He is a member of the planning board that faces issues for a rural area that is now much closer to New York City than ever before. He is president of the board of one small insurance company and sits on the board of another. Chase gives time and effort to farming organizations and is active in the Duchess County Agricultural Society, which sponsors the second largest fair in New York State. He is also involved in showing animals and programs for children. He and Rosemary, a professor at Columbia Community College 20 miles down the road, have three children.
Kids learn very important values on a farm.
They learn early not to be afraid of a day's work and to see a job through. It is a family affair, too, in which everyone knows the role the other plays. Barry and Rosie don't force the lifestyle on their children, but in amongst all that needs to be done, opportunities abound.