A Month of Discovery: December 2021
Welcome to the December 2021 TCFD Newsletter!
It may have been one of the most challenging years in our history, but at the same time, it was one the most inspiring.
Unending strength and endless compassion made for new found successes on so many parts of our campus.
We have our eyes set on 2022 as a year of incredible growth.
First, let’s look back at a few brief highlights from the month of December 2021:
Happy New Year – From Our Home to Yours!
Happy New Year, Friends!
As we look out at our stunning Catskill landscape we see 365 days of new possibility. We see new paths to be paved.
We see advancements in our research, in our assistive technologies, in farming and nutrition, and in educational and therapeutic techniques and tools. We see plays ready to be produced, dances to be choreographed, and music to be composed and collaborated. We are constantly moving the goal post here at The Center – and with every move we are witness to true wonder.
We see a stunningly bright 2022 – thanks to the most intelligent, innovative and compassionate staff anywhere – and thanks to you.
Children’s Specialty Hospital Update
The unusually good December weather here in the Catskills helped speed progress at The Children’s Specialty Hospital in Rock Hill.
In December, the foundation was poured for the medically fragile wing of the new facility, and steel beams began to follow in the first few week of the New Year. Classrooms, the clinic, and residential neighborhoods have also already been framed.
Up next – the concrete foundation for the Alemany Learning Center.
Last Call for Our Annual Appeal!
Because of you…anything is possible for the 1,200 individuals in our care. Because of you…we are blessed with wonder and joy daily on our campus. Because of you …hundreds of children and adults do know their unique potential – and the possibilities that lay ahead.
As you settle into 2022, please consider supporting The Center via our Annual Appeal before it closes. Help us reach our goal – we are so close. Visit www.tcfd.org/annualappeal2021.
Thank you for helping us lead the way in the care and education of those with complex conditions. There is no place like The Center for Discovery…because of you.
Welcome, Winter!
The Winter Solstice is always a favorite day here at The Center and in December, our Recreation Team planned and executed our biggest celebration yet.
They paired up with our residents, community, and Dayhab students to prepare nearly 200 vinegar jugs with weights and LED candles, and then set them down on three different campuses – the Thanksgiving Farm & Community School, South Campus, and the Ridge.
Each one provided a serene and beautiful welcome to winter!
Holiday Happenings Across Our Campus!
We go big for all of the holidays here at The Center, and everyone gets involved!
Even our 4-legged furry friends got all dressed up for some festive pictures. We visited the North Pole on the Polar Express. Our amazing Physical Therapists and Education teams helped us use gym equipment to make creative holiday displays. We made warm hats for those in need. The entire campus decorated 75 huge Santa sleighs made by our Innovation Labs, Makers Off Main, and Recreation teams.
The holiday spirit was certainly alive throughout the last month of the year.
Showing Gratitude
For the 2nd year in a row, we held our pandemic-safe Overnight Holiday Breakfast drive-through for our incredible overnight residential team.
It has always been one of our favorite holiday events, and so last year due to COVID we switched to this format. We miss the conversation and camaraderie but our amazing staff got some great breakfast treats, turkeys, and fresh TCFD-baked bread for their family celebrations.
Everyone was grateful for the music and cheer!