The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Happenings

Plans for County’s March 3 Covid Commemoration: “One Year Later”

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 In the lobby of the Michaelian Office Building where the County’s “Ribbons of Remembrance” memorial now stands, County Executive George Latimer will host a commemoration of the County’s first confirmed COVID-19 case. To date, Westchester County has lost over 2,000 lives to the virus. The commemoration will take place on Wednesday, March 3 beginning at 11 a.m. To watch live, tune into www.facebook.com/WestchesterGov.

Latimer said: “What today is about is remembering those we have lost not as merely an integer or statistic, but as human beings and the valued members of our community that they were. While in this last year we have rallied together in so many ways,, it is imperative we also take time to grieve and heal together.”

The solemn event will begin at 11a.m. with an interfaith prayer service lead be Father Luke Hoyt from Holy Innocents Catholic Church, Rabbi Annie Tucker from Temple Israel Center and Imam Shaffieq Chace from Islamic Center of New Rochelle.

Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Westchester residents are strong, resilient and also compassionate people.  One year later, we commemorate those we have lost and honor those who worked so hard to keep us safe.”

 

Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “One year ago, all of our lives changed forever. I am proud of the work of my department, and health care workers county-wide, as we faced this crisis of unprecedented proportions.”

The prayers will be followed by remarks from Latimer and other invited guests, poems read by the County’s Poet Laureate B.K. Fischer and the County’s Youth Poet Laureate Danielle Kohn and a musical interlude from a string quartet made up of students and faculty from White Plains High School. 

Following the program at 12p.m., Latimer will lead the County in a moment of silence remembering those we have lost.

This commemoration will continue again later in the evening when Latimer will lead a County-wide applause for health care workers in recognition of the life-saving, stress-filled work they have done during these tumultuous times.

On Wednesday, March 3, Latimer will also direct flags at all County facilities to be flown at half-staff in honor of the over 2,000 Westchester residents who have died from COVID-19.

News courtesy of the Office of the Westchester County Executive

Benefit Shop Foundation, Inc to Host An ‘Outregis’ Auction March 24

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MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. –  A collection of television history crosses the block at The Benefit Shop Foundation, Inc. in its Red Carpet auction Wednesday, March 24, at 10 am, when it offers items donated by the family of the late Regis Philbin. The longtime TV host was once dubbed the hardest working man in show business and given the “outregis” nickname by  longtime colleague Kathie Lee Gifford.

Signed celebrity memorabilia highlights include this lot of three items relating to Jerry Seinfeld ($200-$1,500) with a candid photo of Regis and Seinfeld, a Seinfeld-signed copy of Seinfeld The Coffee Table Book along with a coffee book table in the shape of a book.

After graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 1953 and serving in the U.S. Navy, Philbin (1931-2020) began an illustrious career in television. He started out as a page for the Tonight Show before getting his big break as Joey Bishop’s sidekick on The Joey Bishop Show. It was here working with Bishop that Philbin said he learned how to interview people and set him on his path as a TV show host. Holding a Guinness world record for the most hours on U.S. television, he is best known for co-hosting a syndicated morning talk show, Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee, which started in 1983 in New York and syndicated nationally five years later. Philbin retired from the show in 2011, which continued with other co-hosts. He died in July 2020 and the items in this auction came from his Greenwich, Conn. estate.

“His family donated much of Regis’s cherished memorabilia and objects, ranging from awards, posters, books and photographs to Letterman jackets. The collection of nearly 200 items really shares the story of his life and career,” said Pam Stone, owner and founder of The Benefit Shop Foundation, Inc. “Regis was raised in the Bronx and spent most of his career in New York so it’s absolutely fitting that these items are being sold to benefit the Bronx Food Bank.”

In his career, Philbin met and worked with a slew of well known personalities and owned several signed items relating to them. An auction highlight is a lot of three items relating to Jerry Seinfeld ($200-$1,500) including a candid photo of the two, a Seinfeld-signed copy of Seinfeld The Coffee Table Book  along with a coffee book table in the shape of a book.

Other celebrity memorabilia includes a poster depicting Philbin with comic Don Rickles ($100-300) when the two did a show together and a Burt Reynolds-signed Golden Gloves poster ($100-500) inscribed “Regis / So I told you I was a contender…”

This elegant blue glass award made in Poland ($200-600) is inscribed “A Giant Of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts, Regis Philbin,” presented by the Library of American Broadcasting in 2014.
Presented to Regis Philbin by WWE’s Vince McMahon is a WWE champion belt ($100-500) in its original box commemorating Monday Night Raw’s 1,000th episode in 2012.

Several of Philbin’s many awards are on offer, including an elegant blue glass award made in Poland ($200-600), inscribed “A Giant Of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts, Regis Philbin” presented by the Library of American Broadcasting in 2014 and an American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial Award ($300-600).

Jackets, especially Letterman style ones, relating to his TV career or his years at Notre Dame are on offer, including a 2002 Golden Bear Letterman jacket ($100-300) for Worldwide Pants Incorporated, the production company founded by David Letterman. Also represented in the sale are his Adidas Letterman jacket, marked ND Irish ($100-300) and a 1953 Notre Dame Champion windbreaker ($100-300).

Graduating Notre Dame was a source of pride and Philbin’s mementos here range from a signed Notre Dame digital print by Kathleen Keifer ($100-300) and a signed piece of wood art of the Fighting Irish mascot, by Erik Warren ($50-200) to a Notre Dame vs Navy football ($50-100) inscribed with his name from Oct. 31, 1992 along with other sporting items, a commemorative dish and desktop accessories.

Philbin was a big fan of sports entertainment, especially WWE wrestling and often had wrestlers on his show like The Destroyer and Hulk Hogan. In 2012, WWE chairman Vince McMahon presented Regis with a WWE champion belt to commemorate Monday Night Raw’s 1,000th episode ($100-500).

The monthly Red Carpet sales feature collections of antique, Midcentury Modern, brand furnishings, sterling, china, crystal, jewelry and fine art. With a mission of  “to donate, to discover and to do good,” the foundation is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit and auction proceeds support community organizations. Consignors get a tax deduction, the buyer gets a great deal and local non-profits get much needed funds.

The auction gallery is at 185 Kisco Ave, Suite 201. For more information, https://www.thebenefitshop.org or 914-864-0707.

News courtesy of the Benefit Shop Foundation.

UJA-Federation of New York’s 2021 Westchester Women’s Symposium

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Turning ideas into action: That was the core message of UJA-Federation of New York’s 2021 Westchester Women’s Symposium on Wednesday, February 24, 2021. Local female thought leaders addressed an audience of more than 200 about the passions they pursued in order to create an impact in their communities.

In the panel “Building Bridges and Fighting Hate,” Atiya Aftab and Annette Rotter, of The Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, discussed their commitment to building relationships between Muslim and Jewish women. Alexandra Rosenberg and Stacey Saiontz, of the Town of New Castle Holocaust & Human Rights Committee and E.N.O.U.G.H – Educate Now On Understanding Genocide And Hate, talked about their work to educate local children and create community awareness about the Holocaust. The panel was moderated by UJA’s Hindy Poupko.

The panel “Advocating for the Vulnerable” featured Cindy Kanusher, Esq. of PACE Women’s Justice Center, Robi Schlaff, Esq. of Westchester County Office for Women, and Judy Siegel, Esq. of Pro Bono Partnership speaking on their legal and advocacy work to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and to support nonprofits that serve vulnerable populations. The panel was moderated by Beth Goldman of New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG).

UJA’s event chairs were Michele Gregson, Giselle Weissman, and Nicky Ziman.

About UJA-Federation of New York 

Working with a network of hundreds of nonprofits, UJA extends its reach from New York to Israel to nearly 70 other countries around the world, touching the lives of 4.5 million people each year. To date, UJA has allocated $64 million to help respond to the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Aid has supported New Yorkers facing food insecurity, UJA partner organizations providing essential health and human services to New Yorkers, Jewish Community Centers, low-income students, single parents, and ensuring dignified Jewish burials. For more information, please visit www.ujafedny.org.

 

News courtesy of the UJA-Federation of New York

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