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Ruth Tschudin has a long history of reaching out to others, which includes volunteer work with teenagers, a children’s choir at her church for 17 years, a newsletter for the local Girl Scout troops for 12 years, supporting and writing to needy children in India through Christian Children’s Fund for over 40 years, working with a single mom through the county’s Volunteers in Protective Services program, welcoming Fresh Air Fund children and a foster child into her home, and most recently volunteering at a pre-adoptive group home for little girls (run by Children’s Aid & Family Services).
Ruth taught third grade for nine years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. From home (and later from their outside office) she was able to help husband Hugo with his international marketing firm and gain the financial expertise she needed to start the non-profit organization she’d been envisioning for many years. In 1999 she founded Open Doors, an Amazing Grace Foundation, a charitable trust in memory of her mother, Grace.
Ruth is now semi-retired, working at home doing what she always wanted to do: writing inspirational materials. The educational book she wrote during her sabbatical leave from teaching (Educator’s Deskbook of Activities & Activities from Award-Winning Teachers), her many years of writing Bible study newsletters and dramatic presentations for her children’s choir and/or the dramatic group she started called The Good Book Players, and her years as a Biblical storyteller have all worked together to prepare her for this moment.
Her dream is now bigger than ever. This one she names Kids’n’Kritters because it especially benefits children and animals. With God’s blessing and direction, and with the help of many dedicated and caring volunteers, many new doors will open. She invites each and every one who reads this to be a part of making this dream come true! |
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Hugo Tschudin met and married Ruth in 1967. He was born in Switzerland where he earned his doctorate of Law degree. He came to the US as a Rotary exchange student and liked it so much he decided to stay and become a US citizen.
After working for big companies like Vick Chemical and Brown Boveri--and with the Watchmakers of Switzerland as President of its Marketing Institute, preparer of its newsletter, and organizer of seminars for the US/Canada jewelry trade--he wrote his first book, in German. The book, How to Do Business with the United States, launched him as an experienced, dependable guide for European companies wanting to tap the US market. He then started his own business, an international consulting firm (Tschudin Inc.) that grew from a home-based business, with Ruth aboard as VP of Finance, to a twelve-person company in a lovely suite overlooking the George Washington Bridge.
Hugo is now semi-retired and working from home again. This time around he is focusing on health-related topics. He is a researcher, writer, lecturer, and lifestyle coach with his own website (www.Energizingife.com). His most recent work is entitled Wake Up to Abundant Energy: 113 Ways to Make it Easy to ‘Rise and Shine.’ |
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Jessie is a black Labrador retriever who was left at a Staten Island, NY, shelter because of abuse by a family member. She was traumatized by losing the family she’d loved for so many years, but hung in there and found a new beginning in the Tschudin home as “poster girl” for Open Doors.
She tells the story of her abandonment and adoption in her first book, Bark up the Right Tree: Lessons from a Rescued Dog. It’s an easy-to-read story filled with warmth, humor, and inspiration—and the proceeds benefit both children and animals in need of loving homes. She also has a weekly commentary called “A Woof, a Wag, and a High-Four Paw” which is free to those who sign up.
Jessie, an International Therapy Dog and Canine Good Citizen, enjoys visiting her elderly and infirm friends at two nearby facilities. She also loves children and looks forward to delighting them with her customized Waggin’ Wagon.
What’s next for Jessie? Helping with the first big DogFest fun’raiser, promoting her book, and of course working on a sequel. And, like all dogs, she’ll continue to enjoy eating, relaxing, playing, and going for nice long walks in the park. Her dream is that every lonesome, abandoned, unhappy person or pet would be as blessed has she has been. You can email Jessie at jessiesfriends@verizon.net. |
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The McKenna family is rarely bored! We’re always busy with our three active boys, Chris, Brian, and Kevin. They keep parents, Carol and Steve, hopping from school, sport, scout, library, local food pantry, and church events all the time. When we’re not volunteering at our sons’ activities, or working in the education and computer fields, or going through our daily routines and chores, we collapse on our couch at home from sheer exhaustion.
Our family leads two scout groups in our town. Steve is the Scoutmaster of Hillsdale, NJ Boy Scout Troop 108 http://www.troop108hillsdale.com/ . Steve and Carol are leaders in Hillsdale, NJ Cub Scout Pack 81 http://www.cubpack81.com/ . Our oldest son has many large endeavors of his own. A few years ago, he raised over $50,000 so his friend could get a new wheelchair. http://www.troop108hillsdale.com/standup.htm.
This year for his Eagle Scout project he is working on creating a t-ball league for special needs children in the area. Chris’ two younger brothers are learning from him and following right in his footsteps.
Our pets are not our whole life, but our pets do make us whole. Both of our chocolate Labrador Retrievers are rescues. Kayla (sporting the red collar) came from an abusive home. Kayli (sporting the green collar) was a breeder dog in a Pennsylvania Amish puppy mill. By the way, we didn’t name these girls; ironically those are the names they came to our family with! Both these girls have taught us many simple life lessons through their amazing transformations from frightened dogs to right-at-home family dogs. Kayla became the big sister, teaching Kayli how to be a regular dog when she entered her forever home with us. Also included in the McKenna menagerie of creatures great and small are rescued rabbits, turtles and toads; birds; and fish.
We may not have it all together, but together we have it all!
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