Date: Fri 10-Apr-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: SUZANN

Quick Words:

Fresh-Air-Fund

Full Text:

Fresh Air Fund Brings Fresh Perspectives To Kids And Their Hosts

BY SUZANNA NYBERG

Connecticut Governor John Rowland recently proclaimed April 6 Fresh Air Fund

Day to commemorate the program's 122nd season and to encourage Connecticut

families to continue opening their homes to disadvantaged children.

Under the auspices of the Fresh Air Fund, more than 20 Newtown and Bethel

families have been inviting children from New York into their homes to share

part of their summer vacation with them. For a few short weeks, these children

escape the asphalt and towering buildings that make up their lives. Their host

families, in turn, gain something more important: they discover the importance

of generosity.

Newtown residents Tracy and Peter Van Buskirk were Fresh Air parents for the

first time last year. Michael Abadio of the Bronx spent two weeks with the Van

Buskirk's children, Dana and Elisa, and he will be returning this year. His

host mom reported that the six-year-old learned to swim and play soccer; he

went to the beach for the first time and was mesmerized by the Fourth of July

fireworks; he also picked up words and phrases more common to suburban

residents, such as "front hall" and "garden hose."

"This was an opportunity for a child to see a world bigger than the hot summer

city," said Mrs Van Buskirk. "It gave him something for which to strive."

Another Newtown couple, Donna and Bart O'Connor, invited Ishiah Caesar of the

Bronx into their home. Ishiah, now 9, went to barbecues, New Haven Ravens

games, and the town pool with the couple's three children, Collin, Kyle, and

Kelly. He also became accustomed to riding in a car. "It was a heartwarming

experience," Mrs O'Connor said.

Janet Haringa, Connecticut Fund representative, believes that in an

interconnected world, it is important to maintain an awareness of the cultural

differences that exist between an urban and suburban community. She recalls

one occasion when her daughter, Page, realized that not everyone had the same

sense of space that she did; her Fresh Air companion, Naomi, wore her

underwear to the bathtub because she lived in a welfare hotel and had no

conception of privacy.

Urban children, too, benefit. According to Haringa, those who are used to

sharing a bed find they suddenly have their own; rather than walk the pavement

because signs tell them to keep off the grass, they play in their own yard;

instead of a poorly stocked cupboard, the refrigerator is full.

Haringa remembers another time when a boy took the family's food and put it

under his bed for safekeeping for he was sure that it would be stolen.

Many host families form long-term bonds with their Fresh Air children,

inviting them back to Newtown for holidays or subsequent summers. These

children will come to rely on their Fresh Air parents, calling them when they

get into trouble or just need some advice. Other families will invite

different children each year so as to give as many as possible a chance.

Host families pick the age and sex of the child they sponsor. Fresh Air

children range in age from 6 to 12; those who return every year may do so

until they are 18.

Host families are needed for this summer; those interested can call The Fresh

Air Fund at 800/367-0003 or Janet Haringa at 268-1259.