January 4, 2012

Vanderheyden has received a grant from First Niagara's Mentoring Matters initiative for its recreation program.  From left, Assistant Executive Director for Residential Services Mark Armstrong, Executive Director Linda Mappes, and outgoing Assistant Executive Director Donna Hanley thank First Niagara First Vice President Todd Mesick for this funding for Vanderheyden's expanded wellness program.

December 17, 2011

Rensselaer County Legislature holds 16th annual Christmas Party for residents of Vanderheyden Hall

By Danielle Sanzone
The Record
@DanielleSanzone

Katelynn, 9, sits on Santa’s lap as Rensselaer County Legislators Alex Shannon and Ken Herrington look on. The Legislature held its 16th annual Christmas party for the youth residents of Vanderheyden Hall in its chambers Friday. (Mike McMahon /The Record)

TROY — It has been 16 years since the first annual holiday party for youths at the Vanderheyden residential facility who are unable to spend the holidays with their family.

This was Katie Fiacco’s first time at the party but she would have been about 3 years old when the inaugural party took place. As in past years, the party included food, decorations, presents from Santa Claus, and a performance by the Lansingburgh High School Soundwaves.

The Lansingburgh students put on a Glee-like show with singing and dancing combined with popular music and Christmas classics.

“They were really good. Excellent,” said Fiacco.

The performing group was made up of about 30 members wearing elf and Santa hats, tuxedos and black dresses accented by dainty, sparkly red scarves. They were led by director Rebecca Shepherd who remembered the group first being invited to perform at the party 16 years ago.

“We came way before Glee,” she noted. “This party has been a great tradition for us.”

More than a dozen Vanderheyden kids of all ages attended the party that was sponsored by state Sen. Roy McDonald, Callanan Industries, Laberge Group and donations from members of the county Legislature. Legislator Lou Desso said each member put in about $50 for the event.

“This is one of the most enjoyable events that I attend for the county Legislature,” said Desso. “To see the smiles on the faces of the Vanderheyden youths means the world to me. And what better way to bring in the Christmas spirit to my own heart than to provide happiness to those less fortunate than myself.”

Following the performance, the event was capped off with refreshments and a visit from Santa, former legislator Peter Durkee, who gave presents to each of the students.

“The Vanderheyden Christmas party reminds us all of the true meaning of the holidays, of generosity and goodwill to our neighbors,” said Chairman of the Legislature Martin Reid.

The party took place in the chambers of the county Legislature in the county building. At past parties, as many as three dozen children, ages 7 to 16, have attended.

“I’m glad I came. I don’t think I have ever gone to a Christmas party before like this,” said Fiacco.

Danielle Sanzone may be reached at 270-1292, @DanielleSanzone on Twitter, or by email at dsanzone@troyrecord.com

October 4, 2011

Vanderheyden Receives Runners Club Donation from CDPHP Workforce Challenge Proceed

Vanderheyden has received a $5,000 donation from the Hudson-Mohawk Road Runners Club from the proceeds of the 2011 Capital District Physicians Health Plan (CDPHP) Workforce Challenge.  The agency was one of four recent Charities of Choice selected by the Club. 

The Workforce Challenge, which is open to teams of area employees and serves as a springboard for healthy living programs, drew a record 9,200 participants this year.  “We very much appreciate this donation to aid in our work to help youth and families build brighter futures,” said Executive Director Linda Mappes at the presentation.  “The focus of the Workforce Challenge on good health and teamwork also is consistent with our initiatives at Vanderheyden to promote teamwork and wellness,” she noted. 

 “The HMRRC is once again delighted to share the success of this event with four local charities that provide such important community services,” Race Director Pete Newkirk told the award recipients. “We are thrilled that so many organizations and their employees have embraced this event and the health and wellness values associated with it, and it’s additionally wonderful that this year’s race will again benefit four local charities and the outstanding work they do,” said John D. Bennett, MD,president and CEO, CDPHP.  Also receiving donations were the Albany Police Athletic League, Schenectady ARC, and Wildwood Programs.

June 2011

Hats Off to Vanderheyden’s 2011 Graduates!

It was an evening of high fives, cheers and some tears – of joy – as family, friends and faculty applauded Vanderheyden’s graduating Class of 2011 and students moving up from middle school.

Eight seniors received diplomas – Spencer C., Nicole F., Sarah H., Brittany H., Melissa L., Amanda M., Justin M., and Pedro M.  An accredited high school, Vanderheyden offers Regents, local, or individual education diplomas.  “I never thought I’d be graduating from high school, let alone going to college,” one student told the gathering amid flashing cameras and applause.

Seven eighth-graders received certificates as they make the transition from middle to high school – Natiya C., Lucas C., Autumn H., Robert H., Benjamin K., Brandon S., and Shakiyia T.

Students were honored with awards for achievements as a team player, leadership, excellence in reading, and academic improvement, with sponsorship by the Vanderheyden Hall Management Team, Board of Directors, Teachers’ Association, and Agency Steering Committee. 

The event will filled with student talent in song, poetry and prose from Aleasha H. and Megan I. with school staff member Allison Nunez, Pedro M., and Nicole F. and Brittany H.  The yearbook was dedicated to Executive Director Linda Mappes who is retiring at the end of the year.