Serving Children & Families Since 1833 P. O. Box 219 Wynantskill, NY Campaign for Children

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1 Summer 2005 Serving Children & Families Since 1833 P. O. Box 219 Wynantskill, NY VISTAS Campaign for Children Vanderheyden Hall s groundbreaking ceremony for the campus cottage renovation project, June 29th, was a huge success. Executive Director Linda Mappes welcomed over 100 supporters and community partners. The renovation is Phase One of the Campaign for Children, an ongoing effort to improve the lives of the youth we serve. With your help we are beginning the process to expand these six cottages to provide more room and personal space for the residents who live here, Mrs. Mappes said. Senator Joseph L. Bruno, Honorary Chairman for the Campaign for Children, announced a $100,000 grant, bringing the total raised to date over the million-dollar mark. The expanded and renovated cottages will allow more comfort, room and supervision. Two residences will be expanded to house 12 teenagers, and the other four will be enlarged and house eight residents each. During the construction of each cottage, those residents will move to the Canteen area of the campus, which has been refurbished as a living area and approved by the Office of Children and Family Services. The estimated time to complete each cottage is two months, after which, the youth will return to their new environment and the renovation of another cottage will begin. Pictured from left to right: Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen Jimino; cottage resident Vanessa; Sen. Joseph L. Bruno; Vanderheyden Hall Executive Director Linda Mappes; Foundation Board President Richard A. Desrochers; Vanderheyden Hall Board President Catherine E. Regan, Ph.D. ; and Facilities Director Paul Winston. Our Community Partners are excited about this project: The Troy Savings Bank Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting programs that help our youth achieve their full potential in life, said Leslie Cheu, Executive Director of the Foundation. The Foundation s $75,000 grant to the Campaign for Children demonstrates our belief in the work done by Vanderheyden Hall, who help children and families who face great challenges in their lives. A $30,000 donation was made to the project by First Niagara Bank Foundation. First Niagara has a special commitment to children and youth which makes our support of Vanderheyden Hall a perfect fit for us, said Carl Florio, Eastern New York Regional President. The services it offers to inspire and redirect children and adolescents to become responsible, successful adults, is an investment in the future of our community. Phase Two of the Campaign has quietly begun with gifts for the renovation of the Diagnostic Unit and the Infirmary. (continued on page 3)

2 Encouraging growth & development of children and families since 1833 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Catherine E. Regan, Ph.D. President Michael E. Ginsberg, Esq. Vice President Michael C. Danieli Vice President Ronald Schleich Treasurer Kelly Alter Secretary John D. Bodnar, Jr. Kevin Catalano Carla Chiaro David Fazioli Kristin Koehler Guilbault Alisa Cahill Henderson Patrick Hughes Laurie E. Leckonby June S. Marx Henrietta Messier David Mooradian Susan Mooradian Patricia A. O'Bryan Patricia A. O'Connor, Ph.D. Elaine Molis Phelan Joel Pierre-Louis, Esq. Honorary Directors Donald C. Bowes, Esq. Polly F. Mason M. Edward Mooradian James A. Robison Thelma J. Riggs In Memoriam Dr. Charles E. Bessey Harold R. Bissett Donald E. Willetts Executive Director Linda B. Mappes, MSW Message from Linda Mappes, Executive Director Dear Friends of Vanderheyden, With anticipation, delight and with shovels ready, we at Vanderheyden celebrated the plan to renovate our Wynantskill campus at a Groundbreaking on June 29, Our 100 guests braved impending rain storms and cheered us on as we donned hard hats and went about the business of moving a bit of soil. Just as birthdays, anniversaries and weddings mark passages for us, ceremonies like Groundbreakings, dedications and ribbon-cuttings mark passages for organizations. In 1979, when Vanderheyden Hall moved from our Spring Avenue, Troy campus to the new campus in Wynantskill, the newly built cottages were considered a more suitable alternative to dormitory style residences. Each cottage would house eight youngsters, with plenty of room for staff. The 78-acre campus allowed plenty of space for all kinds of recreation. And the school, a former hospital converted for that purpose, was the hub of activity. To supplement revenue, the Board of Directors authorized the rental of two pre-existing buildings to Rensselaer County for use as detention facilities. December 1999 saw the opening of our new school a state of the art facility designed to meet the needs of our youth. In another moving ceremony, we dedicated that building to Richard Desrochers on the occasion of his retirement in Time change and needs change. One of the detention residences is gone. The other houses our family reception center. Our education program, once so limited in space, now accommodates all our residents plus as many as 50 day students. And those cottages are now bursting at the seams, each housing 10 active and growing adolescents. So with renovation, we mark another passage. From overcrowded bedrooms to space for everything. From small TV areas to spacious activity centers. From a safe haven for children to an up-to-date treatment center for youth. From the memories of the past to hope for the future. GHI Corporate Challenge Benefits Vanderheyden Hall VISTAS is a publication of Vanderheyden Hall, Inc. For more information about our agency visit our website at or visit our page at timesunion.com/communities. We welcome volunteers, ideas, and suggestions for future newsletters. Editor: Ginger Gaitor, Director of Community Relations & Public Information, P.O. Box 219 Wynantskill, NY 12198, or call (518) ext. 210 ggaitor@vanderheydenhall.org Vanderheyden Hall was fortunate to have been selected Charity of Choice, by the the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club, the sponsoring organization of the GHI Corporate Challenge. Team Vanderheyden, pictured at left, was one of numerous teams who ran the race. Special thanks to Fox News Anchor John Gray who served as our spokesperson and team member. Vanderheyden received over $1500 in gifts from runners and businesses in the Capital Region. Our legacy of 173 years in the community continues to grow. With community partnerships such as the GHI Corporate Challenge and the individuals who donated through this race, we will thrive. Thanks to all.

3 Graduation 2005 By Dawn Graham, Assistant Executive Director for Education On Friday June 24th three seniors received their high school diploma at Vanderheyden Hall s graduation ceremony in the school cafetorium. Liz, Mike and Melissa were all nervous and excited as they sat on stage waiting for the moment when this precious document was placed in their hands. All three of these young people had to overcome obstacles, discouragement and difficult circumstances in order to reach this important milestone. Motivational speaker and Life Coach Sheryl R. Donald, MSW, was the featured speaker for this occasion. Sheryl encouraged our students to set goals, stay focused on their dreams, and not let distractions cause them setbacks. Thanks to the generosity of staff, board members, business organizations and community groups, 13 Vanderheyden Hall students received cash awards for excellence in academics, community work and character. Among the award winners was senior Liz, who received the New York State Lottery Leaders of Tomorrow scholarship valued at $4,000 over four years. In addition to the three high school graduates, 23 eighth graders were recognized for their successful completion of junior high school. The evening was a joyous celebration of our students overcoming challenges. Congratulations to all. Seated, graduates Mike, Melissa and Liz; Executive Director Linda Mappes; Assistant Executive Director for Education Dawn Graham, and guest speaker Sheryl Donald, MSW. (Campaign for Children continued from page one) The Wright Family Foundation has donated $30,000, and the Standish Family Foundation has donated $15,000. The Diagnostic Unit fulfills an important need in the community. The renovation and expansion of the Diagnostic Unit will allow us to serve more children in crisis, St. Onge added. The Wright Family Foundation understands how important the Diagnostic Unit is to our community, said Heather Ward, Secretary of the Foundation. We never know when someone close to us may be touched by a situation where they are in need of the services of Vanderheyden Hall. It is reassuring to know that Vanderheyden Hall is a place that will take care of our troubled youth when an emergency arises. We wish to thank Vanderheyden Hall for their dedication and commitment to making a difference in the lives of so many. We are proud to support such a worthwhile organization. A grant of $25,000 from The Community Foundation for the Capital Region s Community Health Care Fund will support all campus residents and allow for renovation of the campus infirmary. This grant will provide a comfortable examining room and more work space for our agency nurses. Further donations will be sought to provide additional medical equipment for use by the Health Department staff. The need for health services for the children on the campus of Vanderheyden Hall is essential, said E. Kristen Frederick, President and CEO of The Community Foundation for the Capital Region. We are delighted to be able to provide funding that will support a professional and welcoming space for children who need medical care. Knowing that the nursing staff will now have what they need to provide the best possible attention to Vanderheyden Hall children makes us feel wonderful.

4 Freihofer Community Walk Pictured at top of page, Vanderheyden Hall staff, board members, friends and residents at the walk. Above, Marla Runyan signs a poster for a fan after the Freihofer Run for Women. In Memorium During July two long-term residents passed away. Ida Gray McGowan, who lived at Vanderheyden Hall with her family during the 1950 s and 1960 s, died July 12, 2005 at Samaritan hospital after a long illness. She was cared for during her last months by her devoted sisters, Rita Martin and Florence Moules. John Francis Nicolas McPherson passed away July 16, 2005 after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Kimberly Ashe McPherson. John lived at Vanderheyden Hall until he was 18. Both were involved in the two alumni events held at Vanderheyden Hall during the 1990 s. Thanks to the efforts of our Board of Directors, staff and friends in the community through the 2005 Freihofer Community Walk, June 4th, we raised over $6,000 toward the Campaign for Children. Paul Winston, Facilities Director headed the team again this year. Board President Catherine E. Regan, Ph.D., co-chaired the drive this year. She raised over $800 in sponsorships and brought in many other sponsors and walkers. Catherine worked with the Freihofer Run Committee to bring Olympic Runner Marla Runyan to our school for an assembly. Marla challenged our students to set goals for themselves, and though her own story of overcoming obstacles, to keep raising that bar. Runyan, three-time winner of the Freihofer Run for Women graciously signed 25th Annual Commemorative posters the day of the run, bringing in $275. We appreciate the support she showed for our students. Staff fundraisers included a spring festival and tag sale sponsored by our Education Department, which made over $1000. The Blue Team raised over $2000 with a variety of efforts, including a booth at the Wynantskill Memorial Day Parade and a hot dog sale at Latham Wal-Mart. The store matched the funds raised, with a total of nearly $1000. The Green Team held the first annual Frog Fest, racing plastic frogs that were sold for $2 each, down the Poestenkill Creek, selling hot dogs and drinks, and providing a fun time for everyone. They also held a party at the VanDyke, making $125. HollEBay Auction items headed by Assistant Executive Director Holly Pawlusiak sold a number of items that added to the donations. Thanks for the fun efforts Holly. Special thanks to Dan and staff at Chubby s Sandwiches, Main Avenue in Wynantskill, and to everyone who supported his efforts through generous donations.

5 Volunteer Spotlight: Gary Kiddney, Special Events Casino Royale 7 had a new look this year, due to special events volunteer Gary Kiddney. Gary used his creative magic to produce a new program cover, layout a new design for the Italian Community Center, and sparkling color streamers that added glitz that brightened the atmosphere for everyone. The guests and workers all felt like having fun, which was evident throughout the building. Gary first became involved with Vanderheyden Hall through Special Education teacher Steve Fox. Gary and Steve are the owners of Mary Elizabeth, London-Paris-New York. On June 19 th, 2004 Gary ventured into a new business after 17 years. He opened Capital Cash Corporation in downtown Troy, and even though he was extremely busy, he took the time to work on Casino Royale 7, and helped make it the success it was. Capital Cash is a new wave of creative financing, utilizing personal equity, with the buy-back program the business offers. Retail merchandise is offered at very reasonable prices in a difficult economy. It was such a great time, said Gary about Casino Royale. The committee and other volunteers worked so closely with Bonnie St. Onge, and it all seemed to fall into place. Gary and Steve showed up at the ICC early Friday morning to begin setting up for the Casino, working hours to make this the most fun event possible. They truly made a difference. Gary was very generous in donating all of the decorations, and designing the program covers and invitation. These generous donations helped keep costs to a minimum. Gary was born in Little Falls, New York, and after high school moved to Syracuse to attend the Simmonds School of Mortuary Science. He completed the program, then realized this was not the field he wanted to pursue. He spent a few years working in Mutual Insurance in a typical high rise in downtown Syracuse, but found he needed a different type of challenge. Realizing that he gathered his energy from contact with people, he moved toward merchandising. He and friend Steve Fox opened the business Christmas at Grandma s in Fonda, New York in In 1995 Colonie Center approached them and asked them to develop a store for their mall. That was when Mary Elizabeth, Paris-London-New York, was created. For three years they ran that store, the Candle Shown in top photo at Casino Royale 7, Steven Fox, Sarah Baisley and Gary Kiddney. Above, Gary Kiddney painting the 3rd Street site. Store and a holiday version of Christmas at Grandma s in the mall. In 1999 they discovered and fell in love with Downtown Troy. They sold their home, moved to Troy, relocated Mary Elizabeth, Paris-London-Troy to its current location on Broadway and 3 rd Street. Gary has truly embraced Troy, its past and its future, said Vanderheyden Hall Executive Director Linda Mappes. His commitment to our cause is living proof that the business and services communities can thrive together." Capital Cash Corporation will relocate to 49 3 rd Street, in Downtown Troy, opening September 6, Until then, the 4 th Street location will remain open. The store is three times the size of the current location. We have grown quickly, and needed more space, said Gary, who is busy painting and redesigning the store. He owns the building, which is one of several projects in Downtown Troy he is currently working on. Some of the unique features of the new store will be an in-house jeweler for sizing and same day service on repairs at prices everyone in the area can afford. He will also be adding more retail merchandise. Gary s energy is contagious and he hope to bring lots of new business to Downtown Troy. One feature the store will offer is layaway for larger ticket items such as televisions and jewelry. Gary wants to see the shoppers in Troy comfortable able to enjoy some of the finer things in life at prices that won t break their day to day budget. Besides Gary s business focus through Capital Cash Corporation, he is very supportive of the Downtown Troy Business community. He helped begin the successful city-wide Mardi Gras celebration, coming up into its fourth year next February. Vanderheyden Hall hopes to be involved in this special event this year. Anyone interested in volunteering for the Mardi Gras, please contact Bonnie St. Onge at ext Gary plans to continue to volunteer at Vanderheyden Hall special events during the upcoming years.

6 Friends of Casino Royale 7 The Bookmark A Chip Off the Old Block A Taste of Greece Aesthetic Science Institute Albany River Rats Aldrich Piano Rose Alexander Alexis Diner All Star Wine & Liquor Kelly M. Alter David Angel Anthony s Phase I William J. & Patricia Aram Atlantis Equipment Corporation Constance C. Atwater Elaine Bagnoli Jeanne Benas, Caricaturist Flora Bonesteel John J. Bonesteel Bongiorno s Restaurant Jane D. Bopp Boston College Club Steven Bouchey Bournebrook Antique Center Daniel Brennan Brown s Brewing Company Mary & Rex Bryce Burden Lake Country Club Assemblyman Ronald Canestrari Capital Cash Corporation Capital District Physicians Health Plan Capital Repertory Theatre Cardish Machine Works, Inc. Barbara Carlson Robin Carlson Mary Beth Carman Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Caropresso Carrabbas Restaurant Century House Wendy M. Charbonneau Carla C. Chiaro Matthew A. Clarke Classe Catering Clearly Yours Alma Clement Clement Frame & Art Shop Cohoes Music Hall College of St. Rose Comfortex Corp. Mary Comitale Commodore Cleaners Commute Air d/b/a Continental Connections Linda Comstock Pamela Condon Eugene Connally & Elaine Wilcove Country Grove Inn Country True Value Hardware The Country Trunk Arthur & Patricia Crandall Culligan Water Conditioning Daily Grind Michael C. & Kathleen Danieli Joan Darcy Corinne Davies Dr. and Mrs. Martin Davis William Dedrick Debbie Demers Catherine DePasquale The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center Leonard & Patti DeVito Fred & Evelyn Dobert Tammie Drews East Greenbush YMCA Eastern Contractors Association Eastside Roofing Eastside Quilters The Egg El Loco Mexican Cafe Ellen & Dick Ellis Anne Fairbanks Fairfield Inn Anthony Forfa Kathleen Fasco Fatone s Gift Shop David and Diane Fazioli E. Bradley Feiden First Albany Corporation First Niagara Bank R. Mark & Filly Fitzgerald Fleurtacious Design Steve Fox Fritz Helmbold, Inc. Fulton Hair Design by Nancy Mr. & Mrs. Jeffery Gaines Ginger Gaitor Leona Genthner Jim Gimmelli Josephine Gimmelli Kristin K. Guilbault Diane Giunta John J. Haggerty Jay A. Halayko Keith A. Hammond Hedley Park Place of Troy, Ltd. Annette & Timothy Heilman Alisa C. Henderson Barbara Hildreth Linda Hill Linda Hillman Hill s Stationary Hoffman Development Corp. Holbritter Land Surveying Fati Holehan Caricaturist Jeanne Benas and Psychic Tom Kearns donated their time to Casino Royale again this year! The attendees loved their talents! Erica House Hummingbird Designs Impressions, The Hair Salon Iris Gifts Irish Mist Italian Community Center Charitable Foundation J & A Bayly Construction Co. J K Adams of Dorset Jaeger & Flynn Associates Inc. Jillians Entertainment Kathleen M. Jimino George Johnson E. Stewart Jones Andrew Joslin Tom Kearns, the Centaur Mr. & Mrs. Richard Keeler Gary Kiddney Neil J. Kelleher Nancy Knapik Margaret Krause Krause s Homemade Candy Leahy s Laurie Leckonby Longfellows Inn & Restaurant Lo Porto s Ristorante Lori Schindler Realty Janis Lovett Joe & Linda Luciano M & T Charitable Foundation Cathy Madigan Magnolia s on the Park Beth Manchester Linda B. Mappes Phillip Marciano Marketblock Books Marvin & Company Mary Elizabeth, London-Paris- New York June Marx Polly F. Mason Massry Charitable Foundation Inc. Kristin M. McClenaghan Karen McCormick Michael R. McNulty William Melchionni Merrill Lynch - The Nolan Group Jean Messick MaryGen & Ralph P. Miccio Hortense L. Mintzer Mr. & Mrs. M. Edward Mooradian Susan J. Mooradian Daniel Moran Morningside Gallery Moscatiello s Italian Restaurant Florence Moules Movie Gallery Nails N Beyond New Old Stuff NFL Caring for Kids Niagara Mohawk, a National Grid Company Nigro Companies Northeast Candles & Gifts Kevin & Patricia A. O Bryan Robert and Ginny O Malley James Ochal Open Door Book Store The Palace Theatre The Parker Inn Karen & Ritchie Parrotta Peanut Principle George E. Pessotti Mr. & Mrs. Dion Petteys Bill & Elaine M. Phelan Plum Blossom Elissa & Harry Prout Quick Response Restoration, Inc.

7 Friends of Casino Royale 7 Schodack Resident Gerry Zammit, center, with Samone Smith, IRA Service Manager and Linda Mappes, Executive Director. Gerry has a successful jewelry business in Troy, and donated a beautiful blue stone necklace to Casino. (continued) Rainbow Cleaners Mr. & Mrs. D. Rea Regalo A Gift Experience Catherine E. Regan, PhD Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce Rensselaer County Historical Society Angela Reynolds Albert & JoAnne Riccardi Matthew Riddle John K. Rifenburg Randy & Sharon Rivet Roma s Importing Co. Romanation Jewelers Romeo s Gifts & Specialties Rozanne s Russell Sage College Bookstore Kate Russo Rustey s Pizzeria The Sage Colleges Bookstore Samaritan Hospital Corner Shop Sand Lake Center for the Arts Sante Magazine Saratoga Clay Works Saratoga Gaming & Raceway Saratoga National Golf Club Anita Savoy, CPA Pioneer Savings Bank Ronald Schleich Schuyler Bakery, Inc. Cap Seibert Shelby s Salon Carol Smith Smokin Sams Anita Savoy, CPA Edward O. Spain St. Anne s Institute Bonnie St. Onge St. Rose Basketball Camp, Brian Beury State of Grace Stewart s Shops Margaret J. Story Michelle Szatkowski Terminal Tavern Times Union Town & Country Barber & Tanning Tri City ValleyCats, Inc. The Country Club of Troy The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall The United Group of Companies Troy YMCA Turn 2 Foundation Mayor Harry Tutunjian Unleashed Pet Supplies Dan Urban M. Barbara Urban Value Options C. Lynn Van Antwerpen Vanderheyden Business Office, Clinical and Educational Dept. Vanderheyden Hall Wood Technology Students Verdile s Restaurant Villa Valenti Village Travel Wacovia Securities, Inc. Helena Weaver Mary Ann Willetts Wine-skill Wine & Spirits Kathy J. Wittman Wolfert s Roost Country Club Worthington Flowers Yankee Trails Yonder Farms Gerry Zammit, Unique Design Jewelry Everyone was a winner! The Italian Community Center again hosted this exciting evening to benefit the children and families of Vanderheyden Hall. Under the leadership of Board Vice President Michael C. Danieli, raised over $36,000! The funds raised will be used for educational and residential programs. A strong committee gathered a variety of auction items that were bid on throughout the evening. It was a pleasure to see Vanderheyden Hall supporters walking away with beautiful treasures and memories of an enjoyable evening. Jean Benas, Caricaturist; Tom Kearns, Psychic; and Ben Patten, Co-host of Magic in the Morning at Magic provided entertainment that added so much fun for all our guests. Eight slot machines were available for play and Vanderheyden Hall supporters were big winners. Thanks to Gary Kiddney and Steve Fox, owners of Mary Elizabeth, Paris-London-New York and Capital Cash Corporation for the tremendous support of the event. Their donation of the usage of the slot machines and the winning slot machines, prizes, decorations and time were invaluable. Thanks to the generosity of Lori Schindler Realty, Co. Vanderheyden Hall was able to award four field level box seat tickets by Yankee On-Deck Circle and limousine service for a NY Yankee Game. Robin Shufelt was the winner of the tickets and commented that she had a very positive experience and her family thoroughly enjoyed the limousine service and the game. Other major sponsors to Casino Royale 7 were Massry Foundation, Times Union, Capital Cash Corporation, Comfortex Window Fashions, First Niagara Bank, Jaegar & Flynn Associates, Inc., Lori Schindler Realty, M & T Bank, E. Stewart Jones, Jr, Marvin & Company, The Nigro Companies, Stewarts, Inc., and Value Options. The sponsors were thanked throughout the evening and we d like to thank them again for their generosity and their support. SAVE THE DATE! We are excited to announce that the Italian Community Center will be hosting this event next year on April 29, We ll have more fun and excitement as our committee continues to work and add new surprises and excitement for next year s event.

8 Employee News Celebrating 25 Years at Vanderheyden Hall In July, two special employees celebrated 25 years at Vanderheyden Hall. Both started as Direct Care Workers, and continued to grow and learn, focusing on the children we serve. Today Holly Pawlusiak is Assistant Executive Director for Quality Assurance. Holly began here career at Vanderheyden as a direct care worker and supervisor in the Residential Treatment Center. In 1987, she became supervisor at Rubin Home for Girls in Troy, later becoming program supervisor for the both group homes. In 1990, she developed the Independent Living Program. This program included life skills training and supervised apartment living. During this time she also served as liaison between the Center for Youth Development and Vanderheyden Hall in implementing organizational change later becoming a consultant, working with child-care agencies across the state. In the mid-1990's she served as the Community Services and Residential Director. In 2004 she was named Assistant Executive Director for Quality Assurance. In this role Holly assists other staff in maintaining the quality programs that Vanderheyden offers. I continue to work with the children after all these years, she said. Norene Henkin is Dean of Students in the Educational Center. Norene started a few days before Holly. In her 25-year career Norene has enjoyed the opportunity to wear many different hats. She has been the shift supervisor at the Exceptional Group Home (Bessey), taught English in the school and was one of our first ROPES course facilitators. As Dean of Students today she oversees field trips, special events, contests, the student store, and student motivational incentives. She works with the behavior team, to encourage positive behavior change in our students. She works with Mary Beth Carman on Intakes for the Day Program and residential admissions. One of the best moments of her career was receiving the Richard L. Thomas Award in I was proud to be selected by my peers who are the people who respect what I believe in and the work that I do here, Norene said. Richard L. Thomas Award 2005 On March 5, 2005, staff and volunteers gathered to celebrate another successful year of caring for children and families. Frank Schreiner was the winner of the Richard L. Thomas Award, presented to one staff member who exemplifies outstanding service to Vanderheyden Hall. Frank has been a member of the Vanderheyden Hall Maintenance Team for 11 years. We are proud to honor Frank, shown above at the dinner with his wife Clara. Resident Success Stories 2005: I wanted to share with the community the successes of several of my clients at the RTC. Jonathan T. and Kevin P. were both discharged at the end of the school year to their adoptive homes! Both of them graduated from the eighth grade. Another discharge, Mike B. is reported to be doing very well at home. He has been pounding the pavement looking for a summer job. He plans on working for the summer, taking boxing and tennis lessons, and then joining the football team of his local school. Good luck boys! -- Melinda Y. Myers, MA, Clinician Ed Hunt, resident of Averill Park IRA s, qualified for the Special Olympics and represented the Capital Region in the state finals in Long Island, June He won a bronze metal in the 50-meter dash, and gold medal in the 100-meter dash. Ed is the first resident of Vanderheyden Hall to compete in the State Finals of the Special Olympics, said Vincent Kirby, Director of Residential Services. Ed thanked everyone for their support and home photos, four medals, and many special memories : Paul Winston had a visit from a former RTC cottage resident. James Gunsch lived in cottages 4 and 5 from 1989 to He was proud to say that as much as he hated being here, and was not a model resident at age 11, Vanderheyden Hall was the best thing that ever happened to him. He left after 5 years to an adoptive family, and finally moved to Florida where he lives today with his wife Jill. J.R. as he is known, has his contractors license and his own business. J.R. couldn t stress enough how important to him it was that cottage and education staff took the time to listen to him when he really needed it. He remembers George Henkin, who worked in the Diagnostic Unit at the time as a Direct Care Worker. Everyday George and JR would do cross-country running. George took JR to all of the community runs, and listened to him as they ran. Deb Demers was always there too. He recalled fondly Paul Winston taking the boys on camping trips, to New York City with a school field trip, and to Gilbert s Lake State Park, near his home. JR was proud to show his wife his early home, but said he was glad to see the cottages now have air conditioning!

9 8th Annual Fishing Derby This was another great year for fishing! The kids seemed to have a great time and numerous fish were caught. We were even blessed with a special visit of a Bald Eagle that flew over our pond during our awards ceremony to the delight of everybody. Thanks to my maintenance team, the children were able to fish off our new dock. The committee worked hard to make this a special fishing derby for our residents and families. Thanks to everyone involved. Randy Brough, Maintenance Supervisor Fishing Derby Results: Girl's 13 years old and under: 1st Place goes to Julia N. with a 14½ inch Strawberry Bass. 2nd Place goes to Megan Fileau with a 13½ inch Trout. 3rd Place goes to Kimberly Fileau with a 13 inch Trout. Boy's 13 years old and under: 1st Place goes to Joseph S. with a 16 inch Chain Pickerel. 2nd Place goes to James C. with a 14 inch Strawberry Bass. 3rd Place goes to Jordon Burt with a 13 inch Trout. Young Ladies 14 years old and over: 1st Place goes to Sarah D. with a 13½ inch Trout. 2nd Place goes to Annie O. with a 13 inch Trout. 3rd Place goes to Liz Burt with a 12½ inch Shiner. Young Men 14 years old and over: 1st Place goes to Chris B. with a 14½ inch Large Mouth Bass. Unfortunately there were no other fish caught for this category. Congratulations to all the lucky winners and thank you to all the people who dedicated their time to make this years fishing derby so special for all the kids. We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future. -Franklin D. Roosevelt

10 The Trip of a Lifetime! By Diane Manny, RN, Vanderheyden Hall Health Services Recently I had the privilege of going on a three day camping trip with the boys from Sears Cottage, Cottage 4, and Bessey and Crandall Group Homes, to Rockport, Massachusetts, where we set up camp. The staff did a wonderful job of organizing the boys, supplies, and schedules. We went on a deep sea fishing boat, swam in the ocean, and took the boys out to dinner. I was never so impressed with Vanderheyden Hall s well trained staff and positive interaction with the residents. The boys handled themselves wonderfully in every task. I would like to thank everyone who helped make this camping trip possible, especially those who supported the BBQ dinner fundraisers. Most of the residents who were on this trip had never seen the ocean. The look on their faces was worth a million dollars. This was in every respect moments shared, lessons learned and positive examples of role models being set. This camping trip will be remembered fondly by each of the boys. These trips give opportunities to our youth, that will enhance their self-esteem and self-confidence, providing them with a variety of experiences that will lead to personal growth. At the end of the trip, one young man said that he would store this trip in his memory and bring his family to Rockport some day and do exactly what we had done for those three days. Thanks to the staff who made this a special experience for our boys: Joe Crandall, House Manager, Bessey Home; Forrest Lottie, DCW Sears Cottage; Ezkiel Mauson, DCW Diagnostic Unit; Diane Manny, RN; Jeremiah Deptka, DCW Crandall; Dennis Ned, DCW Bessey Home; and Pam Condon, Program Coordinator. Our students art work is featured on the gallery pages of the Connected Kids Web page. We are part of a collaborative effort by the National Science Foundation, RPI, the City of Troy and Rensselaer County agencies.

11 Third Annual Golf Invitational Vanderheyden Hall's Golf Invitational Monday, September 12, 2005 The Country Club of Troy 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Registration & Lunch 12:30 p.m. Shotgun Start, Scramble Format 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Cash Bar & Prizes 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Dinner Registration Form $185 per golfer with a discounted rate of $700 per registered foursome (Includes greens fees, cart, luncheon, hors d'oeuvres, reception and awards) $40 non golfer (Includes dinner and reception) Name: Company: Address: Phone: I would like to be included in a foursome I would like to play in the following foursome Name Handicap Address Phone Enclosed is my check for $ or Please bill my credit card: M/C Visa Card no. Expiration Date Billing Address: Signature: Payment must accompany this form to confirm reservation. Please make checks payable to Vanderheyden Hall, Attn: Development Office, P.O. Box 219, Wynantskill, NY Information: bstonge@vanderheydenhall.org, or call ext 237, or fax

12 YES! I want to support the Campaign for Children! Please accept my donation of $. Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: ( ) I would like to pay my donation with Visa MasterCard: Card number: Expiration date: Signature Please make checks payable to Vanderheyden Hall Campaign for Children and mail to Bonnie St. Onge, Development Office, P.O. Box 219, Wynantskill, NY Are you interested in transferring stock to Vanderheyden Hall? If you would like information on Charitable Giving, how to make a bequest or planned giving opportunities, please contact the Development Office, ext Thank you for supporting the programs that help our children and families! Vanderheyden Hall, Inc. P.O. Box 219 Wynantskill, NY Upcoming events Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 8 Wynantskill, NY Sept. 12 Golf Invitational The Country Club of Troy 11 a.m. Registration 12:30 p.m. Shotgun, Scramble Oct.- Dec. Home for the Holidays Opportunity to adopt a resident or family in need. Dec. 4 Dec. 16 Victorian Stroll Brunch, 11 am - 1 pm Craft Fair, noon - 5 pm Rensselaer County Legislature Holiday Party