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Inside Press

914Cares to Host its 4th annual Westchester Poverty Symposium on March 9

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On Thursday, March 9th, the Westchester non-profit 914Cares will host its 4th annual Westchester Poverty Symposium. The event is being held at The Play Group Theatre in White Plains from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Featuring keynote speaker David Heath, the Co-Founder and CEO of Bombas, the symposium will feature presentations and conversations from some of the County’s leading experts on the topic.                

The Symposium is an opportunity for thought leaders including community members, nonprofit leaders, elected officials, policymakers, funders, and others to share innovative ideas about community-driven partnerships. 

Featured presenters and panelists include:                                                                                            

  • David Heath, Co-Founder and CEO, Bombas
  • Jessica Reinmann, CEO/Chairman, 914Cares
  • Lynn Margherio, Founder/CEO, Cradles to Crayons
  • Nichole Culotta, Program Manager, 914Cares
  • Ana Maria Fritsch, Bedford Central School District
  • Matthew Fasciano, President & CEO, Delivering Good
  • Daniel Bonnet, Chief Program Officer, Carver Center
  • Chris Dapolito, Store Manager, DeCicco and Sons
  • Faith Butcher, Chief Impact Officer, United Way of Westchester & Putnam
  • Missy Palmisciano, President and Founder, County Harvest

“The Poverty Symposium is all about creating synergies in order to create solutions for our neighbors in need,” said Jessica Reinmann, Chairman + CEO of 914Cares. “We’re particularly excited about this year’s lineup of speakers and panelists, all of whom are true innovators in the fight to eradicate poverty.” The lineup for the event is as follows:

8 a.m. Doors Open

8:30-9: A Fireside Chat With Dave Heath, CEO + Co-Founder, Bombas

9-10: Panel Discussion–“Clothing Insecurity and Its Negative Impact on the Self-Esteem of Children”

10:15-11: An Update on the United Way’s ALICE Report– “Living Without a Safety Net: The Invisible Struggle of Households Working Paycheck to Paycheck”

11-12: Panel Discussion–“Using Food Rescue to Combat Food Insecurity”                        

To learn more about the Westchester Poverty Symposium or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.914cares.org/poverty-awareness/. The event is open to the public, and special student/non-profit tickets are available. 

All attendees must be registered, as capacity is limited–please contact lisa@914cares.org.                                                                                 

ABOUT 914CARES: Our vision is for everyone in Westchester to live a full, healthy, and happy life free from the hardship of poverty. 914Cares works to ensure our neighbors in need are cared for by collaborating, supporting and providing resources to local organizations, educating the community about poverty and encouraging actionable generosity. We carry out our primary mission by: Distributing tangible re- sources, Educating the community, Engaging the next generation, and Collaborating with Community Partners. For more information, visit 914cares.org.                                                

 

News and image Courtesy of 914Cares

Westchester Turkish Moms Group Raising Funds for Turkey’s Earthquake Victims

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 From Andrew Vitelli, a contributor and former editor at Inside Press:

“Hey friends, readers, and neighbors – as you’ve all seen on the news, a pair of devastating earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria early Monday morning, killing at least 20,000 and leaving millions homeless. Many of the earthquake’s survivors are in desperate need of supplies and emergency assistance. 

“This tragedy hit close to home for Westchester’s Turkish community, and a group of Turkish mothers in Westchester is raising money and collecting supplies to help residents of southeast Turkey. My wife, Zeynep, is one of the mothers helping to advance these initiatives. Zeynep grew up in Turkey; in 1999, when she was 11 years old, a similarly devastating earthquake destroyed her village and her apartment. While she was able to move in with her grandparents in a nearby village, many of her friends and neighbors spent months living in tent cities. Thankfully, her family in Turkey is far from where the recent earthquake hit. 

“With temperatures in Turkey below freezing, it is crucial that residents of the affected region are able to get the help they need as soon as possible. If any Inside Press readers wish to help this group of mothers and support those affected by the earthquake, please consider donating to the drive at the link below. All donations will go to Bridge to Turkiye earthquake relief fund. Thank you for any support you are able to give!”

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/bridge-to-turkiye/kahramanmaras-earthquake-relief-fund/arda-suer?fbclid=IwAR0mmdhU-dVKRCfb2x6IT572H9xcDEBh794tDPPuiTp8UyyOjXovXTArX1E 

HHREC Promotes Education Program to Combat Rising Hate Crimes in Schools

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Incidents of hate crimes continue to cause concern in cities and towns across the country, and a rising number of these have been occurring in the greater Westchester County, New York area. As schools continue to grapple with ways to confront this growing wave, an increasing number of administrators are turning to new methods that attack the root cause of these incidents– ignorance and a lack of education on the topic.

In their ongoing effort to promote education as a means to stem this growing tide of bias-related incidents and hate crimes, The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) of White Plains, New York, a nonsectarian not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting tolerance and respect for diversity, offers a program designed to educate and sensitize juveniles involved in these crimes.  The HHREC Juvenile Offender program was developed to react to these offenses as they are referred by the Westchester County DA’s office, the Legal Aid Society , the Judicial System, local public and private schools, local municipalities, and the Westchester County Human Rights Commission. 

“We are very troubled at the evidence we are seeing and the spike in incidences of hate crimes including antisemitism over the past few years, particularly in our schools” said Millie Jasper, HHREC Executive Director. “These crimes based on religion, race, ethnic background or sexual orientation have increased dramatically, and they are often committed by youthful offenders.  The goal of our Juvenile Offender program is to work with our education partners to educate and sensitize these offenders – changing and rechanneling their bigoted and prejudicial attitudes that often result in hostile and offensive acts – by fostering tolerance for others, understanding and respect for diversity.”

The HHREC Juvenile Offender Program offers area schools the opportunity to:  

  • Educate juvenile offenders about the dangers of hatred and bigotry;
  • Provide role models for positive behavior, helping juvenile offenders change from perpetrators to activists in the prevention of bias-related incidents and hate crimes;
  • Help young offenders channel the hostility and anger that frequently lead to destructive behavior into more constructive directions;
  • Nurture pride in the juvenile’s own ethnic, racial and religious background and the ability to relate to the pride of other ethnic, racial and religious groups; and
  • Encourage juvenile offenders to gain an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of our community and our nation by learning about the historical roots and current concerns of various groups.

The topics for the program vary depending on the needs of the participants, but include the study of African American, Latino, Jewish and Asian histories and cultures, studies in homophobia and LBGTQ+ issues, diversity training, conflict resolution to combat racism, and others.  The course sessions includes exercises and discussions as well as speakers, and participants will be expected to complete reading and writing assignments. 

The program does not include juveniles convicted of violent crimes, or those with identified violent tendencies. Outcomes are measured by the program administrator, facilitators, school and justice system personnel, as well as by the self-assessment of the participants themselves.  According to the HHREC, wherever they have been able to offer this program, there has been “0% recidivism” involving those students.

There is no cost for schools to participate in this program. For more information, contact Millie Jasper mjasper@hhrecny.org Tel: 914.696.0738.

News Courtesy of the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center

“I Have a Dream”: In New Castle, a Poignant Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month

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A Welcoming Gathering, a Peace March of Hundreds, Bronx Bethany’s Chosen Choir and an Animated Panel of Esteemed Speakers Signify the Beginning of a Meaningful Conversation in New Castle and Beyond

On Sunday January 29th, residents of New Castle and neighboring communities joined for “I Have a Dream”: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month, a peace march and program at the Chappaqua Library organized by the Town of New Castle Committee on Race, Equity, and Inclusion (CREI) in partnership with the Chappaqua PTA, the PTA Diversity, Race, and Belonging committee, the Chappaqua Library, the Horace Greeley High School BIPOC Student Union (BSU), and New Castle United for Youth.

The peace march and gathering beforehand allowed participants an opportunity to demonstrate community solidarity and connect with neighbors. Chappaqua PTA President Tara Ramirez kicked off the event with her remarks in front of Scattered Books bookstore, by the peace pole which bears the message ‘May Peace Prevail on Earth’ in several languages. Attendees of all ages also had the opportunity to share their messages of peace and hope on a peace board. High school students Mariam Cisse and Emma Ramirez joined to perform the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” before more than a hundred participants walked together, some linked arm-in-arm, to the town library.

The program at the library featured a panel discussion based on excerpts of Dr. King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, reckoning with our nation and community’s progress toward social justice in the intervening years since that speech was delivered. Panelists included local residents, students, and leaders. The discussion spanned the experience of discrimination by students of color at the high school, commentary on national and local political discourse around diversity and equity, and the importance of continuing to educate others on the realities and harm caused by racism in our own town.

Top photo:  CREI committee member Porfirio Gonzowitz at the lectern, and panelists (left to right): Joyce Chen, Horace Greeley Senior; Mariam Cisse, Horace Greeley Senior; Tonya Wilson, principal of Roaring Brook elementary school; Gavrie Elliott, graduate of Horace Greeley High School and current NYU Tisch School of the Arts student (’24); Ralph Carter, New Castle resident, parent, and lawyer; Mondaire Jones, CNN political commentator, a commissioner on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, and former congressman representing New Castle’s district. Bottom photos: Supurna Banerjee, CREI co-chair (in yellow) delivering opening remarks. CREI committee member Kimberly Carey introducing members of the Bronx Bethany’s Chosen choir.

The purpose was to bring a discussion that often exists on the sidelines, sometimes steeped in presumptive assumptions from all sides, into the open, for residents to hear firsthand about the experience of Black residents and leaders and their insights on how to move forward and make progress toward greater equity and inclusion as a community. The program also included joyful performances from the Bronx Bethany’s Chosen choir, led by New Castle resident and former Council on Race and Equity co-chair Nichelle Maynard-Elliott, and speeches from CREI committee members and town board liaison Victoria Bayard-Tipp. The CREI will organize this event annually in partnership with other community groups to keep this conversation going and to grow and maintain strong and meaningful connections across the entire New Castle community.

Appearing on the panel were commentators including: Mondaire Jones, CNN political commentator and former Congressman who served as our Representative from 2021 to 2023, and who was recently appointed a Commissioner on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights; Tonya Wilson, principal of Roaring Brook Elementary school since 2020, who has been an educator and administrator for 27 years; Ralph Carter, a New Castle resident, who is the parent of a multi-racial child in the Chappaqua Central School District. Ralph works as a lawyer, and advocates for greater diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession as an active member of several bar organizations, including the National Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association.; Gavrie Elliott, a Horace Greeley graduate who will complete his degree from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts in 2024. BSU was founded in 2018 by Elliott as the Black Student Union. Around a year and a half ago, it was renamed as the BIPOC Student Union by then co-presidents Nailah Elliott and Kyra Chung-Olagbaiye to reflect club membership.; and Horace Greeley seniors Joyce Chen and Mariam Cisse, who together lead the Horace Greeley BIPOC Student Union as co-chairs.

Additional members of the BSU participated as readers of excerpts from Dr. King’s speech, they are: Ava Herman (10th grade, BSU Vice President), Cindy Chen (9th grade), Adam Kamal (9th grade), Riona Datta (10th grade, BSU Secretary), and Asha Kalathil (9th grade).

The event kicked off with hundreds of residents gathered in front of Scattered Books. Speaking: Tamara Ramirez, Chappaqua PTA President, along with members of the BIPOC Student Union and town residents. Two Horace Greeley students Emma Ramirez and Mariam Cisse, singing, “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. Holding a sign: Kerry, 8, New Castle resident, Grafflin second-grader, son of co-chair Supurna Banerjee and resident Brendan Rudolph.

 

Inside Press Photos   News/Caption Info Courtesy of the New Castle Council for Race, Equity and Inclusion

 

 

 

 

Northern Westchester Hospital Dietitian offers Healthy Heart Tips for the Entire Family

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Eating fresh fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors is a good way to get all the vitamins and minerals we need for a healthy heart.

To highlight the importance of a healthy heart for February’s American Heart Month and Valentine’s Day, dietitian Amy Rosenfeld, MS, RD, CDN, Community Outreach Program Manager at Northern Westchester Hospital, has some simple eating suggestions to get the whole family on a heart healthy track.

            “Getting healthy can be a family affair.” Ms. Rosenfeld said. “And by getting your entire family involved and making small, manageable changes, everyone in the family can enjoy better health.”

            Here are 10 small changes that can make a big difference:

  • Eat the rainbow every week: Eating fresh fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors is the best way to get all the vitamins and minerals we need. Make it a game to get all the colors of the rainbow every week. Create a sticker chart for all family members, and take note when everyone reaches their goal. Try doing this every day, and make it a contest to see who can get to the end of the rainbow first.
  • Try one new veggie per week: Take the challenge to try a new vegetable every week. Pick it out together at the grocery store or let the kids choose.
  • Give fish a try. If your family (or your kids) aren’t super into seafood, try introductory fish options. Try using firmer less fishy tasting options like tilapia or sea bass. Try preparing grilled fish tacos, or baked homemade breaded fish fillets for everyone to enjoy.
  • Cook meals together: Resolve to cook at least one meal a week instead of eating out or ordering in. Cooking together in the kitchen is a great way to eat healthier, learn new things and bond.
  • Try to be more plant-forward. Plant-forward is a style of eating that emphasizes plant-based foods as the focus of the meal, with animal products as a side dish, or not included at all. Aim for at least one plant-based meal per week to start, building to more.
  • Put down the devices at the dinner table: Enjoy a mindful meal together – one where you can relax and chat like the good old days. The connections you make at the dinner table, as well as the nutritional benefits of a distraction-free meal, are endless.
  • Exercise together as a family: Exercising together doesn’t have to mean a family trip to the gym. Go for a family hike or snow-shoe adventure. Go ice skating or do yoga together. Even a simple family walk is a great start.
  • Start an herb garden: Grow herbs indoors this winter to freshen up your meals and show your kids the wonder of healthy foods. Research shows that kids are more likely to try new foods when they are involved in gardening.
  • Start with a fresh pantry: Look through the pantry, and clean out the unhealthiest choices. The best food choices are items that contain whole foods as ingredients and as few additives as possible.
  • Pack up healthy snacks ahead of time: Healthy choices can be derailed by poor planning. On Sunday nights, pack individual bags of healthy snack choices and set them up in the fridge so they are ready to go for the busy week ahead. Some good choices are hummus cups with baby carrots, pre-portioned bags of trail mix, or whole-grain crackers and cheese. 
  • Cook extras at dinners for healthy lunches: After dinner, pack up leftovers in containers for healthy lunches the next day. Or, take the extra step and make meals just for lunch, such as a large pot of chili or a stir fry dish with the kids’ favorite veggies and protein. This will save money and get everyone eating fresher all day long.
  • Lighten up your restaurant order: Eat family style to lighten the portions. Choose options that are grilled, baked and roasted, rather than fried and creamy. Ask for modifications, such as extra veggies with Asian dishes and pizza, or whole-grain options when possible. 

To learn more about being heart healthy, join us for our upcoming community education programs:

Cooking for Reducing Disease Risk: High Blood Pressure

Reducing your risk for chronic disease starts in the kitchen. The foods we eat and prepare for our families can be nourishing, satisfying AND healthy. Join registered dietitian Amy Rosenfeld for an informative and demonstrative class all about cooking to reduce your risk for high blood pressure (hypertension). Amy will explain the DASH diet and realistic cooking methods to follow it (as recommended by the American Heart Association for high blood pressure). Amy will be joined by special guest, Dr. Alan Coffino, to explain the connection between blood pressure and kidney health. 

February 9, 12:00-1:00 pm, live over Zoom

Register at: https://nwhhighbp.eventbrite.com

The Relationship between Heart Disease and Stroke: Recognize to Help Prevent

Join the Katz Institute for Women’s Health’s Go Red Campaign and learn about the relationship between heart disease and stroke. FACT:  80% of strokes are preventable. Dr. Ramandeep Sahni, Stroke Director at Phelps Hospital, will discuss the silent symptoms of stroke and tips to lower one’s risk. She will be joined by registered dietitian, Amy Rosenfeld, who will present a live cooking demonstration and provide education on the foods that lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and reduce inflammation (all risk factors for stroke).

February 18th 12PM-1PM

https://strokeandheartdisease.eventbrite.com

 

Kids in the Kitchen: February Break Family Heart Healthy Cooking Class

Looking to eat healthier as a family? Do you have a child who loves to cook and bake? Join Amy Rosenfeld, registered dietitian, for a family cooking program during February school break, in honor of American Heart Month. Participants will learn about nutrition through an interactive trivia game while practicing healthy cooking techniques and fundamentals. Recipes will be provided ahead of time so you can cook along together. This program is appropriate for children of all ages. Younger children will need parental supervision and assistance.

February 23, 11:00-12:00 pm, Live over Zoom

Register at: https://2022kidscooking.eventbrite.com

 

News and Photo Courtesy of Northern Westchester Hospital