The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Happenings

Supporting the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center

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Anyone ‘watching’ might hopefully note that included in my mission during most of my 20 Years of Inside Press publishing has been supporting the amazing work of the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center, (find out more at hhrecny.org). Here, as an HHREC advisory board member, I was honored to join HHREC Director Millie Jasper, HHREC Board Member and past Chairperson David Alpert and Greenburgh councilwoman Ellen Hendrickx to also offer remarks at a Westchester County January 27th commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. County Executive George Latimer hosted the speakers commending them for their long-time commitment and support of Holocaust education and advocacy against antisemitism and all hate. Said Jasper to Latimer: ”Once again you struck the perfect tone about the importance of being an Upstander in the Westchester Community, and around the world.”   — Grace Bennett, Publisher @ Editor, Inside Press, Inc.

Scarsdale Music Festival Gearing Up for a June 3rd Event: Sponsorships, Performers and Vendors Sought

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On Saturday, June 3, 2023, the Scarsdale Business Alliance (SBA) will host its 3rd Annual Scarsdale Music Festival, presented by Morgan Stanley. The event will take place rain or shine in Scarsdale Village.

The Scarsdale Music Festival (SMF) is an exceptional, family-friendly community event that will bring together people of all ages to celebrate their love of music, food and community.  

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the 2023 Scarsdale Music Festival.  Please contact info@scarsdalebusinessalliance.com.

Apply to perform or become a food vendor at https://www.scarsdalemusicfestival.com/.

Bands from Scarsdale as well as from the greater Westchester County and New York metropolitan areas will perform throughout the day on one of two main stages. Acknowledging our community’s connection to the city and surrounding regions, we’ve begun an expanded regional talent search to welcome new sounds and new followers to our downtown area. 

Restaurants in the downtown area will open their doors, and a variety of food trucks and other food vendors will line the streets. The SBA has once again partnered with the Scarsdale Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) to make the Scarsdale Music Festival a zero-waste event.

The 2023 SMF will feature a ZACHYS wine-tasting experience in addition to craft beer and spirits tastings. Attendees 21+ can also purchase adult beverages by the glass.  

An expanded Family Fun Zone will feature balloon artists, face painters, arts and crafts, games, musical demonstrations, family activities and much more!

The 2023 SMF will be donating a portion of proceeds to the Center for Cancer Care at White Plains Hospital. Our donation will help fund their mission to provide third-party transportation for better access to appointments and provide specialized staff as “patient navigators” to assist in understanding the cancer treatment process.

 

News courtesy of the Scarsdale Music Festival

Governor Hochul Urges: SHOP SMALL to Help Small Businesses Which Make Up 98% of New York State’s Economy

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Editor’s Note: Governor Kathy Hochul along with Key NYS Public Officials are urging consumers to shop local to keep tax dollars in New York. So consider Small Business Saturday on November 26 for your seasonal shopping. The Governor’s release, issued yesterday:

Governor Kathy Hochul today alongside Empire State Development, and the Departments of Labor, Taxation and Finance, and Agriculture and Markets encouraged all New Yorkers to support their local small businesses on “Small Business Saturday” November 26, 2022. Small businesses make up 98 percent of New York State’s economy and generate millions of jobs throughout the Empire State, and by choosing to shop locally Saturday, and every day, New Yorkers are investing in their neighborhoods, strengthening their communities, and keeping tax dollars within New York State.

“Small Business Saturday is an opportunity for all New Yorkers to play a role in strengthening our economy, creating vibrant neighborhoods, and keeping communities connected,” Governor Hochul said. “New York’s small businesses are the core of our economy, and because this community was among the hardest hit at the height of the pandemic, my administration has been squarely focused on its recovery. I encourage New Yorkers to take advantage of all that these businesses have to offer and shop locally this Saturday.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Every time you visit your favorite restaurant or gift shop and buy something new, you are supporting a local small business. Small businesses are the fabric of our communities and when they thrive, we all thrive. ESD has continued to offer support to our small and micro businesses through many programs during the pandemic and beyond but we cannot do it alone–the support of everyday customers is integral, and we encourage New Yorkers to shop your local small businesses this Saturday, and every day.”

New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Small businesses are the cornerstones of communities. By shopping at these businesses, we are supporting families, jobs, and New York State’s diverse economy. I encourage New Yorkers to shop small and shop often this Small Business Saturday and throughout the entire holiday season.”

Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller said, “Small businesses were hit hard during the pandemic and are only now beginning to recover. To aid that process, the state has a full array of business tax credits and incentives. I urge small business owners to explore these credits and incentives on our website. I also encourage New Yorkers to shop small this weekend and throughout the year.”

State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “New York is home to more than 33,000 family farms that produce world-class food and beverages products. Our hardworking farmers take great pride in feeding their neighbors and fellow New Yorkers, and are truly vital to our state. This holiday season, I encourage you to give thanks for the delicious meals and thoughtful gifts you share with family and shop local to support your community’s producers.”

Small Business Saturday celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners and invites shoppers to visit local stores at the beginning of the busy holiday shopping season. The small business sector is a major contributor to the foundation of New York’s economy, employing more than 40 percent of New York’s private sector workforce. Today, New York State has more than 549,000 small business firms, employing more than three million people.

New York State’s Support for Small Business

Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State is providing more than $1 billion worth of assistance through an array of programs and initiatives designed to support small business growth and help entrepreneurs maximize their opportunities for success.

Recently Governor Hochul announced New York State has been awarded $501.5 million in federal funding through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), a program through the federal American Rescue Plan Act. Managed by the U.S. Department of Treasury, SSBCI provides funds to support programs for small businesses, with a focus on recovery from the economic effects of COVID-19 and allowing socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) -Owned Businesses the opportunity to succeed in the post-pandemic economy. New York’s $501.5 million in SSBCI funding includes a main allocation of $377.1 million, as well as $124.4 million for socially and economically advantaged (SEDI) businesses. Learn about New York State’s suite of SSBCI programs here. Other programs to help small business include:

  • The $200M New York State Seed Funding Grant Program launched in September. This program is designed to provide assistance to early-stage small businesses in a recovering New York State economy. This program is open to businesses that are currently operational with annual revenues between $5,000 and $1,000,000 that began operation on or after September 1, 2018, visit nyseedgrant.com for more information on further eligibility requirements and how to apply.
  • The $250 million COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program provides financial assistance to New York State small businesses burdened with a range of operational costs stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, from structural changes and building upgrades to health-related supplies and materials. The Program offers qualifying businesses relief from the added economic burden by providing tax credits to help reduce the pandemic-related financial impact. Small businesses can receive a tax credit of 50 percent of qualifying expenses up to a maximum of $25,000 in tax credits based on qualifying expenses of $50,000.

 

New York State also supports a network of Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers (EAC) in communities throughout the state that provide instruction, training, technical assistance, and support services to individuals who are interested in starting or recently started their own business, or entrepreneurs seeking to expand or strengthen their early-stage business. To find an EAC near you, visit https://esd.ny.gov/entrepreneurship-assistance-centers.

The New York State Department of Labor offers a multitude of no-cost services for businesses of all sizes, including more than 220,000 job postings on the NYSDOL website, access to tens of thousands of qualified candidates in our talent pool, career fairs and customized recruitments, and Human Resources consultation services. Thousands of businesses each year work with NYSDOL to list their jobs, find the right candidates, access hiring and training incentives, obtain business tax credits and incentives, get help with one-on-one labor law and safety and health compliance services, and find layoff aversion resources. For more information, visit: https://www.labor.ny.gov/business. The Department will also launch a new PSAon social media, promoting New York State’s small businesses and encouraging New Yorkers to shop small this holiday season.

New York State offers dozens of tax credits and incentives to help small business owners and entrepreneurs make a beneficial impact in their local communities. Small businesses can access a variety of resources and programs anytime at the Tax Department’s dedicated Business incentives webpage, a one-stop shop for details about tax credits and incentives for a variety of enterprises in various industries–from farming and agriculture to research and development to manufacturing.

Businesses may also qualify for job credits and incentives for hiring and training local workers, or for tax credits and exemptions intended to encourage property improvements. The Tax Department’s website, www.tax.ny.gov, has information about available credits and incentives, as well as details about new income tax relief for many small businesses. The Online Services for businesses webpage provides efficient ways to make payments, view filing information, or otherwise interact with the Tax Department.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets supports New York’s agricultural industry, which boasts over 33,000 farms, 700 farmers’ markets and farm stands, and thousands of small agribusinesses. The Department also administers the NYS Grown & Certified program, which markets local growers and producers participating in safe food handling and environmental sustainability programs, helping them better compete in the marketplace. Additionally, the Taste NY program showcases New York food and beverage businesses at large public events and at Taste NY stores, the State’s Welcome Centers, displays, and concessions at more than 70 locations across New York. This year, ShopTasteNY.com, Taste NY’s online marketplace, will be offering several holiday weekend deals, including offering 40% off sitewide on Black Friday, Buy-One-Get-One 50% off on Small Business Saturday and Sunday, and providing a $25 e-gift card when you purchase $50 or more on Cyber Monday. New Yorkers can also shop for the holidays at the Taste NY Welcome Centers, which will be showcasing local producers with gift baskets containing local foods, handmade items, and other unique products. Find more information at ShopTasteNY.com. The Department assists small agribusinesses and farmers with critical services that enhance their business and increase productivity, profitability, and competitiveness.

 

Chappaqua’s Always Magical HOLIDAY STROLL on December 3rd: Ice Sculpting, Tree Lighting, Horace Greeley Encords… and More!

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The annual Holiday Stroll is back in Chappaqua December 3! Memory making and heartwarming activities for the whole family! Discover a host of shops, new and old favorites! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, or just wish to embrace the spirit of the season, you do not want to miss this! 

December 2022, Chappaqua, NY –  It’s the most magical time of year again and the annual Holiday Stroll is back! The holidays come alive in this charming hamlet; this is the perfect time for families to enjoy a festive day in downtown Chappaqua. 

This year’s Holiday stroll on December 3 will feature a meet and greet with Santa Claus bringing cheer to all and posing for pictures with little ones from 2 to 4 p.m. 

Experience a live ice sculpting presentation in front of Desires By Mikolay at 3 p.m., where you can watch master carvers create two holiday themed carvings out of giant blocks of ice using nothing but chainsaws. This is a decade long tradition you have to see for yourself!

Festivities continue at 4:30 p.m. at the New Castle Historical Society where you can enjoy the sounds of Holiday-themed Carols by Horace Greeley Encords and witness a festive Christmas tree lighting with thousands of twinkling lights.

Enjoy the charm of downtown Chappaqua as you pop into local shops, discover new merchants, checkout the latest fashions, shop local for holiday gifts, and pick up all the necessary essentials this gift-giving season. 

If you are worried about the cold, we got you covered! There will be a complimentary food truck from the Chamber of Commerce serving up Hot Cocoa and apple cider donuts to make sure everyone is warm and toasty.

Chappaqua’s Holiday Stroll will be on December 3, from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. throughout downtown Chappaqua. 

In addition, save the date December 18 for more holiday festivities in town including a December 18th Menorah Lighting and bonfire!

News courtesy of the Chappaqua Millwood Chamber of Commerce, Desires by Mikolay and the New Castle Historical Society

HHREC Honors Westchester Business Leader, Features Pulitzer Prize-Winning Speaker at Annual Fall Benefit

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HHREC Benefit Honoree Dennis Mehiel   Photos by Julie Rothschild

November 1st 2022– The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) honored Westchester County Business Executive Dennis Mehiel at their annual Benefit at Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York on October 27th.  HHREC Board of Directors Chairperson President Michael Gyory introduced Mehiel, who spoke about the importance of standing up against antisemitism and expressed his gratitude for the work of HHREC in offering programs that teach the lessons learned from the Holocaust. Mr. Mehiel was the first person not of the Jewish faith elected to the Board of Governors of Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work where he served from 1989 until 1996.

Bret Stephens, New York Times Columnist and Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalis, was the HHREC 2023 keynote speaker.

The program also featured a talk and Q&A with Pulitzer-Prize Winning Journalist, Author, and New York Times columnist Bret Stephens, who appeared as the event Keynote Speaker. Stephen’s talk centered on drawing parallels between 2022 and 1922 and the dangers of overlooking signs of hatred and discrimination, and the possibility that they could reoccur in the U.S. in the years ahead.

HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper recognized Holocaust survivors who were in the audience and introduced a film about the HHREC Educator’s Study Tour of Germany and Poland. She also thanked the audience for their continued support for HHREC programs and announced a new endowment campaign.

“We are so grateful for the support from our growing community, especially those who came out to be with us for this year’s HHREC Benefit.” said Jasper. “ Our staff, board of directors, and education program partners are reenergized as we continue in our efforts to teach the lessons of the Holocaust, and the right of all people to be treated with dignity and respect.”

Additional Photos by Julie Rothschild

(L-R) Iris Weintraub Lachaud; Michael Gyory, chairperson, HHREC; and State Senator Shelley B. Mayer
Holocaust survivors Agnes Vertes and Nick Friedman
(L-R) Rena Hecht, New York State Assemblyman Chris Burdick, and Bob Piliero
David A. Alpert, Board Member, HHREC, with Honoree Dennis Mehiel
(L-R): Rachel Greenspan, Member, HHREC Board of Directors; Grace Bennett, HHREC Advisory Board; and Lisa Salko, HHREC Speakers Bureau

 

Annie Kleinhaus (Holocaust Survivor) and Millie Jasper, Executive Director, HHREC
Board of Directors, Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center
Steve Goldberg, Co-Director of Education, HHREC (second on left) with Karin Kast-Meinhrad (left) and to his right, Karen Kruis and Julia Collins 
(L-R): Brian Lombardo, Dr. Joyce Brown, former New York State Comptroller Carl McCall, who also addressed attendees of the HHREC benefit, and Kelly Mehiel
Michael Brown, Catherine Borgia, Chairperson, Westchester County Board of Legislators, and Pamela Stern
Andrew R. Benerofe, board member, HHREC, and Rabbi Daniel Gropper, Community Synagogue of Rye

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