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HHREC Announces Students Honored in Second Annual White Rose Student Research Contest

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May 25, 2022– The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) held their second annual White Rose Student Research Contest for 7th-12th grade students in the greater Westchester County NY area. The 2021/2022 contest theme was Auschwitz and the Hungarian Deportations.

Jake Morton, Woodlands Middle School

This year, HHREC honored students and teachers from Irvington High School, Westchester Day School and Woodlands Middle/High School via Zoom. Participating students who chose to compete in the contest submitted essays or original documentaries based on research of primary source and secondary source materials. Student and teacher entries included:

7th and 8th Grade Winners – Rachel Tratt, Westchester Day School and Jake Morton, Woodlands Middle School; and Finalist Annshiya Pulikkottil Sam, Woodlands Middle School.

11th and 12th Grade Winner – Alexandra Pollack, Irvington High School

Sponsoring Teachers – Christopher Barry, Irvington High School; Kasie Peralta, Woodlands Middle School; and Jill Rivel, Westchester Day School.

This contest is sponsored by the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center, and it is named in memory of the White Rose, a resistance movement consisting of German university students. The project commemorates the efforts of the brave young people who gave their lives for what they believed in. HHREC is encouraging teachers to utilize this writing contest as a classroom exercise.

“We are pleased at the response we received this year from area teachers and their students about the program we have developed to further their knowledge of the Holocaust.” said Julie Scallero,  Co-Director of Education, Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center. “This project commemorates the efforts of brave young people during the Holocaust who gave their lives for what they believed in. May their memories inspire us to reflect upon our own responsibilities as citizens in a democratic nation.”

Winning entries for the HHREC White Rose Student Research Contest were identified by a panel of Blue-Ribbon judges that included Richard Berman, Ph.D. Muma College of Business, University of South Florida; Debbie Lewis, HHREC GenerationsForward speaker; Elena Procario-Foley, Ph.D. Professor of Religious Studies, Iona College; Debbie Minchin HHREC Educators Program Committee; and Audrey Reich Art Specialist, The Birch Wathen Lenox School

The top prize winner in each age level was awarded a cash prize, and the sponsoring teacher of each first prize winner was awarded a voucher for use on professional development and/or Holocaust resources.

 

 

Medical Career Day for High School Students Among Virtual Events offered in April by Northern Westchester Hospital

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Additional April Virtual Courses Taking Place at Northern Westchester Hospital’s Center for Healthy Living Include Kids in the Kitchen, Cooking to Reduce Arthritis and Joint Pain

A virtual conference that introduces high school students grades 9-12 to a wide range of opportunities available in health care, both clinical and non-clinical alike, is the featured program in April by Northern Westchester Hospital’s (NWH) Center for Healthy Living. Other virtual and in-person events to support the community, and help people get mentally and physically healthier include a cooking class for children, chair yoga, smoking cessation, a healthy cooking class to reduce arthritis and joint pain, and an in-person teen gardening class.

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.

High school students grades 9-12 interested in a medical career need to register now to attend, Medical Career Day 2022, a free virtual conference on Zoom. Conference will take place on Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 12:00-3:30 pm.
Photo credit: iStock

FEATURED EVENTS:

Medical Career Day 2022

April 23, 12:00-3:30 pm, live over Zoom

Cost: Free

A future career in healthcare is varied, exciting, and constantly growing in opportunities. Northern Westchester Hospital’s Medical Career Day will expose you to some of these unique opportunities, both clinical and non-clinical alike. Ask questions, participate in engaging discussions, make meaningful connections with medical professionals, and maybe even find your passion! This year’s presentation topics include surgery, nursing, business, patient experience, internships, clinical certification programs, medical school preparation and more! This event is open to high school students only. Attendees will receive a Certificate of Career Exploration.

Register at: Medical Career Day 2022

 

Kids in the Kitchen: Spring Break Cooking and Crafting

April 12, 11:00 am-12:00 pm, live over Zoom

Cost: Free

Do you have a child who loves to cook and craft? Looking to eat healthier as a family? Join Northern Westchester Hospital for a family cooking and crafting program during April spring break. In preparation for Earth Day, participants will learn about sustainability and the connection between our health and the health of our planet. Craft and cook along with us and play some Earth Day trivia! This program is appropriate for children of all ages. We will be making Homemade Granola Bars and Upcycled Misfit Crayons.

Register at: Kids in the Kitchen

 

Cooking for Reducing Disease Risk: Arthritis and Joint Pain

April 29, 12:00-1:00 pm, live over Zoom

Cost: Free

Join registered dietitian Amy Rosenfeld for a discussion about the connection between the foods we eat, joint pain, and inflammation. Amy will demonstrate realistic anti-inflammatory cooking methods and recipes, to help make healthy eating part of your everyday routine. Recipes will be provided ahead of time so you may cook along with us.

Register at: Cooking for Reducing Disease Risk: Arthritis and Join Pain

 

Smoking Cessation
April 6, 20, 27, 6:00-7:00 pm, live over Microsoft Teams
Cost: Free

Cigarettes are one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. We know it’s challenging to quit, and we are here to help. This support group is facilitated by a NWH respiratory therapist. For more information, contact NWHSmokingCessation@northwell.edu or call (914) 666-1868.

Register at: Smoking Cessation

 

Chair Yoga
Mondays & Thursdays, April 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 ,11 am – noon, live over Zoom

Cost: Free

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

Register at: Chair Yoga

 

Cultivate Community: Teen Community Engagement Gardening

April 27, 4:00-6:00 pm, In-Person – Northern Westchester Hospital Team Member Wellness Garden

Cost: Free

Looking for ways to make a meaningful difference in your community? Do you like getting outside in nature? Join the President Junior Leadership Council (PJLC) as we “Cultivate Community” in the Team Member Wellness Garden at Northern Westchester Hospital. Get hands-on experience gardening and meet new friends. No previous gardening experience is required. All teen participants will receive a certificate of community service hours. All produce grown in the garden is given to at-risk patients at discharge.

Register at: Cultivate Community: Teen Community Engagement Gardening

 

APRIL CALENDAR AND ALL INFO HERE COURTESY OF NORTHERN WESTCHESTER HOSPITAL

Call for Help from this Humanitarian Effort Underway To Assist Those Crossing at Border from Ukraine into Slovakia

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HOW ANYONE CAN HELP

By Kristen Salomon

We are working together with our friends in Slovakia to assist those crossing the border into Slovakia from Ukraine. The group in Slovakia–Aubrey Mathis, Isobelle Ouzman, Addy Akram, and Miloš Ogurčák–are working hard to organize other volunteers, and to provide logistical support, transportation, food, supplies, shelter, medical supplies and compassion. We have secured a house near the border that can house many people, give them a place to rest, eat, shower and relax a bit while they figure out their next steps. We have on the ground support to help them and if you or someone you know has family still in Ukraine and can make it to the Slovakia border, we can help you help them! This is purely a humanitarian effort; all organizers and volunteers are unpaid. Every dollar goes to welcoming and assisting refugees from Ukraine regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation. This is just people helping people! Please help us help them! Share, donate, encourage, follow our efforts in our Facebook group Ukraine Border Aid or on Instagram @ukraineborderaid or email us at ukraineborderaid@gmail.com if you need assistance. Every drop creates an ocean…we are humbly grateful for your help!❤️🙏.  Donations can be made here:  https://gofund.me/6d9450fb

Who We Are

Aubrey Mathis is a small town Louisiana boy who served in the US Air Force as well US Department of Homeland Security. He now lives and teaches in Slovakia through his company Fat Europe. Aided by his UK born wife Isobelle Ouzman, a freelance artist, the couple got to work immediately as the war began to do whatever they could to help. They have made countless trips to the border to provide supplies and transport refugees from the border into Bratislava. Inspired by their humble generosity, we have formed a group to assist in transportation, shelter, food and supplies for those refugees arriving at the Slovakian border of Ubla. Addy Akram is a Member of the Regional Parliament as well as Town Councilor, as well as owner of a language school based in Slovakia. He is a friend of Aubrey’s and jumped into help from Eastern Slovakia. He’s been working tirelessly helping with logistics, finding and making space available to house refugees, and providing assistance where needed as they plan their next steps. Milos Ogurcak is a Slovak native who usually spends his time traveling Europe building skate parks. He recently returned from Germany and also jumped in immediately to assist Addy and providing aid directly to the border.

Local Contacts

Ivana Denniston is a Slovak born New Yorker, jewelry designer, former esthetician, and active humanitarian. Her father served as an Honorary Diplomat to Ukraine. She maintains close ties to her family and friends in Slovakia and immediately wanted to help. She contacted Addy and the collaboration began.

Kristen Salomon is a California born New Yorker, Diplomat of Acupuncture, who provides local community aid for food insecure and homeless New Yorkers, as well as international medical aid.

Kristen & Ivana are close friends and immediately began to discuss ways to assist the efforts of those above.

“We are all heartbroken and as we pray for peace, we will do all we can to help those in need. Please help us help others! Donate, share, encourage, all positive support is appreciated.”

 

How this ROCK PALACE is Helping Local Organizations in Need

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The legendary Capitol Theatre has opened its doors to some of the world’s biggest rock stars, comedians, and performers. The iconic venue also hosts a number of diverse special events, from wedding proposals to symposiums and benefits.

Off the heels of “The Cap Cares” volunteer rewards program, the theater continues to go above and beyond to help and bring awareness to local charities, and organizations. 

The Capitol Theatre will be hosting the following special events in the coming months:

March 4 – The Cap is hosting a benefit for Pathways, before the Marcus King show. Pathways is a private, non-profit agency that provides services for adults who suffer from severe and prolonged mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression.

March 10 – 914Cares will be having their annual Westchester Poverty Symposium. The Westchester Poverty Symposium is an event where community members, nonprofit leaders, elected officials, policymakers, funders, and others join to share innovative ideas about community-driven partnerships. 914Cares is a local organization working to ensure the people of Westchester are cared for by collaborating, supporting and providing resources to local organizations, educating the community about poverty and encouraging actionable generosity.

April 28 – Will be the ninth annual Rock the River Concert to benefit Sunrise Day Camp-Pearl. Honoring Allison & Larry Fehrenbaker and featuring Back to the 80’s Show with everyone’s favorite cover band Jessie’s Girl. Sunrise Day Camp brings the simple pleasures of childhood back to children struggling with cancer, changing months of loneliness and isolation into summers filled with sunshine, laughter and happiness.

ABOUT THE CAPITOL THEATRE 

Designed by celebrated architect Thomas Lamb in 1926 and listed in The National Register of Historic Places, The Capitol Theatre is located 30 miles from NYC. The 2,000-capacity theater, known as “the original rock palace,” showcased legends such as Traffic, The Grateful Dead, Black Sabbath, Chuck Berry, David Bowie, Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, and The Rolling Stones. Jerry Garcia called it one of his two favorite venues in the USA. In 2012, the theatre underwent a major renovation under the guidance of music entrepreneur Peter Shapiro. Since then, it has hosted major performers including Bob Dylan, Phil Lesh, Ringo Starr, Joan Baez, Skrillex, Bonnie Raitt, Snoop Dogg, Kacey Musgraves, The Strokes, Tom Petty, Cyndi Lauper, and Willie Nelson, as well as comedians like Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer. The New York Times raves: “A rock theater that looks and sounds as good as the Capitol is something to celebrate.” The Capitol’s inner-sanctum bar and music club, Garcia’s, was named for Jerry Garcia in partnership with his family. A venue of its own, Garcia’s showcases local artists and nationally touring acts across the musical spectrum.

 

The Tremendous Impact of Stefanie May’s Brainchild–‘THE CAP CARES’ Volunteer Rewards Program

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Editor’s Note: Behind the scenes of the iconic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY, impressive efforts to help the community in multiple arenas, are an ongoing pursuit, thanks to the efforts of Marketing Director Stefanie May and her small army of volunteers.  Here’s but a snapshot of #TheCapCares programming, and how you can make a difference too simply by supporting the amazing shows and artists performing throughout the year. Visit www.thecapitoltheatre.com 

When Stefanie May took on the role of Marketing Director at the legendary Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY, she knew she wanted to make a difference. Beyond selling out shows with successful marketing campaigns from Tame Impala & Kacey Musgraves to Elvis Costello & Cheap Trick, Stef created “The Cap Cares” volunteer rewards program that has made a tremendous impact on the local community.

  • Stefanie hand-picked volunteer opportunities last September and October, from gardening to sorting medical supplies, that community members could pick from and receive free concert tickets for their hard work.
  • After seven weeks, Stefanie gathered 192 volunteers across 18 events from 11 non-profit organizations, with 475 hours of service (more stats below).
  • Stefanie is working to make the volunteer program part of a larger year-round program that will promote food drives, toy drives, and fundraising campaigns aimed at improving lives within the venue’s community.
  • She has worked with Westchester County companies like Afya Foundation, which “rescues unused medical supplies and equipment and humanitarian goods to help those in need around the world,” the non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization Our New Way Garden, which was created to educate the public about locally and naturally grown food, and the Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center, which is dedicated to the development and advancement of sustainable agriculture.
  • Due to the devastating effect that COVID-19 has had on the live music industry, Stefanie also volunteered her time on the Social Media team for the National Independent Venue Association to pass the Save Our Stages Act in December 2020
  • About The Capitol Theatre: Designed by celebrated architect Thomas Lamb in 1926 and listed in The National Register of Historic Places, The Capitol Theatre is located 30 miles from NYC. The 2,000-capacity theater, known as “the original rock palace,” showcased legends such as Traffic, The Grateful Dead, Black Sabbath, Chuck Berry, David Bowie, Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, and The Rolling Stones. Jerry Garcia called it one of his two favorite venues in the USA. In 2012, the theatre underwent a major renovation under the guidance of music entrepreneur Peter Shapiro. Since then, it has hosted major performers including Bob Dylan, Phil Lesh, Ringo Starr, Joan Baez, Skrillex, Bonnie Raitt, Snoop Dogg, Kacey Musgraves, The Strokes, Tom Petty, Cyndi Lauper, and Willie Nelson, as well as comedians like Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer. The New York Times raves: “A rock theater that looks and sounds as good as the Capitol is something to celebrate.”