The Family Times October 2009 Archive
Senator Bonacic Visits Hancock
The NYRI powerlines, natural gas drilling, and the economic revitalization of Hancock are issues that affect every resident of the community. They are therefore important issues to Senator John Bonacic of the 42nd state district who represents Hancock …
A Day of Thanksgiving and Harvest
Outside the “house” on The Family Foundation School campus, a massive wooden frame was erected over the picnic tables. It spanned almost the entire length of the house, was covered with multi-colored sheets, banners and …
Beep…Beep…Beep, the alarm clock signals to the students at The Family Foundation School it is time to wake up and begin another day. Not only is there a designated time for waking up, but also for eating meals, going to class, playing sports or other activities, and …
I have never written to you and to be honest, it feels a little strange. It’s been something like three years since we had any kind of conversation, except for those strange telepathic feelings that seem to come over me every few months. We …
We sent our son, Colin B., to The Family Foundation School in 1996 as a last resort. We had tried everything we could think of to help him, but his conduct and our lives were spinning more and more out of control. We needed him in a safe …
Since 1997, Sidney Federal Credit Union (SFCU) has had a branch in the Quickway building on West Main Street in the Village of Hancock. The “micro-branch” occupies only 330 square feet in the corner of the convenience store, but it offers the same …
The 2009 Hancock Fall Festival, held at Firemen’s Field on October 10, was full of laughter and autumn cheer, according to the six FFS students who attended. Khalfani M., Joe C., Oleg F., Kendra S., Alexis S. and Rosie E. from The Family Foundation …
Mark Duneau, a local organic farmer who has been personally involved with the gas drilling, spoke to the Hancock Rotary Club at its weekly meeting on October 22. Although advertised as a talk about the Frac Act, Duneau’s remarks focused …
After a long, hard fight, the New York Regional Interconnect’s (NYRI) plans are finally buried six feet underground. Thanks to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the power line company’s plans have been ultimately denied. On …
The economy is suffering. Healthcare plans fill the news. In the midst of this, the struggles of dairy farmers are pushed off to the side. What the country does not realize, though, is how much the troubled situation of the farmers effects …
As part of drug awareness week, Jaime Weener, a social worker at Youngsville School/ Sullivan County BOCES alternative school, contacted FFS admissions director, Jeff Brain, about having students from FFS share their experience, strength and hope …
Four weeks after it spilled 8000 gallons of chemical-laced fracing fluid into Stevens Creek in Dimock, Pa., Cabot Oil and Gas resumed drilling operations in Susquehanna County. After the spill at the Heitsman well on September 24, the Pennsylvania Department …
In the midst of rising public pressure, Chesapeake Energy Corporation has decided to step back from the natural gas fight in New York State by withdrawing their request to drill in the watershed. The watershed supplies over nine million …
Visit to Museum of Jewish Heritage
A group of Jewish students from the Family Foundation School visited the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City on Monday, October 26. Rabbi Michele Medwin orchestrated the trip as a way of teaching the students about their heritage and …
BBC at the Family Foundation School
Last summer Polly Greetham of the BBC contacted Jeff Brain, Vice-President for Admissions about filming at The Family Foundation School. Greetham had received multiple recommendations from psychologists and mental health professionals …
After last June’s graduation, more than 50 students left the school. Since that time, the Family Foundation School has lacked the adequate number of students to produce a yearbook in the required time period. Ann Kozak, yearbook advisor, recognized …
Jewish Students Join in Simchat Torah
The Jewish community at The Family Foundation School traveled off campus in early October to Temple Agudas Achim in Livingston Manor, N.Y. for the celebration of Simchat Torah. The term literally means …
Ed Becker grew up in Bayshore, Long Island and says drugs were easy to find. He got started doing drugs at age 11 because of peer pressure, but his use quickly became a bad habit; the habit continued for 17 years.
“I Stopped Caring About the Rules, Morals, People, God, and My Family”
To preface, I would like to thank The Family Times staff for the opportunity to share my story through the newspaper. I have never been very good at sharing and opening up to other people. In fact, when it comes to being …
“I Hope To Be Able To Carry On Her Traditions”
“Hi” a high-pitched voice screamed from the kitchen. My sister and I walked through the long hallway scanning all the old black and white photos of relatives we’ve never met. Our legs were sore from the journey from our house to …
The students and staff of the Family Foundation School have chosen Sean C. as the October Student of the Month. “I wasn’t expecting it,” said Sean C. about the award. “It feels good, and I must be doing …
Father Liz Groskoph officiated at the blessing of the animals this month, an annual Family Foundation School tradition that took place outside the chapel on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, October 6. This year …
Artist’s in the Making at the Family School
On Saturday mornings Whiting Hall and its surrounding area smells of incense and candles while the sound waves of acoustic guitars and bongos travel throughout the air. Creativity class has become the “go to” place for the students of The Family Foundation School. Opportunities …
Doing Big Things In Small Places
If you find yourself falling into a trance, being hypnotized by music emanating from Whiting Hall on Saturday afternoons, it’s probably Chris B, Cajai J, and Nash B. jamming and creating music. Recently, the dynamic trio has come together and begun to …
This month Betton House decided to host a Big 10 meeting because of concerns about what student relationships are based on. One of the students focused on was Ricky S. who received an anchor this month for being a leader in …
A trip on October 18 to the waterfalls at Watkins Glen State Park; two new anchors, Lexi S. and Diego N.; and a commitment to learning how to be a family are the major activities in Lake House this month. “We’re keeping our stuff together …
October was a very busy month for Mann House students. Sukkot allowed a great deal of fun for not only the Jewish students, but for the whole community. Along with the other houses, Mann House made a banner for the …
Mariah L. arrived at The Family Foundation School two months ago and was placed in Smith House. She celebrated her 13th birthday on October 22. Mariah grew up in Bermuda and before arriving at the school she was put into an alternative …
This month a lot has happened in Wilson House. The family has been working together and bonding to become a tighter knit group. The senior members have really been holding it down and some of the middle-of-the-roaders …
Talbot House planned a special event for the family this month. Jan Cheripko threw the house a formal, multi-course dinner in the middle school. The purpose of the dinner was to teach the students about proper eating and dining.
Gel electrophoresis is an easy way to separate DNA fragments by their size and view them. It is a common diagnostic procedure used in biological labs. On October 28, College Biology and Biology B students welcomed Mike Yerky, Ph.D, from Cornell …
Lake House took first place in the House Competition back in July. On October 18, they claimed their prize with a trip to Watkins Glen State Park. Lake House brainstormed for weeks about a suitable destination for the trip, and after careful consideration …
“Irresponsible sex affected my life in ways I have yet to understand”
Young people tap into a whole new world of personal power when they discover their ability to think and act sexually. It is something completely new and exciting in contrast to the reality they have known. This new realm is like a …
I was born in Virginia in 1991. My sister was born shortly afterwards. My parents separated when I was three years old and later divorced. I remember being a fairly normal kid. I didn’t see either of my parents as much as …
“Trees are the Earth’s endless struggle to speak to the ever listening Heaven.” These are the words of Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel Prize-winning Hindu writer and poet, and they inspired a few students from Talbot House to spend a Saturday afternoon …
All Sunday Morning Talbot House was in the middle school preparing for their much anticipated formal dinner. Everyone in the family was involved with putting the event together. Kids were either cooking the food or decorating the lower level where …
“I would have wandered off myself if God had not put this opportunity before me,” Betty Argiros said, when asked what the school means to her. Every day Tony and Betty marvel at what the school has become, and are delighted every time …
I remember sitting on the stage nervous, excited, optimistic, scared, and a whole other plethora of emotions. And then it was time, Jan Cheripko announced, “Andrew S., New York State Regents Diploma.” It hit me all …
Heather G. came to The Family Foundation School on December 21, 2007. She arrived very angry and had abused both substances and her parents. Heather was put in what was formerly Family Eight and had a hard time dropping old ideas.
Ron H. lived at The Family from 1981 until 1984, before it was a school. He did farm work and worked at the Center for Discovery, a program for students with cerebral palsy. Though he learned very much at The Family, Ron had not hit his …
Eric K. arrived at The Family Foundation School on July 2, 2007. He was mandated here because of legal issues. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise because his life was full of drugs, stealing, lying, and disrespecting authority. His hardest …
Christian H. came to the school for a number of reasons. Stealing, substance abuse, defiance, and most of all, a horrible relationship with his family. After getting arrested for the third time, he got sent to The Family Foundation School …
Rob M. arrived at The Family Foundation School August 21, 2006. His stay lasted 22 months. His life at home was out of control; he was abusing drugs and getting kicked out of school. His stay at the school was a great …
Sunday night the gym bleachers were packed with students all looking down at a tall, tattooed man sitting at the designated speakers’ table. Benny K. hadn’t been to The Family Foundation School in nineteen years. “It’s crazy to see that …
Dennis S. arrived at “The Family” in 1984 when he was a high school freshman. His parents had decided they had enough of his bad behavior and would send him to Mike and Betty Argiros’ home for troubled kids. Dennis left …
Steve B. arrived at The Family Foundation School in March 2007. Drug and alcohol had taken over his life and he was no longer in control. His stay here lasted 21 long months. Since graduation, he has been …
Jenny K. is a former student of FFS. She lives in Monaco, France and corresponds with Journalism teacher, Chris Stein frequently. Here is a letter about her most recent adventures and endeavors.
Yves K. scored two goals and Evan H. scored one to give The Family Foundation School Falcons soccer team their third Section 9, Class D championship title in the last seven years as they defeated arch-rival Chapel Field, 3-1, on a rainy Halloween day at Faller Field …
Basketball Tryouts Are Underway
Basketball tryouts at The Family Foundation School have just begun. Head coach of the boys’ team Ted Towsley, and assistant coach Larry Patrisso have held four tryouts and are planning on holding two more to decide who will make the team.
Alumni News
