This weekend, I have been asking for and receiving donations for the Powell House retreat  for the soccer team at the Powell House, a Quaker retreat in Chatham, N.Y.

The Powell House is a remakabe place, it specializes in offering retreats for young people in need, it has been helping young people for generations.

The programs are run by specially trained counselors. I received about $1200 in cash over the weekend and have been promised another $1,000 in checks that are on the way. That should cover it. If there is more, I’ll pay the RISSE teachers or apply it to the refugee fund.

This year, I have been focusing my support on the soccer team, the new girl’s basketball team, individual refugees and immigrants in need, and the students at the RISSE after school program. The soccer team has some particular needs the Powell House can best address. I think this retreat could have a dramatic impact on the lives of these young people, they have suffered greatly, and are struggling to acclimate to a suddenly hostile America.

I got this letter this morning from a woman named Alison, it was a special letter and it meant a great deal to me. What Alison wrote is also what the Powell House has meant to me and my family, especially my daughter.

“You don’t know me but I chanced upon your blog just now while visiting Powell House on Facebook, and realized I had to reach out. My name is Alison MacLeod, and many years ago –  I think it was 1956 – I spent a life-altering summer as a camper at Powell House. Then, of course, it was still Pitt Hall Farm, and Elsie Powell was its director. She and my mother had been classmates at Swarthmore College back in the early 1930’s.

I was a horse-crazy little girl, and Pitt Hall was devoted to teaching young girls to become thoughtful equestrians – among other things. Most of the campers came from wealthy New York families. I did not. I won’t go into the details, but suffice it to say, Pitt Hall/Powell House changed my life – and Elsie Powell became one of my life-long mentors.

I actually returned for two more summers, although the full fledged camp program ended after my first summer. Something about the spirit of Pitt Hall penetrated my soul and has stayed with me throughout my life.
        A few years ago, I was in the area on a horse-rescue mission, and took advantage of the proximity to stop by for a visit. Much has changed since Elsie Powell passed away and left the estate to the Quakers. However the spirit remains, and if anything, has become stronger. I met the folks who were in charge of running the programs and maintaining that magnificent house. They couldn’t have been nicer. Wandering through the house felt like walking back in time. I could almost hear the familiar voices of all my old friends, and of course the powerful voice of Miss Powell, commanding us to behave like young ladies.
        And now I would like to learn about your program and the kids you intend to bring to Powell House. You were right when you realized that you’d found the perfect place for them to go. It would be great if they could stay longer than two days!
        To that end, I hope you will accept a contribution from a complete stranger. I’m not wealthy but what limited means I have, I enjoy using for endeavors I know to be good. I was 13 that first summer, and now I’m 75 and about to retire from a long career teaching young college students to write. Actually, I’m a tutor and work one-on-one. Many of my students are international, coming from countries all over the world. If there were a way to measure the value of what Pitt Hall/Powell House did for me, I dare say it would be astronomical.
        I’d appreciate hearing back from you. To whom should I make out the check, and where should I send it. I’ll keep all fingers crossed that you are able to raise enough to bring your young soccer players to Powell House. They will love it!

Alison’s idea is a good one, I hope to send some RISSE kids to the Powell House for a week this summer, if they want to go. But that’s for another time.

I believe the money for the retreat is close to or over the goal, I am not sure what is coming in the mail. The retreat costs $2,100 and there are many other needs in the RISSE program. If there is an overage, it will go into the refugee fund and will be accounted for.

If you wish to donate to the retreat or refugee fund, you can send your contribution to Jon Katz, P.O Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., or via Paypal, [email protected].