The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Happenings

Byram Hills Student Jared Ilan Named Finalist in Regeneron Science Competition

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Byram Hills High School (“BHHS”) senior Jared Ilan has been named a Regeneron Science Talent Search (“Regeneron STS”) finalist. Regeneron STS is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Only 40 young scientists are selected as finalists.

 Ilan’s project, “Modulus of Elasticity of the Ideal Decellularized Plant Material Scaffold for the Production of Cultured Meat,” focused on a potential, lab-based solution to meet the demand for affordable meat products with fewer environmental impacts than traditional production. Ilan joined BHHS’ three-year Authentic Science Research program as a sophomore with the goal of making an impact on an issue he cares about: climate change.

“After exploring many topics, I discovered that the livestock industry cannot support the world’s growing population and demand for meat, much less without having a detrimental effect on the environment,” explains Ilan. “After conducting an exhaustive search for a research mentor, I connected with a researcher from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (now at Boston College), 

Dr. Glenn R. Gaudette, an expert in the field of tissue engineering, who worked with me in conducting a study focused on improving the process of producing cultured meat, also known as lab-grown meat.”

“Cultured meat has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate food insecurity by providing an alternate and affordable source of meat, and limit animal cruelty practices,” says Ilan. “The process of growing cultured meat is not yet scalable or cost-effective enough to affordably sell at a commercial level. This is largely due to the currently ineffective and expensive artificial scaffolds, or structures, on which the meat is grown. The idea to use decellularized plant materials, or plants with all their cells removed, as scaffolds, was first proposed by my mentor, Dr. Gaudette, as a scaffold for growing heart transplants due to their low cost, widespread availability, high biocompatibility, and strong vascular system. These characteristics are likewise suited for the large-scale production of cultured meat, and therefore my study was focused on identifying which decellularized plant type was most suited for the growth of cultured meat.”

Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic halted Ilan’s plans to conduct research in his mentor’s university lab this past summer. Ilan showed great resilience in adapting and completing his study in his garage at home. His use of common household goods, namely dish soap, plastic bags, and chopsticks, instead of professional lab equipment, required much improvisation and engineering to execute a valid study.

“Science research was the most meaningful experience of my high school career,” says Ilan. “While incredibly rigorous, the program is one of Byram Hill’s crowning jewels. I was inspired by my older sister’s science research journey where she was able to conduct groundbreaking lymphatic research. I’m glad that I did it and I’m very grateful for the support of my science research teachers, my mentor Dr. Gaudette, and my family.”

Ilan is co-president of BHHS’ “eNable” club, where he designs and builds assistive devices for children with disabilities. He is also co-captain of the varsity cross-country team and plays varsity lacrosse. In his free time, he loves to ski. He plans to attend Cornell University in the fall.

The Regeneron STS Finals Week, where finalists will present their research to judging panels and participate in exclusive programming with distinguished scientists, will take place virtually from March 10 – 17, 2021. Finalists are awarded $25,000 and have the opportunity to win additional prizes of up to $250,000.

To read more about the talent search, go to www.societyforscience.org/press-release/finalists-in-regeneron-science-talent-search-2021

16 Byram Hills SENIORS HONORED

The following 16 Byram Hills seniors received special recognition at the 58th Annual Junior Science and Humanities Symposium on January 30, 2021. JSHS is designed to challenge and engage students (Grades 9-12) in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics by presenting their original research before a panel of judges and an audience of their peers. Regional presenters will participate at the 2021 Upstate New York JSHS and compete for a spot in the national symposium. Congratulations to the following Byram Hills students.

REGIONAL PRESENTERS

1st place

Kristen Eickelbeck – Physical Science | Olivia Canter – Biological Sciences 

2nd place

Luke Briody – Neurology/Genetics  | Mia Dittrich – Neurology/Genetics | Ali Hafez – Engineering & Technology

3rd place

 Lily Deitelzweig – Neurology/Genetics

5th place

Raquel Kanner – Behavior | Lizzie Manowitz – Behavior | BaileyGoldstein – Biological Sciences

 LOCAL

1st place

Jared Ilan – Math, Engineering & Technology | Chloe Weissman – Behavior | Gabriella Ripka – Behavio | Tessa Schwartz – Math, Engineering & Tech | Alexa Jindal – Medicine & Health

2nd place

Griffen Nenner – Biological Science | Sophie Stumacher – Behavior

Michael Gyory Named New Chairperson of the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center

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The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center  (HHREC) announced their board of directors elected Michael Gyory to the position of Board Chairperson. Gyory, a real estate entrepreneur, began a three-year term on January 18th, 2021.  He has been serving as a board member since 2019, and succeeds Joseph Kaidanow, who served as board chairperson since 2018. Kaidanow will continue to serve as a member of the HHREC Board of Directors.

“It has been a tremendous privilege to be Chairperson of the Holocaust & Human Rights Education center” said Kaidanow. “As the son of two Survivors, honoring those who have perished or endured the trauma of the Holocaust is a personal obligation for me. I also believe  it is equally important to teach the lessons of the Holocaust to prevent humankind’s darker nature from prevailing in the future, and to advocate for the right of all people to live in peace and with dignity, and  our education programs that help us achieve these goals. I wish my successor, Michael Gyory, who is also the son of two Survivors, much success in continuing our mission, and look forward to working with him as an active Board member and support him in any way I can.”

“I am deeply honored to be elected as the new board chair and look forward to working with my board colleagues to move HHREC’s mission forward,” said Gyory. “I want to thank the HHREC board of directors for its confidence in me to serve as board chair, and I especially thank Joseph Kaidanow for his years of leadership. Together with our board of directors, staff, and stakeholders, we are making a positive difference and continue to work towards our vision 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, and encourage students to speak up and act against all forms of bigotry and prejudice.”

Michael Gyory is the son of Hungarian Holocaust survivors. During World War II, his parents, as  teenagers, were sent to concentration camps and slave labor camps. After surviving the horrors and torture of the war, they returned to Budapest to find that they were all alone. They managed to fall in love, marry, emigrate to America and have three children. Michael grew up in the seclusion of Northern Westchester county, and now lives in the Rivertowns. His son is currently attending  college. Gyory holds a Master’s degree in Communication from the Annenberg School at the University of Pennsylvania. After a brief time in the corporate world, he has been a real estate entrepreneur, building houses, renovating and developing self-storage facilities. He is a graduate of Safekeeping Stories and as a memorist, has told of his family’s experiences in many schools and civic venues.  He will be a speaker at the 2021 International Jewish Genealogical Conference and at the Irvington, NY Town Hall Theatre, and  has published a story about his father’s home which can be found on the World Jewish Restitution Organization’s website.  He is a graduate of the Leadership Conference of the Westchester Jewish Council.

For more information about the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center, visit www.hhrecny.org</a

Westchester County Seeks Nominations for First WOW Awards

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Committee Wants to Honor Extraordinary Women in the County

Celebrating the power, strength and independence of Westchester County women, members of County Executive George Latimer’s team formed a committee to pay tribute to local women and honor them for their contributions during the pandemic.

This year’s #WOWConversations makes a triumphant return, after being cancelled last year due to COVID-19. The discussion will now be held virtually, and the committee putting together the empowerment event is also seeking nominations for its first WOW Awards.

                        Watch this short video for information on how to nominate someone. 

County Executive George Latimer said: “Women have had to overcome obstacles in order to really seize the opportunity that’s not always available to them. WOW conversations allows for women to   exchange ideas and stories, and talk about shared experiences.”

Committee member Robi Schlaff, Director of the Westchester County Office for Women said: “When I think of the unbelievable contributions women in Westchester have made to the County in so many different fields from academics to education and philanthropy, I think this year, what we really wanted to do is celebrate that.”

The committee is seeking nominations in the following categories:

*Healing Hands: Highlighting health and wellness

*The Next Generation: Spotlighting women working with children in education or childcare

*Women Supporting Women: Showcasing a local woman who continues to lift others

*Community Response: Identifying women helping the community with basic needs like                  

  housing or food.

*Keeping the Faith: For women who have provided spiritual guidance

*Business: Featuring an outstanding businesswoman or entrepreneur

Shari Rosen Ascher, the County’s Director of Policy and Programs for Small Business and Chambers of Commerce said: “We want women to feel comfortable to speak up and speak out. Our committee was dedicated to coming up with creative ways to bring women together in a way to make them feel comfortable and included so we can continue to rise.”

Crystal Collins, the County’s Director of Faith Based Initiatives and Urban Affairs says winners will be recognized during the #WOWConversations virtual event which will bring together women of all backgrounds to discuss topics like leadership and business.

“With women taking on so many different positions and roles in the community, workplace and home,” Collins said, “…and when this crisis happened, we want to highlight what showed your strength?”

The nomination process is open now until February 28. Click this link to nominate someone.

Those nominating an ordinary woman doing extraordinary things are asked to submit a photo and short essay. The committee will later decide who the winners are and reveal them at the online event March 25.

“Celebrating women who have done so much in the County is such a positive thing in a year where we have evolved so much,” said Martha Lopez, the County’s Director of Minority Women’s Business Program and Immigrant Affairs, “I think it’s important that we celebrate these women who have stepped up to the plate.”

News Courtesy of the office of the Westchester County Executive

 

Friends of Karen March 12 Benefit Magic Show!

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Join Friends of Karen virtually for this fun event for all ages from the comfort of your home with your family. It is sure to be a captivating evening and provide entertainment for the mind. Enjoy with friends who have a true passion for helping children! Be entertained by Asi Wind, a NYC based Corporate Mentalist (mind reader) who is one of magic’s most influential thinkers and performers. 

Since 1978 Friends of Karen has been providing emotional, financial and advocacy support for children with a life-threatening illness and their families to help keep them stable, functioning and able to cope.

To purchase a Sponsorship, Tickets, Host Opportunity, or Silver Screen ad, visit: https://marchmagic.friendsofkaren.org/

Two years ago, Friends of Karen celebrated its 40th Birthday.  https://www.theinsidepress.com/friends-of-karens-40th-birthday-celebration-at-rye-playland/

Black History Month Events Taking Place in New Castle

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New Castle’s Council on Race and Equity (CRE) has announced programming for Black History Month events in collaboration with the New Castle Historical Society and the Chappaqua Library.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Originally established by educator and historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) in 1926, Black History Month as we currently know it began as Negro History Week, a week long celebration and opportunity to highlight the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans to our country as well as encouraging the study of African American history. 

In 1976, the celebratory week, anchored by the February birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, was extended to a full month and decreed to be observed nationally as Black History Month. 

This year, in continuing the 95 year tradition, the CRE states that it celebrates this year’s Black History Month theme of  “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity”. The 2021 theme explores the rich and nuanced tapestry that is the Black family.

The CRE expressed its thanks to the Town of New Castle for the Black History Month proclamation, issued Tuesday, February 2, 2021., and shared the following events and programs, hosted by the Chappaqua Library and New Castle Historical Society, which will be occurring throughout the month of February.

The Chappaqua Library has several events planned celebrating Black History Month, including a teen lecture series on Mondays and an all ages concert featuring Karlus Trapp on Monday February 15. There is also a fantastic Art Lecture series occurring each Friday this month featuring Black artists. 

Details for all can be found on the Chappaqua Library events page. 

https://www.chappaqualibrary.org/events

The New Castle Historical Society is presenting African American Heritage Foodways in New York on Wednesday, February 10th 7PM –  Offering an opportunity to look at New York’s colonial period and ponder a different root to our food lineage, guided by culinary historian, Lavada Nahon.

Free. Registration is required. 

https://www.newcastlehs.org/event/online-lecture-african-american-foodways

CRE + Chappaqua Library program – Saturday, February 27th at 1PM, the CRE and Chappaqua Library will be presenting a co-sponsored Zoom presentation and discussion on exploring exploring racial issues in art in the Black and minority communities, featuring the work of Salman Toor from his first solo exhibition at the Whitney as well works on contemporary issues from the Whitney collection of Black artists. 

More information can be found on the Chappaqua Library events page. 

https://www.chappaqualibrary.org/events

Black History Month Read-Aloud with the CRE + Chappaqua Library Children’s room

The CRE has partnered with the Chappaqua Library Children’s room for a read-aloud series in honor of Black History Month! Every Thursday in February, both the CRE and the Chappaqua Library will be posting recordings of BIPoC New Castle community members (along with some of our very own CRE team leaders!) reading their favorite books aloud for a virtual storytime. 

A few of the titles you can expect to see (and hear!) throughout the month include Me & Mama written and illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrer and Mae Among The Stars written by Roda Ahmed and illustrated by Stasia Burrington.

This week’s selection is A Gift for Amma written by Meera Sriram and illustrated by Mariona Cabassa is read by Johanna Nayyar!