Inside Press

Westchester County Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals to Hold Annual National Philanthropy Day Conference on November 15

October 25, 2021 by Inside Press

Virtual Conference to Focus on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access

The Westchester County Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) will be holding their annual National Philanthropy Day Conference virtually on Monday, November 15, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. via Livestream.

National Philanthropy Day, celebrated nationally on November 15 ^th, recognizes the accomplishments and the involvement of those in the philanthropic process. This year’s theme for the National Philanthropy Day Conference will be the AFP Global initiative: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access (I.D.E.A.).

Attendees will enjoy a panel discussion on this year’s theme as it relates to the fundraising profession and philanthropy. The panel will include Renee Daniel Flagler, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Long Island; Ben Lambert, Senior Vice President and Head of Higher Education, Nonprofit & Healthcare Practice at Berkhemer Clayton, Inc.; and Lucy Sorrentini, Founder and CEO of Impact Consulting LLC, as the guest panelists. In addition to the panel discussion, a keynote address will be delivered by Diana Nyad.

Diana Nyad is an author, sports journalist, public speaker, and long-distance swimmer. An accomplished distanced swimmer who broke numerous records, Nyad became the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida at the age of 64 on September 2, 2013, with a time of 52 hours, 54 minutes, and 18 seconds.

Speaking the words “never ever give up” Nyad demonstrated to the world the power of the human spirit and that you are never too old to chase your dreams. Her 2015 memoir titled Find a Way earned worldwide praise where she shares her story of this adventure and the life experiences that formed her unwavering spirit. Known as one of our great compelling storytellers, Nyad’s groundbreaking op-ed piece on her childhood sexual abuse for The New York Times drew a passionate response from around the world. Nyad, along with her friend Bonnie Stoll, has formed Everwalk, an organization to inspire the United States to become a nation of walkers. Everwalk has recently launched OceansCommit, a new initiative to reduce single-use plastic along our shorelines by hosting long walks and short swims.

“Our annual National Philanthropy Day Conference is our signature event featuring a wide array of speakers from different disciplines in the nonprofit community,” said Catherine Lepone, President of AFP NY, Westchester Chapter. “Our focus this year is an initiative that is being championed by AFP Global and we are proud to follow their lead in advancing policies and processes that embrace the diversity and values of all we serve.

In honor of former AFP National Philanthropy Day Conference Event Chair and board member Janet Pollack who passed away in April 2021, a membership scholarship has been created in her memory with the winner to be announced at this year’s National Philanthropy Day Conference. Janet was a champion for nonprofit organizations and the AFP, NY Westchester Board of Directors has put together this scholarship in celebration of her life and service. The one year membership is available for individuals who have never been members of AFP Westchester, conduct fundraising in Westchester County, and serve organizations with less than a $1,000,000 budget. For those who are interested in applying, please visit https://forms.gle/sXRQqKeHfrW478HL6.

The National Philanthropy Day Conference is open to the public and tickets can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/AFPNY2021. Ticket prices are $50 for members of AFP Westchester and $75 for non-members of AFP Westchester. This year’s sponsors for the National Philanthropy Day Conference are Events To Remember, Executive Printing, Mercy College, and YMCA of Central Northern Westchester. For more information about the conference or becoming a sponsor, please contact Events To Remember at (914) 218-3968 or via e-mail at EventsCJH@EventsRemember.com.

About AFP NY Westchester: AFP NY Westchester, chartered under the Association of Fundraising Professionals in April 2010, is an association of professionals that advances philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising. The AFP-NY Westchester Chapter is dedicated to embracing the fundraising profession and serving as the premier resource for education, networking, and professional advancement. AFP NY Westchester provides opportunities for members and local fundraising professionals with access to industry innovators and experts through workshops, luncheons, and other resources. For more information about AFP NY Westchester, please visit www.afpwestchester.org.

Chappaqua School Foundation’s Food Truck Fundraiser Returns to Bell Middle School on October 25

October 21, 2021 by Inside Press

Join Chappaqua’s annual Food Truck Fundraiser on Monday, October 25th from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the lower lot of the Robert E. Bell Middle School on S. Greeley Avenue! This event will feature a special limited menu from seven beloved New York eateries that will come together to serve up mouthwatering seasonal twists on signature offerings.

Organized by the Chappaqua School Foundation (CSF), 25% of the proceeds from this event will go towards the organization’s mission of funding innovation throughout the district’s classrooms. Most recently, grants have supported Studio 7B, a state-of-the-art multi-media makerspace, the architecture and curriculum expansion of the Grafflin Greenhouse, and the “All Night in a Day” grant, which provided copies of the book “Night” by Elie Wiesel to all 10th graders.

Rescued Holocaust Sefer Torah Scroll Finds New Home at Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

October 19, 2021 by Inside Press

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC), a nonprofit organization that offers education programs in partnership with local schools to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust, has received a Rescued Holocaust Sefer Torah from the Yorktown Jewish Center.

The HHREC will safeguard it at their library and education center in White Plains, New York. The Yorktown Jewish Center recently closed after 68 years in operation serving their congregation in the greater Yorktown Heights, New York area.

L to R: Marvin Medow, co-president, Yorktown Jewish Center; HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper; and Michael Mirsky, co-president, Yorktown Jewish Center.

”We are incredibly honored and humbled by the generosity of our dear friends at the Yorktown Jewish Center to become caretakers for this Torah.” said Millie Jasper, Executive Director, HHREC. “And while we are saddened to learn of the closing of the synagogue, we will work very hard to help them achieve their mission in sharing this unique artifact with teachers, students, and the public at large, as a living document to help us educate and inform.”

“It’s both gratifying and heartening to know that this precious item, our Torah, will continue to be used as intended, to educate and elevate the spirituality of all who partake of it.“ said Marvin Medow, one of the Co-Presidents of the Yorktown Jewish Center. “Our Torah has found a new home and the gift of its teachings will continue.”

About The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center is a not-for-profit organization based in White Plains New York that serves Westchester, Fairfield, and neighboring counties. Their Mission is to enhance the teaching and learning of the lessons of the Holocaust and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect. We encourage students to speak up and act against all forms of bigotry and prejudice. Their work with students and teachers helps schools fulfill the New York State mandate that the Holocaust and other human rights abuses be included in their curriculum. Since 1994, they have brought the lessons of the Holocaust, genocide, and human rights crimes to more than 1,500 teachers, and through them to thousands of middle and high school students. Through their volunteer Educators Program Committee, the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center gives teachers the unique opportunity to develop programs for themselves and others. These programs not only enrich teachers’ knowledge about the Holocaust and related issues, but they also provide the lens through which to view all other human rights violations. For more information call 914.696.0738 email info@hhrecny.org

Orchestra 914 presents a Flute, Clarinet and Cello Trio Concert on October 17

October 4, 2021 by Inside Press

Pleasantville, NY (Sept. 18) Orchestra 914 is pleased to present a Flute, Clarinet and Cello Trio Concert on Sunday, October 17 at 3 pm at St John’s Episcopal Church, 8 Sunnyside Avenue in Pleasantville, NY. The Trio features Rebecca Quigley on flute, Jarrett Hoffman on clarinet and Zachary May on cello for an afternoon of mixed wind and string trios. Works will include Francois Devienne’s “Trio in Bb,” “Seclusive Song” by Swedish Cellist Svante Henryson (b. 1963), and Emily Horton’s “Trio” (2019). The program will conclude with Australian composer Harry Sdraulig’s “Serenade” (2019), and a complete performance of American composer Brian Raphael Nabors’ (b. 1991) work “Seven Dances for Flute, Clarinet & Cello. Composer and pianist Brian Nabors’ Seven Dances is a complex piece consisting of seven contrasting miniatures representing various styles of dance and music,including tango, foxtrot and hip-hop.

Brian Raphael Nabors is a composer whose emotionally enriching music presents exciting narratives through its vibrant themes and colorful harmonic language. With an eclectic musical palate and crafty compositional technique, Nabors’ music draws from combinations of Jazz Funk, R&B, and Gospel with a modern flair for contemporary classical music. Nabors grew up in the South, and much of his music deals with new reflections on life, nature and the human condition. This includes how music plays a role in shaping the perception of a society, and how it can be used as a tool to inspire conversations about prejudice, racism and bigotry. Nabors earned both a Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degree in Composition at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music (CCM), and prior to graduate studies he earned a Bachelor of Music Theory & Composition degree from the School of the Arts at Samford University in Birmingham, AL.

Orchestra 914, formerly The Chappaqua Orchestra, seeks to expand the classical music experience for diverse audiences in the Hudson Valley through creative, educational, and community programming with the highest level of artistic integrity. In 1958, Boris Koutzen created The Chappaqua Orchestra in an effort to bring high quality classical music to Northern Westchester. Over the years, TCO has had many incarnations, from a mix of professions and amateurs, to what is now a fully professional orchestra. Orchestra 914 is now officially based in Pleasantville, NY, and has recently appointed Russell Ger as its new Musical Director, as part of its goal to widen its geographic scope and to bring an inclusive and unexpected array of live classical music to audiences throughout Westchester, helping to build a community of music lovers of all ages and backgrounds. Cynthia Peterson, a professional pianist and performer , and long- time resident of the Hudson Valley currently serves as the Artistic Director of the Orchestra 914 Chamber Music Series.

Suggested donation is $30 at the door (accept cash, check, paypal). Audience members attending Orchestra 914 concerts will be required to show proof of vaccination and wear a face covering indoors in accordance with current CDC guidelines.

Demystifying Medicare: Westchester Library Systems Offering In-Person and Online Workshops

September 24, 2021 by Inside Press

People on Medicare can make changes to their health insurance during Open Enrollment, which begins October 15th and runs through December 7th. The Westchester Library System is here to help, with its free live workshops and online version.

“Demystifying Medicare” is for anyone who needs to understand how Medicare works. It’s not only for people who are considering changes to their current coverage, but for those who are soon to be Medicare-eligible, approaching retirement, or helping relatives or friends with their medical decisions and paperwork.

All the currently scheduled in-person events are listed at the bottom of the library’s webpage https://wikis.westchesterlibraries.org/sbic/demystifying-medicare/. There you can also access the online version and work through this complicated subject at your own pace, beginning with a 5-minute video on how to get the best out of the audio chapters, displays and handouts that match the ones used in the live workshops.

A complete understanding of the whole system is key to making the best personal health coverage choices. Topics include Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, prescription drug plans, Medigaps (supplemental plans), EPIC, and cost-saving programs for people with limited resources. There’s also a new .pdf on “Medicare and COVID,” which outlines the relaxation of some of Medicare’s rules during the public health emergency.

In a non-COVID universe, WLS works year-round in other ways to help people understand Medicare and the health insurance industry. It runs free Senior Benefits Individual Counseling centers (SBICs) at the John C. Hart and Will libraries (in Shrub Oak and Yonkers) throughout the year, where people can get answers to their coverage and billing questions on a first-come, first-served basis. The volunteers in this program have been trained and updated monthly with materials from the Medicare Rights Center, a NYC advocacy group not affiliated with the insurance companies or with Medicare itself. For individual help, you can call the SBIC helpline at (914) 231-3260 or email them at SBIC@wlsmail.org. Like the workshops, the counseling is also free.

To sign up for live workshops, please leave your name and number at (914) 231-3236 or email SBICmedia@gmail.com. (But please call the venue before attending to make sure COVID restrictions have not again caused cancellation this season.) And to explore the library’s full range of informational services for seniors, please visit https://seniors.westchesterlibraries.org/senior-benefits/.