Cover Stories

Latino U College Access: Dreams Come True

October 26, 2019 by Debra Hand

Helping First-Generation Students Unlock Their Potential

PHOTOS in this feature are Courtesy of Latino U.

“We’re trying to make the starting lines more equal; if it’s a race, not everyone is running with the same pair of sneakers.”

Shirley Acevedo Buontempo understands challenges faced by low-income students seeking higher education, but Latino U College Access (“LUCA”), her Westchester nonprofit, is committed to increasing enrollment and completion for Latino youth who are first in their family to attend college. Through educational programs, advocacy and collaboration with partner school districts, businesses and volunteers, LUCA opens doors previously unimaginable.

“Our first-generation scholars are more than just children: they’re translators, have an incredible amount of family obligation, and have maturity beyond their years,” said Buontempo, LUCA’s founder and CEO. But they lack knowledge about their options.

“When our first-gen scholars cry, they’re crying for what their parents and grandparents have sacrificed. We’re moved by them – their awesome sense of responsibility and recognition of how this next step can change their lives.”

A Glaring Need, And a Vision

Buontempo, Puerto Rico-born but Bronx-bred, was first in her own family to attend college: “as a first-gen married to a first-gen Italian-American, education opened doors to opportunity we never dreamed of.”

After working in marketing and advertising, Buontempo pursued a Masters in Public Administration at Pace University examining higher education challenges and success among Latinos, inspired to address both financial considerations and cultural ones like reluctance to stray far from home.

Buontempo obtained nonprofit designation in 2012, launching a pilot program – an English/Spanish information session on college options–at Fox Lane High School, but recognized a need for individualized attention.

With an educational consultant, she sought to identify “what resources do more affluent families have access to and how can we make that available to low-income, underrepresented students?” The model for LUCA “college coaching” was born.

Eligibility & Introducing the Basics

LUCA promptly expanded to three majority-Hispanic Westchester high schools: Ossining, White Plains and Sleepy Hollow. Juniors nominated by guidance counselors at partner schools must demonstrate academic potential (3.5 GPA with honors/AP courses), be first in their family to attend a U.S. college, and qualify for free or reduced lunch. This year, more than 100 students were nominated, 60 applied, and 40 chosen as LUCA’s Class of 2020, growing each year from only two in 2012.

LUCA scholars attend a weeklong July “College Knowledge” Orientation at Pace University, which provides classroom and computer lab space. Workshops expose them to online search tools, campus resources, financial aid, college lists, and the Common Application. Scholars also network with first-generation professionals from corporate partners like MasterCard and Morgan Stanley, and have access to free summer SAT preparation classes and essay brainstorming seminars.

College Coaching: The Key to Scholar Success

LUCA’s small staff works virtually around the clock, but volunteers enable its outreach, with almost 100 community members trained to support administratively, at information sessions and supply drives, or with financial aid applications.

Noting vital collaboration between LUCA’s partner school districts, volunteers, libraries and corporate sponsors, Buontempo stressed “the power of partnership–engaging the entire community for the benefit of the children. Their success is our success.”

College coaches from Chappaqua, Armonk, Briarcliff and elsewhere develop close relationships with students, providing individualized attention to detail, personality and passion Buontempo envisioned. Supported by Deputy Director Diane Rosenthal and College Access Program Manager Emily Latainer, coaches get to know scholars over the summer, exposing them to colleges they’ve never heard of or thought were beyond their reach academically or financially. College lists are created, visits encouraged, and personal statements started. Coaches also organize the many pieces of the process, from Common Application accounts to standardized testing, interviews and college “fly-in” programs for students from low-income, diverse backgrounds.

College coach Ellen Lynch loves having real impact on a young life: her 2019 scholar studies biochemistry at SUNY Stony Brook after a prestigious summer internship. “I can’t begin to imagine the sense of helplessness many of these parents feel, especially where there’s a language barrier. The fact that we can help ease that helplessness is an incredible thing,” she said.

Thirty-one coaches delivered over 2,400 hours of support to the 36-student Class of 2019, now freshmen at colleges ranging from Ivies to SUNY institutions and everything in between. LUCA scholar/Ossining High School graduate Ariana Cardenas, an aspiring forensic psychologist, is both grateful and cognizant of the responsibility to set an example for other first-gen students: “LUCA has created an amazing family and support system that I’ve created a bond with, especially my College Coach, which has helped my journey and determination to pursue the highest level of education I can.”

Latainer adds that the “unwavering determination of our scholars and their families, and their desire to change the trajectory of their lives” inspires the entire team to work harder to create meaningful change for a deserving community.

Financial Concerns

College acceptance aside, tuition is an overwhelming concern for LUCA families. Trained volunteers assist with the formidable task of completing the complex Free Application for Federal Student Aid (“FAFSA”) and related forms to increase aid and identify scholarship opportunities. In 2019, LUCA scholars received $5.3 million in financial aid, the average annual out-of-pocket cost of college just over $7,000.

“Students can’t succeed until parents have buy-in; our goal is to get that buy-in, but fears set in, largely financial. Their child is entering a world they know nothing about,” said Buontempo.

LUCA also offers free programming to the wider Latino community. More than 4,000 parents (many with incomes under $35,000) and students have attended LUCA FAFSA Boot Camps and Spanish-language Community Information Sessions discussing college options, applications and financial aid.

First Gen Forward: Continuing Support

LUCA’s coaching program culminates in a Graduation Celebration attended by scholars, parents, staff, Board members, volunteers and dignitaries, this June including Guillermo Linares, President of the NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (himself first generation) and Westchester County Executive George Latimer. The palpable sense of pride was underscored by personal stories relayed by attendees.

But LUCA’s job isn’t over: it continues to support scholars until they graduate from college with full time jobs. LUCA’s “First Gen Forward” College Success program launched in 2016 with a $100,000 Impact 100 Westchester grant, since “65% of first-generation college students drop out because of a lack of social capital and knowledge,” Buontempo said.

A seminar before freshman year addresses stress management, homesickness, grading, and “imposter syndrome,” the cultural adjustment of a first-gen on campus.

“We check on them throughout the year, make sure they’re still on track,” she added, and will intervene if there are issues that parents aren’t equipped to handle.

LUCA also assists with resume preparation, LinkedIn, and job searches, working with local businesses to identify paid internships: “corporate partners are always looking to expand diversity, and we have incredible talent among our scholars,” Buontempo added. Scholars also graduate with an overwhelming desire to “pay it forward and uplift their community.”

“’Lift while you climb’ really resonates,” she said.

Increasing Impact on an Underserved Population

To date, LUCA has “graduated” 136 scholars, 98% of whom are on track to complete college, defying national odds showing that 41% of Latino students attend 2-year community college, and more than half do not complete college. Conversely, 93% of LUCA scholars attend 4-year universities (60% private institutions), with 54% at “most selective to very selective” schools.

“We’re trying to flip it on its head,” Buontempo said.

LUCA has received local and national recognition, named 2019 Examples of Excelencia Finalist, and Buontempo presented with the Pace Opportunitas in Action Award and Univision Nueva York Angel del 41. She hopes to expand both scope and reach: four additional county schools have Latino populations exceeding 50%. LUCA is limited by capacity–management, training, and workshops–but buzz is building and “we’re primed to jump. Our program model has established success and is achieving results beyond expectation.”

The Board of Directors, a diverse group of mission-driven community members and professionals, has shifted its focus from “managerial” to fundraising. Chappaqua’s Jane Matluck, a Board member and coach since 2013, is committed to introducing LUCA to more colleges, as diversity officers are generally receptive to community-based organizations. “What’s special about our program is that volunteers are trained in-house and get ongoing support, developing relationships with students and other coaches,” Matluck said. Lynch agreed, noting LUCA’s exceptional job differentiating skill sets–from financial aid expertise to coach support– keeping volunteers engaged. Focused on growing capacity to help more students, LUCA also aspires to start working with scholars earlier to give them even more of a head start. LUCA credits its success, though, to the drive of its incredible scholars.

“Honoring their parents, and their parents’ sacrifices, they recognize that the future of their family weighs on their shoulders,” Buontempo emphasized. And with LUCA’s help, their journeys can begin.

To donate, support LUCA’s Dorm Supply drive, or learn about corporate partnerships or volunteer opportunities, visit latinou.org.

The True Meaning of Friendship: Dr. Jeff Gilbert & Artist Michael Bailey

October 26, 2019 by Deborah Raider Notis

(L-R): Michael Bailey and Dr. Jeff Gilbert
Photo courtesy of Dr. Jeff Gilbert

A Chappaqua neighbor famously coined the phrase, “It takes a village.” When Dr. Jeff Gilbert befriended Michael Bailey, a homeless artist, he proved her words true.

Gilbert was on his way back to his home in Chappaqua after the June 22nd Yankee game when he spotted a shoeless man sitting on Babe Ruth Plaza surrounded by pictures of baseball player Aaron Judge and football player Saquon Barkley. He stopped to purchase the five-dollar Judge print, and as he boarded the train, he regretted not buying the Saquon picture. He tracked down the artist via the artist’s website – artofzebra.com – listed on the print.

The artist, 60-year-old Bailey, has been down on his luck and living on the street after a bad marriage, difficult partnership, bout of depression, and subsequent drug problem. Bailey, an architect with an MBA from the University of Chicago, opened the Zebra Gallery in 1990. In 1995, he expanded the Zebra Gallery, establishing Zebra Art, Inc., an art publishing and distribution business. “I had a million-dollar business, and I lost everything. It was going very well for a while. Then, with my divorce, and my son being taken away from me, everything went bad,” says Bailey.

Bailey grew up with his mother and his sister, Helen, in Chicago. Helen, who now lives in California, still maintains Bailey’s site. Bailey’s son, who lives in Tampa, stores some of Bailey’s original artwork. But since 2007, Bailey has lived on the streets of Chicago, New York, Dallas, Cleveland, and various other cities to which he’s traveled, trying to promote his artwork. “I’m trying to show my work,” relays Bailey.

A Friendship Forms

Gilbert became more than another person whom Bailey met in his travels. They became fast friends when Gilbert gave Bailey a copy of his children’s book, Milton’s Moment. “That was a gesture of friendship,” according to Bailey, who refused to take money for the Saquon print Gilbert wanted to purchase.

“I felt like I knew Michael from somewhere as soon as I met him,” says Gilbert, who just “knew Michael was a good person.” Overwhelmed by Bailey’s story and kind nature, Gilbert invited Bailey to dinner and then to visit him up in Westchester. “We have so many resources available up here. Things that Michael could never access on his own,” notes Gilbert.

A Supportive Community

But Gilbert couldn’t change Bailey’s life on his own. So, he reached out to his wide circle of friends and to the Chappaqua, Briarcliff, Pleasantville, and Armonk communities via FaceBook to tell Bailey’s story.

Thanks to the power of positive social media and community support, Gilbert witnessed “so many members of our community mobilizing to make a difference in this man’s life.” Helena Terilli, Co-President of the food pantry at the Methodist Church in Pleasantville, bought Michael almost $300 of new clothes. And the community has contributed almost $5,000 to the gofundme.com page that Gilbert established for Bailey.

“I meet a lot of people in different cities,” noted Bailey, “but it was Jeff who changed my life.” For the first time since 2007, Bailey is no longer sleeping on the streets. While he does not have a home yet, he is staying in hotels as he travels the country to show his work.

Thanks to Gilbert’s efforts, Bailey’s artwork is also being exposed to a significantly wider audience. In June, he was invited to show and sell his work in Pleasantville at Yogolicious and The Village Bookstore.

The opportunity to connect to more people and to show and sell his work to people who didn’t know anything about him six months ago, is deeply meaningful and life-altering for Bailey, who sees art as his spiritual calling. “Art is my gift from God. When someone buys a piece of art from me, I tell them that I am sharing this gift.” Bailey generously shares this gift with others, often giving children free prints of their favorite athletes, superheroes, or musicians.

Late this summer, Bailey spent some time in Chicago, working on a painting of the New York Yankees’ veteran pitcher, CC Sabathia. He showcased it at the table that The Rotary Club of Chappaqua donated to him for Chappaqua’s Community Day on September 14th. Gilbert also arranged for Bailey to show his art at the Chappaqua art gallery, The Art Closet.

Future Plans for Bailey

After Community Day, Bailey spent a few days selling prints outside of Yankee Stadium before he hit the road once again. He then returned to sell his prints at the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival on October 5th. In the coming months, Gilbert will continue to look for “creative ways to help Michael.” No doubt, he will continue to rely on his “village” for help.

Concert Introduces Westchester Residents to the Music of Viennese Composer Viktor Ullmann Who Perished During the Holocaust

October 26, 2019 by Stacey Pfeffer

Dominique Hellsten
Photo BY Ben Livengood

More than twenty years ago, dramatic soprano and Chappaqua resident Dominique Hellsten first heard the music of composer Viktor Ullmann who ultimately perished in Auschwitz. “It had a profound impact and it never left me,” said Hellsten, whose eyes teared up during our interview as she shares why she is so enamored with his music and passionate about bringing it to a wider audience. At the time, the Swedish-born Hellsten was living in London and performing at such venues as the Royal Albert Hall, the Purcell Room, Southwark Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.

She was first introduced to Vienna-born composer Viktor Ullmann’s music through her UK-based publicist at the time, Diana Hirst. Hellsten has always had a special affinity for art song (also known as lieder in German) specifically music of this genre composed in the 20th and 21st century. Ullmann was a prolific composer of this particular genre who wrote more than 20 pieces while imprisoned in Theresienstadt, a concentration camp located in Czechoslovakia that served as a transport point specifically designed by Hitler to deceive International Red Cross workers and other inspectors.

Much has been written of the incredibly diverse group of artists who were interned at the camp from opera composers, to choral directors to chamber musicians. The camp was a hotbed of musical activity notes author Joza Terezin in the book “Music of Terezin”. In fact, the prisoners gave several concerts and performances for the Nazis as well as fellow prisoners. Ullmann known for his talent was assigned to the Administration of Free Time Activities (Freizeitgestaltung in German) in the camp as a music critic and organizer of musical rehearsals.

Concert Explores Ullmann’s Music

Hellsten, who today offers private voice and piano coaching to students throughout Westchester, was delighted to share Ullmann’s music in a recent musical concert featuring much of Ullmann’s work as well as other deceased composers of the art song genre to audience members. The lunchtime concert was held at Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester in Chappaqua held on October 17th, a day prior to Ullmann’s death in Auschwitz 75 years ago. The concert, funded by the Ullmann Project, is part of a Lunch N’ Learn series in which seven Northern Westchester synagogues offer cultural and educational programming to their congregants. She appeared alongside pianist Craig Ketter, a sought after pianist and accompanist in the Greater New York area including a favorite of the Metropolitan Opera during auditions for their opera company.

Hellsten not only performed a repertoire of Ullmann’s works and his Viennese contemporaries such as Erich Wolfgang Korngold and Alexander Zemlinsky who both survive the war, but also interspersed between the pieces, she tells the fate of Ullmann, his contemporaries and how Ullmann’s music which the Nazis deemed “degenerate” was ultimately discovered. To the uninitiated ear, Ullmann’s work can be somewhat challenging. She finds it very rewarding when audience members appreciate his bold music.

Why Hellsten Performs Ullmann’s Music

Hellsten feels a special obligation to bring Ullmann’s music and story to light. “I’m not Jewish but my parents were in Helsinki and experienced war as children because Stalin invaded Finland during the Winter War,” explains Hellsten. Her parents were put on a train wearing white outfits with thousands of Finnish children bound for Sweden which was a safe zone. They had identification tags around their necks stating their name and where they came from. The Soviets were bombing cities along the coast of Finland her parents were forced to disembark the train and hide in the snow.

“The Winter War only lasted three months but I recall talking about it a lot with my parents. I also remember seeing a documentary on TV when I was about 10 or 11 about prisoners in Auschwitz being gassed and I never forgot it. We talked about these things a lot as a family,” recalls Hellsten. Just as the number of Holocaust survivors is dwindling, Hellsten’s parents were the last generation from Finland that remembers the horrors of the Winter War. Hellsten is deeply concerned about the rise of anti-Semitism. “It is so upsetting and the fact that 65% of American high schoolers don’t know anything about Auschwitz is very disturbing,” she says.

The Rediscovery of Ullmann’s Works

Ullmann often said that “music can diminish evil”. While imprisoned at Theresienstadt, Ullmann was able to concentrate on writing music and he even composed an opera titled “The Emperor of Atlantis.” The protagonist is believed to be a pastiche of Hitler and the Nazis refuse to let this piece be performed. Still Ullmann continues to write music and in October 1944 he gets word that he is going to be transported to Auschwitz. He packs up his music and is preparing to take it with him but at the last second decides to give it to his fellow prisoner, Dr. Emil Utitz. Utitz is instructed by Ullmann to give the music to his friend Dr. H.G. Adler if Utitz survives. Both men miraculously survive while Ullmann is sent to the gas chambers at Auschwitz.

Dr. H.G. Adler was a poet and philosopher and Ullmann had set many of Adler’s poems to music. After the war Dr. Utitz and Dr. Adler meet and he is given Ullmann’s music for safekeeping. Dr. Adler eventually emigrates to London.

One day a family friend, the British conductor Kerry Woodward visits Adler and he asks him to view the music stored in his attic. The conductor looks at the music and is particularly impressed with the “Emperor of Atlantis” score. So much so that he ultimately helps secures its worldwide debut in 1975 with the Netherlands Opera in Amsterdam with Woodward conducting. Additional works by Ullmann are also rediscovered due to this chance encounter.

“The story is touching and I want him to finally get his voice heard,” sums up Hellsten. She hopes to bring Ullmann’s bold and dramatic music to a larger audience and would love to stage his opera, “Emperor of the Atlantis”. But for now, she is glad that residents in her hometown had the opportunity to hear his music and his story.

A Need for Speed: Greeley Student’s Path to Professional Racecar Driver

October 26, 2019 by David Propper

When Josh Green was five-years-old, he wrote down at school that when he grew up, he wanted to be a professional racecar driver.

Green’s love of cars and racing came from his father and two uncles whom have always been into cars, which is how it caught Green’s eye as a little kid. The family would trek to NASCAR races and cars shows; by the time Green was five, he could name every car.

“I don’t think I actually thought I could do racing, but I always loved cars and wanted to be near them,” Green said.

While not quite an adult yet, the 16-year-old Chappaqua resident is already on the fast track to realizing his dream as a racecar driver traveling throughout the country most weekends to compete against peers that started years earlier. While many young drivers start soon after they can walk, Green only began racing a few years ago, yet has excelled at a breakneck pace.

Green already has plenty of accolades to his name, including the 2017 North East Super Series Champion, the 2018 New York State Champion, the 2018 Oakland Valley Race Park Club Champion 2018 and the WKA Manufacturers Cup IAME Junior Champion. He can also call himself a top rookie of the year, according to eKartingNews.

He’s a finalist for a USA scholarship shootout hosted by Lucas Oil School of racing and Cooper Tires where he could travel overseas to compete. And through it all, he’s remained modest and hard working.

A Natural Talent

Green only started racing in summer 2015, but his rise has been precipitous. He began going to Grand Prix New York in Mount Kisco and it was apparent quite quickly he had a tremendous amount of talent and upside. For Green, going fast came naturally.

Green began outdoor racing the next year, spending the entirety of 2016 taking part in club races and learning as much as he could at Oakland Valley in upstate New York. In 2017, he joined a new team and raced at bigger courses, including regional events like the Northeast Super Series and last year he began racing nationally

It’s been one steady step at time for Green, who has soaked up as much information as possible, all the way to his current open-wheel racing, in which the wheels are on the outside of the car’s main body with only one seat for the driver.

“Everyone wants to go race go-karts, like it’s fun, it’s just a fun pastime to do,” Green said. “But when you start taking it seriously, it’s a much different beast.”

Green, who also has a youth black belt in karate, has proven to be a quick learner. One of the most important things he’s learned in his nascent career is perseverance. “When something goes wrong, it’s important to push through it and refocus,” Green said. “Transitioning from indoor to outdoor courses can be very technical,” he added.

Currently, Green is racing with Team Pelfrey, which is an American racing team in the Indy Lights series.

Balancing Racing with Schoolwork

Off the track has been an adjustment for Green, but it’s been nothing but beneficial. As someone who struggled with school, Green has handled classwork better despite missing 30 to 50 school days a year due to extensive travelling. His teachers are generally accommodating as long as his grades remain high.

As much as Green would love to be a professional racecar driver, he’s level headed enough to know a career in engineering or another profession connected to driving could be his path, which requires education.

Green’s parents have always been supportive. They weren’t sure where his racing career was going, but people in the field continue to be impressed enough with Green that the only option was to move forward.

Father Eric Green said it’s flattering when people around the racetrack talk about his son and how they all want their kids around him as a role model.

He’s humble, Eric Green said, which is refreshing for a parent to see. “His talent speaks for itself,” he said.

Mother Lindsey Green said his focus on learning about the sport and attention to detail is unparalleled. “He’s grown up within racing,” Lindsey Green said. “If you compare him to other kids, I’d say he’s much more mature. I don’t know what he would’ve been like if he hadn’t been racing.”

Remaining humble and hungry has been a perfect combination for Green. Next season, he will likely move on to the USF 2000 series, which is another step closer to IndyCar racing.

“The ultimate goal is IndyCar,” Green said. “I think that’s 100 percent the ultimate goal and that’s sort of the trajectory I’m on.”

Editor’s Note: As we went to press, we learned that Green won a Team USA scholarship. Congratulations!

On Being Thanksgiving Ready

October 26, 2019 by Grace Bennett

Love Rules… and Beautiful Table Settings Build Memories too

Before the food ever makes its ways to the table, there’s something exquisite about being ‘Thanksgiving ready.’ Maybe one or more of your kids have helped you set the silverware or the glasses, always especially fun with the littlest ones, a glorious parenting rite of passage, too. The excitement builds and hearts overflow with gratitude knowing that the house is soon to be filled with loved ones, coming from near and far, and some of whom you may only see once a year or another who may be having a health issue or getting on in their years; in between all the food prep and clean up scrambling, you take a deep breath and think to yourself of how precious the time really is, and how fortunate you are to be celebrating Thanksgiving again in your beautiful home. Whatever stresses your life may carry, there can be a feeling of time standing still in appreciation and anticipation.

I’m also drawn to the pride many hosts and hostesses feel over the aesthetics of their carefully, lovingly set tables; many are proudly shared on Facebook and Instagram well before the guests arrive, which frankly was the spark for this feature. I visited the Chappaqua Moms page to ask moms about their tables, and the pictures immediately flowed.

But do know… whether you’ve gone ‘all out’ as many of these moms have, or have kept it simple, we understand you. As a busy working mom raising two young kids, there were some years I pulled out the best china and took my time with my own finishing touches—usually a seasonal bouquet with autumn colors. Other years, I ran to the local party supply store the night before joining so many others scrambling to ‘pull off’ Thanksgiving; the basic themed paper felt like a godsend after the fact.

It’s ‘all good’ and the love that permeates the air is really always the story of the day. Nonetheless, a beautiful table dazzles, and we are delighted to share these and the pride these moms rightfully feel.

– Grace Bennett