The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Ossining Children's Center

“We all Connect Together.” Briarcliff Manor Mom Stacey Winnick on the Beauty of Volunteering and Supporting Community

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Living sustainably and helping those in need means being able to live a better quality of life. This is what drives Stacey Winnick to keep doing good in her community and beyond. With a 30+ year career in the vintage clothing and antique industry, Stacey teaches her clients how to “Turn Your Clutter into Cash” while at the same time, showing them that reducing, donating, and selling items can be truly liberating. 

Our dream team. Nance Dickinson, Stacey Winnick, Merri Satran, Amy Diaz, Elaina Hon

A native of Edgemont, Stacey has called Briarcliff Manor home for the past 18 years. She lives here with her husband and two sons–one in college and the other a high school Junior. Living iand volunteering in Briarcliff Manor really gives Stacey a strong sense of community. 

“You go into town and everybody you see knows your name. I patronize almost every business in town and people will say, ‘Hi Stacey, how’s your son? Let me get your order.’ It’s really just a wonderful town and it’s small enough that you can really make a huge difference.” 

Stacey is very passionate about helping others in the community and beyond, as well as making connections. Living in a small town like Briarcliff Manor allows her to meet different groups of people she never may never have met otherwise. 

“People message me all the time, ‘I just got a house here and feel so lucky. Can you tell me about the town?’ I get to tell people about different services in town and connect them. You can connect with others if you want, you have to make the effort to connect and get yourself out of your comfort zone.”

Volunteering and making connections with and for others is of the utmost importance to Stacey. She mobilizes a 15-person team of volunteers whom she calls her Briarcliff Volunteer Dream Team and uses social media to connect with others, tell people what’s going on and how they can help. “I’m working, taking care of kids and house and I’m busy, but I know that my group of volunteers is making a difference. The volunteers are taking the time because we all connect together, it unites a lot of people.” As she says, she makes it easy for people to get involved. They can see what events are going on and join in helping where they can. “Everyone has their own interests, but you have to make the time to do something.”

We asked the community and we got lots of dresses and boy’s shirts donated. We partnered with Sarang7 dry cleaners and they cleaned 65 dresses for free. All the children were extremely happy with their new outfits !

Stacey has been volunteering with the Ossining Children’s Center (OCC) for 15 years and utilizes social media to get the word out on the families’ needs. “You have to think of all the channels to promote the drives on. The pandemic happened and we said, families need food.” People lined up at the OCC for meals and groceries and then it was expanded to include items like bikes, appliances, clothing and more. “We just couldn’t stop. A woman with a family to support called me. She was out of a job, and we had food for them the next day. It just sparked something in me.” The OCC receives food donations from various organizations including a weekly donation from Trader Joe’s in Larchmont and a monthly donation from the Upper Westchester Muslim Society in Pleasantville as well as various farm stands. It is very competitive to get food donations everywhere. 

Our volunteer Nancy Beard personally put together 80 Christmas bags filled with Christmas toys and candy. She worked with the kids on Zoom to create a Christmas bag!! It was roaring success. There is always something going on with our volunteer dream team.

In addition to the OCC, Stacey is also the Co-Chair of Briarcliff Sustainability. People contact her when they need to get rid of things and she connects the items to those in need. They host a ‘Stash the Trash’ event each April where the community comes out to bag trash throughout Briarcliff Manor. “You can’t imagine the things they find. You never know what’s going to pop up and we’re able to do it all through the volunteers.” And it’s never too early to start volunteering and teaching kids to do so. “My son started volunteering at 8 years old, he’s grown up with that. Both my sons’ hearts are with helping people; it’s the little things that make a huge difference.” 

Ben Jelinek, Briarcliff Manor HS Senior has dedicated two years of intense volunteering. He never said no. He started collecting donations, anything he could pick up from any where in the county. He once picked up an entire room full of baby equipment. He helps sort food or plays soccer kids. Ben can do anything. He has a heart of gold.

Through her main business as well as her Facebook group, Chappaqua Moms Sales, which she co-founded in 2013, Stacey helps people let go of their items as well as connect those items to others. She explains that condition counts, and you need to do your research on items to know what you’re selling. She’s fascinated with what people will buy but also stresses that people are throwing too much stuff away, which is not sustainable. There’s always a need for donations on other channels such as Buy Nothing sites. “My mom helped so many people, it really motivated me. People say, ‘how can you do this much?’ and I say, how can’t you? I feel like I’m a good organizer and motivator towards a common goal.” 

Stacey truly cares about the well-being of her community and believes that providing the resources and tools to help everyone around you can help us all live better, more sustainable lives.

For more information visit staceywinnick.com

A Ribbon Cutting to Celebrate the New Rebecca and Arthur Samberg Building at the Ossining Children’s Center

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PHOTOS BY GRACE BENNETT

Editor’s Note: ‘Home for the Holidays’ does not get more poignant than contemplating the possibilities for children at the all new Rebecca and Arthur Samberg Building during a ribbon cutting ceremony under a beautiful fall sky at the Ossining Children’s Center. Dozens of supporters and many Westchester County officials turned up to share kind words and a whole lot of‘oohs and ahhs’ upon viewing the gorgeous 2700-square-foot facility, located at 32 State Street in Ossining. – Grace Bennett

The bright and modern new space, a news release from the Center noted, will bring the Center’s programs under one roof while meeting the growing need for infant, toddler, preschool and before and after-school care in the greater Ossining community. More info from the Center:

Rebecca Samberg, of Ossining, cut the ribbon for the new building named for her and her late husband Arthur Samberg. “Art and I have always felt strongly that every child should be able to have the kinds of experiences that our children and grandchildren have had,” said Mrs. Samberg. In the new space, 60 additional children can gain the skills necessary to thrive and succeed. The large state-of-the art classrooms, indoor gymnasium, large indoor common area, and multiple outdoor recreation areas provide ample space for children to learn, grow and play while staying healthy and safe. “Though welcoming children back during a pandemic is challenging,” said Assistant Executive Director Claudia Weger, “our flexible spaces, along with outside entrances for every classroom, allow for social distancing without compromising the integrity of our programs.”

OCC has been a fixture in Ossining for 125 years, helping families thrive, while maintaining partnerships with a range of community and cultural organizations. “The ceremony today is a testament to the interconnectedness and strength of our community,” said Executive Director Howard Milbert. The project was awarded grants from New York State through the auspices of Assembly member Sandra Galef and State Senator David Carlucci. OCC’s $17.8 million capital campaign to support the project has raised more than $15 million to date. The campaign also includes an expansion of OCC’s scholarship program to enable additional working families to enroll their children at the Center. For more information, visit

www.ossiningchildrenscenter.org

Festive Stroll of Holiday Homes: November 22 and 23

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The Ossining Children’s Center (OCC) will be the beneficiary of the Festive Stroll of Holiday Homes, Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23, 2019. The event is produced in partnership with Holbrook Cottage, a lifestyle shop located in Briarcliff Manor.

The Festive Stroll, founded 21 years ago by Sue Taub of Holbrook Cottage and of Briarcliff Manor, will feature decorating traditions from around the world that will be displayed in three Sleepy Hollow homes. In addition to the magnificent decorations, the Stroll will highlight the rich history of the Philipse Manor neighborhood.

Two of the classic homes, both built in the 1920’s, will whisk strollers away to countries around the world through creative table settings, unique floral displays, and Christmas trees decorated in styles representing various cultures. Guests will travel from the British Isles, to Scandinavia, to Latin America, experiencing a rich tapestry of global Christmas traditions.

Thanksgiving will also be celebrated along the Stroll in a home that will become the true expression of a harvest bounty. Abundant displays of flowers and gourds will give visitors wonderful ideas to take home for their very own Thanksgiving celebrations the following Thursday!          

Guests will also experience Hanukkah through children’s eyes, in a whimsically decorated playroom featuring games and songs. The room will be punctuated with an eclectic display of menorahs, encompassing many styles and traditions.

On Friday, November 22, there will be a Festive Stroll Benefit Luncheon at the Sleepy Hollow Country Club, located in Scarborough, NY. Throughout the weekend, small festive touches will entice guests into the holiday spirit. Victorian carolers and a jovial holiday display will greet shoppers as they enter Holbrook Cottage to browse through the distinctive decorative items available for purchase. “The Stroll is an immersive holiday experience attracting revelers from as far as Eastern Connecticut and Southern New Jersey,” said Festive Stroll committee chair Clorissa Gioscia of Briarcliff Manor. “This year promises to be bigger and better than ever.”

All Festive Stroll proceeds will go to the Ossining Children’s Center’s Tuition Assistance Fund. OCC’s tuition program provides quality educational child care to children here regardless of their families’ incomes. Each year the Center enables more than 100 low- and moderate-income parents to maintain steady employment and to model a positive work ethic for their children. During their time at OCC children gain the skills and tools they need to succeed in school and in life. OCC instills a strong foundation enabling every child to reach their full potential. For more information about tour times and destinations and ticket purchase options for the Festive Stroll of Holiday Homes call the Ossining Children’s Center at 941-0230, ext. 22. Also be sure to visit ossiningchildrenscenter.org

The Ossining Children’s Center: A Rich History of Celebrating Women

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BY HOWARD MILBERT

Ossining Children’s Center has a keen eye on the future, but they are also celebrating their rich history–a history of women’s empowerment. The Ossining Children’s Center was founded by the women’s association of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in 1895 as the Christ Child Day Nursery and Bethany Home. At that time, Ossining was home to many widowed immigrant women who wanted to work to support their families, but “day care” did  not exist.

The story of Ossining Children’s Center began nearly 120 years ago as a response to the needs of working immigrant mothers. It is now a crucial resource for all families, providing nurturing and educational care for children 6 weeks to 12 years old.  Through the years, the community has generously supported our mission to keep high quality childcare affordable for working families.

We’ve aimed to support women of every socioeconomic status since our inception an we know that families and mothers have to make difficult choices regarding their careers and we do our best to provide an inclusive environment for all women.

OCC’s Fearless Females & Female Supporters

Edith Baker played a leadership role over the course of 60 years of involvement with OCC, in seeing the Center through difficult times and running pivotal projects in the Center’s history. She served as board president four different times. In 1948, Edith Baker was among the Board members who believed strongly that the childcare program was an important service to the community. Edith, herself, was a working mother and had served as treasurer of her father’s company for many years. When the existence of the child care program was threatened, Edith spearheaded the “Sponsoring Committee” which took over responsibility for running the child care center. A special campaign raised the needed funds, the Board of Education gave the use of space in Park School, and the Ossining Children’s Center was incorporated as a separate entity.  Although Edith passed away in 2004, her legacy lives on.

Jessica Yanqui-Zhinin found herself pregnant at 17. She wanted to finish high school and to go college. When she was accepted to SUNY Binghamton, she did not anticipate she would be able to attend, but Jessica didn’t want to be another statistic. Fortunately, she found the Ossining Children’s Center. At OCC, she not only found a village but an extended family. When Jessica dropped her daughter Nube off in morning, she knew Nube was in loving hands. The caring teachers gave Jessica constant support helping with everything. The office door was always open offering more shoulders to lean on. Ossining Children’s Center gave Jessica the stability and support to earn dual masters’ degrees. She is now a teacher at Ossining High School.

Left to right at OCC to kick off the capital campaign: Assemblywoman Sandy Galef; OCC Executive Director Howard Milbert; OCC Board Member and Campaign Co-Chair Marilyn Wishnie; OCC Board Member Vanessa Pairis; Westchester County Executive George Latimer; and Capital Campaign Committee Member Richard Wishnie

The Future is Female

Child care is a vital factor in a woman’s ability to be a productive worker, and thereby being able to improve her family’s economic security. For more than 50 years, the Ossining Children’s Center (OCC) has been in the forefront of advocacy for public funding for child care.

Thanks to advocacy by Ossining Children’s Center families who spoke at the Northern Westchester 2019 Budget Hearing, Westchester County recently re-opened the “Title XX” Child Care Subsidy Program, which had been closed to new applicants since 2016. Title XX makes child care subsidies available to families who make slightly more than the income ceiling* for the Low-Income Child-Care Subsidy Program.

Currently, two Ossining families have applied for Title XX child care subsidies from the Westchester County Department of Social Services to help them to keep their children enrolled at OCC.

Last month, we announced a $17.8 million capital campaign to build a new child care and education center at 32 State Street. The Center, which has raise $12.8 million to date, is seeking support from the community to reach their campaign goal. This facility will serve an additional 50 children and bring all of the OCC’s programming to one central location. Over 75 of OCC’s Children participated in the choreographed dance in front of a large banner featuring a rendering of the new space. It’s a privilege to work in a town that truly values children and families. If you’d like to learn more about the programs and services offered by the Ossining Children’s Center, visit www.ossiningchildrenscenter.org

Dancing for Child Care!

More than 75 children from the Ossining Children’s Center (OCC) joined together on April 24 in a choreographed dance to kick off OCC’s capital campaign to build a new child care and education center.

The festive and exciting kickoff event, which was held at OCC’s current location at 90 South Highland Avenue, was attended by local, county and state officials including Westchester County Executive George Latimer, NYS Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, Ossining Town Supervisor Dana Levenberg, Ossining Village Mayor Victoria Gearity and friends and supporters of the Ossining Children’s Center.

The campaign, which is titled Our Children. Our Future. The Ossining Children’s Center Campaign, is seeking to raise $17.8 million. To date, OCC has raised approximately $12.9 million. Groundbreaking for the new facility is scheduled for later this spring.

“It is a privilege to work in a town that truly values children and families,” said Howard Milbert, Executive Director, Ossining Children’s Center.

“It is so exciting that the children and teachers will have a facility worthy of the high-quality work of the Center,” said Campaign Co-Chair Rebecca Samberg.

“This new child care and education center will be a game changer for the entire community,” said Campaign Co-Chair Marilyn Wishnie.

Last August, OCC unveiled plans for the construction of a new 27,000-square-foot building that will enable it to consolidate its programs under one roof. Centrally located in downtown at 32 State Street, the new center will replace operations currently housed at two 120-year-old buildings OCC owns on South Highland Avenue, as well as space it rents at a nearby church.

The new 2.5-acre site at 32 State Street was acquired for $1.8 million and donated to OCC by a long-time generous benefactor. An existing building on the site has been removed. The new building will house all of OCC’s current programs while meeting the growing need for infant, toddler, preschool and after-school care in Ossining. The projected enrollment for the new facility is 200-222 children. OCC’s current enrollment is 148.

Designed by KG&D Architects of Mount Kisco, the attractive three-story building will include nine classrooms, five toddler and infant rooms, four outdoor play areas, staff and administrative offices, a multi-purpose room, conference room and kitchen. There will be 22 on-site parking spaces for parents, staff and visitors. Additional parking will be secured at a nearby off-site location.

The new facility will make childcare available to all income levels helping parents to maintain steady employment. Having the facility downtown will help anchor the State Street neighborhood, bring increased economic activity, and create job opportunities.

A new modern facility will also attract more families from a wide variety of income levels, allowing children from throughout the community to grow together, and enabling OCC to serve more families in need. For more information about the programs and services offered by the Ossining Children’s Center, visit www.ossiningchildrenscenter.org

*Income ceiling for families seeking a “Low Income” child care subsidy: $50,200 for a family of four. Income ceiling for Title XX: $55,475 for a family of four.

Howard Milbert, Executive Director of the Ossining Children’s Center, has spent his career advocating for children and parents, especially low-income working parents who are striving to improve their families’ economic situation. He is known throughout New York State as a public policy expert on and advocate for high quality child care.

Saying YES & Imagining the Future at the Ossining Children’s Center

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Tarrytown, NY — When Susan Midgley Komosa, Ossining Children’s Center (OCC) board president, accepted the Center’s Visionary Leader Award, she said that there was one message she wished to leave with attendees of the lively and heartwarming ‘Our Children, Our Future’ spring benefit gala on May 19: “The importance of saying yes.”

“Whatever form your yes takes, it does make a difference,” she told those gathered inside the stately Tappan Hill Mansion to support OCC child care scholarships and future fundraising initiatives.

Susan, to her own credit, “stepped up to leading the board just when we needed her most,” said OCC executive director Howard Milbert, describing Susan’s consensus-building that over three years helped OCC move forward with funding and planning a new and larger facility “specifically designed for our childcare and education programs,” after a new site at 32 State Street was gifted to OCC by Art and Becky Samberg. Susan, he said, “kept every board member engaged and informed… she gives everyone a voice…” The ‘yes’ Susan spoke of was in ample supply at the gala, too. Angel donors matched money pledged by generous gala goers for childcare scholarships. A record $106,000 was pledged during an animated, pre-dinner ‘auction’ led by Vanessa Pairis, OCC board member.

Before the auction, OCC ‘parent’ Deepti Sharma relayed how OCC helped both she and her son thrive in his early childhood years beginning at age two, with vital, quality after school care where he learned English, formed friendships and gained valuable life skills. Eight years later, she described her son as “a good, kind person,” and said, “I would have peace of mind and could concentrate on my job.” Thanks to OCC too, she added, “I have become a better parent and provider for my family.”

Saying yes might well be second nature to the recipient of the Young Leader’s Award, Jasmine Bar, whose ‘truly remarkable efforts,’ said OCC’s Director of Development Shawn Cribari, became the ‘blueprint’ for what turned into five years of ‘Dancing for the Children,’ and its always “financial and artistic success.” Dancing for the Children has raised over $20,000 since Jasmine launched the first event with her then five-member team. “Can you imagine at age 16 creating what has become a philanthropic legacy?” Shawn said of Jasmine, who graciously accepted a gorgeous plaque, hand painted by her aunt, Aggie Shah, owner, A Maze in Pottery in Briarcliff.

Not hard to imagine at OCC, where, as Susan pointed out too, “my fellow board members excel at saying yes.” Prior to dinner, campaign co-chair Marilyn Wishnie, together with Natalie Gorlin, building co-chair, presented “Special Report: The Rumors are True,” which included detailed visual renditions of the plans for OCC’s future headquarters at 32 State Street.

A capital campaign, which has already raised $13 million toward a $17.8 million goal, aims to continue its work to fund the new facility. In the meantime, the staff and volunteers of OCC aim for ever more expressions of ‘yes.’

Shawn Cribari (left) and Jasmine Bar
Howard Gilbert with Susan Midgley Komosa