Hiram House Camp Awarded $400,000 Grant for New Equestrian Center From The Billie Howland Steffee Family Fund The thrill and beauty of western horseback riding will soon be coming back to camp. Hiram House recently received a $400,000 matching grant from The Billie Howland Steffee Family Fund to build a new Equestrian Center and Farmstead at camp. The project, which complements, but is separate from Hiram House 2000, is set to begin in 2001 and is targeted for completion during the 2002 camping season. Included will be a stable for twelve horses, an indoor arena, an outdoor riding ring, turnout pastures, a barn and barnyard. The unique relationship between youth and animals is a special one that fosters trust and caring and ties directly into the camp’s philosophy of building self-esteem, self-confidence, and responsibility, as well as into the camp’s pioneering theme, officials explained. The Equestrian Center and Farmstead Committee, is overseeing development of the program. It has been hard at work for many months planning the new facilities. Members include Hiram House Trustee and Committee Chairman, Charles C. McConnell, Board President Robert M. Benedict, Jr., Executive Director Russell R. Grundke, Trustees Stacy R. Sternen, Douglas G. Robertson, and Carol Lewis of Craighead Farm. Grundke cited much excitement among campers and staff alike about the new project. He noted that the local equestrian community has also been exceptional in lending its expertise and support. Hiram House is planning to raise $400,000 for the project to comply with grant agreements. To contribute to this matching fund or to find out more, contact Hiram House at (216) 831-5045.
Pumpkin Festival Benefits Youth Thanks to Community Support!
Hundreds of area families braved the unseasonably cold, wet and dreary weather that prevailed on Sunday, October 8, to attend the annual Hiram House Camp Pumpkin Festival where they enjoyed rides, crafts, animals, music, the Haunted Cabin, carnival games, and foods galore. Students from North Ridgeville Middle School posed with our “Pumpkin” mascot, and mums while enjoying S’mores, donuts, apple cider and other taste treats offered at the Festival Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Hiram House Camp “Campership Fund,” which enables disadvantaged youth in Northeast Ohio to attend Summer Camp here next season. The Hiram House Executive Director Russell R. Grundke, said, “We would like to thank everyone who attended or participated for making this year’s Festival a success despite the inclement weather.” Anynone wishing to donate to the Campership Fund may write to: Hiram House Camp 33775 Hiram Trail Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022 Call: (216) 831-5045, or pledge online at: www.hiramhousecamp.org Volunteers from General Electric set up the lighting for our “Haunted Cabin.” “With Our Special Thanks!” Among the many area organizations and individuals lending their services, goods, or financial support to this year’s Pumpkin Festival were:    Fox-WJW Channel 8 TV’s newsman Kenny Crumpton and crew stand by to film campers as they crawled inside Cameron the 55’ Giant Caterpillar    “Zoo 4 U’s” Liza Hanousky shows off a baby African leopard, one of the many furry, feathered and scaly animal friends featured at the Festival’s “Petting Farm” Baldwin-Wallace College Cottonwood Home & Garden David’s Pizza Connection Dunkin Donuts in Solon Ferro Corp. Firstar General Electric Heinen’s Hiram College Hiram House Trustees & Staff JoAnn Fabrics, Inc. John Roberts Hair Studio Key Bank Molinari’s Notre Dame Cathedral Latin Puppetry Club Ohio Signatures Orange School District Orlando Baking Company Outback Steakhouse Patterson Fruit Farm Raintree Restaurant Rosalina’s Hair Salon Saint Ignatius Circus Company Solon High School Stix Restaurant Wal-Mart Ward’s Inn
Meet Our Trustees Robert M. Benedict, Jr. President of the Board
Robert M. Benedict, Jr. When Robert M. Benedict, Jr. joined The Hiram House Board of Trustees eighteen years ago, he did so because he wanted to give something back to society. Serving as President of the Board of Trustees for the past six years, on the Finance Committee, and as past Vice President, Benedict says he is most gratified to have been able to succeed in realizing that objective. “The environment here provides an excellent opportunity to have a positive impact on young people in ways that help them excel throughout life,” he said. Among the most rewarding achievements during his tenure, he cited helping to secure a sound financial foundation for the camp and building consensus for the Master Plan to revitalize Hiram House well into the new century. He noted that these two events will enable the camp to “provide the kinds of services to a number of constituencies in our society that need significant amounts of attention,” adding, “They are first steps towards our vision for a vibrant future.” Benedict is Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer for IdeaStar Inc., a Web, e-business, new ventures firm in Garfield Heights. He lives in Auburn Township, with his wife, Susan. They have three children.
Meet Our Staff New Director of Outdoor Education: Michele Rothstein
Michele Rothstein gives a young camper a lift during a “Happy July 4th” celebration. Michele Rothstein assumed new reponsibilities in September as the camp’s Director of Outdoor Education. In this capacity, she will oversee the School Camps held each spring and fall, interacting with teachers and staff to help develop and integrate programs for students at camp. She will also direct the Summer Day Camp program. She first joined the Hiram House staff seven years ago when she worked as a Summer Day Camp Counselor. She has also been a Resident Camp Unit Leader, Assistant Day Camp Director and Assistant Program Director. Rothstein looks forward to her new role and says one of her first goals is to expand the School Camp program throughout the year. She loves working with kids, noting one of the best things about her job is “to be able to see them have fun and learn at the same time.” A Cleveland native, she grew up in Shaker Height, graduating from Laurel School. She received her Bachelors Degree from Skidmore College, majoring in Biology, with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, and a minor in Early Childhood Education.
Summer Camp Registration Starts in January Snow may be falling and old man winter blustering outside the door, but Summer Camp registration is just around the corner. Get ready to climb a tree, catch a fish, meet a new friend, and more at Hiram House Camp next summer. Summer Camp registration forms will be available beginning January 1st for the 2001 season. Sessions will run from June through August. Dates are: Summer Day Camp (for ages 5 to 11 years) June 18 - August 3. Summer Junior Day Camp (ages 5 & 6 years) June 18 - July 27. Summer Resident Camp (ages 6 to 13 years) June 17 - July 27. For more information, please call (216) 831-5045 or visit our Web site at: www.hiramhousecamp.org . Plan to stop by our Open House on March 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Hiram House, at 33775 Hiram Trail. Sessions fill quickly - Don’t delay for best selection. Makes a great holiday gift for that special kid on your list!