During Pet Therapy, My Dog Does the Talking
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This week's Good Work section is a guest essay from Larchmont resident Mary Dell Harrington. Ms. Harrington is a writer and co-founder of the blog Grown & Flown where this essay originally appeared. She is originally from Texas and has in past incarnations worked in television and media. In addition to her blog, you can find her writing on Huffington Post, ASPCA, Next Avenue, and 12 Most.
My introduction to Ms. Harrington came through my volunteer work at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in White Plains. This campus is the hospital's dedicated psychiatric facility. One of my assignments is coordinating parts of the hospital's pet therapy program. I am continually inspired and impressed by the therapy dogs and their incredible handlers. This program brings so much joy to patients in the hospital and Ms. Harrington's essay perfectly captures the contributions and rewards of participation.
Mary Dell writes: I come from a long line of talkers, gregarious Texans who delight in telling tales and learning the backstories from strangers. My upbringing served me well while I worked in media, marketing NBC shows like the Smurfs or Saturday Night Live as story-telling opportunities. Yet now, as a pet therapy volunteer, I struggle to find words while watching my partner, a chocolate Labrador named Moose, communicate fluidly.
Five years ago, while casually thumbing through a New York-Presbyterian newsletter, a small-print headline "Volunteers with Dogs Needed" grabbed my attention. I was struck with the idea that this would be the perfect volunteer job, one that could help fill a growing gap in my life. With our eldest child a high school senior and the youngest increasingly independent, an empty nest loomed. Plus, I am a big dog lover – we have owned four Labs during our two-decade marriage. Yet the mostly likely candidate to be my partner, Moose, was still a rowdy and marginally obedient two-year old puppy, and I questioned his suitability.
Until we walked up the steps to the hospital for our initial screening, I had never set foot on the grounds although I had driven by the entrance hundreds of time. The buildings on the 200-acre wooded campus are set far away from the road, hidden from the nearby commercial hustle-bustle. It is was only after we arrived and checked in for our evaluation that I learned that this branch of NY-P is a psychiatric hospital whose roots in this spot go back to 1894.
That fall night, Moose was excited and I was nervous. My treat-filled baggie did little to help me prevent him from rushing toward other prospective therapy teams, terrifying the Yorkies and Bichons. He jumped up on Stacey, the evaluator, who, with her own leap of faith, accepted us into training beginning with an obedience class followed by the pet therapy course. Within six months, Moose had become a better (far from perfect) behaved dog and I learned the skills and protocol I needed to pass the Pet Partners certification test. Our assignment was to pay a visit every Monday to the "Second Chance Program," where our patients* (all names changed below) would be adults suffering from schizophrenia.
Every Monday we ride the elevator to the third floor, ring a bell and hear the key unlocking the door on the other side.
"Moose!" We are greeted with enthusiasm from a few of the residents. "Hey, hi, how are you? Are you coming to down to Pet Therapy?" I ask, encouraging them to attend.
Joey* crouches down and calls out loudly "Moose, Moose, come here." He tugs at the leash while we hurry down the hall. Petting, hugging, tail wagging commence.
We continue our walk toward the meeting room, stopping for two men seated on a hallway couch to give Moose quick scratches behind the ears. Some of the residents are asleep and others look elsewhere, disinterested.
Pet Therapy is an "elective" and those who attend are rewarded through a therapeutic strategy of positive reinforcement. When behavior points add up to a certain level, privileges like walking around the grounds or having meals off the floor are granted. Generally half of the thirty residents arrive or drift in and out. Sometimes people join but fall asleep during the session.
Moose and I have visited this unit for five years. We have seen many patients in their very first days when their health challenges seemed almost insurmountable. Some pace silently, join us for a while and leave. I talk about the cold outside, NFL playoffs and seek out any fans who might want to talk about their teams. I bring stacks of magazines I harvest from our house, hoping a cover photo might trigger an interchange.
I tell stories about Moose and our other dogs, past and present. I hear about their dogs, those they had during childhood and others given up when their owners could no longer care for them. Maggie* shows me a tattered photo of her teacup poodle, whom she misses terribly. Moose is a substitute and Maggie sits on the floor at every session giving him extensive belly rubs.
Anna* was afraid of dogs and never wanted Moose to come near. Over the months of our visits, she gained confidence in him (and me) and began to take the soft white baby brush I offer at each session. The first time, I held his head away from her. She learned to trust him and offered him a treat with a steady hand. On the last day before she was discharged, she asked to hug Moose which she did for a very long time. He leaned into her as a knot grew in my throat.
I sometimes talk about my life and our kids. When I discuss my daughter's soccer games, I am later asked if she won or lost. When our son graduated from college, they congratulated me, for him. When I travel and miss a Monday session, I am asked how my vacation was. We know little about each other but we share details of our lives.
The group is fluid, with men and women being dismissed and others taking their places. Many have spoken to me about their frustration of waiting for a bed to open in an adult house. One was a patient named Marlene* who left and, three weeks later, returned. Formerly a Moose-enthusiast, she turned her head away as we walked in.
We celebrate the holidays with cupcakes and Christmas cards. In July, on Moose's birthday, we sing "Happy Birthday" with more cupcakes. Weekly, I offer a bit of conversation but mostly I bring them Moose who, for a speck of time, is a comfort. Now a settled seven-year old, he is obedient and patiently cuddles with anyone wanting to draw him close. He leans into their hugs, often collapsing onto his back, paws up and readily accepting the attention and petting. (For a dog, really, it may not ever be better than this.)
And for me, what do I receive? Frequently, someone will look me straight in the eye and thank me for coming. Juliet* tells me "God bless you, Mary Dell." My words fail me and I struggle to croak back, "God bless you, too." My heart breaks for these men and women who face such serious health challenges. I wish them well when they confide that they are leaving and I pray they are successful. I pray for those who remain. Each Monday, I thank the group for being so friendly to Moose and me. He conveys his happiness with ears back and tail wags. I don't have the words to express my deepest gratitude.
If you are interested in learning more about pet therapy, visit www.thegooddogfoundation.org and www.petpartners.org. If you would like to learn more about volunteering at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, please visit www.nyp.org/volunteer. Do you have your own inspiring volunteer experience you'd like to share? Contact us at [email protected].
This piece originally appeared on Grown & Flown which you can find on Facebook and Twitter.
Scarsdale Swimmers Raise Over $55,000 for Cancer Research and Prevention
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Team Strong As Steele swam in Swim Across America 2014 on Saturday, July 26 and raised over $55,000 to raise awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events.
The team, composed principally of Scarsdale residents, swam in Long Island Sound in Larchmot in memory of Will Steele, a marathon runner in his mid-30's who died of a rare form of cancer, leaving behind his wife and three young children. Overall, more than 500 swimmers participated in the event, swimming distances of 2K, 5K and 10K, and raising more than $1.1 million on behalf of Swim Across America.
Scarsdale participants on Team Strong As Steele included: Eldad Blaustein (5K), Peter Doyle (2K), Josh Glantz (10K), Razy Hirschberg (2K), Debra Hyman (2K), Joe Kaufman (10K), Blaine Marder (5K), John Needham (10K), Doug Rachlin (2K), Chip Rich (5K), Miles Rubin (2K), Joel Talish (2K) and Carol Wolfe (2K). Chris Shannon also participated with the team as a volunteer kayaker.
SHS Teacher Maggie Favretti Recognized for Innovation in Environmental Education
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SHS Social Studies Teacher Maggie Favretti has been invited to the White House on August 12th to receive an Honorable Mention for the Presidential Innovation in Environmental Education Award.
Favretti is receiving the award for her work on the Scarsdale High School Sustainable Garden Project designed to teach students the community values and individual benefits of sustainable living through sustainable food practices and community service.
Using the high school garden as an outdoor classroom, students learn by doing, gain familiarity with the natural world, and learn confident creativity through collaborative problem-solving. The project seeks to reduce poor nutrition in community food programs.
With an interdisciplinary curriculum, classes attend the garden for a number of activities: photography, drawing, architecture, sculpture, plant science, soil chemistry, nutrition, health, measurement, mathematical patterns, statistical prediction, world cultures, history, physical education and ecosystem farming are just a few.
On April 15, 2014 Favretti and the Garden Club held a conference on "Building Sustainable 
Communities through Backyard, School and Community Gardens" at SHS. The conference was a huge success with over 100 attendees. It resulted in the formation of the Gardens Against Hunger network and the group is currently building gardensagainsthunger.com, which will efficiently address most of the needs raised at the conference. They need donations for the web design, which will connect sustainable school and community gardens with small farms and food pantries. Anyone interested in supporting the project or being part of the network should call Favretti at 914-721-2567 or 914-462-2857.
As for Maggie, she is hopeful that her trip to the White House will include a tour of the famed White House Garden. Congratulations to Favretti and her team of gardeners.
Geraldine Greene is Honored at Gourmet Galaxy
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Geraldine Greene's legacy was evident everywhere at the Gourmet Galaxy held at The Fountainhead in New Rochelle on June 19. Close to 300 attendees feted Geraldine upon her retirement after 35 years as Executive Director of Scarsdale & Edgemont Family Counseling Service (SFCS).
After socializing over cocktails and appetizers, guests were treated to an amazing array of dinner and desserts served in the Fountainhead's atrium room. Thirty-one local restaurants generously donated their delicious food and genial
staff .
Steven Goldman, Co-President of the SFCS Board of Directors, emceed the full program for the evening. After a serenade by singer TEO, Mayor Bob Steves delivered an invocation celebrating the work of SFCS that was written by Reverend Fran Grenley of The Scarsdale Congregational Church. Grenley's prayer asked all to be thankful for living in a kind and supportive place with resources like SFCS to help residents through the challenges and stumbling blocks that life presents.
Mayor Bob Steves then noted that June 19 had been declared 'Geraldine Greene Day', and that Geraldine had been granted honorary citizenship in Scarsdale. Steves noted that this latter honor merely formalized what many had realized to be true over the past 35 years of Ms. Greene's dedication to the village. Her hard work and many roles have had a multiplier effect on improving Scarsdale and Edgemont, Steves said.
The honoree then took the podium to explain the programs of Scarsdale & Edgemont Family Counseling. The agency, which has been a vital community organization for over 94 years, offers outreach programs under its Youth Services project and the Older Adult Services project as well as providing emotional support for people in every phase and stage in life through individual, family and couples therapy. Middle-schoolers benefit from the Young Women in Leadership and Young Men in Leadership programs, run by Emily Vallario and Tim Nelson and Robert Villanova, respectively. Over 750 parents participate in SFCS' Parent Support Groups. Adventure Based Counseling is a weeklong summer adventure program designed to test early teens' limits so they grow in self-esteem. Women in Leadership, run by Lauren Pomerantz, is a safe, confidential group for older girls looking to make friendships, improve confidence, and connect with peers to make positive choices. At the other spectrum of life, At Home in Scarsdale Village, run by Susan Gilbert, helps seniors age in their homes and to remain connected to others.
Next, Barry Cherwin conducted a live auction of event items. Jewelry, wine, Yankees tickets, dinners and a relaxing week in Nantucket went to the highest bidders--all for the benefit of SFCS.
Scarsdale's Youth Police Officer, Detective Sherri Albano rose to the podium next congratulating Geraldine on her retirement and noting that her successor, Jay Genova, will have big shoes to fill. Albano observed that throughout her career she has often seen a lack of communication between law enforcement and social workers. However, Albano said that in Scarsdale, she collaborates with the social workers and staff at SFCS every day. One of the first calls the Detective received when she was promoted to her current position was from Geraldine, who introduced herself and invited her to come over to the agency and meet her staff. Subsequently, Albano was included in the search process for the agency's new director and new Youth Outreach workers. Detective Albano noted that the collaboration allows both organizations to better serve the community and is in large part due to the foundation laid by Geraldine and her leadership.
Jennifer Gruenberg, a Scarsdale native, social worker and friend and supporter of SFCS, spoke next about the "incredible open door" at SFCS that has touched so many families. Geraldine "mobilizes the community", Gruenberg said before presenting her with a mugful of Starbucks gift cards so she could treat friends to coffee.
Lynne Wilson, and several other members of the Scarsdale Rotary Club took the podium next, noting how SFCS exemplifies the Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self". She presented the agency with a generous check, noting that an annual gift will be made to SFCS from the Rotary going forward.
Marie Posthumus, Co-President of the SFCS Board, presented the guest of honor with a lovely inscribed silver tray. Geraldine Greene said she was thankful for all she has been able to do in her role and the introduced the agency staff, one by one, and expressed her overwhelming gratitude to them. "No one does anything like this alone", Greene said to the staff, "you are the stars in our galaxy". Greene explained her mixed feelings about saying goodbye, but stated that it is easier leaving the agency knowing it will be in the capable hands of Jay Genova. She tpresented Genova with a lanyard with a golden key to the agency's doors at the Harwood Building. She wished Genova the same joy and fulfillment she has experienced as the agency's Executive Director.
Although Posthumus did not deliver her speech honoring Greene at the event in the interest of time, she did make her comments available to Scarsdale10583 after the event. Her touching words summed up the feelings from the evening very well:
"I'd like to ask everyone for a moment of silence to honor Geraldine Greene. But not right here, not right now. In the future, when you see a distinguished older couple enjoying an afternoon in Chase Park, take a moment then; and think of Geraldine and her program "At Home In Scarsdale Village". When you see a few kids in the fall happily walking toward their school, take a moment then. Think of Geraldine and her Youth Outreach programs. These are the moments that Geraldine has given to us. This is her legacy. This is the result of collaboration between a community like ours with its support, and the work of a tireless, generous spirit. Your legacy, Geraldine, reaches far into our futures."
(Photos and text contributed by Nan Berke)
TAP Unveils "Buy Local" Campaign for Scarsdale
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On Monday, June 16th, local consumers, businesses, and government officials gathered at the Scarsdale Library to attend the final presentation of The Acceleration Project (TAP)'s Buy Local Study. In collaboration with the Scarsdale Chamber of Commerce, TAP launched the Buy Local Study to promote the vibrancy of Scarsdale's commercial hubs and to educate community stakeholders on the importance of actively supporting local businesses. TAP, a nonprofit organization that deploys local professionals to assist local small businesses, assembled a team of 19 consultants, collectively donating over 2,400 hours to the project.
TAP Co-Founders/Co-CEOs Lisa Tretler and Jane Veron provided specific business recommendations to accommodate consumers' changing needs and unveiled a new marketing campaign to encourage patronage of local businesses. Tretler and Veron shared detailed findings from a widely circulated consumer and business online survey and reviewed insights gleaned from in-person interviews, focus groups, and a national best practices analysis. TAP consultant Tracy Ullman introduced the key components of the marketing campaign including a memorable "Shop the 'Dale" logo and messaging. TAP also offered a comprehensive list of proposed marketing tactics and a Buy Local public service announcement video created by SHS student Andreas Larsen. Said Tretler, "When consumers choose to spend their time right here in Scarsdale, they actively improve the value, vibrancy, and desirability of our beautiful town."
Watch the Buy Local video, or Public Service announcement, here:
TAP recruited twelve block captains, business owners from Scarsdale's five retail hubs, to help lead the implementation of the campaign. Block captain Michelle Anderson, owner of La Dentelliere, commented, "I spoke to a few people after the presentation, and it was all positive energy. Businesses were all thrilled to have been there." TAP noted that they were also invited to share Study data with Scarsdale government officials.
Sponsors' donations helped to defray some of the costs of conducting the Study. Buy Local Study sponsors included: Christie-Spencer Corporation/Scarsdale Improvement Corporation/Wilgrin Realty Corporation, BlueMountain Capital Management, Houlihan Lawrence, Country Bank, Julia B. Fee/Sotheby's, Platinum Drive Realty, and Lange's of Scarsdale.
According to Veron, "The Buy Local study elevates the success of businesses and Scarsdale overall, preserves our sense of community, and ensures that local businesses remain vital for our convenience." The details of the final report and associated marketing collateral including the logo and messaging can be found on the Scarsdale Chamber of Commerce website at www.ScarsdaleChamber.org. A ribbon cutting ceremony to officially kick of the Shop the'Dale campaign will take place this coming September.
(Pictured at top:) TAP Buy Local Team, from left to right: Amanda Hack, Tracy Ullman, Nanette Koryn, Claire Brennan, Lisa Tretler (Co-Founder and Co-CEO, TAP), Carol Fitzgerald (CEO Buzzback Market Research), Deb Pekarek (Scarsdale Village Trustee), Andreas Larsen, Jane Veron (Co-Founder and Co-CEO, TAP), Carolyn Stevens (Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce), Emily Feldstein, Julia Feldstein, Mary Blum. Not pictured: Richard Effman, Janette Gee, Joan Hendell, Michaela Hendell, Tracy Jaffe, Kim Meyers, Pam Rubin, Rhonda Schnipper
