A MONTH OF DISCOVERY JULY 2026

Dear Friends,

Summer has been full of activity here at The Center, and we’re excited to share some of the latest news from across our community. From the opening of our new Discovery School of the Arts and exciting advancements in research, to memorable summer experiences, community happenings, and a look toward the future of care at TCFD, there is so much happening across the organization.

We’re grateful to our families, friends, partners, and supporters who make this work possible, and we hope you enjoy this latest look at what’s happening at TCFD.

It’s National Make A Will Month!

Did you know that August is National Make A Will Month? It’s a wonderful annual reminder of the importance of making a will to ensure that the people and causes you care about are protected.

Here at The Center for Discovery, our Thanksgiving Society recognizes those individuals and families who have decided to make a planned gift benefitting TCFD, or who have included TCFD in their will.

If you would like to learn more about how you can join the Thanksgiving Society and incorporate The Center for Discovery in your will, please reach out to our office, at (845) 707-8504, or email us at amcleod@tcfd.org.

As a token of our appreciation, anyone who contacts us to learn more about The Center for Discovery’s Thanksgiving Society during the months of August and September will receive a TCFD-branded YETI travel mug. We look forward to sharing how a planned gift can help transform lives for generations to come.

ICYMI: Discovery School of the Arts Opens in Hurleyville

In case you missed it, our new Discovery School of the Arts (DSA) opened its doors in early July, welcoming students to a unique, arts-based educational program in the heart of Hurleyville. Located at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre, DSA places the arts at the center of the school day, integrating music, drama, visual art, dance, and movement with academic learning. Students move through dedicated studio spaces throughout the day, using creative experiences to build academic skills while supporting communication, social connection, self-expression, and personal growth.

The Sullivan County Democrat recently visited DSA to see the program in action and share more about how this new school builds upon the important role the arts have long played here at TCFD.

Read the full Sullivan County Democrat feature here.

Advancing Research at TCFD

TCFD recently brought together leadership, staff, research partners, and collegiate interns for our Annual Research Meeting at the Alemany Learning Center in Rock Hill. The meeting highlighted exciting developments in our ongoing research into autism and other complex conditions, with presentations exploring the gut microbiome and nutrition, AI and machine learning, noninvasive technologies, early detection, behavioral prediction, and the impact of time spent in nature.

Read more about the research presented and our ongoing collaborations on our website here.

TCFD’s Upcoming Transitional Living Community Featured in the River Reporter

The River Reporter recently featured The Center for Discovery’s Transitional Living Community (TLC), an innovative new model of care – soon being developed at our Rock Hill campus – to address the evolving needs of aging adults with complex disabilities. The article highlights the critical gap the TLC is designed to address, as well as the peace of mind it will offer families as their loved ones age.

Read the full River Reporter feature to learn more about the TLC here.

TCFD Show Team Shines at the Grahamsville Fair

The TCFD Show Team recently returned to the Grahamsville Fair to compete and proudly show their animals! Residents from Sweet Hill, Casa Vista, and Tutto Bene participated in the open show, earning Grand Champion honors in the LaMancha, Nubian, and Nigerian Dwarf categories. A special congratulations to Patrick and his goat Meadow, who earned Best in Show, with Patrick also named TCFD Champion Showman!

Other highlights included Big Barn students competing in the 4-H show – and Meadow showing off another talent by winning the watermelon eating contest! It was a great day of competition, accomplishment, and fun for everyone involved.

Celebrating the Second Annual Camp Corrington

2026 Camp Corrington

The spirit of our beloved former staff member, Elaine Corrington, was alive and well at our second annual Camp Corrington celebration! Created in Elaine’s memory, Camp Corrington honors the fun, creativity, and joy she brought to The Center and the individuals whose lives she touched.

This year’s celebration was held at our newly renovated Day Hab location and brought together adults from four of our larger residences for a day filled with inclusive, adapted fun. From axe throwing and a dunk tank to art activities, floral arranging with flowers from our gardens, live music and dancing, and an array of carnival-style activities, the day had all the energy of a festive summer camp.

We were especially honored to have Billy, one of our residents, serve as Master of Ceremonies, with our longtime friend, sibling, and Board member Nelly Bly Arougheti helping to kick off the festivities.

Camp Corrington was made possible through an incredible collaboration among teams across TCFD, including Speech, Physical Therapy, AAIE, Recreation, Innovations, TAFT, HARP, and Day Hab. Together, they brought fun and creativity to a whole new level while creating a celebration that beautifully carried forward Elaine’s joyful spirit.

As Elaine always said, “Be you, be different, create your own way to have fun… and lift each other up.”

DNA Daily Decisions #6 – Face the Facts About Fat

The latest installment of DNA Daily Decisions from the Department of Nourishment Arts® (DNA) is here! Face the Facts About Fat takes a closer look at why healthy fats are an important part of a balanced diet and how choosing the right fats can support brain function, heart health, energy, and overall wellness. This week, staff are encouraged to make a few simple swaps – add nuts, nut butter, or avocado to breakfast, look out for hydrogenated oils on ingredient labels, choose whole-food spreads, or make a simple homemade dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.

Watch the “Face the Facts About Fat” video and check out the companion guide for more healthy fat facts, shopping tips, snack hacks, and this week’s challenge. Remember, health is built through your Daily Decisions!

Watch the video here.

View the companion guide here.

A Day at Yankee Stadium!

Several TCFD students and residents recently enjoyed an exciting day at Yankee Stadium, cheering on the New York Yankees as they took on the Seattle Mariners! Win or lose, it was a fun-filled experience and a great opportunity to make lasting memories together.

A special thank you to Friends of Will for making this experience possible, and to the New York Yankees for their generous donation of tickets!

South Campus Healing Gardens

Growing Connections on the South Campus

What began as a garden revitalization project has blossomed into a meaningful opportunity for connection, learning, and environmental stewardship across our South Campus.

Led by Horticulturist Jenna Denesewich, the initiative has transformed seven campus gardens into welcoming, restorative spaces where students, staff, and families can enjoy the beauty and benefits of nature. Designed to inspire tranquility and connection to the outdoors, the gardens provide peaceful destinations for exploration and enjoyment. Drawing on her educational background in native plants, Jenna thoughtfully selected species that support local ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and contribute to the long-term health and sustainability of the environment.

The children who live and attend school on campus have also been busy helping bring the gardens to life. From planting and watering to ongoing garden care, Jenna and the team are creating hands-on opportunities for children to learn about nature and the importance of caring for living things. Through their participation, the gardens have become beautiful landscapes that are a tremendous source of pride for all!

This project was made possible through generous grant support from Sullivan 180 and Wild Ones, whose investment in community beautification and native plantings is helping create lasting benefits for the South Campus.

Elbow Spacer

Making Space for Comfort with the Elbow Spacer

For individuals whose arms remain tightly bent due to increased muscle tone, the elbow crease can become vulnerable to skin breakdown caused by pressure, heat, and moisture. Commercial supports can be bulky, expensive, and difficult to keep in place.

Our Innovation Labs team developed the Elbow Spacer, a lightweight, 3D-printed solution made from a soft, flexible, foam-like material that is gentle against the skin. Its unique open design promotes airflow, helps reduce moisture buildup, and provides a gentle, forgiving stretch to support a more comfortable elbow position.

This customized solution demonstrates how thoughtful design can improve comfort, protect skin, and enhance quality of life.

Around Hurleyville: Meet Taverna

Hurleyville continues to grow as a vibrant destination for food, arts, recreation, and community – and Taverna is one of the newest additions to the neighborhood. This casual Mediterranean tavern brings made-to-order dishes, an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, and a strong connection to the Catskills community to the heart of Hurleyville.

We recently caught up with Taverna’s owner to learn more about what inspired the restaurant, what guests can expect, and why Hurleyville was the perfect place to call home.

Tell us a little about your restaurant. What inspired you to open in Hurleyville?
Taverna is rooted in a deep love of food, people, and the Catskills—I was born and raised here, so this place is truly personal. I wanted to create a restaurant that feels like home: a place where I can share what I love, welcome people in, and also create opportunities for locals while helping strengthen the sense of community I grew up with.

Hurleyville felt like the perfect fit. It’s a vibrant, welcoming town filled with trails, visitors, and a genuine appreciation for good food and good energy. Taverna is meant to be an easy, comfortable gathering place where everyone—locals and travelers alike—can come in, relax, and feel genuinely taken care of.

What makes your restaurant unique?
Everything we serve is made to order, which allows us to truly cook for each guest—not just at them. That flexibility means we can thoughtfully accommodate dietary needs, and we offer a strong selection of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options that feel intentional and exciting, not like an afterthought.

We’re a casual Mediterranean tavern, but the experience is very intentional. The atmosphere is warm, inclusive, and easy to settle into. The space is fully accessible, with indoor dining, a cozy tavern area, and an outdoor patio overlooking the park. We also keep sensory-friendly details in mind so that every guest can feel comfortable, relaxed, and welcome.

If someone is visiting for the first time, what dish is a must-try?
The Mediterranean Salmon. It’s fresh, bright, and beautifully simple—lemon, herbs, garlic, olive oil, olives, capers, and tomatoes coming together in a way that really represents what we’re about. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and vibrant, and a great introduction to our kitchen.

What do you love most about being part of the Hurleyville community?
The people, without question. There’s a real sense here that people show up for one another. We’ve been lucky to build meaningful relationships with neighbors, local businesses, and visitors, and it feels incredibly special to be part of a community that genuinely supports and uplifts its own.

When are you open?
We’re open 7 days a week:
Monday–Thursday: 5–9 PM
Friday–Saturday: 5–10 PM
Sunday: 1–8 PM