The
Prism Camphill Ghent
Summer 2026
Inside
Finally Reunited
A life partnership enters a new stage in Chatham
Celebrating Two Centuries
Steve Gitto and Connie Mondel turn 100!
Julie Birch and Jonitha Hasse chat while cleaning up our property for spring.
MOMENTS from spring Photos by LeeAnn Brignull
Phyllis Skaller and Kristina Labaty tidy up garden beds behind our Adult Home.
Lisa MacPherson and Kelly Jarrard paint together during one of our Tuesday morning painting sessions.
Frances Manley paints pretty flowers on Saint Patrick’s Day.
Herta Hoy tends to the garden beds outside of the Adult Home.
Gunther Hauk and Christina Bould sow one of our raised beds.
Mary Logan and Ivy Sharron catch up on the patio of our Adult Home. We had an wonderful time rehearsing and performing the Shepherd’s Play!
Finally Reunited
A Life Partnership Enters a New Stage in Ghent When Karen Jane Hayden moved to Camphill Ghent in 2020, she was excited for a slower pace, new surroundings, and a chance to catch up with old friends. But someone significant was missing from her day-to-day: her partner of more than 50 years. Danny Miller was one of the first people Karen Jane met when she came to Camphill Village Copake for her trial visit in 1971. During her visit, she found herself lost in the Village between Omaskos House and Orchard House, where she had been staying. Good-natured Danny jumped in, and walked her home to Orchard. Karen Jane fell in love in that moment. “And he walked me home every night after work,” said Karen Jane, sitting in her colorful bedroom at Camphill Ghent, with Danny at her side. When Karen Jane officially moved to Camphill Village in 1973, she and Danny became fast friends, and have now been a couple for five decades. Through these years, they’ve traveled together, had hundreds of meals
together, accompanied each other to countless gatherings, and then some. Theirs has been a relationship built on kindness, forgiveness, an appreciation for the arts, and strong emotional support through all of life’s challenges. And even while Danny stayed in Copake after Karen Jane moved to Ghent, the couple still managed to see each other here and there for dinner and celebrations, with the support of their communities and households. But things became much easier for them when Danny finally made it to Ghent over the winter. “For six years, I’ve been in Camphill Ghent, and I’m really happy I got him here,” said Karen Jane. “I had to wait until Danny was ready to come. He called me up every single night.” Now that Danny is in Ghent, he’s been enjoying the calmer pace, multimedia art sessions and so many concerts, as he’s a real music buff. His sister, Deedee recently visited Danny, along with her son, Danny’s nephew, Seth Dennis.
Danny and Karen Jane near Aillinn House in Camphill Village in 1999.
Danny and Karen Jane in Karen Jane’s bedroom at Camphill Ghent.
Danny and Karen Jane joined by Karen Jane’s sister, Kristen, and brother, Peter, during a picnic in Camphill Village.
“After three months he very much enjoys the people, the food, and his accommodations and of course being with Karen Jane. He even has all of his CDs organized in his room,” said Seth. “He was very proud to introduce my mom to all of his new friends and caregivers with a big smile on his face.” Danny has always sought out new music to listen to, and enjoys desk calendars that mark the birthdays of famous musicians. He was delighted to show off his new surroundings, including a blanket with three Labradors printed on it. “Whaddya think I should feed these guys?” he joked. Danny says it’s “quite nice” in Ghent. He’s been meeting new people, and especially enjoying art sessions with Victoria. He’s continuing to use the lap loom he’s so fond of, and stopping by the common areas to see what his friends are up to. “Karen Jane said to me numerous times just after Danny’s arrival that she was so happy he is here. She stated that she has been waiting a long time!” said Jo-An Ellithorpe, our Adult Home & Assisted Living Administrator. “Danny is very content and often spends time with Karen Jane but he also enjoys going outside by himself attempting to fly his kite!” We’re so glad Danny and Karen Jane are able to continue connecting in this new stage while exploring independent interests here in Ghent.
Danny and Karen Jane in Camphill Village in the 1970s.
New Furniture For Our Adult Home Residents Creature Comforts Made Possible by the EQUAL Grant Photos by LeeAnn Brignull
Reggae Paintbox, Heather, Martin Teal. These are some of the cheerful fabrics picked by our Adult Home residents, who were able to choose new furniture for their common areas, thanks to a grant we received through the state’s Enhancing the Quality of Adult Living (EQUAL) Program. “The EQUAL grant makes a substantial difference for our community. It’s meant specifically for the residents of Camphill Ghent’s Adult Home, and we were delighted to be able to replace so much of the furniture that’s been used daily by many people for more than a decade,” said Jo-An Ellithorpe, our Adult Home & Assisted Living Administrator. “This is their home, and they’ve really appreciated the ability to choose the furniture and fabrics that meet their needs and aesthetics.” We wanted to keep our dollars in the local community, and Furniture Plus in Hudson was so attentive to our needs. All of the pieces we purchased were made in the United States, and
Our new furniture encourages us to spend more time in our common spaces!
are built to last through at least the next 10 years of heavy use in our Adult Home. Julie Wojick, who owns Furniture Plus with her husband, Matt, said the main priority in helping us choose our furniture was the unique needs of elders. They need furniture that doesn’t swivel, doesn’t pose a tripping hazard, and isn’t too low. Julie sat in an armchair in her store, describing our choices. “This one is a great example. It’s over at Camphill now,” Julie said. “And we chose it very specifically because it’s sturdy, it’s stable, it has good high arms. People can get in and out of this chair safely. And safety with older people is a real concern.” Louise Frazier says she feels exactly like Goldilocks while testing to find a seat that’s “just right” for her needs. She prefer the feeling of being supported in her back, and if that can be combined with a great window view, she’s pleased.
The colors of the new furniture pieces were coordinated beautifully with every space.
Ilene Oloff loves the new furniture!
Her favorite spot so far is the sofa in one of the common areas in the Zephyr wing of our Adult Home. The furniture set is a more understated taupe with deep red pillows. “I love the colors. I really do, especially in the pillows,” Louise said. “I’ve always been a redhead of course, so browns and these tones seem nice for me.”
Steve Gitto tests out a colorful new armchair.
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In fact, our community members had a lot of input in the colors and prints of the furniture we were purchasing. Julie at Furniture Plus said her store had initially sent some samples that were more on the neutral side, and she was expecting most of the colorful patterns to be represented in pillows. But our residents took a different route, and wanted to see those colorful patterns in the body fabric of their chairs and sofas. “The challenge we had was finding combinations that the residents really liked, and that they felt would give them joy and energize them in their new surroundings, so we had some fun with color,” Julie said. “We didn’t stick with just the traditional grays and tans and browns, but we went bold and it was really their vision that brought it to life.”
Sylvia Bauseman makes herself at home on a comfortable sofa with a view.
Nice Gatherings in Our Farmhouse Photos courtesy of Kristina Labaty
Barb Cooley, Marion Johanson and Brin Quell enjoy coffee, cake, pastries, and fruit at the farmhouse in July.
Gloria Nelson, Brin Quell, Gwen Labaty Pulver and her daughter Ashley and mom Kristina Labaty enjoy a late breakfast in the farmhouse kitchen.
Over the past year, we’ve taken some meaningful steps to create a welcoming social hub in the Farmhouse at Camphill Ghent. We’ve had some lovely lunches and Coffee House gatherings with our independent living residents, and some relaxing summer evenings with our coworker volunteers!
Caitlyn Costello and Kristina Labaty share a laugh while playing cornhole. Daniel Rodrigues plays ping pong during a gathering at the farmhouse.
Amanda Pierro and Jassmin Young have a chat on the porch.
The Ghent Band performed an amazing concert in our Culture hall in June!
Recent Performances Photos courtesy of Kristina Labaty
The Eagles Brass and Community Band performed in May!
Ghent Band conductor Ben Halpin shakes the hand of Steve Gitto, who conducted the band for many years! We loved attending the Fiddlesticks Violin Recital in April!
Stencil artwork by Francie Gordon.
Stencil artwork by Roslyn Shaderowsky.
Stencil artwork by Sheila Adelman.
Stencil artwork by Frances Manley.
Stencil artwork by Gail Mortman.
Two Centuries Celebrated Camphill Ghent residents Connie Mondel and Steve Gitto each turn 100!
Connie and Steve have both lived exciting centuries full of adventure, love, hobbies, and community. Connie grew up in Astoria, Queens, and joined the Sisters of Mercy. As a nun, she was an art teacher in Brooklyn before falling in love with her late husband, Joe, who was a priest at the time. The two purchased a small farm in Spencertown, where they ran an antique store until Joe’s passing, and Connie moved to Camphill Ghent.
Connie Mondel and Steve Gitto celebrate their 100th birthdays!
In March, our community gathered in our Culture Hall to recognize the 100th birthdays of Connie Mondel and Steve Gitto—a happy occasion that welcomed family and friends, and inspired heartwarming speeches. “This is awesome,” said Connie, beaming while sitting with her niece, Lisa, and nephew, Christopher. “To be going on 100 years old in an establishment like this, where people are so generous, so kind, so attentive, and to have my family members here— nephew, niece—and all the friends, it’s just awesome.”
“In a hundred years, you’ve seen the world change in ways most of us can’t even imagine. But the one thing that’s never changed is how much love you bring to our family. They say with age comes wisdom. So at this point, you must know everything,” her nephew, Christopher, said in an entertaining speech that elicited plenty of laughter. “It’s about you. Your kindness, your humor, your strength, and also the way you’ve made everyone of us feel loved. So here’s to you, Aunt Connie. One hundred years young, still sharp, still funny, and still the heart of this family.” Steve sat across from his friend Connie, and enjoyed hearing his own biography. He had left high school to enroll in the Navy during World War II, and served as a trumpet player in the Navy Band, traveling the world, until he was honorably discharged in 1947.
Connie’s nephew, Christopher, delivers a speech.
Connie sits beside her niece, Lisa.
up his trumpet and enjoy playing in his room or on the grounds, if he wishes, right here at Camphill Ghent, a place where he can spend his elder years in the same community where he taught music for 32 years, married his beloved wife Barbara, and raised his five children.”
Jonitha Hasse tells a funny story about her husband Paul hearing “the Steve Gitto” was coming to Ghent.
He finished high school and earned his master’s degree in music education from Potsdam College (Now SUNY Potsdam) before founding the band program in Chatham schools in 1952. For many years, Steve has been known as the “Music Man” of Chatham, having taught hundreds of students who still speak of how wonderful he was. He’s also spent decades performing with a number of bands and ensembles, including the locally beloved Ghent Band, which he conducted for many years. Steve was married to his wife Barbara for 64 years, and the couple raised five children, and enjoyed many grandchildren! Steve is the great grandfather of three, and was delighted to have his kids in attendance at the party. “Even in retirement, he continued to play music. He formed and directed the Columbia Green Community College Rip Van Winkle Brass Band and continued playing in the Ghent Band right up until last year when he was 99,” his daughter Ann told the crowd. “Now that he’s 100, he feels truly blessed that he can still pick
Steve sits next to Karen Jane Hayden while listening to a speech from his daughter, Ann.
Ann continued to praise Camphill Ghent’s music scene, where her father is able to come to the Culture Hall to enjoy live music while being near family and friends every week. “Because as the saying goes, without music, life would ‘b flat.’ Congratulations to Dad and to Connie on achieving this impressive hundredyear milestone,” she told them. “We love you both.” We also heard from friends who live here in Camphill Ghent. Dorothy Haller recalled playing piano while she and Steve were both still in our independent living. “And Steve was so supportive, so kind to me... the kind of kindness that comes out of a real feeling for music. And I want to thank you for that,” she said before turning to Connie. “And, for Connie, one of the things I remember that she said was, ‘Let your attitude be gratitude.’ And that really speaks to me—a great thing for all to try to achieve.” Mike Burgess is a former colleague of Connie. They worked together through the Peace and Justice Commission with Catholic Charities. “And I wanted to come down here wish her a happy birthday because of her kind and gentle way and always her commitment,” he said. “And I worked for the State Office for the Aging and I was always so impressed. I’ve never been here
Dorothy Haller thanks Steve and Connie for their friendship. Also pictured: Louise Frazier.
before. I always heard about this place of being a nice place for older people. And I really wanted to see Connie and to see all of it. So I’m so happy to be here and to see how you’re making the quality of life for people still very nice.” Kristina Labaty presents a stunning cake made by our own Kayla O’Dell.
servants of all that is good and true, I offer this blessing on behalf of the entire Camphill Ghent community,” she said. “May your days be happy and filled with love and laughter. May your days be free of struggle, fear and pain. May you both know how very much you are beloved by all who know you. May you be held in deep abiding, abundant peace. Deep abiding, abundant joy. Deep abiding, abundant grace and deep abiding abundant love. Now and forever. Happy hundredth birthday, dearest Steve and dearest Connie.” Steve sat with his son, Steve Jr., following the celebration.
Celebration attendees had the pleasure of enjoying a musical opening performed by Anna Ree on piano and Paul Hasse on clarinet. They were followed by a lovely poem written by Ed Johnson, who expressed the many ways he’s been inspired by Connie and Steve since moving to Camphill Ghent. “My neighbor across the hall said to me, ‘Hi, I’m Constance. You can call me Connie,’” he read from the paper he held. “Wow. I found myself meeting a fellow spiritual pilgrim who had defied convention to move from being a nun to a life of service to the whole world with a quiet, elegant, calm presence that has been an inspiration to me.”
“It’s been a long stretch. It’s hard to explain. I have a lot of things behind me,” he said, adding that he’s enjoying his time, friends, and surroundings in Camphill Ghent. “It’s been a pleasure here and will continue to be until my last days. And that’s what it will be. Because this is my last home.”
Anna Ree and Paul Hasse perform Bach for our attendees.
Ed then turned his attention to Steve. “His youthful wanderings led him to a music education, which he put to service, training and inspiring more than one generation in making the world a more musical place. All hail the music man of Chatham,” he said. “At the century mark of lives well lived, I want to thank you both for being significant role models for my life and for your contributions to this community.” Before enjoying a beautiful cake made by Kayla O’Dell in the Camphill Ghent kitchen, we heard a moving blessing performed by Marjorie McCoy. “With deep gratitude for your long lives as teachers, artists, community builders and
Family members had a lovely time browsing 100 years worth of photos.
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camphillghent.org
Camphill Ghent Voted Best 50+ Community Living by local readers!
Camphill Ghent 2542 State Route 66 Chatham, NY 12037
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camphillghent.org/donate Camphill Ghent relies on private sources, including charitable donations, to fund more than 40 percent of our annual operating budget. Please consider making a gift today to fund the exceptional care, activities, and arts that enable our elders of all abilities to thrive. Front cover: Life partners Karen Jane Hayden and Danny Miller were recently reunited at Camphill Ghent. Back cover: Crimson clover planted for honeybee forage on our land. Photo by LeeAnn Brignull Please recycle.