Young Abolitionists are enjoying an evening of Victorian dancing at the fundraising program they organized called Bonnets and Bayonets: an Evening of Victorian Dance. The event included dance instruction, live music, refreshments, lively conversation, and lots of laughter. The dance party was held in a 19th century ballroom which added a lovely ambiance to the event.

A special thanks go to our sponsors Troy Councilwoman Lynn Kopka, Dean Michael Baumgardner, Evan Ducreay, Mrs. Eleanor Aronstein, and Ms. Claudia Grossi. All teens are welcome to join in the fun!

More than one-hundred-twenty people turned out for the Young Abolitionist Teen Scholars Institute Open House. We are deeply thankful for the wonderful turnout. We also had some good press for the event. This was a summer youth employment assignment for the bulk of the young people but it was a different kind of work involvimng thinking and creativity. They still havd to show up on time, do the work required, and perform responsibly. But they were asked to decide what direction their projects would go in and then were held accountable for their results. Everyone had a good time and the program was a great success. Nealy all of the program was held outside with some sessions held inside the Myers Residence.

Sponsors included Times Union “Hope Fund” of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, First Niagara Bank Foundation, M & T Bank Charitable Foundation, Citizens Bank Foundation, and KeyBank Foundation, in cooperation with the Siena College Summer Service Scholars Program.