Dr. Kelly Newby’s THRIVE Therapeutic Camp recently celebrated First Responders Appreciation Day, an opportunity for the camp to recognize and appreciate the First Responders in our community.
Prior the event, Carol Sample facilitated campers in making thank you cards and colored pictures to give to the attending police officers, and for distribution across the department. Carol initiated the Colorful Hugs Service Project when the Pandemic hit. Children color and paint pictures to be delivered to residents at Nursing Homes, as well as Assisted Living and VA facilities. The camp, in Greece, continues their work despite reaching their goal over the course of the Pandemic to deliver over 10,000 Colorful Hugs.
Flags and banners were displayed across the farm to show support as the campers were greeted by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department Mounted Patrol and Sgt. René of the Greece Police Department.
This special event was organized by a Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy, MaryBeth Kowalski. MaryBeth volunteers for the camp several days each week, and is the Director of the THRIVE’s Equine-Assisted Therapy Program.
Stephan Balka, a career medic for Hamlin and COVA ambulance as well as firefighter/medic for Kendall volunteer fire department currently serves as the department EMS Lieutenant. He has volunteered his time to support THRIVE’s equine-based groups after finding Dr. Newby as the new owner of a calf (Burt) he was temporarily fostering. Stephan attended this event in uniform, both dress and transportation.
It was a successful event, providing all with a personable opportunity to connect with one another and demystify the occupation, and the children with an opportunity to show their gratitude to First Responders for putting their lives at risk every day to protect our community.
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