Green ChimneysBrewster Campus 400 Doansburg RoadBrewster, NY 10509845.279.2995

Clearpool Campus33 Clearpool RoadCarmel, NY 10512845.225.8226

www.greenchimneys.org

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

GazetteFall 2012

Celebrating 65 Years: Preserving the Legacy of Green Chimneys

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 Perspectivet 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.

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continued on page 4

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

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

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.

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 Clearpool’s 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

2 Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012

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

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!

Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012 3

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.

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

Sky's the Limit for Students with Special NeedsEnriched educational environment incorporates challenging and therapeutic programming at Clearpool campus in Carmel, NY

Mmany 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

Words of Kindness

Great Roots and a Bright FutureA Message from Executive Director Joseph A. Whalen

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!

I love the Family and Parents

weekends that Green Chimneys has

for us at Clearpool Outdoor Education

Center. I feel that I learn many things,

through the experiences of the other

parents. Not only are these seminars

informative, but they have allowed me

to meet many parents, that I know will

be my life long friends.

Happy 65th Anniversary,

Congratulations to Green Chimneys on 65 years of success! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your good work. My son has become the child I raised--much different from the boy that entered Green Chimneys almost 2 years ago. We were in crisis and now we are full of hope. Hats off to you all! Here's to another 65 years.....

Parents share in celebrating 65 years of Green Chimneys

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

My How We've Grown

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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.

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.

4 Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012 Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012 5

Culture of Learning Provides 'Real World' Work Experience

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Institutecontinued from page 1

experts in the field of animal and nature-based activities has been assembled to keep the Institute on the cutting edge of this ever expanding field. A generous capacity-building 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 four-month 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

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, reflecting decades of adapting to changes in educational and other societal needs to best serve children and families.

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 Asperger’s 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.

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

PForce. 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

Supporting Students on the Spectrum

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

History Lesson

Gathering of the MindsIn 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 fields utilizing nature-based models. greenchimneys.org/hai2013

Turn the page and turn back time >>>

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

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.

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

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.

What’s 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.

I

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

Timeline Spread

Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012 9

The Spirit of Hillside: A 40-Year Tradition

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.

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

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 it’s primarily the campers that keep them returning.The staff form such a tight bond with the

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, what’s something most people don’t 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.

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

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was decked out in a black and gold theme with balloons, streamers and, of course, a red carpet. A panel of judges – including America’s 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 years…special memories.

Learn more about our services for LGBTQ youth at greenchimneys.org/nyc

Creating Memorable Moments for LGBTQ Youth he teen years are marked by “rites of passage” that all of us can recall…entering high school…

getting a driver’s permit…attending the senior prom…or 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 youth’s life are critically linked to positive decision making.

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,

showing their true colors and celebrating right along with the City’s LGBTQ community. Last year’s 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

8 Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012

Green Chimneys float at the 2012 NYC Pride Parade

There's no camouflaging 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 11

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.

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

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

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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

Parent's Perspective By Patty Kaufman - President, Green Chimneys Parent Association

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.

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.

Connecting with Community Youth

P“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.

10 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

What I Did This SummerA Peek at Green Chimneys Summer Camp

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

Contributing Photographers: Anne Cox, Jennifer Milillo, Jerry Newell, Deon Williams, Kathy Van Duzee Design: Anne Cox

Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012

New 'Kids' on the FarmA 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

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(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 Phoenix’s 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

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

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 fire-eating skills.

3 Happy Trails An organization-wide Walk Around the World fitness campaign culminated in a Brewster campus walk for all students and sta¬. 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 sta¬ 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 sta¬ 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.

SPRING/SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

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14 Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012

Donor Corner: Support Comes in All Shapes & Sizes

MODEL FOREST ADULT EDUCATION WORKSHOPS

WEEKEND NATURE SERIES Saturday Family Program

NOVEMBER

16 Wildlife Management

17 Outdoor Cooking & Primitive Skills

DECEMBER

8 Tracking and Winter Wildlife

15 Winter Bird Count

JANUARY

12 Winter Tree Identification

19 Making Simple Bird Feeders

FEBRUARY

9 DEP Wetlands Presentation

16 Snowshoe Hike

MARCH

24 Vernal Pool/Amphibian Walk

16 Maple Sugaring & Annual Pancake Breakfast

APRIL

13 Urban Forest Management

20 Into the Woods! Annual Earth Day Celebration

MAY

11 Invasive Species Remediation

18 Great Swamp Canoe Trip

JUNE

8 Identifying Tree Diseases

15 Family Fishing Day

Green Chimneys’ Clearpool Campus in Carmel, NY o¬ers 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 o¬er 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!

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 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 community-building 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 learn-ing 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

Explore the Great Outdoors at Clearpool

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, specific to general – it’s 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.

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 Je¬rey 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

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.

$65,000 and up

$6,500 - $64,999

You're the tops...

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

Green Chimneys Gazette Fall 2012 15

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.

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 Corporation’s 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

F

greenchimneys.org/e3

Green Chimneys' annual conference and workshop event for best practices in teaching environmental stewardship, nature-based education and managing natural resources.

Environmental Education Exchange 2012

November 8 & 9

Sustainable Education for the Next Generation

Green Chimneys400 Doansburg Road, Box 719Brewster, NY 10509-0719

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PaidHearst, CT Post, LLC

Permit No. 331Bridgeport, CT

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

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

Upcoming Events