News
SPRING 2017
IN THIS ISSUE: Remembering Dean
Remembering Dean DEAN H. LEITH JR. 19 3 2 - 2 0 17
C OVER STORY
From Our Food Hub PAGE 2
PAGE 3
PAGE 4
A Record Breaking Year for Squash Hunger PAGE 5
Food Access News PAGE 6
Honoring Our 2016 Volunteers PAGE 7
Two Decades of Garden Bowl PAGE 7
Contributions From Our Friends PAGE 8
@CapitalRootsNY
Dean understood the impact this organization would have. He and his team at CDCG planned and put into action a series of gardens in Troy. They were successful and neighbors were being served. It wasn’t long before Dean was approached by Erastus Corning II, the mayor of Albany, asking for help to implement the program in the Capital. Dean obliged and the rest is a storied and impactful history led by a man who cared so deeply about his community. Sharon DiLorenzo, who has been with the organization since 1992, clearly remembers the day she met Dean. “I came to this little store front office in downtown Troy for my interview and a man came in,” she recalls. “He looked like a gardener. He had on a flannel shirt, was friendly and warm but carried himself confidently.”
Spirits High When Interacting with Healthy Soils The Greater Capital Region Food System Assessment: Connecting Local Food to Local Families
BE SOCIAL!
During the early years of the organization, Dean always had his hands in a project for the gardens. “I found all of this stuff,” he would say as he led staff out to his truck filled to the brim with what can only be described as treasures. “Come on, let’s see what we’ve got.” In 1975 a strong back-to-the-land movement And from there they would create usable had been building in America. More Americans items for the gardens or office. were planting vegetable gardens. Dean H. Leith Jr, the CEO of Garden Way, wondered what he could do to help support this movement. In response, Dean created two organizations, Gardens for All in Burlington, VT, and Capital District Community Gardens (now Capital Roots) in Troy. This is how Dean describes the organization’s founding in a 2007 letter to supporters. “Those early years were a time of learning for Community Gardens,” Dean writes. “We learned to set practical priorities and achievable From left: Sharon DiLorenzo, Dean H. Leith, Jr. goals, and meet them, on tight budgets with and Amy Klein of Capital Roots a staff of two...But by delivering services as promised, and on time, CDCG gradually As the organization grew and our headquarters earned a reputation and acceptance within changed time and time again, it was our our community as an organization that played founder who remained a constant source a worthwhile and increasingly important role: Continued on page 3 helping scores of families make a better life for themselves and their neighbors.” PAGE 1
From Our Food Hub
BY A M Y K L E I N , C H I E F E X E C U T I V E O F F I C E R We grow, educate and provide. From the opening of its first gardens in 1975, to the dynamic and multifaceted organization of today, Capital Roots has worked to reduce the impact of poor nutrition on public health in the Capital Region. We organize community gardens, improve access to healthy food, offer nutrition and horticulture education for all ages and coordinate urban greening programs in Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady and southern Saratoga counties. BOARD Jean Gerbini, President Ellen Flink, Executive Vice President Rachel Hye Youn Rupright, Vice President Cynthia Nixon, Treasurer Deborah Bennett, Secretary Tom McGuire and Michael Whiteman, At-Large Kim Hickok, Immediate Past President Barbara Kathy Beam Featherstonhaugh Sharon Bedford David Krupski Assie L. Bishop Wendy Meola Mark Bryant Hannelore Passonno Tom Congdon Kimberly Sanger Jones Emily Cote
S TA F F Amy Klein, Chief Executive Officer Sharon DiLorenzo, Program Manager Will Malcolm, Food Access Manager Matthew Schueler, Grow Center Planner Jessica Trowbridge, Operations Manager Audrey Bridge, Mobile Markets Coordinator Keion Brown, Administrative Assistant Matt Bruce, Volunteer Coordinator Chris Carrese, Food Access VISTA Samantha Cramer, Seasonal Gardens Organizer Antwone Cyrus, Mobile Market Assistant Rebekah Desjardins, Healthy Retail Organizer Katie Doyle, Educator and Farm to School Organizer Brenna Healey, Mobile Market Assistant Brent Irving, Healthy Communities Coordinator Peter Jenkins, Produce Project Educator Danielle Marino, Garden Organizer Susan Merrick, Marketing Coordinator Marissa Peck, Food Assessment Coordinator Tara Quackenbush, Community Gardens Program Manager Wanda Rivera, Program Assistant Nell Roberts, Produce Project Farm Manager Hannah Rosen, Food Hub Buyer Abby Schumacher-Benoit, Events Coordinator Amy Scott, Bookkeeper Mari Shopsis, Development Coordinator Joel Stewart, Delivery Specialist James Surano, Healthy Stores Organizer Rebecca Whalen, Communications and Development Manager Cheryl Whilby, Squash Hunger/Outreach Coordinator PAGE 2
Losing a loved one is never easy. Losing three in less than two weeks is very painful. That’s the loss that the Capital Roots family experienced this January with the passing of our Founder, Dean Leith and two long-time former board members, Chico Christopher and Mary Jane Smith. Dean passed away on Thursday the 5th, we lost Chico on Monday the 9th and then Mary Jane on Sunday the 15th. And just like that a huge chunk of the history of Capital Roots was gone. While it had been several years since all three had been on the board together, they would often be seen together at Capital Roots’ gatherings and most certainly at every annual Spring Brunch! Each remained fully connected with our organization, and we them. Dean was our founder – or “flounder” as he liked to say. He had an endless amount of energy and generosity and a glint in his eye that made him so very special. Mary Jane, founder of Unity House, gave her love to thousands, was devoted to many organizations and was so very modest. Chico was committed to urban greening and helped us plant thousands of trees in Troy and surrounding communities; a sweeter, kinder soul would be hard to find. Beyond the loss of these three amazing individuals, what struck me most deeply in January was the collective loss of our earlier years that Dean, Mary Jane and Chico represented. I said to Sharon DiLorenzo (who has been at Capital Roots for an astonishing 25 years), “Now it’s up to us to keep the history alive.” To aid in that endeavor, our Board has created an Honorary Board, called “The Tap Roots” and invited 13 past board members who have served with distinction in the last 40 years to be recognized in the inaugural class along with Dean, Mary Jane and Chico. These members are being recognized for their extraordinary service as past Board Presidents and for extended tenures. This will be one small way to continue to tie our past to our future. And to never forget the legacy of our founders and those who have served over the decades. Recently at Chico’s memorial service local author and friend, Amy Halloran said about Chico, Dean and Mary Jane that she didn’t think that any of them “sought to change the world. Just to do what felt right.” Truer words could not be spoken. These were all such humble people, doing good work because it’s what came naturally to them. In the end, they changed individual lives, improved neighborhoods and left a lasting imprint on their communities. What an extraordinary legacy to leave. People are never gone if we remember them. I certainly will remember these three remarkable people and the impact they had on my life and the role they played in creating and nurturing Capital Roots. I will also do my best to make sure all those who follow me will know about Dean, Mary Jane and Chico and all the others who have made a mark on this organization. We are forever in their debt.
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of encouragement and drive. He bussed tables at every spring brunch, telling staff it was where the action happened. He would call current Chief Executive Officer Amy Klein at 6am and 11pm so he wouldn’t forget to relay his thoughts, whatever the time of day. No matter how many years went by, he remained that confident, flannel-clad man whom everyone knew that they could count on.
“From the moment I came here, Dean was always pushing us forward,” Amy recalls. “He had big ideas for what we could do, but he always wanted to be sure that we remembered our roots.” Dean kept an eye on what was going on at Capital Roots and on the people who worked here. “That always stood out to me,” Sharon recalls. “He really cared.”
Dean was an important part of Capital Roots right up until his passing in January. An organization is lucky when their founder cares deeply enough to remain involved throughout its history. However, an organization is truly blessed when The first time Dean toured the Urban Grow Center. He had that founder becomes more like a father, (or in Dean’s case the opportunity to see the conference room that is dedicated an Uncle – “Uncle Dean” for those who are in the know) to Dean and Liz in recognition of their enormous generosity allowing you to make decisions and learn from them, yet over the decades. Dean strolled along the upper floor, sitting celebrating your accomplishments and pushing you toward on one of the desks with another former board member greatness. taking in the space his founding organization could now “When we talk about the grit of Capital Roots, I think of call home. It’s an image we will never forget: our history Dean,” Amy says. “His legacy reminds us to preserve our melded with our future. past, but keep moving forward. And so that’s exactly what When we look around the walls of the Urban Grow Center, we will do.” we see Dean and his legacy. We hear his recollection of why So to our father, our Uncle Dean, that confident, down-tohe started this organization. We listen to his desire to push earth, hands-in-the-dirt guy, we say “thank you”. forward while not forgetting our past. Your legacy will live on. Even as Dean’s health declined, there he was, with a glint in his eye, quietly watching over our organization, taking pride in all that we had accomplished together.
Spirits High When Interacting with Healthy Soils It is well known that gardening makes people happy. People love the feeling of soil between their fingers as they harvest fresh vegetables and beautify the space around them. The act fosters a sense of accomplishment, and the satisfaction that stems from gardening out in the fresh air under the sun undoubtedly has a positive lingering effect on overall disposition. Just ask our community gardeners! “For me it’s more about getting back to Mother Nature; I find it therapeutic,” says Jim Owens, who has been participating in the Community Gardens program since 1996. “I’m happy to be planting, tilling and weeding even.”
In Memory of Dean H. Leith, Jr.
Help us create this very special community garden with a generous donation. (See form on page 11)
Studies have indicated that healthy soils contain beneficial bacteria— 1
Mycobacterium vaccae—which we are able to absorb through inhalation and topical soil contact. This organism helps humans generate the moodelevating hormone serotonin, which relaxes us and functions as a natural antidepressant. Mycobacterium vaccae has also been shown to boost your immune system and is being investigated as a potential treatment for inflammatory illnesses such as arthritis and Crohn’s disease.
to determine how long we must be exposed to the soil to benefit from Mycobacterium vaccae, but we think the more time in the garden the better. Get your hands dirty; cultivate a goodmood garden in the Capital Region! 1 - Lowry, C.A. et al. “Identification of an Immune-Responsive Mesolimbocortical Serotonergic System: Potential Role in Regulation of Emotional Behavior.” Neuroscience 146.2-5 (2007): 756–772. PMC. Web. 20 Mar. 2017.
“I concentrate on what I’m doing… and all other things (on my mind) are let go. It’s a great feeling,” Jim says. “When I enter the garden and close the gate behind me, I’m refreshed.” As we develop our 52nd community garden, in memory of our founder, Dean, we can’t help but acknowledge the positive impacts these green spaces have on our communities and neighbors. And as Jim tells us, this research just gives us one more thing to add to that list. Scientists have yet
Community Gardener Jim Owens harvests from his plot in 2016. PAGE 3
Connecting Local Food to Local Families With growing public interest in the local food movement over the past 20 years, more money, time, and energy is being invested in projects focused on supporting the regional farm economy, with efforts such as Farmer’s Markets and CSAs popping up in big cities and small towns across the country. These projects support local food producers and buyers who have trouble accessing the mainstream food system or who have chosen to participate in the alternative systems. In doing so, the local food movement is rebuilding regional food systems, which once thrived in America not more than a century ago. In order to coordinate efforts, local food movement leaders have developed a number of tools to inform their work. Food System Assessments are one tool communities employ to provide data-driven information for those working to increase support for local food. These studies are meant to inform funders, policy makers, and social service agencies in their work with all things food related. Food assessments analyze each sector of the food system, production, processing, distribution, and consumption in a given geographic area. Each assessment is unique to the region and reflects the priorities of stakeholders who are involved in the research project development. For more than a decade, it has been in Capital Roots’ strategic plan to conduct a regional food assessment. After the opening of our regional food hub, the Urban Grow Center, in 2014, we finally had the capacity to spearhead the project; enter the Greater Capital Region Food System Assessment. Over the next two years, Capital Roots is joining with community partners to conduct a comprehensive regional food system assessment for the 11-counties of the Greater Capital Region with the mission of increasing equity and economic resilience in the Greater Capital Region Food System, specifically for low-income consumers and regional producers. In order to build an equitable regional food system, we believe that the local food movement should be informed by food system research focused on methods to increase food access for low-income consumers and to support regional food producers, most of whom are small, familyrun operations. These two groups are major assets to rebuilding our regional food system and are not currently supported by the mainstream food system. PAGE 4
The Greater Capital Region Food System Assessment will help us to understand the capacity for locally produced food to fill gaps in urban markets, including distribution infrastructure needs and local food processing opportunities. Developing the assets within our region to build the agricultural economy will benefit the health and strength of local economies as well as the greater state of New York. G R E AT E R C A P I TA L R E G I O N F O O D S Y S T E M A S S E S S M E N T M A P
PRODUCTION DISTRIBUTION PROCESSING CONSUMPTION
Columbia Greene Fulton Montgomery Schoharie Warren Washington Albany Rensselaer Schenectady Saratoga
Comprehensive Food System Assessment Local Food Economy Assessment Community Food Security Assessment
The assessment will take two approaches to studying our regional food system. First, we will look at the local food economy by analyzing food production, processing, and distribution in the 11 counties of the Greater Capital Region foodshed. The goal is to identify opportunities to increase the purchasing of locally produced food. Findings will include information for producers on opportunities to scale-up production, establish connections with wholesale buyers, and identify gaps in regional food system infrastructure. The assessment will determine what is needed to strengthen the regional food economy and will make recommendations to guide regional planning and development. Second, the assessment will identify methods to increase food security and healthy food access in low-income communities in the four main counties of the Capital Region. We will conduct a community food security assessment with the goal of evaluating the retail food environment and regional food assistance systems. Findings will include information about the different communities in the Capital Region and their identified needs in terms of food access, including barriers to food security, food in high demand, and successful programs and services currently supporting healthy food access and food security. The assessment will lead to the developmentrecommendations for regional stakeholders geared towards supporting the equitable development of our regional food system at the community level. Continued on next page
surveys, case studies, and economic analysis of different sectors of the food system. In fall 2018, the findings will be prepared for publication with the final version published by December 2018. The publication will contain a series of briefs geared towards regional stakeholders, such as economic development agencies, policy makers, regional planners, non-profit organizations, and those working directly in the food system, like farmers and distributors. We anticipate that this information will lay the path for the development of a Regional Food Policy Council to advocate for the assessment’s findings and support future regional food system activities. Capital Roots’ Chief Executive Officer Amy Klein at a press event announcing details of the Greater Capital Region Food System Assessment.
Planning for the Greater Capital Region Food System Assessment began in the spring of 2016 under Capital Roots’ AmeriCorps VISTA fellow, Marissa Peck, now the Food Assessment Coordinator. The research phase launched in January 2017 and will carry through until the end of summer 2018. Research includes literature reviews of research done on specific topics in our food system, mapping, focus groups,
How to Get Involved
There will be many opportunities for participation in this project. Currently, we are developing a plan for summer research and have opportunities for folks to support our data collection efforts this summer or lend a hand in their area of expertise in the planning and publication of the assessment. A more detailed call for summer participation will go out mid-April. Contact Marissa Peck at foodassessment@capitalroots.org for more information.
A Record Breaking Year for Squash Hunger In 2016, Capital Roots’ Squash Hunger program thrived. With assistance from many hardworking volunteers and great partners, a record 85,690 pounds of produce were recovered and distributed to more than 70 food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens throughout the Capital Region. We are so thankful for our partnership with Devin Bulger of Comfort Food Community and the generous farmers who allowed us to glean their fields and donated their surplus produce to feed hungry families.
materials. Produce drives can be conducted year round which is particularly beneficial in the winter months when produce donations slow. The toolkit offers a wonderful opportunity for groups of all ages and abilities to volunteer with Capital Roots and provide fresh, healthy food to those who need it most. Contact Cheryl Whilby at squashhunger@capitalroots.org for more information.
A new partnership with North Valley Organics in Canaan yielded an unexpected contribution of more than 9,000 pounds of produce, while longtime partners, like AJ Rinella, donated 9,300 pounds of produce. Our collection bins located around the region at retail establishments such as Honest Weight Food Co-op, Niskayuna Co-op, Hewitt’s Garden Centers and Delmar Marketplace totaled 7,222 pounds. We could not have succeeded without these important partners. In 2017, Capital Roots will continue to build the partnerships forged through the Squash Hunger program while developing new partnerships to support our food recovery efforts. We will also be introducing a new resource to help volunteers assist with the program. The Squash Hunger Produce Drive Toolkit will provide groups with all the tools necessary to host produce drives at businesses, schools, community centers, or in their neighborhood, including a step-by-step guide on getting the drive started, and even marketing
Gleaning at Colfax Farm PAGE 5
FOOD ACCESS NEWS New & Upcoming New Partners! Lucky Times Grocery and Deli, located at 75 Washington Avenue in Rensselaer, will increase fresh, healthy food access in the northern part of the city where residents have limited opportunities to purchase healthy options. The store is not only receiving products for their new unit provided by Capital Roots, but they are also receiving additional fresh and local items to enhance their deli services. To date, the store has provided more than sponsored by: 750 lbs of healthy food to their neighborhood! Sheba Grocery and Deli, located at 586 Second Avenue in Troy, will provide fresh, affordable products for north Troy residents. The grocery is located in the middle of a food desert and right across from Kane Apartments, providing a much needed opportunity for surrounding residents to access healthy food right in their neighborhood. Since its launch in late March, more than 200 lbs of healthy food has made its way to neighbors!
Produce From Local Producers such as:
Golden Beets Asparagus Spinach Kale Radishes
Pantry Items & Snacks
Pixie’s Preserves new jam flavors Peanut butter Dried spices & herbs Mountain Winds maple-infused hot & BBQ sauces Liquid Assets ground coffee Fruit of the Fungi dried mushrooms Chobani yogurt Apple chips Damn Good Jerky new jerky flavors
Locally Raised Meats & Eggs
Grazin’ Acres Farm chicken wings, drumsticks and all-natural hot dogs Bornt Family Farms ham steaks Common Sense Farm eggs Kyer Farm ground pork and breakfast sausage
+ 5 new producer storefronts!
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L O C AT I O N S & growing!
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Honoring Our 2016 Volunteers On January 19, 2017, Capital Roots held our annual Volunteer Appreciation event at the Urban Grow Center to show our gratitude and appreciation for the hard work of our many dedicated volunteers. Each year, we honor two special volunteers who have put considerable time and effort into assisting Capital Roots programs and operations. This year’s honorees were Jim Boswell and Priscilla Fairbank.
pantries and soup kitchens. She has also assisted with gleanings at area farms. Also recognized at this event were members of our Board of Directors, whose terms ended in December – Raymond Smith, John Carl, Ann Pfau, and Bill Karchner. Many thanks to all of our volunteers for their hard work and dedication.
Jim has been instrumental in maintaining the flower border around the Produce Project’s 8th Street Urban Farm. At more than 800 linear feet this is no small task, yet Jim took this project on as his own and helped to create something the entire neighborhood can enjoy.
Volunteers Jim Boswell and Priscilla Fairbank with Chief Executive Officer Amy Klein. Below: Board member John Carl with Board President Jean Gerbini and Klein.
Priscilla has been one of Capital Roots most dedicated Squash Hunger volunteers for three years, performing weekly pickups at the Troy Farmers Market and delivering to local food
Two Decades of Capital Roots would like to thank our event sponsors, donors and bowlers for helping to make our 20th Annual Garden Bowl a success. This year, at Uncle Sam Lanes in Troy on January 28th we raised $17,000 to benefit our food access and urban greening programs. More than 100 bowlers of all ages took part in fundraising for the event. Friends, coworkers and families bonded as they bowled together on teams such as the “Bowling Bees,” and “Collar City Slayers.” Many of our business sponsors also fielded teams, including Envision Architects’ “Spare Me,” SEFCU’s “Healthy Eating,” and the Hodgson Russ “Russel Sprouts” and “Russett Potatoes.” Winners took home great prizes generously donated by 60 local businesses, including trophies, ski passes, concert tickets, hockey tickets, dining gift certificates and shopping gift cards! Special thanks to our in-kind event sponsors: Uncle Sam Lanes, One Day Signs, Digital X-Press, Troy Cloth and Paper, and Bob Daubney’s Bowling & Billiards. It’s not too early to save the date to participate in 2018 as a bowler, business sponsor or both! Make sure Saturday, January 27th is on your calendar for our 21st Annual Garden Bowl.
Thank You to Our Sponsors! Perfect Game Sponsor
Troy Teachers Association Strike Sponsors
Spare Sponsors
Lane Sponsors The Ale House Brown’s Brewing Co. Duncan and Cahill Greenbush Tape and Label Groff NetWorks Hoosick Valley Contractors
Metroland Business Machines Mick Butler, State Farm MKC Kitchen and Bath Modern Press Mountain Top Septic MudDaddy Flats
Park Pub Roosevelt Grooming Co. Stanley Paper Co. The Ruck Von’s Service Center PAGE 7
Contributions From Our Friends HARVEST H EL PER S Karen Beck Carole Borgerding Dinah Crossway G. John Delory and Joseph D. Leonard Joanne Fortunato Karen and John Graf John and Jane Wendell Lorang and Sherry Gold Alexandra Morrison Patti Schachter C OMMUN I T Y PA RT N ER S Accu Care Home Health Service Aetna Foundation Albany Society For The Advancement of Philanthropy Altes Family Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Architecture + Bank of America Charitable Foundation Barry Alan Gold Memorial Fund Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. Bethlehem Garden Club BFF Fund Bonded Concrete Inc. Bryce Funeral Home Bucknam & Rodecker CPAs Bullard, McLeod & Associates Capital Communications Federal Credit Union Capital District Communications Groups Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan Capital Region Chamber - Women’s Business Council Cargill Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Community Resource Federal Credit Union David and Candace Weir Foundation Duncan & Cahill Edward & Nancy McEwan Advised Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Envision Architects PC Fenimore Asset Management, Inc. Field Goods Finelli Construction First United Presbyterian Church Flowers by Pesha George R. Hearst III Charitable Fund Greco Construction Services, LLC HealthyME Living Hewlett Packard Hilton Garden Inn Hodgson Russ LLP Hoosick Valley Contractors John D. Picotte Family Foundation John Nigro Donor Advised Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Junior League of Albany Key Bank Key Bank Foundation LaCorte Companies Land Trust Alliance/NYS Conservation Partnership Launch Your Life Lawrence & Marie Shore Donor Advised Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region PAGE 8
Legacy Title The Marilyn Hansen Douglas Charitable Fund, a Donor Advised Fund of the U.S. Charitable Gift Trust Mark Edward Systems Marra’s Pharmacy Massry Charitable Foundation McCarthy Charities Modern Press Monticello Real Estate Muddaddy Flats MVP Health Care Nancy Meyers Preston, Ltd. National Grid NYS DOH Healthy Schools and Communities NYS DOH HPNAP NYSID O’Bryan Family Foundation Pastel & Rosen LLP Paul & Alane Hohenberg Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Picotte Companies Pitney Bowes Foundation Pombo Wealth Management Repeat Business Systems Review Foundation Roach Foundation Robison Family Foundation Roost Crate Sage Brothers Company Sax-Greene Family Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Schenectady Foundation SEFCU Sequence Development ShopRite Supermarkets Split Rock Charitable Foundation St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church - Ladies Philoptochos Society St. Paul’s Church in the City of Albany Stanley Paper Stuyvesant Plaza, Inc. Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte CPAs PC Times Union Hope Fund Troy Teachers Association Trudeau Architects PLLC United Group of Companies United Way Community Investment USDA - Local Food Promotion Program Walmart #2370 Waste Management Wojeski & Company CPAs IND IV ID UAL S ($20+ total) Mary Abbott Barbara Agneta Kathy and Carlo Agneta Barbara J. Ahern and W. Conard Holton David Aikens Shawn Allan and Nicholas Hepler John and Mary Ann Allen Lauren Alpert Wallace and Jane Altes Peter Amorosa Gayle Anderson and Sid Fleisher Steven and Nancy Angle Lou and Donna Anthony Andrew A. Anton Kevin and Tara Anuszewski Barbara and George Arakelian Anthony and Colleen Armlin Alyce Ashe
The following donations were received between November 2016 – February 2017 Sharon C. Awramik Laurie and David Bacheldor Susan Baer Nancy and Joe Baniak Jennifer Bannigan Charles and Cheryl Barnes Frank Barrie Chris Batting Patricia A. Bayly Katherine Beam Audrey Beaver Mark Bechard Sharon Bedford and Fred Alm Charles and Cynthia Beiser Diane and Don Bell John D. Bell Tim Bell Jeffrey and Louise Bender Deborah and John Bennett Kim Bennett Michael Bergen and Abbie Kiley Elmer and Olha Bertsch Melanie Bessette Jennifer Betsworth Patricia and John Betterly Larry and Jeanne Biggins Assie Bishop Randall Bluth Elizabeth Boham Richard Boleski Abe and Jean Bolgatz Bernice Bornt Ledeboer Jim Boswell Peter Bowden and Sharon DiLorenzo Michael Boxley and Karen McKeown William and Elsa Boyce Barbara Bradley and Tom McGuire Ronald and Charlene Brandow Christopher Brassard and Lisa Pouchak Andrea and Bill Breen Nora Breen Curt Breneman and Miriam Pye Robert Breton Maria Brett Bonnie Brisson Janet Britt and John Dojka Dr. and Mrs. Lewis Britton III Heather Broeckx Dr. James and Marnie Brooks Mark Brown Milton Brown Neil and Rosemary Brown Melody Bruce and David Ray Michael J. Brunell Ronald and Marie Bruschi Charles and Charlotte Buchanan Richard Buckey Carol F. Bullard and Worth Gretter Paul and Leslie Bulmer Geraldine A. Bunn and Stephen Onderdonk Christopher and Kathleen Burke Louise M. Burkhart and Brian K. Ladd Doug Burns and Michele Pigliavento Burns Mary Ellen Bussey Deborah Byers and Frank Pitts Dana and Glenn Cadman Colleen Cain Rita Cao-Garcia James and Julia Cardany John and Patsy Carl Prentiss and Frieda Carnell Suzanne Carreker-Voigt Christine Carroll Darlene and Dan Casale Peter J. Casale Francesca Casaregola
Joseph Cavalvante Catherine Cavanaugh Derek and Kelly Cerza Amy J. Chaput Sam and Kellie Chiappone Sherry Chen Ashok Chhetri Debi Chowdhury Jan Chytilo Robert Clancy and Lauren Payne Rhea Clark Kevin Cleary John Clinton, Jr. Seth Cohen and Ellen Tucker-Cohen Bonita and Jeffrey Cohen Tod Cohen Anna Colello and David Hummel Julie Coleman Yolanda Comproski Jennifer and Thomas Congdon Kevin Conley Ann Connolly Edward and Susan Connolly Kim Connors Hon. Richard Conti and Steve Snow Elizabeth Conway-Coco and Frank Coco Dr. Edwin J. Cook and Patricia Zalinka-Cook Melissa Cookfair Jane Cordts John and Sue Corey Kevin Cornils Sanjay Correa and Carol Hyde Mary and Francis Cosgrove Emily and Matthew Cote TJ Coté and Will Malcolm Colleen Cox Robin Coyle Tristan Craddock Leslie John Craigue Vicki and Tom Crall Nancy and Kevin Creagan Frank Crocitto and Laura Zima Alison Crocker Donna E. and Wilson Crone Nicholas and Sita Crounse Victoria and Tom Crowell Richard and Monique Cunningham Angela Cuozzo Sharon and Edward Cupoli Karen D’Ascoli Neil Davignon Rev. Dr. Scott and Dr. Heidi DeBlock Mrs. Lureen DeBonis Cardish Patrice DeCoster Patricia Dederick Shana DeFazio Mr. & Mrs. Defillippo Philip and Paula DeGaetano John and Harriet DeGraff Amanda Delaney Christina and Alex Dell Susan D’Entremont and John Jones Bonnie Devine and Bill Patterson Elaine Dickinson Wayne and Carole Diesel Margaret Diggs Diane DiGiorgio Brian Dillman Sharon T. DiLorenzo Angela Doane Brian and Toni Doherty Daniel A. Dolan Hon. Cynthia B. Doran Bob Dowd and Maribeth Krupczak Barbara Downs Michelle and Kevin Doyle
Jacob Drum Susan Dubois Jane Ducatt Jeff and Mary Durgee Joseph Durkin and Linda Stadtlander Heather Durr Mary and Chris Duryea Janet B. Dye Kathy Earle Colleen and Bartholomew Earley Christopher Eastman Caitlyn Edmundson Joan Edwards Henry Ehrlich Inge Eley Norine and Chuck Ellett Herbert and Annmarie Ellis Holly Emery and Mike Wheeler Michele Endries Judi England and Jeff Dillenbeck Jeffrey and Lorraine English Carl Erickson David and Alice Esmond Mike Esposito Tom and Lisa Evans Amy Facca and Fred Cawley Eileen Faist Robert Fakundiny and Anne Finch Christopher and Jacqueline Falvey Priscilla and Michael Fanning Evelyn Stern Farbstein Chris and Cathie Farnam Ross R. Farrell Katherine Farrow James and Barbara Featherstonhaugh Anastasia and Robert Fenton Ann and Paul Ferenczy Rocco and Laurie Ferraro Hugh Fisher and Susan Witenberg Fisher Todd and Yvette Fitzgerald Ryan Fitzgerald Nancy Flanagan Mae Flynn Bill and Christine Foley Jennifer Freeman Debra and Wayne Freihofer Charles Freihofer III Diane Fuglein and Frank Bode Elizabeth Gaffney and James Kopp Jack and Ginny Gajewski Marcia Galka Deborah and Kenneth Gall Jeffrey Gallo Janet E. Gargiulo Anthony Garner Hon. James Gaughan and Keith Lee Marie Gavazzi Jean and Antoine Gerbini Michelle D. Gerry Steven Gibbs Wendy Gilman Bradley Glass and Carrie Ward Erin Glennon Stephen and Cathy Golas Gary David Gold and Nancy Pierson Alan P. Goldberg Ben Goldberg and Joan Johnsen Owen Goldfarb and Priscilla Fairbank Jane and Neil Golub Carlsbury Gonzalez Nancy Goody and Gregg Bell Gail Hill Gordon Barry and Karen Greene Virginia C. Gregg Valerie Grey Josephine Grimes Brenda Grober
Beth and Harold Grode Erika and Lauren Groff Meryl Guerrero Margaret Gulliver Russell Haight Lisa M. Hall Scott and Caryn Halle Michael Halloran Liz and Kenneth Halvorsen Denise Harlow and Blake Pavlik Mary and Chris Harrold Margaret and Jonathan Harvey Pamela and Daniel Harvey Carol Hausamann Jessica and Theodore Hausler Theresa Anne Hayden Diana and George Heitzman Claudia Helmke and James Comegys Dr. James Hendler and Terry Horowit Theresa Hennessy Fred Henson Alex Herzlinger Robert and Glenda Hess Kimberly Hickok and Mark Crabbe Claire and John Higgins Ellen Higgins and Richard Beer Robert and Kathleen Hinckley Waynet Hinds David and Alice Hoag Eileen Hoffman and David Munro Alane and Paul Hohenberg Scott Hollander Denise and David Horan Most Reverend Howard J. Hubbard Lucinda Huggins John and Jane Husson Irwin Hutchinson Jason Hymes Richard and Anne Iannello Naomi Ingalls Susan Ivie Mahar Lois and Michael Jensen Mike and Michele Jerison Nancy and Roger Jestel Hon. Kathy and Vince Jimino Elizabeth Johnson Annette M. Johnson Hugh Johnson and Tara Shannon E. Stewart Jones, Jr. and Kimberly Sanger Jones Herb and Linda Jurist Drs. William and Mary Kahl Len and Kathleen Kalmer Pauline Kamen Miller and Frederick A. Miller Bob and Karen Kanarkiewicz Sally and Stanley Kapinos William David Karchner Lara Kassel Ellen and Saul Kattleman Holly Katz and Bill Harris Diane Kavanaugh Black Jenna Keary Daniel Keefe Debra Keegan Leslie Kellam Amy Kellogg Daniel Kelly Honor Marie Kennedy John Kennedy Sarah Kenning John Kent Linda Kent Siobhan and Aaron Kent Kelly Kerr Smruti and Purnima Keshani Svetlana Kessler Cathy Keyser
Sandy and Frank Kiepura Dr. Shalom Kieval and Rabbi Rena Kieval Gordon and Judy Kilby Arthur and Heather Kilmer Fran Kimball Betsy Kindlon Jennifer Kingsley Margaret Kinney Honorable Noelle Kinsch and Darius Shahinfar Amy Klein Christine Kleinegger Rebekah and Curtis Klope Adam Knaust James Knox and Julie Massry Knox Rebecca Koch and Justin Pfeiffer Bill and Audrey Koester Chris Kolbay and Eileen Mahoney Lynn Kopka Joan and Victor Korenman Anoush Koroghlian-Scott Jessica and Daniel Kotlow Lawrence and Ellen Kotlow Kevin Kowski William and Mary Jean Krackeler Sonia and Jaime Krepostman David Krings Robin Krumanocker Michele and Joseph Krupitza David and Sheila Krupski Sara and Nick Ladopoulos Melissa and Joseph LaFiura Robert LaFleur and Mary Pierce LaFleur Saravanan Lakshmanan Nathen Lamb David Lamphere Mollie C. Lampi and Bernard C. Melewski Eileen and Kevin Lang Ann Lapinski Carolyn and William Law George Leamy and Barbara Connolly Linda LeClair Ian Leet Tracey Leibach Lenard Lesser Bonnie M. Lichak Matthew Lindemann Dr. Robert and Kathryn Linhardt Donald Lipkin and Mary Bowen Karen Lipson and Alan Goldberg Steven and Vivian Lobel Meika Loe and Matt Alinger Joseph Logan Wendell Lorang and Sherry Gold Mike and Patricia Loudis Pamela Love Katharine L. Lowe Hedy Lowenheim Clarence Lu Kerri and Kevin Lynch Lynn P. MacGowan Amanda Magee Jessica and Sean Mahar Jenny and Jim Malatras Mary Malcolm Arthur Malkin and Jill Goodman Daria Mallin Peter Maloy Marcel and Leinette Manantan Carri Manchester and Jeff Zipkin Beth Manning Ellen Manning Gordon and Linda Mappes Caroline Margolies Theresa Marino and Joseph Halleck
Judith Martin Lisa Martin Michelle Martin Douglas R. Marx Euthemia Matsoukas and Paul Paksarian Susan Matuszak Dean M. Mauro Daniel and Nichole McBride Bonnie E. McCaig Anthony McCann Pat and Susan McCormick Barbara and John McDonald Assemblyman John T. McDonald III and Renee McDonald Matthew and Christy McElligott Carol McGuirl Maggie McLaughlin Sean McLaughlin Steve McLaughlin Jacqueline Powell McManus Tom McPheeters and Nancy Ost Elizabeth Meer and Andy Beers Steve Melucci Benjamin and Ruth Mendel Wendy and Rudy Meola John Merrill John and Marney Mesch Heather Messina Wayne Metsch and Lynn Gelzheiser Adrian Michalski Edward Miller and Laura Garrison Hilary and Nicholas Miller Lauren Mineau Jeff Miner Robert Mitchell Susan Mitnick Anthony and Debbie Monticello Chris and Jill Monticello R. Mihran and Ovsanna Mooradian Diane and Tom Morgan Peter Morley Dr. Lewis and Phyllis Morrison Stephen and Mary Muller John and Pat Mulligan Joseph Murphy Joan Murphy Paul Murray Russ and Rebecca Myer Annette Nanes and Scott Meyer Ellen Nash Jessica Nash Christine Nealon David H. Nelson Stefanie Neubert and Gerald Eddy Sigrin and Jon Newell Ray Newkirk and Christy D’Ambrosio Ella Mae Newson Jeanette Nicholson Cynthia Nixon Arlene Nock Mary Karen and Mike Noonan Bob and Pat Obrecht Tim O’Brien Kevin and Pat O’Bryan Jose Montiel Ochoa Dan O’Connell Thomas O’Connell and Christine Muniak-O’Connell Adele O’Connell Terry and George O’Connor Patricia O’Connor and Marion Terenzio Harry and Kathy Odabashian James and Karleen O’Hearn Christine and Tom O’Neil Chet and Karen Opalka Geralyn O’Reilly PAGE 9
Contributions From Our Friends Theresa Page Marcy Palmer Chanro Park Robert and Loretta Parsons Renee Parsons and Paula McBath Linda J. Passaretti Hannelore and Ralph F. Passonno Jr. Judy Patrick Ann Pastore and Michael Burkman John and Jane Pattison Nina Pattison Manimoy Paul Linda and Denis Pauze Brian and Lisa Payne Richard Peck and Vincent Gallerani Ann Pfau and Dave Hochfelder Michelle Phillips Susan and Bill Picotte Mary Pilkington Kathryn and Joseph Pingelski Tracy Pitcher Susan Poisson-Dollar and Jerry Dollar Joanne Pollara Christine K. Pollock Rich and Sally Pombo Julia Popova Jennifer Post Paul and Susan Powers Kathy Preston Pradeep Produttoori Nathan Pruitt and Rebecca Keim Randal Putnam Alissa Quinn Gabriela Rabasa Judith Ratner Patricia Raup Kimberly Reach Cheryl Reeves and Martha Schultz Pamela Rehak and Gary Toth Nancy Reich Honorable William Reinhardt and Gail Landsman Rhonda L. Reisner Judy and Mike Revai Robert and Cristine Reynolds Gus Ribeiro Jr. and Lisa Ribeiro Crystal Ricciuti Eileen Rice and Theresa Walker Jennifer Rice Kerri and Phil Richards Stephen and Susan Ridler Rachel Riemann and Atsushi Akera Moira and Thomas Rienzo Ted Riese Judith A. Rightmyer Fabio Ritmo Karen Roach Sean and Kathleen Robbins Neil and Susan Roberts Jennifer Robillard Yasmine Robinson Steven and Janice Rocklin Elizabeth Rodriguez and Darren Scott Tomasa Rodriguez Terrell Roe Virginia and Willard Rogers Katherine and Hugh Roome The Rosen Family Judy and Larry Rosen Jennifer Rosenbaum and David Herman Paul Rosenberg Lisa and Malcolm Roth April Rounds Mark Rubenstein Mary E. Ruiz PAGE 10
Rachel Hye Youn Rupright and Alexander Monticello Naomi and David Rupright Christina and Daniel Ryan Linda Ryan Wendy Saam Gail and Joe Sacco Jose Salaman Laurie and Jim Salmon Mark Santorelli and Kristina Baker Lee Sapienza Gabi Sarhos Doug Sauer Anne Savage and Michael Myers James and Joan Savitt Meredith Savitt and Philip Rosenberg Christine Saward Most Reverend Edward B. Scharfenberger Lawrence Schell Donald and Nancy Schlegel Cornelia Schmitter Jennifer Schulaner John E. Schumacher Abigail R. Schumacher-Benoit and John Pevey Carol and Russell Schwartz Robert and Gail Schwartz Laura Schweitzer Gruenthal and Michael Gruenthal Karri Scott-DiFazio Basil and Rose Seggos Casey and Rachael Seiler Lauri and Florence Selin Robin and Jim Sevinsky Lisa Seychel Toros Shamlian Jr. Dinnie Shanley Ann Shapiro and Barry Pendergrass Kathleen Shapiro Jeanne Sharples Susan Shipherd Mari Shopsis and Eliza Kent Mary Ann and Bruce Shubert Cynthia and Herbert Shultz Heather Sica Mrs. Donna Simms Randy Simon and Rachel Cohon Erin Sinisgalli Paula and Len Sippel Jonathan Skinner James Slavin and Monica Mottolese Todd Slingerland Ruth Smalley and James Peltz Brad and Susan Smi Barbara Leavell Smith Janice and Stan Smith Mary Jane Smith Merline Smith Perry Smith and Rose Anne Fogarty Raymond and JoAnn Smith Thomas Smith and Allen Gosser John Smolinsky and Ellen Prakken Jeremy Snyder and Elana Marton Robert W. Speece Darryl St. Pierre Jay Stasack and Connie Ray Karl Staufenberg Michael and Rebecca Steiner Irving Stephens Punkin Stephens and Lisa Tackley Emily Sterantino and George Esposito Joann Sternheimer and William Stanley Adam and Jeanne Stewart Howard and Margaret Stoner Mary Ann and Carl Storm
The following donations were received between November 2016 – February 2017 Katherine Storms Steven Strichman David Strogatz and Rosalind Thomas Ms. C. Andre Sullivan Yvonne Super Mary and Bob Sweeney Phillip and Martha Teumim Chantel Thomas Betsy Thompson John and Valerie Thompson Susan Thompson and Albert De Salvo Denise Thorn Chris Thorne Ruthellen H. M. Thorne Jo Ann and Patrick Timme Kathleen Tivnan Ann and Ellis Tobin Barbara Todd and Michael Century John and Doris Tomer Congressman Paul Tonko Virginia Touhey and Kathleen Simmonds Jessica and Steve Trowbridge Louis and Shannon Trzepacz Kathleen A. Turek William Tuthill and Gregory Anderson Brenda and Leroy Twiggs Terry and Dan Tyson Christine Urbano Edward and Karen Uttberg James Valentino Jamie Vaughn and Ben Larsen Pierrette Virkler Gail and Larry Volk Betsy Voss Erin and Corey Walsh Cynthia M. Warner Edward and Judy Warren Linda Wason Stacie and William Waters Enid Watsky Susan Watson Fred Weakley Steve Weber Nicholas Webster Dawn Stuart Weinraub Richard L. Weisz Christian Wetzel Rebecca and Corrie Whalen Lynn White Dorsey M. Whitehead Michael and Margery Whiteman Lawrence and Sara Wiest Chris Wilber Howard and Richard Howard Lorin Willett Elizabeth and Wayne Willson Pamela Wilson Rodney Wiltshire Jr. and Jolene Wiltshire Donald Windelspecht and Sandra Daigler Laura Witkowski Michael Wolff and Linda Scrafford Wolff Karen and John Wolner John and Harriet Woods Woody Woodworth Amy and Ryan Yanni Kristina Younger Carol Lynn Youtz Karen Yuen and Elliot Anshelevich Darlene Yule Ben Zautner Agnes Zellin and Paul Tick Gordon Zuckerman
T R IB UT E S IN HON OR OF: Deb Bennett by Florence and Thomas Suraci Marie Brownell by Anne and Thomas Benware Debbie & Jeff Cohen’s 25th Anniversary by Leslie and Geoffrey Patack Maya Cohn by Spencer Bertsch The DeMaria Family by Troy Little Italy Quality of Life Committee Ellen Flink by Dr. Richard Propp Jean Gerbini by Charles and Eva Carlson by Heather Diddel and Samuel House by Henry and Joan Ferguson Mary Ellen Halloran by Barbara Bradley and Tom McGuire Keion Hennessy-Brown by All Over Albany Gene and Dolores Helman by Jennifer Rosenbaum and David Herman Mr. & Mrs. Daniel J. Hogarty by Laura and Edwin Graham Jane Husson by Nancy Ross and Bob Henshaw Peter Jenkins and Amanda Spector by Claire Hershfield Mr. & Mrs. E. Stewart Jones by Laura and Edwin Graham Kimberly Sanger Jones and E. Stewart Jones’ Birthdays by Elinor and Robert Sanger Eliza Kent’s 50th Birthday by Samantha and JP Shipherd Beth Manning by Wendy Muhlfelder Tom McGuire by Margaret Paris Marianne Mead-Wittman by Stephen Mead Alex Monticello by Caitlin Montalvo Ralph and Hannelore Passonno by Dr. and Mrs. James Strosberg Ann Pfau by Ronald and Nancy Brill by Colleen Ryan and Eric Hoppel Mr. Rawitsch by Jennifer Freeman Bernie Sanders by Katherine and Benjamin Mastaitis Abby Schumacher-Benoit by Cory Griffard Karen Shaw by Cynthia Ferrari Dr. Jillian Shipherd and Mr. Sinisa Milenkovic by Samantha and JP Shipherd Mari Shopsis by Mimi Koren and Joe Zelvin Carolyn and William Sorbello by Deborah Kulbako-Arnold and Richard Arnold Jenette Sturges by Gina Minelli Margaret McClain Sulzmann by Patricia A. Bayly Deborah Vogel by Lisa Frisch Amelia Weir by CL King & Associates Michael Whiteman by Heather Diddel and Samuel House
TRI B UTES I N M EM ORY O F: Michael Agneta by Barbara Agneta Thelma M. Boettger by Fred G. Boettger Pat and Jim Browne by Ellen Browne Brother Yusuf Burgess by Jonathan Rosen Chico Christopher by Barbara Bradley and Tom McGuire by William Karchner My Wife Susan Drislane by James Drislane Paul DuBois by Cynthia Kiel Carolyn Estabrooks by Agnes Beverley by The Bissell Family by Bernice Bornt Ledeboer by Pamela Gray by Ronald Miller by Helga Prichard by Sandie Reizen Theresa A. Hayden by Patricia Lang by Mary Lofstedt by Meisha Rosenberg and Roddy Collins by Boleslaw Szymanski by Lee Vilardi Andrew D. Jukins by David Jukins Dean Leith by Julie and James Armstrong by Roger and Judy Armstrong by Mary Ann and Victor Becker by Agnes Beverley by Bernice Bornt Ledeboer by Peter Bowden and Sharon DiLorenzo by Barbara Bradley and Tom McGuire by M. Lynn Bradley by Wilma Bradley by Saundra and Elliott Brown by Jim and Carol Bryce by Louise Carson by Bob and Becky Cipperly by Stacy Pomeroy Draper by Bob Duff
by Catharine Elliott by Jennifer Freeman by Owen Goldfarb and Priscilla Fairbank by Margaret C. Good by Gail Hill Gordon by Ellen and Robert Hotz by William Karchner by Barbara W. Kehn by Pamela Love by McCarthy Charities by Virginia McNamee by Robert Melsom by R. Mihran and Ovsanna Mooradian by Susan and Bill Picotte by Anne Poleto by Allison Pratt-Szeliga by Sibyl Ross by Robert and Gail Schwartz by Philip Shubin by Elsie Shudt by Howard and Margaret Stoner by Edward and Katherine Van Woert Deloris Liuzzi by Sandra Saxon-Davis and Eric Davis Glen Martin by Andrea Hyary by Maeve McBride and Todd A. Clason Virginia Opela by A.J. and Ann Amato John C. Parker Sr. by Dana Parker Alexandra Faith Parry by Theresa and David Parry Dina Santos-Connallon by Libby Santos Susie and Archie Simon by Christine Stone Mary Jane Smith by Barbara Bradley and Tom McGuire by William Karchner Erye Sneck by Van Rensselaer Garden Club Amy Stock by David Merwitz Vera Triolo by Linda McDonald Mark Yolles by Deborah Vogel
SE E D DONOR S Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. ER Seed LLC Henry Fields’ Seeds and Nursery Honest Weight Food Co-op Hudson Valley Seed Company John Schneepers Kitchen Garden Seeds Lowe’s Home Centers, LLC Seedway Select Seeds
True Value Victory Seed Co. I N - K I ND DON ORS
Sue Gannon Goldstein Auto Laura Krneta No Name Design Dave Palmer Ungerman Electric Charmaine Ushkow
WISH LIST Baskets Folding carts for Squash Hunger pick ups Heavy duty utility cart on wheels Gas lawnmowers and rototillers (working) Lengthy garden hoses Computer tech support Hoes (stirrup preferably) Garden carts and wheelbarrows Good working vehicles Water barrels Good working all-terrain mower Set of metal ramps for loading equipment Laptop computers Long handled shovels Silverware Cake platters and pie servers Jumper cables iPods and iPhones 5s or newer High capacity stapler Adding Machine (working)
To make a donation, call: 518-274-8685
SUPPORT CAPITAL ROOTS WITH A DONATION TODAY!
I’D LIKE TO GET INVOLVED
E-Mail:
Volunteer at the annual Spring Plant Sale
In support of the Dean H. Leith, Jr. Memorial Community Garden, I’d like to donate $
Spend a Thursday or Saturday at the Produce Project 8th Street Urban Farm
Name: Phone: Address: $35 Friend $60 Sponsor $120 Supporter $300 Benefactor
$600 Cultivator $1200 Gardening Angel Make me a Harvest Helper for $ a month.
In honor of In memory of
Deliver produce to area food pantries for Squash Hunger
PAGE 11
Non-profit organization U.S. postage
PAID
Albany, NY Permit #916 594 RIVER STREET T R O Y, N Y 1 2 1 8 0
125 LOCAL RESTAURANTS
SILENT AUCTION
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
Sunday, May 7, 2017 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Empire State Plaza | Albany, NY Advance Sale Tickets: $25 Children under 10 eat FREE All proceeds benefit Capital Roots
Tickets & Info www.capitalroots.org events@capitalroots.org 518-274-8685