Stillwater RTF News
DESIGNS TO PROMOTE STILLWATER FUNDRAISER, “SPRINGTIME IN MILAN” AWARDED SECOND PLACE IN GENESIS COMPETITION
Chenango Forks, NY - May 23, 2011
The design identity used to promote Stillwater’s second annual fundraiser, “Springtime in Milan” have won second place in the CAST (Communications Association of the Southern Tier) Genesis Awards, Overall Identity category.
The Genesis competition is sponsored by CAST (Communications Association of the Southern Tier) to recognize excellence in communications - design, writing, photography, PR, marketing and advertising. Kathy Buchta, Buchta Design designed the Springtime in Milan identity and promotional pieces. Lisa Mayers, The Write Strategy was responsible for the writing and Carr Printing produced the printed materials. This is the second consecutive year that Stillwater’s fundraiser identity has won a Genesis Award.
Springtime in Milan was held April 9, 2011 at Terra Cotta in downtown Binghamton. The event raised funds to provide an improved playground for the children at Stillwater and included dinner and a silent auction.
Stillwater is a non-profit residential treatment facility (RTF) located in rural Chenango County. Stillwater provides children who experience psychiatric and emotional difficulties with intensive mental health services and comprehensive residential care. The facility also provides New York State elementary education with two classrooms onsite for grades one through six. To learn more about Stillwater, visit www.stillwaterrtf.org.
NYS COALITION FOR CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES NAMES SAM WHITNEY STILLWATER RTF EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Chenango Forks, NY - January 5, 2011
Stillwater RTF is proud to announce that Sam Whitney has been chosen by the New York State Coalition for Children’s Mental Health Services and Stillwater, as Employee of the Year for 2010. Mr. Whitney is a Teacher’s Aid at Stillwater and a life long resident of Greene, NY.
“Sam is a wonderful role model for the kids in the classroom,” says Karen E. Wright, LCSW, the executive director of Stillwater. “He is patient, but firm, always helpful, and consistently goes the extra mile.”
Mr. Whitney is dad to a four year old daughter, Hunter, who is the apple of her daddy’s eye! He enjoys playing semi-professional football and in the off-season plays in both indoor and outdoor flag football leagues. This year his team won the Eastern Regional National Championship and competed in the National Flag Football Tournament in Las Vegas. Sam gives back to his community, coaching youth teams.
Stillwater is a non-profit residential treatment facility (RTF) located in rural Chenango County. Stillwater provides children who experience psychiatric and emotional difficulties with intensive mental health services and comprehensive residential care. The facility also provides New York State elementary education with two classrooms onsite for grades one through six. To learn more about Stillwater, visit www.stillwaterrtf.org.
STILLWATER RTF ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR “SPRINGTIME IN MILAN”
Second Annual “Springtime” Event Will Raise Funds for Children’s Playground
Chenango Forks, NY - October 14, 2010
The rave reviews from guests of Stillwater’s first annual fundraiser, Springtime in Paris, held last April, provided organizers with just the inspiration they were looking for when planning this year’s event.
“Everyone loved the springtime theme as well as the creativity that went into the decorations and menu,” says Karen E. Wright, LCSW, Executive Director of Stillwater RTF. “So, we decided to continue the springtime theme this year and we will be just as creative when planning the menu, decorations, and entertainment.”
This year, the event will be called Springtime in Milan. It will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at Terra Cotta in downtown Binghamton. The theme will be the arts and culture of Milan, Italy and the dinner will feature contemporary Italian dishes served at buffet stations. Guests will be welcomed by a Belini bar and a variety of entertainment, with performances scattered throughout the evening.
The fundraising goal, similar to that of last year’s event, is to update the children’s living space at Stillwater RTF. However this year, the primary focus shifts to their outdoor environment and building a proper playground.
The cost to attend Springtime in Milan will be $75 per person and includes dinner and entertainment, the Belini bar, wine, beer, soda, coffee and the fabulous Terra Truffles. Tables of 8 may be reserved for $500. Sponsors are also being sought for the event. Additional information regarding sponsorship is available by calling 607.656.9004 x 207.
-Stillwater is a non-profit residential treatment facility (RTF) located in rural Chenango County. Stillwater provides children who experience psychiatric and emotional difficulties with intensive mental health services and comprehensive residential care. The facility also provides New York State elementary education with two classrooms onsite for grades one through six. To learn more about Stillwater, visit www.stillwaterrtf.org.
STILLWATER EMPLOYEE HONORED WITH PARTICIPATION IN WREATH LAYING CEREMONY AT TOMB OF UNKNOWN SOLDIER
Chenango Forks, NY - June 14, 2010
Michele Gray, a ten year veteran of the US Air Force and the US Army, and a senior teacher’s aide at Stillwater RTF, had the honor of representing all combat medics with her participation in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Saturday May 22, at Arlington National Cemetery. The memorial was organized by the Landstuhl Hospital Care Project (LHCP), a non-profit organization that provides comfort and relief items for military members who become sick, injured, or wounded from service in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.
Each of the four members of the memorial wreath party represented the Landstuhl Hospital Care Project (LHCP) in a different capacity. Karen Grimord, founder of the organization; Paul Russo, a veteran of the US Army and Air Force, represented American Legion Post 189 in Norwich; Michele Gray, represented all combat medics supported by LHCP while deployed; and SGT Joseph Santolla, a wounded warrior who was injured when an IED hit his Humvee while serving in Iraq.
“I cannot even express in words what it means to pay tribute in this way to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in service to our country, as well as all those who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces,” said Michele Gray. “It is a privilege and an honor.”
The order of procession for the memorial wreath party members is symbolic, with LHCP members going down the marble steps to the Tomb of the Unknowns first. This is to remind them that they should be first to support and never forget that freedom is not free and what sacrifices have been made for the freedoms they enjoy every day. They are followed by the two military members, who always have our backs, no matter if they are on foreign soil or here in the U.S.
Karen E. Wright, LCSW, Executive Director of Stillwater RTF expressed pride at Michele’s participation and her record of service to the country, “Michele’s commitment to her country and fellow citizens didn’t stop with her military service. Here at Stillwater, she dedicates her time to assisting children with serious and persistent emotional and psychiatric difficulties. It’s fitting that she be selected as part of this memorial and we’re very proud of her.”
STILLWATER ANNUAL REPORT, SPRINGTIME IN MILAN INVITATION PACKAGE WIN CAST - GENESIS AWARDS
Chenango Forks, NY - May 27, 2010
Stillwater’s first Annual Report, published in October 2009, was recognized with a Second Place Genesis Award in the prestigious Annual Report category. Promotional materials for Stillwater’s first major fundraising event, Springtime in Paris, held April 10th, also won a Second Place award in the Overall Identity category.
The Genesis competition is sponsored by CAST (Communications Association of the Southern Tier) to recognize excellence in communications - design, writing, photography, PR, marketing and advertising. Kathy Buchta, Buchta Design designed the Annual Report and Springtime in Paris pieces as well as the Stillwater’s logo. Lisa Mayers, The Write Strategy was responsible for the writing; photography was a combination of stock images and original photographs by Gary Steadman, SteadmanTech. The Annual Report was printed by Graphics Plus Printing and the Springtime in Paris pieces were printed by Carr Printing and Callahans.
“We are very proud of the work we did together and appreciate the talent that Kathy, Lisa, and Gary bring to the table,” says Karen E. Wright, LCSW, Executive Director of Stillwater RTF. “Both the Annual Report and the Springtime in Paris event represent our first efforts into raising awareness about our organization and increasing private donations to enhance the lives of the children who live at the RTF.”
STILLWATER RTF NAMES CHARLES DORSEY EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Chenango Forks, NY - March 4, 2010
Stillwater RTF is proud to announce that Charles Dorsey, MS, CTRS has been named Employee of the Year for 2009. This was Dorsey’s first year as the Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator for Stillwater. He is a resident of Ithaca, NY.
“Charlie brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to his job every day and his positive energy makes such a difference with the children and staff alike,” says Karen E. Wright, LCSW, the executive director of Stillwater. “His unique style and his initiative will leave a lasting mark on our community here at Stillwater.”
Typical of Dorsey’s energy and initiative was his intention to create a four foot wide, 1.2 mile hiking trail that loops through the forested area of Stillwater’s more than 30 acres. He engaged residents and staff in the process of creating “Serenity Trail”, transforming it into a therapeutic community effort. The trail is now almost complete and includes features such as the 16 foot “Let go and move on bridge”, a gathering place ringed with trees, and a 100 foot long meandering boardwalk through marshlands.
“This award means a lot to me,” says Dorsey. “It’s not only recognition for what I do- it also reconfirms for me that it is beneficial to everyone when you are intentional, purposeful, and passionate about what you do.” Dorsey is very well-liked and respected by residents and his co-workers.
DRAMA CLASSES OFFER CHILDREN CHALLENGED BY MENTAL ILLNESS AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES ON STAGE
Chenango Forks, NY – September 22, 2009
Two teenage residents of Stillwater RTF successfully participated in the Summer Drama program at the Chenango River Theatre, writing, directing and acting in skits. The boy and girl, aged 13 and 14 respectively, both struggle with serious mental illness. Developing the skits and acting in them was an opportunity for self expression, a healthy outlet for their emotions, and a way to develop self-confidence.
The skits about their own life experiences were performed at the end of the Summer Drama Program and were very well received by an audience of about 50 guests. The success and popularity of the summer classes has led to the addition of Fall Drama Classes, held for one month mid-September to mid-October. The classes are taught by a working actress, Heidi Weeks of Toronto, Canada.
Residents of Stillwater RTF are children and adolescents with severe, persistent emotional and psychiatric difficulties. Activities such as the drama program give the children a chance to be a part of the community, lead a day-to-day life that is more like other children’s and feel less isolated.
The Chenango River Theatre Drama Classes are designed to introduce young people to new skills for articulating ideas, working as part as a group, and creative problem solving through the dramatic process, craft, and discipline of performing.
STILLWATER RTF'S LEAFY GREEN CLOVERS 4-H CLUB TAKES HOME ALL BLUE RIBBONS AT CHENANGO COUNTY FAIR
Chenango Forks, NY – September 8, 2009
Stillwater, a residential treatment facility for children with emotional and psychiatric difficulties, recently participated in the Chenango County Fair’s 4-H competition and was awarded first place for every project entered. The facility’s 4-H Club, Leafy Green Clovers, submitted nine entries; seven received Blue (first place) Ribbons and two received Clover Bud Ribbons – a special award for younger participants. This is the third year that Stillwater has participated in the Chenango County Fair.
Two of the Blue Ribbon entries were also recommended for competition at the NYS Fair. Those entries, a collection of pencil drawings depicting drama faces (for the Creative Arts category) and a scrapbook of life experiences (Miscellaneous category) will be on display for the duration of the Fair in Syracuse.
Stillwater actively participates in 4-H activities throughout the year and integrates New York State’s “Agriculture in the Classroom” into their curriculum for grades one through six. The children at Stillwater help to cultivate and maintain a large organic garden, and are currently collecting “Pennies for the Planet” to help fund critical conservation projects.
STILLWATER RECEIVES FOURTH GRANT FROM CORNELL FOR NEW YORK AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM CURRICULUM
Chenango Forks, NY – July 9, 2009
Stillwater, a residential treatment facility for children has been awarded its fourth grant from the Cornell University Department of Education to fund programs and activities related to the New York Agriculture in the Classroom curriculum.
Sue Stradling, a teacher at Stillwater and the 2007 NY Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year, has successfully implemented the Kids Growing Food program over the last several years with a large organic garden that students help prepare, cultivate, and harvest. Produce harvested from the garden becomes part of the learning experience with food tasting activities and lessons in nutrition. The fresh fruits and vegetables are then enjoyed with meals prepared at the facility.
New York’s Agriculture in the Classroom is a partnership between Cornell University, NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, NYS Education Department, and New York Farm Bureau. The program operates out of the Department of Education at Cornell University. The curriculum, Food, Land, & People is intended to help encourage a better understand the interrelationships among agriculture, the environment, and people of the world. www.nyaged.org
At Stillwater the Kids Growing Food program is integrated into the core curriculum, in accordance with New York State standards, across multiple grade levels. Stillwater is a non-profit residential treatment facility (RTF) located in rural Chenango County. Stillwater provides children who experience psychiatric and emotional difficulties with intensive mental health services and comprehensive residential care. The facility also provides New York State elementary education with two classrooms onsite for grades one through six.