FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Frances Chamberlain (860) 868-7377 ext. 221

March, 2001

Washington,CT ... Devereux Glenholme in Washington, CT held its first Heritage Day on February 28, the birthday of Jean White Van Sinderen who born in 1888. Members of her family gathered with staff and students at Glenholme to mark this special day with baby yellow roses and recognition of the continuing legacy of community service.

Mrs. Van Sinderen gave the 100-acre property to Devereux over 30 years ago, allowing Devereux founder Helena Devereux to establish a new school for children in Washington, CT.

Mrs. Van Sinderen had explained her choice at a Washington Town Meeting: “I thought very much about what I might do with the property. I wanted to do something for children, because children had always been the main interest in my husband’s life. I knew it was something that would please him, and my children agree with me. So that is why we chose Devereux.”

Attending the ceremony were Charles W. Henry and Sylvia Van Sinderen Abbate, both grandchildren of Jean White Van Sinderen, Jean V.S. Henry, a daughter of Mrs. Van Sinderen, Mrs. Alfred Van Sinderen, daughter-in-law, old family friend Dana Gibson, and Advisory Board member Karen Valentine. Glenholme children were recognized for community service, especially those who have dedicated more than 100 hours of their own time. After a traditional Glenholme Farm dessert of vanilla ice cream and crispy lace cookies, the group proceeded to Whiteholme, a new boy’s cottage built in honor of Alfred Van Sinderen, Advisory Board Founder and Chair, and named after his mother, Jean White Van Sinderen.

Devereux Glenholme is part of the national Devereux Foundation that has centers in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Devereux in Washington, CT provides special services in a residential environment to nearly a hundred students with behavioral, learning and emotional difficulties.