature study, adventure learning and group activities to enhance any home school academic program. Second Monday of every month. For program schedule, contact: chendershot@greenchimneys.org or call 845.225.8226 x605

Green Chimneys Clearpool Campus in Carmel, NY offers a spectacular setting for outdoor education and recreation programs for school students, local families and community conservationists. Nearly 10,000 students a year from Putnam, Dutchess and Westchester Counties, and New York City participate in environmental science and experiential learning programs to enhance classroom curriculums. Ongoing events offer families and community members a host of hands-on exploration and skill-building activities focused on environmental awareness and sustainability. Take advantage of year-round opportunities to get outside and learn to be a true steward of the environment! MODEL FOREST ADULT EDUCATION WORKSHOPS WEEKEND NATURE SERIES Saturday Family Program N OV E M B E R 16 Wildlife Management 17 Outdoor Cooking & Primitive Skills DECEMBER 8 Tracking and Winter Wildlife 15 Winter Bird Count JA N UA RY 12 Winter Tree Identication 19 Making Simple Bird Feeders FE B R UA RY 9 DEP Wetlands Presentation 24 Vernal Pool/Amphibian Walk 16 Snowshoe Hike MARCH 16 Maple Sugaring & Annual Pancake Breakfast APRIL 13 Urban Forest Management 20 Into the Woods! Annual Earth Day Celebration M AY 11 Invasive Species Remediation 8 Identifying Tree Diseases 18 Great Swamp Canoe Trip JUNE 15 Family Fishing Day

Environmental Education Exchange 2012

Sustainable Education for the Next Generation November 8 & 9
Green Chimneys' annual conference and workshop event for best practices in teaching environmental stewardship, nature-based education and managing natural resources.

Our gratitude runneth over! See the complete list at greenchimneys.org/65

greenchimneys.org/e3
Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012

14

Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012

15

Green Chimneys 400 Doansburg Road, Box 719 Brewster, NY 10509-0719

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Hearst, CT Post, LLC Permit No. 331 Bridgeport, CT

Upcoming Events
October 30, 2012 Community Outreach Center Open House November 8 & 9, 2012 Environmental Education Exchange November 16, 2012 Next Model Forest Workshop November 17, 2012 Next Weekend Nature Activity

Look Who's Turning 65!

As Green Chimneys cruises toward the 65-year landmark, you're invited to join us for one celebratory ride -- see photos from our archives and swap stories online. Start the journey here: greenchimneys.org/65
Green Chimneys - Brewster, NY @greenchimneys

November 20, 2012 Parent & Educator Workshop November 24, 2012 Holiday Tree sales start at Boni-Bel Farm April 26 & 27, 2013 Human-Animal Interaction Conference