Introductions

Gary Lamb

Gary grew up in the Adirondacks in northern New York State until he finished college in his early 20’s. He studied at SUNY Delhi and Stony Brook during the Vietnam War and Civil Rights Movements. At Stony Brook, he switched from studying engineering science to mathematics. It was there, he met Joel Kobran, who introduced him to Anthroposophy in 1970.

In 1986, Gary and family moved from Spring Valley, where he previously worked at Weleda as a production manager, to Columbia County to become the Hawthorne Valley Farm Store manager.

He then worked in administration at the Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School, where three of four of his stepchildren attended the school for several years. He subsequently started the Center for Social Research, a branch of the Hawthorne Valley Association. Its main activities involved promoting and exploring Rudolf Steiner’s perspectives on a threefold social organism, which includes associative economics, democratic equality, and educational freedom. Together with Joel, they started The Threefold Review, a bi-annual journal on Steiner’s social ideas, and the “Hope Through Education” scholarship fund. These operated for 14 years and 4 years, respectively.

Gary has 4 stepchildren through his marriage with his former wife, Jade Lamb, three of whom attended HVWS for part of their education. His youngest stepchild, Emily, had 4 children who were raised mainly in Guatemala and attended HVS for all or part of their education. Over a 10year period, Gary travelled to Guatemala once or twice a year. He became well acquainted with the history of Guatemala and its people.

As part of the local Social Science Section of the Anthroposophical Society, Gary and others studied Rudolf Steiner’s perspectives on land over a two-year period in support of others in the area who were exploring possibilities of starting a senior living situation with elder care. Shortly after that study was completed, Camphill Copake started its own search for property to begin what is now Camphill Ghent. Subsequently, Gary was part of an early group of people that toured the current property and met with the previous owner.

Gary has tons of friends and acquaintances here already. He would love to give talks about his research on economics, culture, and technology. Camphill Ghent seems the perfect fit both for Gary and for the Community of Camphill Ghent.

Carol Kelly

Carol has been a Home Health Aide for 36 years. She came in during the pandemic, so we did not get to properly recognize this wonderful lady.

After working for 25 years at another elder support facility, she came to us with stunning recommendations.

Carol likes to help and be around people, especially those who cannot help themselves like the elderly. She likes to build relationships, which is why she appreciates Camphill Ghent, where she can help someone by painting their nails, and reading the newspaper to them. She finds it fun. The ratio, she feels, allows for a nice family style atmosphere. We can take meals outside and have lunch, and the work environment is clean and tidy. She wishes she found Camphill Ghent much earlier.

Carol is engaged with her family, spends time with her grandchildren, and likes to garden. She has four grandchildren from her two children. She likes to ride her bike. She spends time with her mom who is 85 and going strong. She used to go to Lake George with her kids and camp and now takes the occasional cruise. She loves spaghetti, and her favorite color is blue. Carol’s birthday is April 6.

Carol is so satisfied with the work environment that she would like to remain here until she retires.

She has worked in many other elder support facilities, but Carol says, “this is the best place I have ever worked, and I find it wonderful here.” Thank you, Carol, for your enthusiasm and all that you contribute!