The Catskill Chronicle

Story and photos by Carol Montana

 Barbara Bell has been planning this day for quite some time. And even though her butterfly house has only been open to the public for a year, she still managed to pull off a beautiful day full of exhibits and music and fun.

Barbara’s son Austin is a 15 year old with autism. And in an effort to educate the public, as well as do some fundraising, she decided to hold an event called Butterflies for Autism. “We started with a butterfly house because we thought it would be soothing for autistic children,” said Bell, “Then it grew into ‘let’s have a fundraiser.’ “

So on Saturday, August 8, she gathered some friends, some vendors, and some volunteers. The day was beautiful – sunny with a nice breeze. A lovely day to watch the butterflies, listen to some great music and buy a butterfly cookie, a t-shirt, pet a lamb or feed a calf.

“There’s a lot of autism awareness information here,” said Bell, “a petting zoo, raffles, we’re going to do a butterfly release, we have the Judith Tulloch Band playing. She’s a friend of a friend, and she has a real heart for autism.”

Peggy and Leif Johansen were selling cookies and pastries for Flour Power Bakery. The butterfly cookie was the most popular, but certainly the peace-symbol cookie was a close second.  >>>

And Kelly Giminiani represented Sullivan County Autism Awareness Network (SCAAN), a new group made up of parents of children with autism, and service providers. The group is trying to bring more awareness about autism to Sullivan County. Kelly’s 8-year-old son Ryan has autism, but with her help, and the assistance of his school counselors, he’s learned how to control some aspects of his disability. “It affects me with meltdowns … When I get annoyed, when I’m angry … I just calm down … I learned how to do that when I was 5.”

Kimberly Wragge has two children with autism and she started a Web site to connect with other parents. Now, along with her mother, Arlene Smith, who designs and manufactures t-shirts and mugs to promote understanding and awareness, they go to different events to spread the word. <<<

One of the most beautiful parts of the day was watching Cheri Stalter signing Somewhere Over the Rainbow with the Judith Tulloch Band, featuring Judith Tulloch on guitar and vocals, and Steve Franchino on flute.

Stalter explained that Austin Bell (Barbara Bell’s son) is her godson. As a service provider for the deaf and hard of hearing, Stalter is naturally empathetic. But the heartfelt feeling she brought to the song deeply moved everyone in the audience. >>>

The petting zoo was very popular, and that’s where Ryan Giminiani introduced his little sister Kayla to a lamb. In addition, there was a calf, a peacock, ducks and goats, and, of course, lots and lots of butterflies. <<<

In the meantime, back at the butterfly house, spectators were treated to an indoor rainfall and pre-recorded sounds of thunder and rain. Painted lady butterflies and monarchs flitted about, and caterpillars munched on their favorite (and only) food – milkweed.

And Hurleyville residents, Sue and Ken Kantor were introducing their grandchildren, Nicole and Alexis Lavere, to the butterflies and caterpillars.

To see more photos or to purchase prints visit Butterflies for Autism or the Chronicle on Zenfolio.