(Article author: Nancy Fenichel, Recreation)
I want to thank and send my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who supported the Annual Chili Fest this year that took place at the Residential Programs, in Rhinebeck on April 10th.
Our Thanks
The wonderful thing about Chili Fest is that there are so many contributors to the event’s success, with everyone taking pride in their role! First and foremost, the children; they poured their creativity into crafting and glazing bowls for the sale. The staff, who came out to buy the handmade bowls and enjoy some home cooked chili!
Mike DelGiorno, Astor resident and potter, speaks to staff about crafting ceramic chili bowls for the annual Chili Bowl Fest
And special appreciation to our long-time donor of the residential programs, Andrea Woodner, who financed the chili ingredients to feed 80! A special thanks to Elizabeth Hickey, Art Teacher at the Astor Learning Center (ALC), the special education school located at the Residence, who engaged her art classes in making chili bowls. As result, more children than ever, including ALC day students, were involved this year!
Additionally, much appreciation to the maintenance pros, Matt Wayne and Otto Suarez, who keep our kiln running smoothly, and Recreational Specialist, Amanda Byrnes, who spent many hours overseeing kiln firings of chili bowls! And of course there are the chefs, staff members: Mike Snyder, Beatriz Vides, Adam Miller, Ruben Quintero and Tinnell Hymes, whose culinary abilities were appreciated by all. Josie Delgado-Freaney, Recreational Specialist, served up a mean bowl of chili and provided the music, none other than salsa inherited from the late, great Raul Quintana!
Proceeds from the Annual Chili Fest fund activities and trips for our children.