The Family Times May-June 2010 Archive
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and mourning for fallen soldiers who have given their lives for our country and for the principles the country stands for. On May 31, The Family Foundation School held a parade honoring the fallen men …
The Delaware – #1 on the Danger List
Every year since 1986 American Rivers, a conservation organization committed to protecting America’s healthy rivers, releases a report of the ten rivers throughout the US that they believe are in the most danger of being destroyed. This …
The day has finally come! The Family Foundation School welcomed the newest addition to the campus, a brand new dorm that will house all the girls in the school. On Thursday, June 10 the 52 girls that live on campus spent most of the …
Not Good-Bye, But See You Later
I used to love to write. Nothing too productive usually came out of the tales of my imaginings, but I was content in that place with paper and a pen as a very young child. When I started using drugs, my passions, the few that were important …
Just before 6 a.m. on a Sunday morning in Jamaica, Queens, a man died trying to save a woman who was being attacked by a knife-wielding assailant. The Good Samaritan’s name was Hugo Alfredo Tale-Yax; he was stabbed several …
A full-scale rat invasion in your basement starts with just one curious little critter scoping out a warm space to spend the night. The Delaware River is currently being scoped out by a vermin of its own – one I would pick rodents over any day.
Twenty-two months ago, on August 27, 2008, I walked into The Family Foundation School miserable, enraged, and spiritually bankrupt. I was a sorry excuse for a boy. I had destroyed my life through addictions to drugs, sex, and alcohol. I threw it …
I and others have attended a number of Hancock Town Board meetings over the past year or more to pressure our Town Board to become more engaged in the issues surrounding gas drilling in our area. I can only say I am astonished by the …
Early Mother’s Day, May 9, Chris Evanitsky, a staff member at the family foundation school, drove three Boy Scouts: Ted W., Matt A., and Jakub K., along with two journalism reporters, Gabe L. and Evan H., to the Whitebirch Fly-in Drive-in …
To Use the Pill, or Not to Use the Pill
This month marks the 50th anniversary of the birth control pill and the many other forms of contraception that have originated since the 1960s. Mass produced artificial birth control entered the scene in the 1960s and started a revolution.
Fawns Are Cute, But Don’t Touch
When a piece of candy is put in front of a child’s face, nine times out of ten, he reacts with excitement and interest. The child could care less whether the candy is good or bad for his health; his impulse is to just grab it and eat it. Similarly …
Student Loans: Ignorance Isn’t Bliss
With graduation coming, many high school students are getting ready to enjoy summer—partying, hanging out with friends, and anxiously waiting to go to college. The last thing on their minds is paying for college. Their ignorance is bliss …
Carnegie Hall Chorus for Cancer
Paul Geer, Chorus Director and Music Teacher at The Family Foundation School, took a trip to New York City for some service and charity with style. Geer was part of a choir of more than 250 singers from across the country who performed …
“Gasland” director, Josh Fox, is now tour New York and Pennsylvania. His stops in New York: Tioga County, Elmira, Cortland, Syracuse, Ithaca, Callicoon, Milford, Binghamton, Cooperstown and Albany. In Pennsylvania: Doylestown …
Josh Fox’s journey on the road that is natural gas drilling began with a letter in the mail, a letter that he really knew nothing about. The letter was from a natural gas company promising money and security if he would lease his land and allow …
A fatal natural gas explosion in Texas killed two men, making it the second deadly blast involving natural gas in two days. The explosion occurred when a bulldozer struck a natural gas pipeline in a remote area of the Texas panhandle.
This May, The Family Singers set out for Hershey, Pa. to participate in a music competition that has been a part of the legacy of the ensemble, the annual North American Music Festival. Members of the mixed chorus, the men’s and …
The administration has been in much preparation for the upcoming semester hiring new staff and accommodating new students. Gerald and Annie Janauer have replaced Mike and Robin Ducey as family leaders of Betton House. In addition …
With a stopwatch, a vertical force sensor, and a horizontal force inclinator/sensor, the physics department got on the road towards Jackson, New Jersey, on May 6, to go to the amusement park, Six Flags. What was so challenging was how to …
Students throughout the school, who participated in extracurricular activities such as sports and performing arts, were awarded by their coaches and directors for their efforts and achievements. While the students and faculty enjoyed their …
Bernadette Musgrove, born Bernadette Dunckley, spent her childhood in New York. Musgrove was born and raised on Long Island. She had two sisters, and six brothers. “I had a blast growing up,” Musgrove said, “We have a very close knit family …
Betton House went through a lot of struggles this month. Things started to get better once we cleaned house, did some program work and set goals as a whole. For the past couple months, Robin and Mike Ducey, Betton House’s family …
As graduation creeps up around the corner Lake House family leaders Pete and Roxi have been encouraging students more than ever to start stepping it up. In the midst of it all student Johnny C. has taken advantage of his opportunity to step …
Mann House students have been spending valuable time with one another before the June graduates depart in less than a month. Many grads have been stepping up and throwing themselves into their program work before their departure.
This month has been stressful for Wilson House. With upcoming regent’s qualifiers, the family is working hard to prepare for them academically. In the past Wilson House students have done exceptionally well on the exams and they’re …
Talbot House has undergone many changes this month. The family dynamic has switched as the number of new students in the family. There are seven new students in Talbot House, which has given the family a chance to change the …
Jeff Brain, Vice President for External Relations & Director of Admissions at The Family Foundation School, is putting a new spin on “Grief Group.” Grief Group is one of Brain’s therapy groups at The Family School, and it has been …
Before arriving at The Family Foundation School my life was far from sane. I was angry, depressed, violent and uncontrollable. I withdrew myself from everything and acted on my anger towards my family and friends. At FFS, I continued the …
James Rich died in Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale at the age of 75 on June 1, 2010. Born in Johnson City, N.Y., on August 5,1934, he was the son of George and Amelia Rich. Jim married …
Shalom to More Jewish Services
After a series of retreats to Temple Shalom in Monticello, N.Y., Rabbi Michele Medwin told the Family Foundation School Jewish students that they would soon be attending Shabbat services three times a month: Once to Temple Agudas …
Confirmation is the sacrament that says ‘Yes, it’s true,’ to one’s faith. Western Christians are usually baptized as young children and are confirmed at age 12 or later. This year, Family Foundation School Catholics shared their …
For months, Yuri Kuchukov painted. “It is not easy, this may be the most difficult one [painting] I have done in my life. It is not easy to paint a crucifiction.” On Sunday, June 6, the crucifix was officially revealed to the school. Kruchukov …
Along with helping students pass their Chemistry Regents, The Family Foundation School Student Karen S. wears many hats around the school and is involved in numerous activities that benefit her peers. On June 2, Karen was named …
Roxy Moses, a Methodist Pastor who leads Chapel Service on Monday, has started a new Bible Study Group this month entitled, “If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat.” So far, the Bible Study Group has three …
Unlike many teenagers who come to The Family Foundation School for drug and alcohol problems, I didn’t. I never did drugs, drank, or even smoked a cigarette. However, I did have a horrible relationship with my mom, dad, and brother.
“Freedom to Choose and Freedom to Love”
I was born into a great family. My father and mother are both pastors and I was brought up with a strong religious background. Many people ask after hearing my story; “What the heck happened to you?” I always joke and say, “I was just the …
Yoni S., accompanied by alumni Pat M. and Louis L., visited here on a Saturday to hang out with Betton House students and staff. Before arriving here, Yoni was heavily into drug use, didn’t go to school, partied habitually and had …
Patrick M. came to visit on a recent Saturday. Patrick was sent to The Family School on August 31 of ’09. Prior to enrolling here, he used and sold drugs and had a negative outlook on life. His drug use led him to adetox clinic and wilderness, and …
Ray C. visited The Family Foundation School on a weekday and caught up with some staff that helped him out when he was a student. “This school has changed a lot. The school building used to be on farm land,” said Ray, reminiscing. Ray …
Tyler W., along with alumnus Laura W., visited The Family Foundation School on Family Day to watch the Chorus/Show Choir’s performance and catch up with students and staff. Tyler was sent to The Family School on April 25 of ’07 and put …
Carmen A., a Family Foundation School graduate and daughter of owner Mike Argiros, is marrying staff member and alumnus Chris S. in October. She currently lives near the school and visits here on occasion. Before attending, Carmen always …
Chris S., a former graduate who interned here for psychology a couple of months ago, is now working here full-time. Chris arrived at The Family School on February 2 of ’05 and was placed in Family Four. Before arriving, Scott was an angry …
Finding an enjoyable activity, hobby or just something that makes you happy is very important for a high school student. No one likes to sit around and twiddle their thumbs for too long. The feeling of finding a passion that you can excel in, the …
On April 28, Family Foundation School students Evan H. and Karen S. accompanied by Athletic Director and father figure, Willy Williamson, received scholar athlete awards for Section 9 Division schools at the Kuhl’s Highland House. They …
At The Family Foundation School Frisbee has always been a game for the weekends and spare time, but now the sport has become official. Dawn Finlay, math teacher and department chair, persuaded FFS administration to officially …
With nothing but the rhythmic reverberation of footsteps and the gentle breeze in your face, all the distractions of life are set aside. It is just you, a quiet country road winding through the hills, and a group that shares the same desire for …
For the last several months, skateboarding went from a dream, to a speculation, to a topic of discussion, to a consideration, and then to an actual sport here at The Family Foundation School. Last month, the “Verdict” was “Approved”, and …
Nine soccer players, six of them from last year’s Family Foundation School team, and their coaches Willy Williamson and Carlton Williams, participated in the first annual Honesdale 6V6 Memorial Day soccer tournament on Saturday …
One out, runners on first and third and the game tied at one in the top of the seventh inning. Falcon pitcher Denise T. was pitching one of her best games of the year. She noticed that Wildcat Megan Edwards was standing forward …
Despite the weather, the Falcons had no trouble taking home the win against Sullivan West, 246-248. Up by one stroke and going into the last hole, the Falcons were driven to a victory by number one golfer Fran H. who …
As a warm-up game for the graduates, which is scheduled for June 24, the staff clobbered the students, 13-2. Mann House student and former softball player Candace M. batted first. She hit the ball off staff pitcher and MVP Willy Williamson and …
