As we wind up our year-long celebration of the 200th anniversary year of the Marist Brothers and the

75th year of our Marist mission here in Esopus, it seems appropriate to dedicate this edition of the

MBCE Newsletter to our Mid-Hudson Valley Camps. Saint Marcellin Champagnat, founder of the Marist

Brothers, was a holy man who did ordinary things with extraordinary love. He is, for all of us, a true ex-

ample of “practical Christianity.”

The volunteers who selflessly provide the services needed to make our camps happen each summer,

do the same. The work of the camps is now done by more than 600 volunteers; men and women, lay

people and Brothers together, who work tirelessly on behalf of others. During this anniversary year, we

have re-asserted our call to journey alongside young people as did Marcellin and we have learned a

great deal about them. We know that they are generous of heart. We know that they want to contribute

to building a better world. We know that the MBCE continues to be a formative place for them.

Everywhere you look people share in the same mission. If you ask them why they do it, the answer is

simple: “We do it for the kids.” What a magnificent testimony to the generosity and dreams of young people! To a person, every one of our volunteers would agree that in the course of a summer they re-

ceive so much more than they give. And they give in abundance.

The children we serve live with disabilities, sickness and financial constraints. Their experiences here

during the summer provide them with memories of having fun and being loved. The relationships and

friendships built at camp can last a lifetime. What a wonderful way to spend a summer!

Our Mid Hudson Valley Camps

A Response to the Signs Of The Times

Marcellin Champagnat was a man who responded to the needs of his time. He stressed to the early

brothers the importance of reading “the signs of the times” and adapting to them. The Mid-Hudson

Valley Camp has served hundreds of persons with disabilities for over 40 years, and while we continue

to serve a diverse group of people its first focus was among the deaf community. What started out as a

single week summer session for children with hearing disabilities has blossomed into a nine-week

camp program that caters to many groups of marginalized children.

Our camps came to fruition as a response to the needs of young people. As times have changed, so

have our camps. As you read through this newsletter you will find that special attention has been given

to the new developments and advancements that have occurred. Seventy-five years later, the Marist

mission continues to adapt and to thrive and, most importantly of all, young people remain the focal

point of our mission.

The Marist Brothers’ Center at Esopus is a place where a Marist approach to ministry, formation, and service work together to evangelize young people and adults.

Mission Statement, Esopus 2017

Special points of interest:

Number of Campers

15-16 16-17

741 771

Number of Summer Volunteers

15-16 16-17

810 853

Fall 2017

Inside this issue:

Deaf Camp

In the late days of June, the property once again came to life filled with the voices of children as 68

campers arrived to begin the 2017 Season. The campers hailed from St. Francis School for the Deaf,

Brooklyn and Lexington Avenue School, Jackson Heights. Together they forged a new beginning for

Deaf Camp, one of the oldest camps in the Mid-Hudson Valley Camp roster. During the course of the

week all the children participated in our Outdoor Adventure elements. The campers took part in activi-

ties on the climbing wall, the low ropes Mohawk Walk, course, the Catwalk, the Cargo net.

Our Camps

Volunteer Honor Roll

Volunesia

Centrury Ride 2017

Note of Gratitude

2-3

4-5

6

7

8

Page 2

Camp Angels

Br. Declan Murray Memorial Camp

Special Kids 1 Camp

Adult Vacation

The Freshmen Class of Archbishop Molloy High School, 116 members strong, participated in this

year’s Bro. Declan Murray Memorial Camp. Events throughout the week instructed many of the new members of the Molloy community in the Stanner Tradition. A prayer service was held in our Marist

cemetery. Faculty members stood by the graves of Brothers who have served at Molloy, told their sto-

ries and gave witness to how those Brothers lives touched their lives and molded them into the peo-

ple they are today. The students also gathered together for a Mass on the south lawn of Payne Man-

sion followed by a cook-out at the Boathouse on the shores of the Hudson River. In addition to a full

program of activities on property, the students also participated in off property trips to enjoy White-

water tubing, hiking in Mohonk Preserve and the Wooden Wheel Arcade.

With a generous donation made by one of our camper’s families, Kids 1 transformed the Rock Room into a “Sensory Therapy” Room! The Directors planned for the room throughout the year and began to purchase equipment that would meet the special needs of our campers on the Autism spectrum as well as those with other disabilities. Our sensory room was a great addition for those campers who at times needed a space to diffuse excess energy and relieve feelings of frustration or anxiety. Campers were able to chill out and re-set their mood in a safe and relaxing space. The room, which is able to accommodate several children or an entire group at once, offered multiple sources of calming visual

and tactile sensory input. From cozy pillows to a soothing swing and bubble lamps, the calming effect

was measurable and enhanced the campers’ behavior and enjoyment of camp.

Camp Angels celebrated it’s 5th anniversary by adding another school to the pool of campers who populate this week. Queen of Angels, Ascension and Mount Saint Michael schools invited students

from Mount Carmel and their principal Ms. Valerie Savino to join in their week marked by a Star Wars

Theme. Throughout the week, the prayer services, activities, and even the meals, brought a focus to

the message given the campers that “The Force is always with them”! Outdoor adventure activities

offered a challenge to our campers to overcome the fear of leaving their comfort zones as they learned

that fear is the path to the dark side. There is no doubt that the week at camp gave these young Jedi

the confidence to go out and spread the message to galaxies far away that their experience in Esopus

has been a “Force for Good”.

The ghosts and goblins of Halloween visited our campers enjoying Adult Vacation camp this year! As

the week progressed more and more decorations and costumes appeared and special activities in-

cluded a trip to Ho-Bowl, hayrides, trick-or-treating, and a campfire. The talent show acts were both

spooky and fun, as our campers and counselors came up with some great ideas. The cool weather did

its best to scare our campers away, but they prevailed to enjoy some water aerobics with our life-

guards in the pool. At the end of the week everyone boogied-down in their costumes during the Friday

night dance. It was a truly spectacular week for both campers and counselors. Everyone is looking

forward to sharing Esopus together next year.

Page 3

Sacred Heart Camp

Sr. Pat’s Camp

Special Kids 2 Camp

Young Adult Camp

The Stormtroopers of Star Wars returned for the carnival hosted by the Parish Community of Saint

Helen to begin the week of Sr. Pat’s Camp. Seventy-two campers from Columbia-Presbyterian Hos-

pital enjoyed an evening of games and accumulated prizes as they went from game to game scat-

tered throughout the courtyard. Besides enjoying regular camp activities, the week included trips to

our local bowling lanes and the Ulster County Fair. For over thirty years the Light side has prevailed

over all those who contribute to this special week. May the Force continue to guide all those who

make this camp possible. Sr. Pat’s was also honored to be featured in the July/August edition of ‘New Jersey Catholic’ magazine—a story that highlighted how a week-long summer Camp can turn

into a career of helping others. The article even had a special preface by Cardinal Joseph Tobin!

The cast and crew of Young Adult Camp came together this week for the first ever production of

Esopus the Musical! We kicked off our week with some casting calls and performances from the

Dream Girls and Jersey Boys. The performances continued throughout the week, including an incredi-

ble rendition of the Circle of Life, an unforgettable recreation of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and an extra special visit from the Stars of Chikara Pro Wrestling! We danced and sang our way right

through to the end of the week where we celebrated the graduation of some very special campers.

While we were surely sad the week is over, we are already counting down the days until next year,

reminding ourselves that “there’s no place like home.”

The love for music was in no shortage as the campers of Special Kids 2 experienced The History of

Music and the chapel was transformed into a music arena! Each day at camp had a different genre of

music including country, rock and roll, hip hop, disco, and pop music. Every morning, the campers

listened and danced to music old and new from the genre of the day. After dinner, campers and coun-

selors teamed up to compete between in Name That Tune! Campers were treated to special perfor-

mances every night including a live rock and roll show from New Paltz Rock and “appearances” from well known musicians and bands such as Luke Bryan, The Spice Girls, Aerosmith, and Eminem. Each

camper grabbed an instrument and took to the stage on Thursday for their turn to be the star during

the Battle of the Bands. We closed out the week with our Pop Around the World Dance Party and an

exceptional fireworks display. The week was an absolute SMASH, and we can’t wait till next year.

How much fun can 90 campers from the Bronx have during a week at camp? The answer: "a ton." For us, It’s all about the campers. The Sacred Heart team aims to create positive lasting memories for its campers and the team delivered yet again as demonstrated by all the smiling faces seen throughout the week. Some campers learned how to ride bicycles and roller skate for the first time. A few caught their first fish at the pond, with one shouting "Yes" while giving a big fist pump as an exclamation point in celebration of her accomplishment. Twenty-two other campers swam 125 meters before running another 500 meters to complete the third annual Sacred Heart Biathlon. The campers also were able to enjoy yoga, dance lessons, magic classes, arts-and-crafts, cooking and various special events, including a campfire with 'Smores and spooky ghost stories, as well as a Medieval Times-

themed scavenger hunt during which they visited knights, wizards and a dragon.

Page 4

Alejandro Acevedo

Giancarlo Acevedo

Rebecca Albergo

Maria Aliberti Matthew Alioto

Deanna Aliperti Nicole Aliperti Danielle Allaway

Zachary Almonte

Andrew Alonso

Caitlin Alvarado

Kelsey Alvarez

Matt Amore

David Anger Julia Antignani Jeffrey Arlotta

Vincent Arlotta

Allen Asencio

Maryne Audige

Philippe Augustin

Christopher Autera

Craig Babcock

Christopher Baginski Emily Balkan

Justine Balog

Christopher Barbera

Lauren Barbera

Samiah Barrolle Ginger Basa

William Basa

Marissa Berrios

Tristan Bhiro

Chris Biginski Kaitlyn Biscotti Magdalyn Boachie

Mark Bodnar Nicolina Bolognese

Caelah Borkovec

Nolan Borkovec

Emil Borzdynski Karolina Borzdynski Kerrie Bowden

Caitlin Boyle

Mary Brady

Robert Brady

Patrick Breen

Alison Brennan Cathryn Brown

Victoria Brown

Coleen Brunhuber Karl Brunhuber Tommy Brunhuber Melissa Bustria

Br. Brice Byczinski Eros Cabrera

Desiree Calderon

Emily Calderon

Ashley Callagy

Conor Callagy

Michael Cannella

Nicholas Capitelli Katelyn Carcich

Xavier Cardriche

Matthew Carpentieri Averil Carr Brendan Carr Lauren Kelly Carter Jon Carvajal Conor Casey

Danielle Casey

Joseph Casillo

Edwin Casimir Jaclyn Castoro

Marissa Castoro

David Champlin

Tracy Charles

Jose Chavez

Trinity Chia

Moises Chiquito

Sonia Maria Cintron

Christa Ciuffo

Vincent Ciulla

Danielle Civitarese

Nicole Civitarese

Brendan Cloonan

Andrew Cobuccio

Liam Coen

Dean Colvin

Kim Colvin

Brendan Conroy

Br. Ben Consigli Lauren Costabile

Nicky Costabile

Paul Costabile

Patricia Costello

Robert Costello

Mitchell Cottrell Timothy Coutu

Corinne Crowhurst Ben Crowson

Su-Elene Cuevas

Francis Curley

Sean Curry

Aiden Davis Nicole Debonis

Fallon Delcastillo

Anthony Delponte

Tyler DeMicco

Maria Depalma

Erin Devlin

Charles Dewey

Caitlin Diaz

Lourdes Diaz

Ruben Diaz

Conor Dickson

Nia-Sophia Diez

Salvatore DiPaola

Christopher Disanto

Conor Ditroia

Robert Dittus

Stefano Dongo

Aidan Donohue

Ciara Donohue

Colleen Donohue

Liam Donohue

Thomas Donohue

Bryan Doran

Ryan Doran

Sean Doran

Drukk Dorgy Lama

Robert Doyle

Br. John Dunning

John Earle

Lucien Edme

Miriam Eisenmenger Mallory Elliot Amber Emmino

Michael Erario

Stephen Esposito

Monica Estrellado

Jennie Evangelista

Leanne Fahey

Meaghan Fahey

Franklyn Falby

Matt Fallon

Malachi Fauntleroy

Aidan Felice

Enrique Fernandez

Frankelly Fernandez

Joseph Ferrara

Rory Finn

Mackenzie Fitzpatrick

Madison Fitzpatrick

Emily Flanagan

Michelle Flemen-Tung

William Flood

Rebekah Forrest Lance Fotino

Anne Marie Frascone

Matthew Fret Ryan Gallagher Timothy Galligan

Andrea Gallus

Christina Gallus

Julia Gallus

Amanda Genna

Br. Roy George

John Luke Giannelli Marianna Giannelli Erin Gilbert James Gilhooley

Madeline Gillooley

Michael Gillooley

Niamh Girdusky

Sinead Girdusky

Dana Giuntini Jamie Giuntini Julia Giuntini Chrisel Gladson

Kyle Gniazdowski Felipe Gomez

Adam Gonzalez

Raymond Gonzalez

Luis Gonzalez Jr. Joseph Gorgone

Elizabeth Governale

Lyndsey Grier Christina Grimaldi Br. Peter Guadalupe

Giselle Guerra

Chris Gurski Nicole Guerrero

Diego Gutierrez

Ed Hackimer Laura Hackimer Maureen Hagan

Lauren Haggerty

Emily Hanczyk

Victoria Hanczyk

Carla Hanna

Kaitlin Hargaden

Br. John Healy

Patrick Heany

Dorene Hebron

Chris Heintze

Christopher Herbert Anthony Hernadez

Abigail Hipkin

Andrew Hliboki Br. Patrick Hogan

Luke Holbritter Christian Horan

Ashraf Hossain

Jia Cheng Huang

Brian Hurley

Christine Hurley

Anthony Infante

Carolina Jaime

Caroline Jaipaul Aaron Jarmusch

Woodley Jean-Louis

Daniel Jimenez

Kobe Jones

Wayne Jones

Christina Jordan

Molly Joyce

Jason Jurgens

William Kanellopoulos

Michael Kaponyas

Mid-Hudson Valley Camp Volunteer Roll 2017

The mission of the MBCE greatly depends on the generosity of heart which is so vividly displayed by our volunteers. And the

continued success of the Mid-Hudson Valley Camp is due to our very unique staffing policy. All persons who work at Camp do

so voluntarily. Motivated entirely by their interest in serving others, each staff member offers at least one week of service to

make the Camp possible. Many offer multiple weeks. Most student and young adult volunteers enjoy working at the Camp so

much they have returned to volunteer summer after summer. Some younger staff members have selected careers based par-

tially upon their experience as counselors at Camp. Staffing includes the services of administrators, nurses, adult supervi-

sors, teenage and young adult counselors, clerical staff, grounds keepers and the kitchen staff. The generosity and careful

attention of the staff have provided enormous benefits to the campers involved at greatly reduced operating costs. During the

course of the summer, there are more than 800 volunteer staff members. We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of the

following and applaud them for their generosity of heart.

Page 5

Kathleen Karsten

Kayla Karsten

Ryan Karsten

Evan Kearney

Ryan Kearney

Sean Kearney

Caroline Kelly

Clarie Kelly

Kathleen Kelly

Lauren Kelly

Donna Kim

Jackie Kimball Margaret Kimball Bridget Klein

Erin Klein

Sabina Kobinski Patrick Kohn

Gregory Korczak

Scott Kuhner Natalie Kurzyna

Aaron Laikram

Jordan Laikram

Salvatore Lana

Elizabeth Lanigan

Matthew Lavanco

James Lennox

Ryan Licciardello

Christine Llano

Kathleen Loftus

Joseph LoGiudice

Nina Lokar Elise Lontos

Luis Lugo

Olivia Lugo

Piotr Lukaszek

Jack Luzzo

Thomas Lynch

Natalie Macdonald

Robert Mackie

Vera Mackey

Adam Maldonado

John Maldonado

Lauren Maldonado

Jessica Mandeville-Noerling

Diana Maneri Maribel Mangual Elizabeth Maresca

Emily Maresca

Mark Martinez

Samuel Martinez

Maria Martori Andrew Mascis

Genevieve Matinez

Vanja Matkovic

Chris McCann

Kaitlyn McCleary

Brian McCormack

Ed McCormack

Patricia McCormack

Erin McCormack-

Herbert Kerry McCormack-Toniolo

Maximus McCreesh

Br. John McDonnell Vaughn McFadden

Nora McGloin

Aidan McGovern

Brendan McGovern

Jessica McGovern

Michael McGovern

Jackson McKiernan

Kevin McKiernan

Shannon McLoughlin

Charles McMenamin

Joseph McMenamin

Shane McMorrow

Cayleigh McMullan

Megan McNamara

Andre Medina

Carolina Medina

Colin Medwick Yaw Mensah

George Merritt Michelle Merritt Christopher Mesa

Colin Meyers

Anthony Milevoi Douglas Milstein

Stephanie Miranda

Paul Molnar Jennifer Moncino

Eryka Morales

Nicole Morales

Megan Moravek

Raymond Mukhailov

Rosemarie Mulligan

Elizabeth Mundy

Richard Mundy

Gracie Munoz

Julia Murphy

Meghan Murphy

Nicole Murphy

Thomas Murphy

Norman Myatt Mahdee Najjar Christopher Napolitano

Mary Napolitano

Br. Donnell Neary

Kelly Neville

Aimee Nevins

William Noerling

Mayra Nolan

Br. James Norton

Juliette Noonan

Danielle Nostramo

Shoma Noth

Br. Damian Novello

Br. Donald Nugent Marc Ochs

Brian O'Connor

Kathleen O'Connor Meghan O'Connor Robert O'Connor Lauren O'Donohue

Keith O'Hare

Kate O'Loughlin

James O'Neil Br. Daniel O'Riordan

Br. Owen Ormsby

Daniel Ortiz

Justyn Ortiz

Leiamarie Ortiz

Maiya Ortiz

Omar Ortiz

Robin Ortiz

Gavin O'Sullivan

Luis Paez

Luis Paez

Tomas Palacios

Samantha Paoletti Hannah Parente

Sarah Parente

Christopher Pasinski Thomas Passano

Jessica Pastore

Jaime Pavia Cruz

Emily Peckham

Deanna Pellegrino

Daniel Pena

Noel Perez

Victoria Perez

Annalisa Piccolo

Melanie Piendak

Sarah Pierre

Janessa Pietrucha

Austin Pizzella

Colleen Pochyly

Jordyn Porter Fernando Portilla

Br. Brian Poulin

Roberta Poulin

Mary Grace Power Dylan Powers Vito Prainito

Daniel Price

Deirdre Quinlan

Kevin Quiroz

Sarah Quispe

Jack Rajkowski Hailey Rama

Luis Ramos Ahsanur Rashid

Matthew Reda

Nicholas Reda

Daniel Regan

Sean Rein

Amy Reinwald-Earle

John Resker Sandra Rivera

Joanna Rizzo

Anthony Robayo

Antonio Rodriguez

Cassandra Rodriguez

Beverly Rogers

Mufasa Rogers

Viviana Rojas

Annaliese Roller Alyssa Roman

Elena Rossi Maryanne Rossi Jacqueline Rubino

Caitlyn Ryan

Sean Ryan

Sophia Sagan

Meesha Samuels

Karen Sanango

Alexandra Sanchez

Juan Santiago

Yesenia Santos

Lauren Saverino

Valerie Savino

Daniel Schiavone

Joseph Schiavone

Vincent Schiavone

Catherine Sciano

Lauren Sciano

Dominick Scicutella

Camille Sears

Sparkle Sellars

Ashley Sepulveda

James Sheldon

Andrew Siconolfi Jennifer Sidi Harmanveer Singh

Ryan Soranno

Sabrina Spataro

Jaclyn Spezzano

Connor Stankey

Erin Stapleton

Wayne Stelmach

John Sterbens

Tim Sullivan

Morgan Summers

Anita Swider Jessica Szymeczek

Nicholas Tauken

Joseph Tavera

Catherine Terranova

Nicole Teta

Nicholas Theocharidis

Emily Thurston

Molly Tiedemann

Gabriel Tineo

Allen Tobin

Victor Tomaszewski Claire Tomes

Kathleen Tomes

John Toniolo

Alexandra Torres

Julianne Tracy

Michael Trainor Robert Trainor Jason Trbovic

Connor Tsikitas

Anthony Tufano

Gabriella Turk

Jack Turner John Tyrie

Michael Tyrie

Cristine Urbanak

Opal Vadhan

Eric Valentin

Johnna Vargas

Daniel Vascones

Juan Vasquez

Winston Vasquez

Raul Vazquez

Alexander Velez

Stephen Velez

Henry Ventura

Andrew Visceglia

Janie Wade

Matthew Waldron

Grace Walls

Joanne Walsh

Mack Ward

Andrew Wenzler Ashling Whelan

Eileen Whelan

Kelly Whelan

Mikesha Withahachchi Jon Wlazlowski Patrick Wlodkowski James Woods

Jeannette Woods

Kieran Woods

Liam Woods

Patricia Wright

Mid Hudson Valley Camp Volunteer Roll 2017

Page 6

Mid-Hudson Valley Camp 2017

Volunesia: (noun) that moment when you forget you are volunteering

to help change lives because it’s changing yours…

to departure...

From arrival...

Page 7

Century Ride 2017: A Race towards Home!

2017 Century Riders

Philippe Augustin, Paul Boland, Alison Brennan, Pat Carroll, Bobby Costello, Dave Champlin, Tricia

Dimino-Pao, Mike Garvey, Brian Harrison, Tom Harrison, Evan Kearney, Sean Kearney, Mike Kennedy,

Paul Krishe, Tommy Madonna, Tony Maio, John Maldonado, Chris Mesa, Jake Morris, Marc Ochs,

AJ Power, Beverly Rogers, Damian Sciano, and Kelly Whelan.

Twenty-four Riders gathered with their support team in Central Park this year during the

early hours of the morning on Saturday, September 9th for Century Ride 2017. Together

they made the grueling 100 mile trip through the city, across the Hudson River and up

the steep hills of Bear Mountain towards their final destination: The Marist Brothers

Center in Esopus. All to raise money for the children of the Mid-Hudson Valley Camp.

They do it for the kids and to improve the Marist Brothers Center at Esopus so that we

can enhance the experience of all those who come through our doors.

Together they raised more than $30,000.00 to improve the

Marist Brothers Center at Esopus and the experience of

campers at the Mid-Hudson Valley Camp.

We applaud them all: our riders, support staff, reception

committee and Chair of the event, Joe McMenamin!

2017 Support Cars:

Joe McMenamin, Dan Regan, George Gundy, Dylan

Powers, Tim & Sabina Sullivan, Kevin Coughlin, Crisi

Molnar Pat Manning, Matt Lavanco, Brendan & Megan

Cloonan, Henry Ventura, AnneMarie Frascone and

Dom Scicutella

2017 Reception:

Kate O’Loughlin, Mike Cannella, Mike Trainor, Scott Kunha, Brian O’Connor, Mike McGovern, Molly Joyce,

Bobby O’Connor, Rosie Mulligan, Jenn Moncino, Leanne Fahey, Sabina Spataro, and Tyler Pereira

Esopus 2017….

I am almost sure

that in the Body of Christ

that we call the Church,

We have the power to

help each other’s dreams come true.

For in dark moments,

when light has hidden its face for a while,

We are the stars

meant to shine for each other

…and we do!

More than anything else,

I would like to remind you

That the dreams hidden within you

have the power to become gospel.

- Macrina Wiederkehr

Since the early ’70s campers have journeyed to Esopus to enjoy a week’s respite with their counselors at the Mid-Hudson Valley Camp

held at the Marist Brothers’ Center at Esopus. This summer was no different. More than 1,500 campers and staff members came “home” to Esopus during the nine weeks of the 2017 Season and someone

had to feed them!

This past summer more than 30 people gave a week of their time (and

some of them gave multiple weeks!) to assist in the kitchen and provide

meals for our campers, counselors and staff. We are truly grateful for

the gifts of generosity and service shared with us.

Our Summer Cooks

Mike Cannella, Br. Peter Guadalupe, Br. Roy George, Norm Myatt, Luis

Ramos, Chris Baginski, Tommy Brunhuber, Scott Kuhner, Br. John

McDonald, Henry Miller, Troy Miller, Matt Fallon, Br. John Healy, Br.

Brian Poulin, Roberta Poulin, Joe McMenamin, Erin Gilbert, Br. Dan

O’Riordan, Tom Donahue, Br. Brice Byczynski, Tim Coutu, Bob Mackie, Bill Basa, Ginger Basa, Br. John Dunning, Br. Damian Novella, Francis

Curley, Ryan Dilworth, and Br. Donald Nugent.

A Special Note of Gratitude