ALTAMONT — Every summer, city kids come to country homes as part of the Fresh Air program. Begun in 1877, several generations have been part of the program that brings New York City youth to upstate families for the summer. Mary and Steve Reinemann of Altamont have been hosting Beshon Austin, a second-generation Fresh Air kid, for the last few years.
"He’s like our son," Mrs. Reinemann told The Enterprise on Monday as she sat with her family around the kitchen table. Her son, Tyler, is the same age as Beshon and says that the pair call each other their "brother from another mother."

The Reinemanns’ refrigerator, covered with family photos — Beshon and Tyler in matching jerseys — bears proof of the family bonds. The boys are inseparable when Beshon visits, said both Mr. and Mrs. Reinemann.

The family usually takes a day trip with Beshon — last year they went to Niagara Falls. The first summer he came, Mrs. Reinemann said, she spoiled him. During that time, she realized that he just wanted to try a different kind of life.
"His favorite thing to do is go frog-catching," said Mr. Reinemann. "He had never seen a frog before."
Beshon has been coming to Altamont to spend holidays with the Reinemanns, too. They take him sleigh riding at Christmas and egg-hunting at Easter. "He had never colored eggs before," said Mrs. Reinemann. She brought out a slew of family snapshots with Tyler and Beshon standing together in matching T-shirts — in front of the Christmas tree, on the Fourth of July, with the Easter Bunny.
The Reinemann’s have gone to the Bronx to pick-up Beshon, where they met his family. "It was neat to see the neighborhood," said Mr. Reinemann. Beshon’s mother was in the Fresh Air program as a kid, said Mrs. Reinemann, she says he loves coming up state to visit.
"He wants to come up until he’s 30," Mrs. Reinemann said that Beshon’s mother told her. "He wants to bring his wife here."

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The Fresh Air program is still looking for host families to participate this summer. You can contact Jan Van Etten, who has overseen the local program for decades, at 872-1895 for more information.