WCS Kids Holiday Wishlist

This year our WCS kids have requested gift cards to local stores and restaurants. Download the Gift Card Wish List HERE. This allows them a fun night out or a chance to go shopping for their families. Our community is always so generous during the holiday season. Please send any gift card donations to Development Office by December 15th so they can be distributed. Or if you wish to make a monetary gift, donate to the Holiday Giving fund HERE. Thank you for your support! 

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Purchase a WCS Calendar as a Holiday Gift

Make a donation of $20 or more to the WCS Friends of the Farm fund and receive our festive 2024 Calendar as a gift. The 12 month calendar features one of our unique animals and their stories for every month. Help us continue to rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife in southeastern CT.  Our goal is to build our Friends of the Farm so that we can continue to care for our menagerie of therapeutic animals. Make a donation here or contact development@waterfordcs.org to reserve your calendar! 

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Consider End of Year Giving

December 31 is the donation deadline for 2023 tax deductions, so now is a great time to consider actions to help you increase your charitable impact and reduce your taxable income. You can make your money work harder for good with smart and simple financial strategies. In fact, you may find that you can increase your giving by 20 percent or more—without feeling it in your bank account. Try setting funds aside for giving so it’s a part of your budget, or make use of smart giving strategies such as:

• Donating stock or other appreciated assets
• “Bunching” your charitable donations
• Going beyond traditional charitable giving and trying out impact investing
• Using a charitable giving vehicle like a donor-advised fund
• Qualified Charitable Distribution – if you’re required to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) you may donate and make that RMD tax free.

Take some time to research the options and speak to your tax advisor to see if you can make your giving dollars stretch further.

PARNTER WITH US BY GIVING TO THE WCS ENDOWMENT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! Your gift builds on a century of service at Waterford Country School. 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS AT WATEFORD COUNTRY SCHOOL! 

Waterford Country School announces a historic change to the Board of Trustees as Raymond Currier has been elected Board Chairman. Ray has been on the Board since 2018 most recently serving as the Board’s First Vice Chair, the Chair of the Endowment Committee and a member of the Finance, Personnel and Executive Committees. Ray is currently the Chief Operating Officer of CorePlus Credit Union in Norwich and it has been announced he will soon be their new Chief Executive Officer. He brings a wealth of business and financial expertise to the agency and strong organizational and leadership skills to the Board. While he has big shoes to fill, the entire Board and CEO Chris Lacey believe he is the right person to continue to move the Agency forward.

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Since 1976, Robert ‘Chip’ Anderson has been Chairman of the WCS Board. He has a deep commitment to the Agency and has worried over, supported, and advised us for a long time. The 70s and 80s were a very different time for WCS. We were a new non-profit, having previously been a family business. Those were the years that WCS defined its modern mission working more closely with Connecticut state entities and expanding our school and other programming. Chip oversaw all of that, and our continued development through today, while working with four of the five directors in the agency’s history. His contributions to WCS, both direct and indirect, are impossible to define and rivaled only by members of the Schacht family. While stepping down as Chairman, Chip will remain on the Board and continue to serve the Agency as a Trustee. We are so thankful for his loyal service and dedication to Waterford Country School.

Chip seated with Emily Schacht, Rita Schacht Saunders and Ettie Schacht going over WCS documents

Attorney Robert ‘Chip’ Anderson and Herb Schacht signing legal documents to incorporate Waterford Country School as a nonprofit organization.

In June of 1982, when she was about to become a senior in college, Anne was recruited by her good friend and fellow softball player Sharon Butcher (our Principal). In those days, while still in school full time, she worked four shifts every weekend in the residential program from Friday to Sunday. In a couple of short years, she moved into the Education Program and became the PE teacher going on to teach over 30,000 classes in her career.

In college, Anne (Costello) was not just a softball player, but a superstar pitcher and first baseman. Her team won two national championships, she was an All-American, a Golden Glove recipient, and is in the Eastern CT College Hall of Fame. In her senior year, at a finals game, she was not scheduled to pitch – but right before the game the coach told her she was pitching because she was a “lefty” and the other team was not expecting that – she went on to pitch a four-hitter and win the game.

When asked why she decided to make her work career at Waterford Country School, Anne said, without hesitation, that “building relationships with the kids was the best part.” She ran each class, not based upon a required, established PE curriculum, but based upon what would engage the kids, get them involved, and meet their needs. Any time you visited her class, you would see her actively involved with the kids. Ping pong, dodgeball, board games, arts and crafts, hiking, volunteering… anything that would get them involved, and they loved it. As her relationships with them grew, Anne was much better able to help them with the social and emotional struggles that led to their placement at Waterford Country School.

It was not easy for a teacher in her early days. Her gym was a small converted dairy barn with poor heating and lighting. It wasn’t until 2013 that it was torn down and the construction of the Otto Graham Gymnasium began. However, that left her without any facilities for two full school years.

If there was a “hall of fame” for WCS staff members, Anne would certainly be a member held in the highest regard. Over the years she did many special things but one of the most notable was the fundraising activities she did with the students to support important causes. She started charity work when one of her best friends and coworkers was suffering with a serious form of cancer. She would regularly be present with her during treatments and noticed the many sick and elderly people there without anyone to support them. That started a volunteer relationship with the Cancer Center which lasted for decades.

At first, she brought some of younger students to come at holiday time to visit and sing to the patients. That evolved into handing out ornaments and small gifts to them. Anne then started a Volunteer Club which created small fundraisers like bake sales and small gift sales including bracelets, puff-ball figures, chocolate covered treats and many other things that came out of Anne’s imagination. The students would regularly tour the campus selling their products to staff to raise more. Dollars, turned into tens of dollars which turned into hundreds of dollars. She regularly began to donate money to the Cancer Center, sometimes in excess of $1,000. Then her causes began to broaden to include the purchasing of housing and goats for folks in Haiti and supporting another teachers’ campaign to provide supplies to a class of students in Africa. What is most remarkable – virtually all of the baked goods, bracelets, figurines and other foods and knickknacks were made by Anne, on her own time and at her own expense.

Among her other notable accomplishments, Anne started the DARE program with the Waterford Police Department; she developed and ran winter carnivals (February Olympic games for the kids); she held many annual health fairs for the kids inviting many community providers to provide information and resources; and she worked on the infamous WCS haunted house drawing hundreds of visitors from the community.

In recent years (due to COVID), the morning education department staff meetings went to a virtual format. Each day, the first five minutes featured Anne and some sort of off-the-wall fun presentation to elevate the mood of the entire staff for the start of the day.

So many great contributions, so many great years of service, and so many great relationships with kids and staff… Anne’s work at Waterford Country School will never be forgotten.

– written by Bill Martin 

Waterford Country School is pleased to welcome Marjorie Dedrick of Waterford, CT to the Board of Trustees.

Marj grew up in Manchester, graduating from Manchester High School. Marj holds a B.S. degree in Family Studies and Urban Policy as well as an M.A. in Resource Management; both from the University of Connecticut at Storrs. She currently serves as Chief Development Officer for Connecticut Rivers Council, Boy Scouts of America, a position from which she will be retiring this year. Marj previously served as Development Director for SafeFutures (2000-2008) and prior to that was Director of Design for Lindsay Liebig Roche Architects in New London.

Marjorie has a long history of involvement in Southeastern Connecticut. She served on the Board of Directors of the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, was a member of the Southeastern Connecticut Women’s Network where she served on the Board of Directors and as President (1994) and was a member of the New London Rotary from 1996-2013, a Paul Harris Fellow, and a member of the Executive Board.

Marj has been recognized numerous times for her commitment to women, families, business and her community. Among her recognitions were being named to Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals (2001); Fundraiser of the Year by the National Association of Fundraising Executives (1995), Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Town of Waterford (1997) and in 2012 received the Dochterman Award from the International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians. Marj is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Center for Professional Development, Division of the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits.

Marj has lived in Waterford for over 40 years and is excited to begin working on behalf of Waterford Country School.

In any season of the year here in Connecticut, WCS staff member, Lucas Flood can be found with shorts, a great hairstyle, and a smile, walking around campus. Lucas uniquely understands the students at Waterford Country School. He can anticipate when a child in his group is starting to ramp up with frustration, he can quietly and powerfully move in an instant to stop a young student from running into a danger. He is a WCS success story.

10-year-old Lucas came to Waterford Country School in 4th grade after several stints at area public schools. When they first met with Sharon Butcher, WCS School Principal, Lucas says his parents were “smitten.” There was a “whole different vibe” here that they just had to try for their son. While Lucas attended Waterford Country School as a day student, there was still a gap between when school ended to when his working parents were home at 6:30pm. For many children, this gap of time after school and before dinner is a tough time of the day, without structure. To accommodate Lucas, WCS developed an Afterschool Program that inevitably helped stabilize his household.

Lucas remembers being terrified of some of the animals on the farm at first. After 6 months of working with Linda and the mini horses, walking them became a highlight of his day. He recounts memories of Eclipse the mini horse and his half-brother, Hot Wheels. There were some adventures he had with staff and these horses that make him laugh to this day. He recognized that “his energy around school changed a lot.”

Lucas continued his education at WCS all the way through middle and high school until he graduated in 2014. From 2012 to 2014, he was an intern at Camp Cuheca summer camp and was promoted to Lead Counselor in Training. He went to Thames Academy at Mitchell College, got an associate’s degree, then transferred to Eastern CT State University and received his bachelor’s degree. Lucas still found time to come back to Camp Cuheca that summer as a staff Camp Counselor. “Camp is my favorite place to be, there is different energy there…and I love Tina.” He says being a former WCS student helps him to read them because “I know what they are going through.” Lucas made such great relationships with staff while at WCS, he recounts the stories of Nancy, Ron, Mary and many more who impacted him.

He also made best friends that he has watched grow and advocate for themselves. He and his best friend, James, come back for as many WCS events as they can…still finding their place to belong. He can see the difference in being a student before Cornell’s CARE Model was adopted in 2010 and after. “It’s all about the relationships,” he says and it’s “so much better for staff and kids.”

In 2022, Lucas was hired as a full-time staff member: an Experiential Education Instructor during the school year and a Summer Camp Counselor in the summer. He is a trained Ropes Course Facilitator, leading summer campers through the Challenge Ropes Course.

He has set a personal goal to get to a healthier weight by the end of the summer so he can get to experience the zipline. He has a beautiful story and his presence on our campus as an alumnus and a member of our core staff makes an incredible difference to the children we serve.

“I’m proof that being a WCS kid doesn’t mean you can’t amount to what you want to be.”

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JOIN OUR ALUMNI LIST HERE

Waterford Country School proudly recognized these Staff members and Board of Trustee members on April 23, 2023 for their exemplary service to the agency. Over 120 people attended the awards dinner at Langley’s Restaurant to share in congratulating all of the people listed below. What a beautiful night of inspiration and laughter. 

Chris Lacey, Emily Thomson and Stacy Lowry took turns introducing and recognizing folks who had achieved milestones of 5 through 40 years. This has been the first dinner with all board and staff invited back together since the pandemic. Chris highlighted the work of Board Members, Christine Hammond (10 Years) and Susan Gula (15 Years), The surprises of the night were the prestigious “Ray Johnson Award for Exemplary Service” which was awarded to Robert Edgecomb (15 years) and Nick Hodges (10 years). Chris shared stories about their “whatever it takes” attitude and overwhelming work ethic on campus. Standing ovations were given by the audience as they heard the heartfelt words on behalf of these two employees. Ray Johnson was in attendance and was deeply moved by their service, he also had to say a few words of heartfelt thanks for their inspiration. 

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Although all of the honorees have a story and are important to us. These 3 ladies not only received incredible Years of Service at the Agency but announced their retirement in the coming year. Here is just a portion of the speeches used to describe these incredible women. 

Gloria Dover – 30 Years of Service

“In her 30 years at Waterford Country School, Gloria has served in a crucial role, as the third shift supervisor for the shelter/STAR program.  When the shelter opened in 1992, Gloria was a founding supervisor, and she has continued to serve in that role throughout the multiple evolutions of the STAR program.  One child returned to WCS years later looking for “Glo.” He loved that she used to put a fresh comforter in the dryer for a few minutes before bed, so he could wrap up in a warm blanket to sleep.  From another person who knew Gloria as a child, he said, “I grew up in the system and bounced around from different homes and programs.  As a kid you quickly begin to lose trust and hope in people in your life…Gloria made the unknown more comfortable.”   Thank you Gloria for your 30 years of service. ”  – Jenna Baerlocher, Director of Residential Services

Mary Oddo – 35 Years of Service

“When you think about Mary, so many things come to mind.  Of course her famous dishes like her homemade meatloaf and pizza and her delicious macaroni and cheese. Over the past 35 years, there’s been a lot of change that Mary has had to endure, and Mary is not a big fan of change.  She’s had to transition from sneaking hot dogs and bad carbohydrates over to Bill Martin to making sure there’s always bananas and fresh spinach on the salad bar for Chris Lacey.  She’s a self-proclaimed pain in the butt.  She’s a tiny lady with a big ole’ mouth, and an even bigger heart.  She cares deeply for people.  She loves her co-workers and the kids, and she shows that love through her food.  Mary has been serving up smiles and sassy remarks for 35 years.  Mary plans to retire in June of 2023. She will be missed so much. As a huge part of the culture here at Waterford Country School, it’s hard to imagine what it’ll be like without her.”  – Stacy Lowry, Chief Financial Officer 

Anne Adams – 40 Years of Service

“Annie is an incredible person. If you have only known her a moment you know that she is genuine, wholesome and funny as heck. In August of 1987, After 5 years working for the residential department Annie took her opportunity to become the full time Physical Education and Health teacher and moved to the Education department She has continued in this position now for this being her 36th school year!! I’ve got a lot of stories from the 40 years of Annie, there’s literally thousands of stories I could tell you about how Annie went out of her way to make a connection with a student. Going that extra mile to find out what that student enjoyed – she constantly pushes our students to explore different sports, different activities, different types of crafts. I could tell you stories about her fundraising. She has brought students forward to volunteer at Green tree Manor, The Yale Cancer Center, Haitian Health Foundation and currently with the school in Africa. Annie, together with our students, has raised and donated many 10s of thousands of dollars. I can tell you that she’s passionate about the history and the grass roots beginnings of Waterford Country School – she teaches the history of Waterford Country School as part of her health curriculum. Thank you Annie for 40 wonderful years where you never gave anything less than you very best!”  – Sharon Butcher, Director of Education/School Principal 

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Our sincere congratulations to all the awardees. What a wonderful night of celebrating the hard work, endurance and passion of the people that make up the WCS Family.  

Waterford Country School is a non-profit children’s service Agency and like all non-profits, we rely on the support and assistance of volunteers to enable us to fulfill our mission. These volunteers are very special people with big hearts and offer their gifts of time and talents for the betterment of the children and families we serve.

Every once in a long while, a very special volunteer emerges. This is the story of Scott Gladstone, a community businessman, who has been involved with the Agency for over a dozen years and whose contribution stands alone at the top of the scale of commitment, generosity, and impact upon Waterford Country School.

Scott has generated close to a million dollars in funds, run the highest quality special events, connected the agency with influential persons and businesses, served as an Agency Ambassador, offered consultation in business and fundraising, and tirelessly networked through his contacts and on social media spreading the word on the work being done at the Agency.

Scott has received major recognition for his work, including the Waterford Country School Community Service Award in 2012 and the Eastern CT Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award in 2016. Both were well deserved, yet his contributions continue and seem to grow even more over time.

Scott was recruited by Gary Saunders, a member of our founding family who was on the Board and served on the Development Committee. He recognized the passion and talent that Scott possessed and persistently recruited him to join our cause. It took several years but Gary convinced Scott to become an ambassador and to network with the guests at our annual fundraising gala. Scott took on that role and excelled in his ability to generate passion for the organization among the guests. In a letter of appreciation that Gary wrote to Scott, he stated:

“…You were always the consummate gentleman, and so genuine in your warm greetings – always showing interest and concern… I told a friend today that I was so enthusiastic about you, your leadership and drive…. That’s because you get it. Few do. Consider yourself blessed…”

The following year, Gary unexpectedly passed away. This tragic loss left a huge void in the campaign of advocacy and support for Waterford Country School. The tragedy sparked countless activities on Scott’s part, not the least of which was serving as co-chair of the Bring Your Mojo Golf Tournament that evolved to be a premier event selling out every year and generating good will and tens of thousands of dollars for the Agency.

That was just one of Scott’s contributions. His resume of activities include:

• Bringing in an NFL sports celebrity to meet with the kids
• Providing annual funds from his own Wireless Zone stores
• Providing Christmas gifts from his store employees
• Engaging the Verizon Wireless corporate folks for a working day and donation of funds
• Annually reaching out to about 100 of his personal and business connections to support our special events.
• Inviting important community members to tour and support our agency
• Donating Mohegan Sun Skyboxes to use for fundraising for Fleetwood Mac and Luke Bryant.
• Offering business and marketing consultation to our agency administration
• Advising the Executive Director who served until 2020.

The list goes on and on.

The services that are provided by Waterford Country School are critically important to children and families who are in desperate need of help. That vitally important mission would not be possible without volunteer support and Scott Gladstone sets the gold standard with all that he has done and continues to do.

He gets it. Few do. Waterford Country School is blessed.

Thank you, Scott Gladstone.

– By Bill Martin

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For More Information about the amazing Bring Your MOJO Golf Tournament – CLICK HERE

For More Information on becoming a WCS Volunteer – CLICK HERE

By the middle of his 8th grade year, Lucas Lewis’ parents received phone calls every day from school. Their frustration was palpable as they tried to manage the public school mainstreaming classes and advocating for their son’s learning differences. Lucas said his parents were struggling with his education since his 6th grade year, although as adoptive parents they certainly had been his champions for many years before that. 

Lucas says his town school was trying but “they could only do so much.” At this point he says he didn’t understand himself, he wasn’t able to make friends, he was overstimulated in his large 30 student sized classes and often “shut down” or “walked out.”

His parents knew this was not the way to a successful education for their child. At the end of 8th grade he was able to transfer to Waterford Country School. Within the first couple of weeks at WCS, he encountered tough love, genuine helpfulness and firm guidelines. He instantly loved time on the farm. Not necessarily because of any one animal but the work itself. He recognizes now that it brought purposeful work into his life. Lucas says “Simplicity is a calming thing in itself.” Farm chores, stacking hay bales, responsibility in caring for the animals…this became his calming place where everything wasn’t so complex and confusing.

He also found the teachers to be different than at any other school. They were addressed by first names, classrooms were less formal. They believed in him.

In his junior year of high school, Lucas had true friendships and enough confidence to become a Counselor in Training for the Summer Camp. He would understand these kids, and could relate to their personal issues….and he had the energy to run around and have a blast with them.

The next summer he was a paid Camp Counselor along with our summer staff and was there to help campers experience the excitement of the new zipline! Today, 19 year old Lucas works 40 hours a week at Jaypro and has a steady confidence and calm when speaking about his time at WCS. We are so proud of how far Lucas has come!

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JOIN OUR ALUMNI EMAIL LIST HERE!