The people supported by the Program Without Walls (PWW) at Wheatley Farms have been hard at work on a bottle recycling drive, collecting about 1,400 bottles, and raising $70 to purchase a Red Delicious apple tree in honor of the late Horticulturalist Nanette Muzante. On a hot summer day, nearly 40 people supported gathered with CEO Stanfort Perry, Chief Administrative Officer Barry Donowitz, and farm staff to plant the tree.

Nanette Muzante, who passed away a year ago on June 21, had worked with the agency for over two decades, teaching gardening skills to everyone supported at Wheatley Farms PWW. She showed them how to weed, care for plants, and prepare crops for flea market sales. PWW Site Manager Leotha Montano and the program attendees decided in January to honor Nanette’s memory by planting the tree.

“Nanette did so much that we wanted to plant something that would continue to give,” Leotha said.

Dashawn Wiley, Site Manager for the farm’s cottage, gave a short reading during the ceremony, and some program attendees shared their memories of Nanette. She had a profound impact on the 40 people supported at Wheatley Farms, especially a core group of 18 who developed close relationships with her. From 2019-2021, she coordinated visits to HorseAbility, where attendees connected with horses as part of their therapy.

After Nanette’s passing, Behavior Intervention Specialist Stephanie DellaCroce held weekly meetings to help attendees cope with their grief. Marvin Wedderburn, who does not communicate verbally, would cry at home whenever he saw projects he had made with Nanette Muzante. Stephanie would take him on walks to help him process his sorrow.

The farm’s current Horticulturist, Meletios “Mel” Tsarouhtsis, guided the group on where to plant the tree to ensure it had space and sunlight. With the tree now planted, program attendees are dedicated to its care, watching over it and watering it daily. They eagerly anticipate the tree flowering and bearing fruit next spring.