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Over 350 Students From 31 Schools Attend 21st Annual Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center High School Institute at Iona University

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Area High School Students and Teachers Attend Education Event Featuring Nationally Recognized Storyteller as Voting Rights Activist

March 15th, New Rochelle, NY – Over 350 students and teachers from 31 schools in Westchester, Dutchess, Putnam, Orange and Suffolk Counties attended the 21st Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) High School Institute event on March 15th at Iona University in New Rochelle, New York.

The program began with welcoming remarks by HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper and Dr. Elena Procario-Foley, Brother John G. Driscoll Professor of Jewish-Christian Studies, and Dr. Tricia Mulligan, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs of Iona University. Following the opening remarks, HHREC Director of Education Julie Scallero introduced keynote speaker Sheila Arnold. Ms. Arnold, CEO and Lead Performer of History’s Alive! appeared in character as Fannie Lou Hamer, an American voting and women’s rights activist and leader in the civil rights movement. She has performed as a Regional Storyteller at Colonial Williamsburg, the Valley Forge Teacher Institute, and at education conferences across the U.S.

Sheila Arnold, CEO and Lead Performer (L) and Julie Scallero, HHREC Director of Education (R)

The HHREC Student Institute workshops were led by experienced facilitators to encourage open discussions, as teachers encouraged their students to engage as activists or “Upstanders” in response to human rights violations. Following the workshops, Deputy Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins appeared to issue a proclamation that May 22nd to 26th will be “Westchester County Upstander Week,” This call to action was designed to encourage student activism and awareness by inspiring them to become “upstanders” (rather than bystanders) – and take an active role in changing the world by hosting an event in their communities to bring attention to a human rights issue.

The event culminated with a talk and Q&A with HHREC Board Chairperson and GenerationsForward Speakers Bureau member Michael Gyory. Gyory shared the story of his father’s cousin Agi Keleti, a 102-year-old Holocaust Survivor who survived the Nazis and outlasted the Communists to become the greatest female Jewish Olympian of all time – winning 10 medals in women’s gymnastics for her native Hungary. Agi is currently the oldest living Olympic medalist.

HHREC Board Chairperson and GenerationsForward Speaker Michael Gyory

Students were also recognized for their work in promoting human rights in their schools and communities.

  • The Richard A. Berman Leadership Award for Human Rights was awarded to Izzy Sampere and Allie Cooper of Byram Hills High School. This award is in honor of the longstanding commitment and dedication of Richard Berman to the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center, and his commitment to community service and the education of ethically and socially responsible leaders for the global community.
  • The Andy Cahn “Community Service” Award was presented to Lana Weiser of Scarsdale in memory of the contributions and commitment made by Andy Cahn, former Assistant Director of Education for the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center, who was instrumental in the creation of the High School Human Rights Institute.
  • The Neil Ginsberg Student “Upstander” Award was presented to Miyuki Oblitas of Mamaroneck High School. This award recognizes the contributions and commitment made by Neil Ginsberg to the Human Rights Institute for High School Student Leaders, and his dedication to the HHREC Educators Program Committee for over 20 years.

“We were very pleased at the response from area teachers and students who joined us in person for our program this year” said Julie Scallero, HHREC Director of Education. She added “It was very inspiring to hear from the students who were so well-prepared, and see their reactions as they heard from Sheila Arnold about the challenges faced by her character Fannie Lou Hamer and others as they struggled to achieve their right to vote. It was also encouraging to see the response to the talk by our Board Chair Michael Gyory about his cousin and the spellbinding story of how she survived the Holocaust to eventually become an Olympic medal winner and role model for our students. We believe the powerful messages we heard yesterday will resonate with these students for years as they become more active as ‘Upstanders’ to protect and preserve human rights.”

Participating schools included:  Ardsley High School, Blind Brook High School, Briarcliff High School,  Byram Hills High School, Denzel Washington School of the Arts, Dobbs Ferry High School, Eastchester High School, Edgemont High School, Hastings High School, Horace Greeley High School, Iona Preparatory School, John Jay High School, Mahopac High School, Mamaroneck High School, Newburgh Free Academy – Main Campus, Newburgh Free Academy – North Campus, Newburgh Free Academy – West Campus, New Rochelle High School,  North Salem High School, Ossining High School, Peekskill High School, Pelham Memorial High School, Pine Bush High School, Pleasantville High School, Ridgefield High School, Rocky Point High School, Rye Neck High School, Scarsdale High School, Sleepy Hollow High School, Somers High School, and Westchester Youth Alliance.

The HHREC Student Institute was developed to further their mission by promoting student awareness of human rights issues on a local and global level, and to empower students to be upstanders by creating and implementing Action Plans in their schools and communities. HHREC has organized and offered this event to Westchester County area students and teachers since 2002. Past events have been hosted in partnership with Iona College in New Rochelle. For more information visit HHRECNY.org or contact Julie Scallero at jscallero@hhrecny.org.

Millie Jasper is the executive director of the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center (HHREC). This news is courtesy of the HHREC.

Dr. Elena Procario-Foley, Brother John G. Driscoll Professor of Jewish-Christian Studies, Iona University (L)
HHREC Executive Director Millie Jasper sharing proclamation from Deputy Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins

 

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

On August 4th: Opportunity for a Second, First Dose, On-Campus Monkeypox Vaccination Clinic

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Responding to what was cited as “an overwhelming demand,” The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center in partnership with the Westchester County Department of Health announced that it will host a second, first-dose, on-campus Monkeypox Vaccination Clinic, on Thursday, August 4th, 2022.

To make an appointment for the August 4th Clinic at The LOFT, click here.

Getting to The LOFT: The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Services Center, 252 Bryant Ave, White Plains, NY

The following is information received from the County’s Department of Health and The Loft:

“Appointments can be made from the hours of 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. for adults 18 years of age and up. Information on the second dose will be given to each vaccinated person after their first dose. The LOFT strongly encourages any and all members of the community who believe they are at risk to get vaccinated, immediately. The vaccination is free of charge.”

The LOFT announced its first monkeypox clinic for Thursday, July 28, and all appointments were filled within hours of the announcement being made. According to Jeffrey Guard, responding on behalf of The LOFT to the Inside Press, noted that 80 people were vaccinated at the first-dose clinic. “Roughly the same amount are expected to be offered at the second clinic,” said Guard.

“The LOFT in partnership with Westchester County clearly sees that there is an urgent demand for monkeypox vaccines which is why we are opening a second clinic for first-dose monkeypox vaccinations.  We are proud to partner with the County of Westchester and are truly grateful for their rapid, well-organized response to our community’s needs,” stated The Loft Executive Director, Judy Troilo, in a release about the clinic.

Additional info:

“The World Health Organization, The CDC, and the New York Department of Health have all emphasized the importance of having people who are at risk be vaccinated. Monkeypox can be transmitted through simple skin contact when someone’s skin rubs/brushes against an infected person’s skin. Infection can also occur by touching infected clothing.  Please note, that it can also be transmitted via genital contact but is not considered a sexually transmitted infection. Condoms, dental dams, PrEP, birth control, microbicide lubricants, and antibiotics typically used to treat STI’s will not protect a person from infection. To learn more about Monkeypox, click here.

If you are unsure whether you need the vaccine or have questions related to your health, please consult with your physician or medical practitioner.

To learn more about how the vaccine works, click here.”

 

Virtual Cooking Class on Preventing Osteoporosis from Northern Westchester Hospital: July 12

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Northern Westchester Hospital’s Center for Healthy Living registered dietitian Amy Rosenfeld, here in her kitchen/studio, offers a cooking class on reducing your disease risk to osteoporosis. This free, online class on July 12 from 12-1 p.m., will teach you some culinary tips, simple recipes, proper nutrition and the connection between the foods we eat and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Photo courtesy of Northwell Health

Mount Kisco, NY–This July Northern Westchester Hospital’s (NWH) Center for Health Living featured webinar is a cooking class on reducing your disease risk to osteoporosis at any age. During the online class registered dietitian Amy Rosenfeld will talk about the connection between the foods we eat and reducing the risk for osteoporosis. Amy will also teach you proper nutrition recommendations, some simple recipes and some culinary tips and tricks. Other classes in July will be virtual and include chair yoga, and smoking cessation. All programs are free unless otherwise specified.

The other classes in July will be virtual and include chair yoga, and smoking cessation. These classes help support the community, and benefit people’s mental and physical health. All programs are free unless otherwise specified.

Located next to the Whole Foods Market at Chappaqua Crossing, the Center for Healthy Living provides the local community with well-being and youth engagement programming. The center’s interactive virtual lectures and pop-up events allows the community to reach wellness goals, make educated health decisions, and seek engagement and service opportunities. For a full list of upcoming free events and registration, visit Eventbrite.com.

 

FEATURED EVENT:

Cooking for Reducing Disease Risk: Osteoporosis

Cost: Free

July 12, 12:00-1:00 pm, Live over Zoom

Cost: Free

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 a discussion about the connection between the foods we eat and reducing the risk for osteoporosis. Amy will discuss nutrition recommendations for strong bones and help you put these recommendations into action in your kitchen. Amy will demonstrate simple, healthy recipes, as well as culinary tips and tricks to encourage you to make nutritious foods part of your everyday routine.

Register at: Cooking for Reducing Disease Risk: Osteoporosis

OTHER EVENTS:

Chair Yoga

Cost: Free

Thursdays ONLY: July 7, 14, 21, 28 – 11:00 am-12:00 pm, Live over Zoom

Chair Yoga is one of the gentlest forms of yoga available, adapting poses through creative use of a chair. Emphasis will be on breathing, balance, and moving at your own pace.

Register at: Chair Yoga

Smoking Cessation

Cost: Free

July 6, 13, 27, Live over Microsoft Teams

We know it’s challenging to quit smoking – we are here to help. This support group is facilitated by a Northern Westchester Hospital Respiratory Therapist. For specific information, contact NWHSmokingCessation@northwell.edu 

Register at: Smoking Cessation

 

NWH Calendar Listings are Courtesy of Northern Westchester Hospital

Judge Judy and Nicole Sheindlin, BRI Westchester and Former Board President to be Honored at WCA Annual Spring Benefit June 1st

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Westchester Children’s Association (WCA) will hold their annual Imagine A Child…WCA Annual Spring Benefit on Wednesday, June 1st, 2022, starting at 6:00 pm at the Surf Club in New Rochelle, New York. This year WCA will honor Nicole Sheindlin and Judge Judy Sheindlin of Her Honor Mentoring; The Building & Realty Institute (BRI) of Westchester; and Dr. Katherine Lobach, former WCA Board President and Chairperson.

“We are very excited about our annual spring benefit and looking forward to celebrating three outstanding honorees next week.” said Allison Lake, Executive Director of the Westchester Children’s Association. “At the same time, we are reminded by recent events in Buffalo, New York and Uvalde, Texas that we need to be ever more vigilant and persistent in our advocacy to ensure that every child in Westchester is healthy, safe, and prepared for life’s challenges than ever before. These honorees are shining examples of what each of us can do to help children in our communities, and anywhere else – across the country, or around the world.

Honorees who are expected to receive awards at this year’s WCA Spring Benefit include:

The WCA Edith C. Macy Award for Distinguished Service, given in recognition of extraordinary contributions to children’s well-being, will be awarded to Nicole Sheindlin and Judge Judy Sheindlin of Her Honor Mentoring. Their mission is to provide unique learning opportunities and resources for young women, as they connect the needs of our public education system with powerful resources in the business community. Their belief is that connecting strong, positive, female role models with young women changes everything. Her Honor Mentoring was developed by Nicole Sheindlin and Judge Judy Sheindlin as an innovative and pragmatic way to boost self-confidence in young women in the workplace and everyday life. For more information visit herhonor.org.

“Since Nicole and I started Her Honor Mentoring 16 years ago, it has been incredibly gratifying to see hundreds of young women become outstanding members of society, as leaders in their fields, wonderful mentees themselves, and most of all, independent women who are truly making a difference in the world,” says Judge Judy Sheindlin. “It is an honor to receive this award and I share it with all of them.”

The WCA Corporate Children’s Champion Award will be presented this year to the Building & Realty Institute (BRI) of Westchester. This award recognizes and honors a business or organization with an outstanding record of advocacy, actions, and/or philanthropy that has substantially benefitted young people in Westchester. BRI Westchester advocates for the best interests of the realty industry to government and the community, provides knowledge and resources to their members, and creates opportunities for their members to build relationships and improve their businesses. WCA and BRI found synergy on the Welcome Home Westchester campaign that combines several companies involved in the home building and development of housing with economic leaders such as the Westchester County Association and Nonprofit Westchester, academics and think tanks that have extensively examined the housing question, organizations dedicated to fighting against homelessness and supporting families in need, faith leaders and community advocates to drive forward a new conversation around affordable housing in the county. For more information visit buildersinstitute.org/whw/.

“We have long admired WCA’s ability to analyze, educate, advocate and lead on the critical policy issues that face Westchester’s children, including the urgent need to address a county-wide housing shortage that puts so many children at-risk of homelessness, housing insecurity, or facing barriers to educational attainment.“ said Timothy Foley Chief Executive Officer, BRI of Westchester & the Mid-Hudson Region. “WCA has been one of the cornerstones for the Welcome Home Westchester campaign we launched in the past year to advocate for building the housing we need, and we are honored to work side-by-side with them on this issue.”

The WCA Lifetime Achievement Award will be awarded to Dr. Katherine Lobach, former WCA Board President and Chair. Dr. Lobach, a pediatrician, learned early that effective health care for children often required advocacy on their behalf. This awareness and activity were a constant element of her career as a clinician, teacher, and administrator, and upon her retirement, brought her to the WCA Board as president in 2005.During her tenure, she participated in WCA’s efforts to provide in-school support to Westchester preschool students with social and emotional issues. She also led an initiative to improve data collection and develop outreach activities at WCA which offered adolescents an opportunity to receive preventive health care and formed a County-wide collaboration to expand newborn and toddler home visiting services in Westchester. Today, she continues to advocate to reduce child poverty.

“Dr. Lobach has devoted her life to the health and well-being of children, as a pediatrician, public health leader, and as a mother and grandmother.” said Ann Umemoto, WCA Board President. “ We are very grateful for her tireless efforts in support of our youth over the years, and we look forward to recognizing her contributions, along with our other special honorees at this year’s event.”=

Donations and sponsorship for this event will help WCA continue its advocacy and work for children in Westchester. To reserve a seat or for more information about the program, visit wca4kids.org/imagine/ or contact Debbie Campbell at 914.946.7676 x300 or via email at dcampbell@wca4kids.org.

About Westchester Children’s Association: Westchester Children’s Association (WCA) is a multi-issue, child advocacy nonprofit that works to ensure that every child in Westchester is healthy, safe, and prepared for life’s challenges. Since 1914, WCA has been the leading independent voice for Westchester by identifying their needs, making those needs known to the public, and ensuring those needs are met through advocacy and mobilization efforts. For more information about Westchester Children’s Association, visit www.wca4kids.org .