On Friday, May 20 th , students from Windham-Ashland- Jewett (WAJ) Science Club set out into the Siuslaw Model Forest to learn about tree identification. Students received a tree ID field guide and a hand lens to help them explore the trees of the forest. Deb Valerio, a science teacher from WAJ, and Andrew Randazzo, an Environmental Educator from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, wanted to instill a sense of wonder and excitement around the trees of our local forests. By hosting a guided tree walk that taught students the basics of tree identification, they did just that. The members of the WAJ science club got the opportunity to use their new dichotomous key to identify randomly selected trees in the model forest. Students learned to recognize that not only do leaves play a role in tree ID but also the nuts on the forest floor, the bark of the tree, and the arrangement of the tree’s branches. At the end of the day the club got to enjoy the sunshine, learn about the importance of understanding our local trees, and even play a forest based scavenger hunt. After all that who wouldn’t be excited about forests?

The WAJ Science Club would not be possible without the generous financial support of  The Windham Foundation.

Free Dental Services for Local Families

WAJ students and their families were all smiles as they participated in free dental services sponsored by the Windham Foundation.  Dental services were coordinated through the Columbia Memorial Hospital Mobile Dental Unit—also known as the Dental Van, for the month of June.  The dental team, a licensed dentist and hygienist, offered a full range of services including exams, cleanings, extractions, x-rays and tooth sealants.  “Education was a key part of the program”, said Phyllis Parrish, a board member for the Windham Foundation. In-class instruction on dental hygiene was conducted throughout the school.  One third grader described her experience after vising the Dental Van, “Some parts of the cleaning hurt but it was good because my teeth are nice and clean.”  She went on to describe her lesson with the hygienist, “My class and I learned how to clean our teeth better and how important flossing and using mouthwash is.”  Students also learned about the harmful effects of sweets and sodas and how they contribute to tooth decay.

This was the 4^th year that the Windham Foundation funded free dental services for the Town of Windham.  To date, $60,000 has gone to support smiles in the community.  “Our goal, said Parrish, “is to save teeth and teach children and parents the benefits of good oral health practices.  All participants received a Goodie Bag from the tooth fairy—a tooth brush, tooth paste, floss and a reminder to brush before bed.  Great advise for keeping teeth healthy and permanent.  The Windham Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization.  Donations are deductible and help fund programs that make our town the best place to be.  Visit us at www.windhamfoundation.com.

July 4th always brings many visitors up to Windham, eager and excited to take part in the many community events. This year was no different. Playing to a full house, the July 4th OMNY Taiko Drum concert proved to be a major attraction for residents and tourists alike. Led by Emmy award winner Koji Nakamura, the 17 member troop performed for 90 minutes at the Windham Civic Center. “It was an exhilarating performance,” said Phyllis Parrish, Windham Foundation Board Member. “We are thrilled to support the performing arts in our Town.”

TAIKO DRUMS 2016

For four consecutive years now, the Windham Foundation has sponsored the free community concert. With sticks twirling and toes tapping, hearts beat as one much like the group who formed OMNY 10 years ago. One miracle in New York grew out of the Japanese Shumei art and beauty initiatives to engage youth in New York City. Of the 17 drummers in the group was Windham’s very own, Subaru Honge. Honge has performed with the Taiko drummers for five years as a dedicated member attending frequent practices in NYC and performing solos at concerts. While he has made the most of his time with the group this past concert may be one of his last. When asked about his future with the group he was unsure. “It might be my last year with them. It all depends on where I attend college,” said the rising senior at Windham Ashland Jewett. So until next year, we await with smiles and high hopes of seeing Subaru and another glorious July 4th celebration in Windham.

The Windham Foundation is a 501©3 not-for profit organization, governed by a volunteer, non-paid Board of Directors. Please visit www.windhamfoundation.com or call 518-734-9636 for information or to donate to this and other programs supported by the Windham Foundation.

Windham Foundation 2016 Scholarship Recipients

As the 2016 WAJ High School graduation arrived and passed, graduates have been filled with joy as they prepare to leave the Windham community and start a new chapter in their life.  Two of those graduates include Kate Moran and Kevin Malen from Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School (WAJ).  Moran is the recipient of Windham Foundation’s Outstanding Student Scholarship Award and Malen received the Windham Foundation’s Trade and Technical Scholarship Award.  Since 2004, the Foundation has funded $188,000 in college scholarships for WAJ graduates.

WAJ 2016 Valedictorian – Kate Moran

Kate Moran was the Valedictorian of WAJ’s Class of 2016 and the 13^th graduate to receive Windham Foundation’s $12,000 grant.  Kate excelled academically and was heavily involved in community service.  She was a volunteer ski instructor at the Adaptive Sports Foundation and helped out regularly at the Jewett Food Pantry.  She started a reading program for the children at the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center in the Bronx.  As a testament to serving others, Kate won the Congressional Silver Medal for volunteerism and personal development. Along with volunteering Kate held many leadership roles including Class President, Student Council Co-President and Co-Vice President of the National Honor Society.  Kate is an exemplary student who excels beyond the classroom and the community.  Kate will attend Harvard University in the fall where she plans to study the History of Science.

WAJ 2016 Graduate – Kevin Malen

Kevin Malen is the fourth graduate to receive Windham Foundation’s $2000 Trade and Technical Scholarship. This scholarship is reserved for a student of high character and achievement pursuing a technical degree.  In the fall, Kevin will attend SUNY Delhi and major in Mechatronics Design, a program heavily focused on mechanical and electrical industrial skills.  Throughout high school, Kevin participated in the highly competitive New Visions Engineering Program where he took many college level courses and worked on several engineering projects, gaining hands on experience.  Malen’s accomplishments are a result of his hard work and dedication in and out of school.  He was also a star athlete finishing 25^th out of 118 runners at the New York State Cross-Country Championships and was a sectional champ for Track and Field.

Both Kate and Kevin have made wonderful contributions to WAJ and the Windham community.  The Windham Foundation is excited and looking forward to following the accomplishments they will achieve in the future and wish them the best of luck as they begin a new journey in the fall.

The Windham Foundation is a 501©3 not-for profit organization.  The Windham Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, which serves on a non-paid volunteer basis. For more information, please visit www.windhamfoundation.com or call 518-734-9636.

DATE: June 8, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Local Students and Local Volunteer Selected to Represent Greene County at American Legion Auxiliary Girls State, a Premier Patriotism and Government Leadership Conference Olivia Baumann of Greenville, Deana DiBenedetto of Athens, Gabriella Morelli of Hensonville and Emily Valario of Prattsville,were selected to attend the 75th American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Empire Girls State session. Lucille Mozzillo of Purling, was also among 37 American Legion Auxiliary volunteers who had the honor of joining 360 high school rising seniors at the 75 th American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State at The College of Brockport June 26-June 30. Lucille had the honor of serving as Second Vice Chairman of the program this year. Outstanding girls, known as “citizens,” are selected by local American Legion Auxiliary Units in each of the 62 counties within New York State.

This year Greene County was able to send 4 “citizens” to the program. The program is fully funded by donations from local organizations and American Legion Auxiliary Units and Counties. This year Greene County American Legion Auxiliary received a generous donation from the Windham Foundation to help us sponsor two of our four girls. Without their generous support, we would not have been able to provide this wonderful experience to all of the girls. We would like to thank them for their support of the girls from their community and our program.

This premier leadership conference is designed to provide practical insight into the workings of the government, promote youth civic engagement, instill a sense of pride in America, and empower the next generation of women leaders, providing them with a network that lasts a lifetime.

A key component of the ALA Girls State program is the mock legislative sessions in which the girls write and debate bills. Campaigns are held to elect local officials and an ALA Girls State governor.

In addition to their government forums, the delegates hear distinguished guest speakers, learn various aspects of Americanism and learn about the sacrifices of the American military.

The ALA Girls State experience is a once-in- a-lifetime opportunity for young women across our state. After attending ALA Girls State, the girls come back to their communities filled with patriotism and pride, having gained new leadership skills and built strong connections with the other girls.

About ALA Girls State: The American Legion Auxiliary’s marquee Girls State program, first presented in 1937, is one of the most respected and coveted experiential learning programs presented in the United States. The program epitomizes the ALA’s mission to honor those who have brought us our freedom through our enduring commitment to develop young women as future leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. The young women become knowledgeable of the democratic process and how our republic form of government works at the state and national levels.

About the American Legion Auxiliary: Members of the American Legion Auxiliary, which was founded in 1919, have dedicated themselves to meeting the needs of the United States’ veterans, military and their families both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of nearly $3 billion. As part of the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, Auxiliary volunteers across the country also step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with ALA Girls State programs, teaching high school juniors to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.