A MONTH OF DISCOVERY MAY 2025
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| Dear Friends,
The last few weeks have been filled with innovation, inspiration, and unforgettable moments. From welcoming international leaders and hosting a groundbreaking theatre production, to celebrating athletic achievements and spotlighting meaningful community partnerships—each story reflects the heart of our mission. We continue to learn from each other, create opportunities for connection, and push the boundaries of what’s possible for individuals of all abilities. We’re excited to share highlights from a recent visit by the Italian Government Agency of Disabilities, a show-stopping performance of CATS, our 15th annual Adventure Team Challenge, and so much more. We’re also proud to introduce the upcoming launch of the SynergE6™ Healthspan Model—our next step in transforming care. We’re grateful to have you with us. |
A Visit from the Italian Government Agency of Disabilities
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We were honored to welcome a delegation from the Italian Government Agency of Disabilities including, Minister Alessandra Locatelli to The Center for Discovery for a tour. Together, we exchanged best practices and ideas, and explored the life-changing work happening here every day. We look forward to sharing information, future visits, and to continue learning and growing together. |
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Written by Conio Loretto, Senior Director of Music Therapy at The Center for Discovery On May 28th and 29th, our Discovery Dramatic Arts program presented a truly unforgettable production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical, CATS. The show featured a cast of 32 talented performers (13 in their Discovery Dramatic Arts debut) who sang, danced, and acted their way right into our hearts. Uniquely adapted by our production team to highlight the strengths of each and every performer, this version of CATS gave all cast members a chance to shine – whether onstage or onscreen. While the performance itself gave us so much to cheer for, much of the magic happened behind the scenes. Our performers worked tirelessly to bring their characters to life – learning songs, mastering stage movements and choreography, and embracing the spirit of the show. Mounting a production like this is no small task, and the rehearsal process can be challenging, but everyone rose to the occasion. Rehearsals became spaces of joy, risk-taking, encouragement, and transformation. Friendships blossomed, connections deepened, and confidence grew. Anyone who has ever performed in theatre knows that a cast often becomes like a family – lifting each other up – and our shows are certainly no exception. The show’s stunning visual design was led by Erin Atkins, TCFD Recreation Specialist, who designed the costumes, props, and set pieces with creative support from students and adults in The Center’s programs. The result brought the world of CATS to life in a beautiful way. The response to our show was amazing. The performances were met with heartfelt cheers, joyful tears, and multiple ovations from the audience. We also received a glowing review in a local newspaper – The River Reporter, which noted: “This is incredibly well-produced theatre in every sense of the word. And like any successful theatrical endeavor, the overall production is elevated by the dedication and talents of those who perform, operate the sound, light the stage, play the music and costume the cast.” That spirit of collaboration is truly what makes productions at TCFD so special. Whether our staff helped transport performers to rehearsals or encouraged them from the sidelines – if they aided in set design, built props, or painted the background for our poster – if our staff created the video projections or managed everything backstage – each and every one of them played a role in bringing this show to life. With heartfelt gratitude, we thank all of them for helping make CATS a success. The Jellicle Ball may be over, but the curtain is far from closed.Stay tuned – more unforgettable theatre is on its way! Watch the incredible performance here. |
Now Streaming: TCFD’s Production of CATS!|
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COMING SOON
Be on the lookout for an upcoming appearance on Curtain Call – a podcast of WFF Radio Catskill where the host spotlights the magic of theatre, one conversation at a time. The host, Tom Candela, will sit down with our very own Conio Loretto, Senior Director of Music Therapy, for an in-depth discussion on this year’s Discovery Dramatic Arts program. This production certainly isn’t losing steam anytime soon!
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Featured in the local River Reporter newspaper, the writer described our recent production of CATS as “lightning in a bottle” – again – and went on to say, “The lights dimmed, a hush fell over the audience and as the music swelled and the show began—it happened again. Lightning, bottle, the works. Boasting an impressive cast of more than 25 incredibly talented performers, all of whom are TCFD residents or day school students, this production of “CATS” is one of the most creative interpretations of a musical that I’ve ever experienced.” Read about the magic here |
A Purr-Fect Interpretation of TCFD’s CATS
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Written by Jim Cashen, Assistant Chief of Integrated Arts at The Center for Discovery This year’s 15th annual Adventure Team Challenge was an adapted sporting event like no other. Eleven enthusiastic, yet very medically complex adults who reside at The Center experienced a number of exciting activities across two days, supported lovingly by our volunteers from World TEAM Sports, the Dolber Family Foundation, and our incredible Center for Discovery Staff! The events kicked off with a vibrant opening ceremony and pep rally at the Discovery Clinic tent complete with dancing, singing and cheering for our green gators, red tide, blue, steel, and yellow jacket teams! Over the course of two days, the event launched into exciting adapted sports and field activities catered to the strengths and abilities of the kind and remarkable athletes in attendance. Just one of the highlights of the event was the pure bliss of the athletes, swimming in our therapeutic pool while participating in adapted aquatic games supported by our talented clinicians, recreation, residential, and administrative teams, who seamlessly worked in unison to smoothly transition some of the most fragile individuals we serve to and from the pool. On day two, we brought our all of the athletes over to the local Morningside Park where we hosted our annual regatta and witnessed innovation, team spirit, trust, and expertise as they experienced boating on a beautiful lake for the first time in their lives! The families in attendance – together with veteran staff fortunate enough to experience this annual event – were brought to tears with pride and astonishment with all that is possible here at The Center for Discovery. That is truly why we say “what happens here matters everywhere”! Special gratitude to our sponsors from World TEAM Sports, Lon Dolber, Osaic, and our incredible TCFD staff. We are already in the planning stage for next year‘s event! |
Where Adapted Athletics, Team Spirit, and Pure Joy Took Center Stage
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TCFD Featured in Mid-Hudson News
The Center’s Thanksgiving Farm® was recently highlighted in Mid-Hudson News as part of a feature on A Single Bite’s food education program. Seventh graders from Monticello’s RJK Middle School visited the farm to explore the power of real, nutritious food – and their reactions said it all. One student shared, “I just feel better when I eat real food,” after learning about biodynamic farming and healthy choices. It’s moments like these that remind us how meaningful our work truly is.
Read the article here
New Publications Coming Soon!
An entire year summed up – be on the lookout for our 2024 Annual Report – coming VERY soon. Also coming soon, an update to our Economic Impact Study that will highlight the impact The Center has made on the local and state economies since 2010. Not to be missed!
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The HealthE6 Evolves: Meet the SynergE6 Model Big news! We’re rebranding our HealthE6® model. It will now become the SynergE6 Healthspan Model! Officially rolling out soon, this new name reflects The Center’s commitment to a comprehensive, integrated approach to health across the lifespan for those we support. As TCFD President & CEO, Dr. Terry Hamlin explains, “We wanted to change the name because it’s a synergistic model – it’s not any one component that makes the difference, it’s the six components practiced together that deliver the incredible, life changing outcomes we see at TCFD. The conversation isn’t just about lifespan anymore – it’s about healthspan, how long we can live healthier lives. And we have the secret sauce here at TCFD with this integrated, interdisciplinary framework. HealthE6 hasn’t been abandoned – it’s been reframed into a model that can truly transform care, not just here, but far beyond.” SynergE6 unites six key elements:
These elements work together to create a dynamic system of care that fosters healing, resilience, and independence. While the name is changing, our mission remains the same: to ensure each and every person at The Center has the opportunity to live a fuller, more meaningful life. Stay tuned for more news on the official rollout! |
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We’re excited to share that The Center for Discovery was honored to receive a grant from Walmart’s Napanoch store during their grand re-opening event. Walmart’s support helps fuel The Center’s mission to create a more inclusive and accessible environment—one thoughtful adaptation at a time. The donation will support TCFD’s Assistive Technology & Innovation team, dedicated to advancing accessibility and inclusivity for all. These funds will help the team to continue developing adaptive devices—including switch-adapted toys—and inclusive programs that enhance independence, engagement, and quality of life for the individuals we support—and beyond. We’re incredibly grateful for Walmart’s partnership and to everyone who helped make this meaningful event possible. Together, we’re building a more inclusive future! |
Walmart Grant Fuels TCFD Inclusive Innovation
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We’re thrilled to share that our Innovation Team—working alongside TCFD resident Linda—has won the Music & Arts category in the 2025 TOM Global Innovation Challenge! This well-earned honor recognizes the power of creativity, collaboration, and heartfelt ingenuity. Their winning project, the Adapted Finger Loom, reimagines traditional weaving with thoughtful adaptations that make it accessible for individuals with limited mobility. Using yarn spun from her own family’s llama fur, Linda is currently weaving a cozy throw blanket—crafted with care and destined as a gift for her loved ones. To celebrate this achievement, the team gathered with Linda to mark the moment and present her with special keepsakes honoring her vital role and the project’s meaningful impact. Congratulations to Linda and the Innovation Team for weaving together purpose and passion in a way that truly stands out. Thanks to their efforts, anyone, anywhere in the world, can now build their own adapted finger loom! |
Innovation Spotlight: Weaving a Win Worth Celebrating!
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Cool News from Our Neighbor Forage & Gather!
Come treat yourself to Forage & Gather’s brand new ice cream menu, featuring local favorite Jane’s Ice Cream from the Hudson Valley. Choose from cones, cups, or even a flight (yes, an ice cream flight!) to beat the heat in style.
And don’t forget about the classics that Forage & Gather is so well known for, like signature lattes, refreshing iced teas, and a full lineup of seasonal sips crafted by their very creative baristas. Hungry? Grab a custom sandwich, Balthazar croissant, or stock up on fresh-baked cookies and other curated pantry goods. It’s going to be a summer worth savoring!
Goat Yoga
Goat Yoga was an all-time hit at the South Campus and Thanksgiving Farm and Community School. The amazing crew at Sweet Hill Farm partnered with the Advanced Physical Education (APE) classes to provide residents with a unique opportunity to combine two joyful activities – interacting with baby goats and doing adapted yoga! There was no shortage of smiles as residents baaaaaalanced in strengthening poses while the baby goats jumped, cuddled, and trotted around the room.
This spring, Sweet Hill Farm welcomed 34 baby goats, all bottle-fed and lovingly cared for by residents and staff. Because they’re handled daily, these little ones are especially friendly and eager to interact!
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Around The Center
