On September 28, 2000, Bro Richard Hughes completed an exhaustive search of the Mid-Hudson Valley looking for a new Marianist residence and retreat house.  That day the Brothers closed on the purchase of the property and house that was to become Founders Hollow. Thirteen years later, Founders Hollow has grown both in size and in the scope of the events that it hosts.  On Saturday Sept 28, 2013, Founders hosted a Day of Recollection for the Chaminade Alumni Parents Association.  Father Garrett, Bro Thomas, Bro Robert, Bro Ryszard and a group of student volunteers hosted 30 CAPA members for a day long event that included brunch, tours of the property, quiet time, Eucharistic Adoration, the celebration of Mass and a hearty dinner.

With so many sophomores and juniors signing up as PREP teachers at parishes all over Long Island, Mr. O'Brien and Mrs. Harnisch had to add a second weekend at Founders Hollow to accommodate all the new PREP teachers who will soon begin teaching.  The Autumnal Equinox was marked by two days of clear, cool crisp weather at Founders.  The retreatants were able to spend much of their free time enjoying the great outdoors.  As you can see in the first photo, some of the new teachers were both fishermen and "fishers of men", testing their skills at capturing some of the bass stocked in our upper pond.  

Members of the Woodworking Club from Chaminade and Kellenberg travelled to Founder's Hollow for thier semi-annual Ora et Labora retreat on September 20, 21, 22, 2013.    On Friday, September 20th, the members worked at Annunciation, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Life, on various shelving projects.  On Saturday, the members visited the woodworking factory of the Bruderhof at their Mapleridge community.  They also toured the Bruderhof's recently opened high school, Mount Academy,  located at the former seminary of the Redemptorists on the shore of the Hudson River.

Thirty sophomores and juniors joined joined Mr. O'Brien, Mr. Champney, Mr. Marone and Mrs. Harnisch and several experienced PREP teachers at Founders on September 15 and 16 to further prepare for their ministry of teaching young students in a host of Long Island parishes.  The weekend included mass with Fr. Philip, Eucharistic Adoration, classroom activities and strategies and plenty of time for recreation.  The cool, clear Fall weather made for a great campfire experience on Sunday night.

The SAINTS (Seniors Assisting in Nurturing the Sophomores) held their annual retreat during which they continue their preparations for assisting in the running of the Retreat Program for the Sophomore Class.  Bro. Roger, Miss Cotty, Mr. Cioffi and Mr. York led the seniors through training exercises, discussions and prayer experiences.  There was, of course, ample time for recreation and relaxation.