Green Chimneys spawns a memoir

Purdue University Press has recently published the Green Chimneys story as told by its founder and managing director.

Green Chimneys is the Brewster-based nonprofit that for more than 60 years has helped troubled children via “the healing power of the natural world.” Sam B. Ross is the Green Chimneys founder and, now, its memoirist.

The book is titled “The Extraordinary Spirit of Green Chimneys: Connecting Children and Animals to Create Hope” and comes with endorsements from actress Betty White, newswoman Soledad O”™Brien and environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The book also offers what it calls “a compelling look at Putnam County”™s growth from a rural enclave.”

Green Chimneys serves youths from New York City, the mid-Hudson region and the counties of western Connecticut.

Said Alan Beck, director of Purdue”™s Center for Human-Animal Bond, “It”™s a combination of what can be done and a how-to for other dedicators.” The book is published in conjunction with Purdue”™s School of Veterinary Medicine.

On April 29-30, Green Chimneys will present the 2011 Humane Education Conference, “Building Humane Communities” featuring several speakers. It is co-sponsored by the American Humane Association.