Don shared with us a talk recently shared at summer camp with a theme of “Growing up – not old.”

Don was raised by faithful Christian parents in Horseheads. He prayed to receive Jesus as Saviour as a youth around 7 or 8 years old during one of his family devotions held regularly each night before bedtime, and made a public profession of faith in Vacation Bible School.

Don has been active in many Christian ministries including Youth For Christ/Campus Life, ACTS, Gideons, MOPS, Child Character Education, and church. He has a degree in Ornamental Horticulture and operated a Greenhouse and landscape maintenance business for approximately 30 years.

He worked for Adjusters International as a Disaster Recovery Consultant for 10 years inspecting damaged buildings and infrastructure, writing and reviewing FEMA project worksheets, and advising clients from Schools, Fire Departments, Private Non-profits, Public Works Departments, Port Authorities, Sewerage and Water Treatment Facilities, Zoos, and Aquariums from New York to Mississippi, Louisiana to Alaska. Also worked on assignments on Native American Reservations in Florida, and with Native Alaskans. Don also has been a landlord for over 32 years. He also has many years experience in local restaurants and jewelry businesses.