Vanderheyden Hall

Bowen Cottage Opens Doors to New Group

September 2006- In response to the needs of youth currently placed in settings outside New York, Vanderheyden Hall will open a newly renovated Bowen Cottage to 6 adolescent boys with emotional and developmental challenges. Slated for opening in September, the comprehensive residential and educational program will offer students a full range of specialized services including skills development, expressive arts therapy, psychological and psychiatric services. Adaptive educational services will be provided at the R.A.Desrochers Education Center located on our Wynantskill campus. The students will participate fully in a wide range of social and recreational experiences. As they acquire new skills and resolve old problems, the youth will transition back to their communities or move on to community based alternatives provided by Vanderheyden Hall. For further information, or to make a referral, please contact Laura Tice, Director of Clinical Services at 518-283-6500, ex. 279.

Schenectady Foundation awards $15,000 to Campaign for Children

August 2006- Vanderheyden Hall’s $1.6 million Campaign for Children Cottage Renovations took another step toward completion with The Schenectady Foundation’s grant for $15,000. The agency is renovating five cottages to improve the living environment for its adolescent residents, and provide closer supervision by counselors. The renovations will provide a safer and more nurturing environment for children who have suffered from abuse, neglect, homelessness and other troubles. Over the past three years Vanderheyden Hall has served more than 80 adolescents from Schenectady County. The cottage renovation is expected to be completed by late fall of 2006. For more information contact: Bonnie St. Onge, Development Director, Vanderheyden Hall (283-6500 x 237).

The Schenectady Foundation is a philanthropic trust to assist and promote the welfare of Schenectady County. Currently the primary areas of interest to the Foundation are Child Health & Development, Community Health and Youth Achievement.

June 21, 2004 - Vanderheyden Hall Cottage Renovations Underway

Wynantskill, NY, September 28, 2005 – Sweet Constructors, a division of The VMJR Companies, LLC was selected as general contractor for the renovation and expansion of five resident cottages at Vanderheyden Hall located on 614 Cooperhill Road. The $1.4M+ construction project began in August and is scheduled to be completed late spring 2006.

Renovations to the cottages, which have been designed by George Olsen, architect and principle of Olsen Associates of Saratoga, will include a two to four bedroom expansion as well as new living areas. Exterior improvements will include a new exterior facade, windows and rooflines.

“By improving the cottages, Vanderheyden hopes to create a more comfortable and home-like environment for their more then 70 residents. We are grateful to the many benefactors whose generous donations have made this project possible,” said Linda Mappes the executive director.

Since 1883, Vanderheyden Hall has been serving the developmental, behavioral and emotional needs of children in addition to providing support and direction to their families. Vanderheyden is continuously working to improve the quality of life for the residents as well as the quality of life for nearly 1,500 children and families it assists annually from the Capital District and more than 30 counties in New York.

“Sweet Constructors is very proud to be involved in assisting Vanderheyden Hall,” Victor Macri, Jr., President and CEO said. “The improvements will benefit not only the residents at Vanderheyden Hall, but the community at large and we are happy to be a partner in that effort.”

Sweet Constructors (formerly Sweet Associates, Inc) located in Ballston Lake, NY has been providing quality Design/Build; Construction Management and Program Services throughout the northeast for 55 years. Currently Sweet is providing construction services to several college and universities, religious organizations and medical establishments.

Vanderheyden Hall would like to thank the members of the community for their support of the Campaign for Children through the Freihofer Community Walk. With their help we easily reached our goal of $5,000, with a total of almost $7,000. We appreciate the support of the business, friends and neighbors who walked and obtained pledges. Special thanks go to Catherine Regan, Ph.D., President of the Board of Directors, and Paul Winston, Coordinator of the walk for Vanderheyden.

June 21, 2004 - Vanderheyden Hall Announces A New Board Member

Kevin P. Catalano, M&T Bank Business Banker, has joined the board of Vanderheyden Hall, for a three-year term. "I am pleased to welcome this outstanding member of our community to our board of directors," said Linda B. Mappes, Executive Director of Vanderheyden Hall. Catalano has been with M&T Bank since 1998. He has an MBA in Marketing from the Sage Graduate School, Albany. Vanderheyden Hall is in its 171st year of providing services to the residents of the Capital Region. The agency currently has 14 residential treatment group homes for children and young adults with special needs, and Community Services programs that serve over 2000 children and families each year.

June 24, 2004 - Vanderheyden Hall held its annual graduation and awards ceremony at the Wynantskill campus, Thursday, June 24, 2004. Five seniors received their high school diplomas. Each of the youth read a personal statement at their pride in all the hard work they have done at Vanderheyden Hall. The five students each had overcome personal struggles to get attain this diploma and their excitement was contagious.

In addition to the senior graduates, 18 eighth grade students were promoted to ninth grade. A total of nine financial awards were presented, ranging from Scholastic and Leadership achievements to Community Helpfulness and Excellence in Reading.

Executive Director Linda Mappes asked the parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends to stand to accept the congratulations of the staff and faculty for supporting their children in this effort.

The efforts of the faculty and staff of the Richard A. Desrochers Educational Center cannot be understated. Special Education is a challenging yet rewarding career. The evening ended with tears of joy and laughter. Several of the graduates will return home, and in September one will move to a supervised assisted living apartment operated by Vanderheyden Hall.

June 21, 2004- Vanderheyden Hall is seeking sponsors, auction items and golfers for its Golf Invitational to be held Monday, Sept. 20th, at the Country Club of Troy. Chairman of this year's event is Matthew Clarke of Bouchey & Clarke Benefits.

Gold sponsors at the $3000 level will receive golf for four, tee sign & corporate recognition and promotion.
Silver sponsors at the $2000 to $2999 level receive golf for two, tee sign, & corporate recognition and promotion.
Bronze sponsors, from $1000 to $1999 receive golf for one, tee sign & corporate recognition and promotion.
Luncheon sponsors are $750, and receive tee sign & corporate recognition and promotion.
Banner sponsors receive tee sign prominently displayed for $150.

Registration for golf without sponsorships, is $175 per person for individual golfer and $600 for a foursome, including greens fees, cart, luncheon, dinner and awards presentation.

All benefits from the golf invitational will be used to improve the lives of the children and families served by Vanderheyden Hall. The agency serves over 2000 individuals each year.

To register or become a sponsor, please contact Bonnie St. Onge at 687-2378, fax: 687-2379, or e-mail bstonge@vanderheydenhall.org

Vanderheyden Hall received a $5000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS). The grant will be used in part to expand the outdoor playground at Best Road Home for children ages 5-11. UPS donated and built the playground in May 2003. Other funds will be used at the Woodlawn Individualized Residential Alternatives Home for the developmentally disabled.

" We at Vanderheyden Hall are thrilled to again receive the support from this wonderful organization, " said Executive Director Linda B. Mappes. "Our residents and consumers will benefit greatly from the generosity of UPS. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with this great organization."

Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its support will clearly impact social issues. The Foundation's major initiative currently includes programs that support family and workplace literacy, prepared and perishable food distribution, and increased nationwide volunteerism.

In 2002, The UPS Foundation distributed more than $38 million worldwide. Of that amount, more than $20 million was awarded through the Corporate Grant Program, $3.1 million was distributed through the Region/District Grant Program, $2.5 million was awarded through the Community Investment Grant Program, and $9.3 million was donated to United Way. Last year, The Foundation distributed $4.3 million in local charitable giving.

Corporate grants benefiting organizations for programs such as Vanderheyden Hall positively impact our community.

"UPS and its employees have always been committed to serving the communities where we live and work. In fact, community service is a key part of our company charter," said Evern Cooper, president of The UPS Foundation and vice president of UPS corporate relations. "We apply both financial and human resources in our support of groups that address the educational and human welfare needs around the world. UPS's support of Vanderheyden Hall signifies our shared focus and commitment to improve our communities."

June 21, 2004 Vanderheyden Hall would like to thank the members of the community for their support of the Campaign for Children through the Freihofer Community Walk. With their help we easily reached our goal of $5,000, with a total of almost $7,000. We appreciate the support of the business, friends and neighbors who walked and obtained pledges. Special thanks go to Catherine Regan, Ph.D., President of the Board of Directors, and Paul Winston, Coordinator of the walk for Vanderheyden.

March 5, 2003 Richard A. Desrochers Executive Director announced today that Vanderheyden Hall has received a $3000 grant from Stewart's Shops Christmas Match. The funds are from donations collected and match in the Stewart's Shops from Thanksgiving to Christmas. The grant will be used toward a learning center for the educational program..

Vanderheyden Hall Employees Receive Annual Service Awards

February 11, 2003 North GreenbushThe Board of Directors of Vanderheyden Hall honored its 263 employees, at the Century House in Latham, on Saturday, February 8, 2003. The annual dinner thanks staff for the hard work and dedication to caring for the children and families Vanderheyden Hall serves.

Board President, Catherine Regan, Ph.D., welcomed the staff members and their guests. "I have just one word to say to all of you," Regan said, then held up a huge sign that said "Thanks!" Her brief message set the tone for the celebration.

Regan, and Linda Mappes, Executive Director, presented the employee service awards to those who had been with Vanderheyden Hall for five, ten, fifteen, twenty and twenty-five years. One employee, Maureen Arm, has been with Vanderheyden Hall for 38 years.

Margaret J. Story of Troy was awarded the Esther Beirermeister Volunteer Service Award. Story has been a volunteer with Vanderheyden for over 5 years. She has coordinated the Home for the Holidays Campaign for the past four years, working hard to ensure that every resident and family in need has holiday gifts and meals. She has spent countless hours as a volunteer on Special Events, including Casino Royale for the past five years. Before becoming a volunteer at Vanderheyden, Story worked at C.E.O.

Paul Winston, facilities director and long time employee, presented the Richard L. Thomas Employee Service Award to Deborah Demers. Demers is coordinator for the Rubin and Crandall group homes, in Troy. Her family and friends attended the event. Demers said that she was raised to believe that all things are possible. Everyday she passes this spirit of success along to the teens in residence at the two work homes, and to the dozen staff she supervises. Richard L. Thomas first came to Vanderheyden Hall in 1941, serving as its Executive Director. Demers has been with Vanderheyden for eleven years.

Vanderheyden Hall Receives $6,900 Grant from The UPS Foundation

February 11, 2003 North Greenbush Vanderheyden Hall received a $6,900 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS). The grant will be used for an outdoor playground for the Best Road Home for children ages 5-11 and for living room furniture for the Woodlawn Individualized Residential Alternatives Home for the developmentally disabled. "We at Vanderheyden Hall are thrilled to receive this grant from the UPS Foundation," said Executive Director Linda B. Mappes. "Our residents and consumers will benefit greatly from the generosity of UPS. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with this great organization." Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its support will clearly impact social issues. The Foundations major initiative currently includes programs that support family and workplace literacy, prepared and perishable food distribution, and increased nationwide volunteerism. In 2001, The UPS Foundation distributed more than $40 million worldwide. Of that amount, more than $20.5 million was awarded through the Corporate Grant Program, $3.1 million was distributed through the Region/District Grant Program, $2.5 million was awarded through the Community Investment Grant Program, and $9.3 million was donated to United Way. Last year, The Foundation distributed $4.8 million in local charitable giving. Corporate grants benefiting organizations for programs such as Vanderheyden Hall positively impact our community. "UPS and its employees have always been committed to serving the communities where we live and work. In fact, community service is a key part of our company charter," said Evern Cooper, president of The UPS Foundation and vice president of UPS corporate relations. "We apply both financial and human resources in our support of groups that address the educational and human welfare needs around the world. UPSs support of Vanderheyden Hall signifies our shared focus and commitment to improve our communities."

Vanderheyden Hall 170th Annual Meeting January 23, 2003

North Greenbush--Vanderheyden Hall held its 170^th Annual Meeting, at Schuyler Meadows Club, in Loudonville, on Thursday, January 23, 2003.

Linda B. Mappes, Executive Director of Vanderheyden Hall, welcomed the board, members of the Executive Council and Management Team to the annual meeting.

"The brave women and men who founded Vanderheyden Hall so long ago cared deeply for the children and families of our community," said Mappes. "Think for a moment about those times poverty and illness whole families lost to typhus or tuberculosis scores of children alone in the world. That spirit of caring and commitment is the legacy of our forebears."

Board President Alisa Cahill Henderson handed over her leadership role to Catherine E. Regan, Ph.D. Regan has been on the board for eight years and will serve as President for a two-year term. Henderson will remain an active board member. Stephen R. Thomas has also stepped down from the board. Thomas has relocated to another state.

Also elected for two year terms were new board members David Fazioli of West Sand Lake and Michael C. Danieli of Troy. Long time board member Pamela J. Hayner of Wynantskill retired from the board. In 1993 Hayner was the first female elected as president of Vanderheyden Hall.

Other board members include: Mark C. Schmiedeshoff, Vice President; Ronald Schleich, Treasurer; Kelly Alter, Secretary; John D. Bodnar, Jr., Carla Chiaro, Dr. Martin T. Davis, Michelle M. Fellows, J. Robert Gamble, Michael E. Ginsberg, Esq., Laurie E. Leckonby, Henrietta Messier, David Mooradian, Patricia A. O'Bryan, Dr. Patricia A. O'connor, Elaine Molis Phelan, Bonnie A. St. Onge, Dr. David R. Tomlinson.

Vanderheyden Hall is in its 170^th year of providing services to the residents of the Capital Region. The agency currently has 14 residential treatment group homes for children and young adults with special needs, and Community Services programs that serve over 2000 children and families each year, with plans for growth in the upcoming year.

For further information please contact Ginger Bristow, Director of Public Information at 283-6500, ext. 210.

January 2, 2003 - New Board Members

North Greenbush--Vanderheyden Hall announced today two new board members. David Fazioli of West Sand Lake and Michael C. Danieli of Troy will join be sworn in at the agencies annual meeting, January 23^rd.

"I am pleased to welcome these two outstanding individuals to our board of directors," said Linda B. Mappes, Executive Director of Vanderheyden Hall. "David Fazioli brings us his long history of community commitments and his expertise in the insurance field. And Michael Danieli, Director of Strategic Development for the Times Union, is very excited about his appointed to the board, He already has offered several new directions for Vanderheyden to grow. I look forward to working closely with each of them," she added.

Fazioli joined Rose & Kiernan in July 1999 when he merged his family-owned agency, D.A. Fazioli & Son, Inc. with Rose & Kiernan. Fazioli is a graduate of Manhattan College and has earned the designations of Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter of NY (CPCU). He is past president of the Independent Insurance Agents Association. As a member of the community, Fazioli has been involved as Past Chairman of Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Past President of Twin Town Little League and is currently Secretary of Troy Educational PRIDE Foundation. He lives in West Sand Lake with his wife, Diane, and two sons, Nick and Dan.

Danieli has been the Director of Strategic Development for the Times Union since May 2000. He began his newspaper career in 1972 with the Troy Record. He joined the Times Union in 1977.

Prior to establishing the Department of Strategic Development, Michaels role at the Times Union was in the advertising division, including Display Advertising Manager, from 1997-2000. In 1995 he won the Hearst Marketing Excellence Award.

Danieli is an active board member with the Albany/Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce, Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Albany Symphony Orchestra, Seton Health Foundation, and Girls, Inc. of Schenectady.

He is a life long resident of Troy, where he currently lives with his wife Kathleen and daughter Amy. He attended LaSalle Institute and Hudson Valley Community College.

For further information please contact Ginger Bristow, Director of Public Information & Communications, 283-6500, ext. 210.

Casino Royale V

North Greenbush - Vanderheyden Hall will hold its fifth annual Casino Royale, Saturday, October 5, 2002, from 7 to 11 p.m., at the Italian Community Center, 1450 Fifth Ave., Troy.

Casino Royale is a fundraising event for the not-for-profit organization that serves children and families at its residential cottages and homes, as well as offering respite care to families within the community. Vanderheyden Hall opened its state-of-the-art education center, in December 1999. It serves over 150 students, including residents and day program students, in a modern and open environment.

The evening of fun includes dinner, dancing, casino games, psychic Tom Kearns, caricaturist Jeanne Benas, and musical entertainment by the Melayne Jackson/Gary Brooks duo. The couple has a new CD, which will be available at the Casino event.

Many exciting silent and auction items have been donated to this excellent cause by businesses, organizations and individuals in the community.

Honorary co-chairs for Casino Royale 5 are Rex and Mary Bryce, and Leonard and Patricia De Vito. Guest auctioneer will be Ralph Miccio, Esq.

"We hope the community will support this event," said co-chair Patricia De Vito. "It is a great, fun evening with all proceeds going directly to our childrens programs."

The cost of the evening is $45, which includes Italian buffet stations and desert, complimentary beer and wine, and games of chance. The major sponsors of the event are the Italian Community Center, Times Union, and Southwest Airlines. Tickets will be sold at the door or in advance. Please call Ginger Bristow at Vanderheyden Hall, 283-6500, ext. 210 to make a reservation or for more information.

Vanderheyden Hall to Honor Rensselaer County Legislators

An afternoon reception for Rensselaer County Legislators is scheduled for Thursday, May 31, from 4-5:30 p.m. The county legislature has been generous in the time and efforts with the youth of Vanderheyden Hall, including an annual holiday party and gifts.

The afternoon reception will feature tours of the new school, exhibits, art and woodwork created by the students, and a hands-on World War II social studies project that the students will perform on the Anniversary of D-Day, June 6. Following the tour, the legislators will be treated to a dance program by four Vanderheyden students, then presented with thank you gifts from the students. For further information or to make rrangements for photos during the event, please contact Ginger at 283-6500, ext. 210.

Annual Community Appreciation Dinner

Vanderheyden Hall will hold its Annual Community Appreciation Dinner, this year Celebrating Friendship & Benevolence, 6-9 p.m., Thursday, April 26, at Franklin Plaza, Fourth and Grand Streets, Troy.

Lt. Gov. Mary Donohue, and Senator and Mrs. Joseph L. Bruno, past honorees of this event, are well acquainted with this years honorees, The Italian Community Center Charitable Foundation of Troy, and Polly Mason community benefactor of Troy and Rensselaer County. Both of these honorees have been very kind and generous benefactors to Vanderheyden Hall. This is an opportunity to thank them publicly.

Lt. Gov. Donohue, friends with Polly since childhood, will be guest speaker for the evening. Senator Bruno is a lifetime member of the Italian Community Center of Troy and the recipient of the Italian Community Centers Christopher Columbus Award. The Honorable Neil Kelleher, Chairman of Rensselaer County Legislature will be emcee for the event.

Polly Mason has been a resident of Troy all her life, and has generously worked to make her community a better place for all who live here. She lives her life by the creed, Friendship Takes Practice, and her many friends are the fruit of her commitment.

The Italian Community Center Charitable Foundation, first organized in the 1930s, strives to provide relief to the needy or underprivileged. Their motto, Youth, Charity, Loyalty, speaks to the numerous organizations they generously support.

Vanderheyden Hall is one of New York State's oldest child caring agencies in continuous operation, offering shelter and services to children who have been abandoned, abused, neglected or whose emotional and developmental conditions are more than their families can care for. Throughout its long and distinguished history, Vanderheyden has relied upon the benevolence of a caring community.

The agency is in need of upgrading the residences to improve the quality of life for the youth who live on site and in the group homes. All proceeds from this event will be used for that purpose.

The cost of the dinner is $60. Social hour 6-7 p.m., includes hors doeuvres and cocktails. Dinner and program start at 7 p.m.

Vanderheyden Hall Spring 2002 Events

North Greenbush On Wednesday, May 29, at 10 a.m., board members, staff, volunteers and alumni will gather at Oakwood Cemetery in Troy for a Memorial Service at the Troy Orphan Asylum site, where 37 children are buried. The Troy Orphan Asylum was renamed Vanderheyden Hall in the early 1950s.

"This occasion marks our continued connection to the past and to the community," said board member Steve Thomas. Father Jim Clark, pastor of St. Judes Parish in Wynantskill will lead the service. The names of the 37 children will be read.

On Thursday evening, May 30, at 5 p.m., Vanderheyden Hall will honor its many volunteers with a reception in the school auditorium. Over 50 volunteers are expected to attend.

On June 1, at 8 a.m., Vanderheyden Hall will participate in the Freihofer Community walk, with residents, volunteers and staff walking to benefit programs for children.

In June, two other events are scheduled. "Spring Fling", the Vanderheyden Hall Prom for all residents will be held Friday, June 7, at the Colonie Elks Club. The residents will all be in formal wear, much of it donated by volunteers and community Organizations. Troy Savings Bank and the Junior League of Troy have been involved with the prom for the past seven years.

"For many of our children this may be the only prom they will ever attend," said Richard A. Desrochers, Executive Director. "We want to provide them with an experience they will remember for a lifetime."

At 5 p.m., June 20, the Vanderheyden Hall School will hold graduation ceremonies in the school auditorium. The graduation is for seniors and eight graders. An award ceremony for all students will follow. The commencement speaker will be Maureen Holohan, pro basketball player and author of a series of girls sports books, "the Broadway Players" series. She lives in Wynantskill and also runs local basketball clinics for girls.

For more information about these events or to schedule photo coverage, please contact Ginger Bristow at gbristow@vanderheydenhall.org or 283-6500, ext. 210.

Casino Royale IV

North Greenbush -Oct. 5, 2001 Vanderheyden Hall will hold its fourth annual Casino Royale, Saturday, November 3, 2001, from 7 to 11 p.m., at the Italian Community Center, 1450 Ave., Troy. Casino Royale is a fundraising event for the not-for-profit organization that serves children and families at its residential cottages and homes, as well as offering respite care to families within the community. Vanderheyden Hall opened its new school one year ago, and serves over 150 students in a modern and open environment.
The evening includes a silent auction and live auction, with local news anchor, John Gray, of WNYT. "We hope the community will turn out for this event," said Bonnie St. Onge, co-chair of the event. "This is an opportunity to have a night of fun with friends and family, knowing all the proceeds of the evening be used toward new furniture for our residences." The cost of the evening is $45, which includes dinner, complimentary beer and wine, casino games, hosted by the Italian Community Center, and a Bocci tournament.
Tickets will be sold at the door or in advance. Please call Ginger Bristow at Vanderheyden Hall, 283-6500, ext. 210 to make reservations or for information on becoming a sponsor.