Honoring Green Chimneys Founders Myra and Samuel B. Ross, Jr

Finding Focus and Living in the Present

November 7, 2019

April 17, 2017

To celebrate 70 years of Green Chimneys is to honor our roots. Founders Myra and Samuel B. Ross, Jr. have not only made serving children a family affair, they have relied on ingenuity and an unending pursuit of opportunities to transform a small dairy farm into a powerhouse nonprofit.

From the beginning, Dr. Ross knew that animals would be an essential part of the Green Chimneys community. Drawing on his own childhood “friends” – a dog, a rabbit and birds, to name a few – he understood the educational and therapeutic benefits of their presence well before human-animal interaction was a field. Mrs. Ross built the framework for assessing children and developing measurements to track their clinical needs and growth. And it’s at Green Chimneys where they raised their family, ensuring that the value of service to others was passed from one generation to the next, and on again.

Seven decades later, the Rosses continue to follow their calling, to help children with special needs. From leading admissions and spearheading fundraising efforts to meeting with families and providing sound counsel on Green Chimneys strategy, Mrs. and Dr. Ross have not only created an amazing foundation, their contributions are seen, felt and appreciated throughout the organization.

Join us in honoring the Rosses at the Green Chimneys Spring Gala on May 4 in New York City!

Mac

Crabapple Hollow Macintosh, “Mac” for short, is a 13-year-old Clydesdale gelding (male) with striking white markings and long, white hair on his legs called “feathers.” Clydesdales originated in Scotland as one of the smaller draft breeds, but have been bred to be taller to look more impressive in parades & shows. Mac is well known on campus for being the biggest horse at the barn, as he stands around 17 hands high and weighs close to 1,200 pounds! But don’t let his size fool you – Mac is a gentle giant, and is great at his job as a therapy horse, helping students gain important skills in riding & driving sessions.