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Westchester

Westchester County Employees Hold Donation Drive for Bronx Families Impacted by Fire

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 Donations Encouraged at County Office Building

Westchester County Executive George Latimer is commending County employees for coming together to donate what they can to help Bronx families impacted by Sunday’s devastating and deadly fire that claimed the lives of 17 people, including 8 children.

Latimer said: “We are grieving with our brothers and sisters in the Bronx. For years Westchester has had a strong connection to the Bronx and that link is undeniable. It is our duty to give back and help our neighbors who have lost so much. We want to help them heal, rebuild and let them know we are here for them. Our hearts are with the survivors and the families left behind as we share in this loss.”

Assistant County Attorney Irma Cosgriff approached the County Executive about setting up a donation drive to help the families after hearing of the tragedy.

Cosgriff said: “I had an overwhelming sense of sadness for the individuals and families affected by this tragedy and wanted to do something to help. We want to provide an easy and trusted way for County employees’ donations to be most effective. This is about us doing something.”

A donation box at Michaelian Office Building at 148 Martine Avenue in White Plains has been set up to receive donations beginning Friday, January 14 through January 21. Employees are asked to place their donations in large transportable plastic bags. The items will be donated to PS-85 Great Expectations School, where many of the children impacted by this fire, attended.

Essential items needed include: bottled water, pillows, blankets, non-perishable food, sanitizer, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, pet products, new and unworn clothing (sweatpants, sweatshirts, undershirts, socks, kids and     adult-sized underwear, kids and adult-sized pajamas), diapers and baby items and unused bedding.

County residents are encouraged to assist where they can. Monetary donations can be made via the links provided below: 

MONETARY DONATION LINKS: 

  • Gambian Youth Organization
  • NYC Mayor’s Office Victim Fund
  • BStrong
  • Bronx Fire Relief organized by community advocate Deepti Sharma
  • Bronx Community Foundation Fund
  • Please designate your donation as “Fire Community Relief Effort.”
  • Riverdale Jewish Center
    • Please note that the funds are meant for the victims of the Bronx fire in the “Payment Notes” section                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      News courtesy of the County Executive

Westchester County Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals to Hold Annual National Philanthropy Day Conference on November 15

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Virtual Conference to Focus on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access

The Westchester County Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) will be holding their annual National Philanthropy Day Conference virtually on Monday, November 15, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. via Livestream.

Ben Lambert
Diana Nyad
Renee Daniel Flagler
Lucy Sorrentini

National Philanthropy Day, celebrated nationally on November 15 th, recognizes the accomplishments and the involvement of those in the philanthropic process. This year’s theme for the National Philanthropy Day Conference will be the AFP Global initiative: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access (I.D.E.A.).

Attendees will enjoy a panel discussion on this year’s theme as it relates to the fundraising profession and philanthropy. The panel will include Renee Daniel Flagler, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Long Island; Ben Lambert, Senior Vice President and Head of Higher Education, Nonprofit & Healthcare Practice at Berkhemer Clayton, Inc.; and Lucy Sorrentini, Founder and CEO of Impact Consulting LLC, as the guest panelists. In addition to the panel discussion, a keynote address will be delivered by Diana Nyad.

Diana Nyad is an author, sports journalist, public speaker, and long-distance swimmer. An accomplished distanced swimmer who broke numerous records, Nyad became the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida at the age of 64 on September 2, 2013, with a time of 52 hours, 54 minutes, and 18 seconds.

Speaking the words “never ever give up” Nyad demonstrated to the world the power of the human spirit and that you are never too old to chase your dreams. Her 2015 memoir titled Find a Way earned worldwide praise where she shares her story of this adventure and the life experiences that formed her unwavering spirit. Known as one of our great compelling storytellers, Nyad’s groundbreaking op-ed piece on her childhood sexual abuse for The New York Times drew a passionate response from around the world. Nyad, along with her friend Bonnie Stoll, has formed Everwalk, an organization to inspire the United States to become a nation of walkers. Everwalk has recently launched OceansCommit, a new initiative to reduce single-use plastic along our shorelines by hosting long walks and short swims.

“Our annual National Philanthropy Day Conference is our signature event featuring a wide array of speakers from different disciplines in the nonprofit community,” said Catherine Lepone, President of AFP NY, Westchester Chapter. “Our focus this year is an initiative that is being championed by AFP Global and we are proud to follow their lead in advancing policies and processes that embrace the diversity and values of all we serve.

In honor of former AFP National Philanthropy Day Conference Event Chair and board member Janet Pollack who passed away in April 2021, a membership scholarship has been created in her memory with the winner to be announced at this year’s National Philanthropy Day Conference. Janet was a champion for nonprofit organizations and the AFP, NY Westchester Board of Directors has put together this scholarship in celebration of her life and service. The one year membership is available for individuals who have never been members of AFP Westchester, conduct fundraising in Westchester County, and serve organizations with less than a $1,000,000 budget. For those who are interested in applying, please visit https://forms.gle/sXRQqKeHfrW478HL6.

The National Philanthropy Day Conference is open to the public and tickets can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/AFPNY2021. Ticket prices are $50 for members of AFP Westchester and $75 for non-members of AFP Westchester. This year’s sponsors for the National Philanthropy Day Conference are Events To Remember, Executive Printing, Mercy College, and YMCA of Central Northern Westchester. For more information about the conference or becoming a sponsor, please contact Events To Remember at (914) 218-3968 or via e-mail at EventsCJH@EventsRemember.com. 

About AFP NY Westchester: AFP NY Westchester, chartered under the Association of Fundraising Professionals in April 2010, is an association of professionals that advances philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising. The AFP-NY Westchester Chapter is dedicated to embracing the fundraising profession and serving as the premier resource for education, networking, and professional advancement. AFP NY Westchester provides opportunities for members and local fundraising professionals with access to industry innovators and experts through workshops, luncheons, and other resources. For more information about AFP NY Westchester, please visit www.afpwestchester.org.

Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center Annual Benefit Honoring Andrew Greenspan

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The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center will honor Andrew Greenspan, Principal, GHP Office Realty at their annual benefit on October 28.  Scott Shay, co-founder and chairman of Signature Bank, will be the keynote speaker.

Andrew Greenspan is a native New Yorker who has resided in Westchester for nearly his entire life.  He is a graduate of Scarsdale High School, has a Bachelor of Arts from Hamilton College, and a Master of Science from the Sloan School of Business at MIT.  In 1999, he founded GHP Office Realty with James J. Houlihan.  As Principal of GHP, he manages the daily operations of the White Plains based company, which began by acquiring and operating individual multi-tenanted suburban New York office buildings.  The partners presently own and manage buildings in Westchester, Rockland, Fairfield, and Bergen Counties.

Mr. Greenspan is a longtime Board Member of the Westchester Business and Professional Division of the UJA Federation and is the past recipient of the March of Dimes Real Estate Award.  He is a member of the President’s Circle at the Sloan School/MIT and is a member of the Founder’s Club at Hamilton College.

Mr. Greenspan and his wife, Karen, currently reside in Chappaqua and Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

Scott Shay is the son of a Holocaust survivor.  Mr. Shay’s father, George, lived in a small town in Lithuania, when the Nazis killed members of his family.  Because of this father’s history and his concern about anti-Semitism, Mr. Shay wrote Getting Our Groove Back: How to Energize American Jewry and In Good Faith: Questioning Religion and Atheism. His next book, Conspiracy U: A Case Study, comes out in October. 

The annual benefit will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Westchester Country Club, 99 Biltmore Avenue, Rye, New York, 10580.

For more information, please contact Millie Jasper, Executive Director, mjasper@hhrecny.org or 914.696.0738

Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center (neoncrm.com)

24th Annual Benefit – Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center (hhrecny.org)

How Caramoor’s World Class Performances Resonate with its New President and CEO, Edward J. Lewis III

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Edward J. Lewis III PHOTO BY DONNA MUELLER

A new era for the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts has been ushered in–from the return of in-person performances to solidifying its mission of promoting classical music and embracing a variety of musical genres. In this newest era, Caramoor’s overall vision and management falls into the capable hands of Edward J. Lewis III. As the newly appointed president & CEO, Lewis has over two decades of experience in performing arts leadership. 

Lewis previously served as Vice Chancellor for Advancement at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where he is credited with “surpassing all annual and campaign fundraising goals.” He was the Senior Director of Development at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland College Park, where he led a comprehensive fundraising program.

Walkway from Venetian Theater and the artist patio looking towards the Pavillion Terrace at Caramoor in Katonah New York on August 25, 2020.
PHOTO by Gabe Palacio

As a professional violist, he is a founding member of Baltimore’s Soulful Symphony and a former member of the Dallas Opera Orchestra, Dallas Chamber Orchestra, Santa Fe Pro Musica, Sphinx Symphony, and Toledo Symphony. 

At the helm of Caramoor’s executive team, Lewis will help chart the course for future growth, addressing emerging issues, long-range planning, organizational structure, policy-making and institutional budgeting. “To ensure that Caramoor is a place that reflects a broad and inclusive sense of community and that delights both artists and audiences.” 

He first heard of Caramoor from radio broadcasts in the 1990s.“I recall the performances being of the highest caliber.” In October of 2020, when approached about the CEO position, he said yes, “Once I realized that everything that Caramoor offers resonates with me; world class music performances, nature and history.” 

The return of live in-person music performances at the historic 80-acre estate highlights its 76th season. The gorgeous gardens and grounds are a spectacular setting for the intimate and world-class musical performances. Indoor offerings in the Spring and Fall are housed in The Rosen House, a beautiful and “acoustically perfect venue, a work of living history, made for music,” which is included in the National Register of Historic Places.

The upcoming music room performances include a recital by renowned pianist Stephen Hough, a Vivaldi program by the British period-instrument ensemble The English Concert led by Harry Bicket, the Isaiah J Thompson Quartet, singer-songwriter Raul Midón, who blends flamenco, jazz, and R&B to create his distinctive sound, and a wonderful Christmas program by the vocal quartet New York Polyphony. And The Holiday Tea Musicales will be back in December. 

The challenges of keeping an Arts organization thriving is ensuring that it responds to the demands of the ever-evolving creativity of artists and changing expectations of audiences. “Maintaining relevancy by developing programming that helps build new audiences while maintaining current audiences will be key,” Lewis remarked. His aim is to “fully engage with the community and culture around our organization and ensure that broader diverse audiences can hear themselves in the music and see themselves reflected back from the stage.”  

Being successful in promoting classical music relies on discovering ways that entice and invite audiences to participate. To that end, he enjoys working collaboratively “with a team of passionate and accomplished creatives with the goal to help make a difference in the world.” 

For Lewis, being successful has meant “being truly happy and fulfilled doing what you love while also making a positive impact for others.” 

He grew up in a family that appreciated music. “I remember my mom having us do household chores while listening to opera, jazz, soul, and R&B.” A sixth-grade school trip to hear the National Symphony Orchestra, helped him realize that “I wanted to make and be part of the orchestral sound, the violin section in particular.” He tried the violin and learned that he had had natural talent and facility. “From then on, I knew that that’s what I wanted to do.”

Caramoor is peerless with its Sonic Innovations program of sound art exhibited strategically throughout our campus. Not many other music venues have this combined richness of experiences. – Edward J. Lewis III

He became a violist, earning his Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan. When asked if he and his Viola might be gracing the Caramoor stage this Season, Lewis cited his many responsibilities in leading the strategic direction and fundraising efforts at Caramoor, that would deny him practice time. “However, I look forward to sneaking into the Rosen House Music Room to play a Bach suite or two in those glorious acoustics.” 

At home in Chappaqua: Edward Lewis with his partner Scott Palmer. and their cat, Sandy   PHOTO BY DONNA MUELLER

And how is he settling into his new home in Chappaqua? “So far we have enjoyed meals at Crabtree’s Kittle House and Ibiza; shopping at Whole Foods, the Saturday Farmer’s Market and the occasional breakfast at Bobo’s Cafe; working out at Lifetime, and several trips to Chappaqua Paint and Hardware,” He added that he and his partner, Scott Palmer are “looking forward to exploring all that Chappaqua has to offer.” 

Audiences are invited to explore the lush grounds and magnificent gardens, enjoy a pre-concert picnic, tour the historic Rosen House, and discover beautiful music. In the Fall and Spring concerts are held in the  Music Room of the Rosen House, and in Summer in multiple venues including Friends Field, the lovely Spanish Courtyard, and in the Venetian Theater.

Caramoor is located at, 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah, NY 10536

Call The Box Office at 914.232.1252 or visit: boxoffice@caramoor.org

Entry Circle looking down center walk at Caramoor in Katonah New York on August 25, 2020.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS by Gabe Palacio
Center walk leading to The Rosen House at Caramoor in Katonah New York on September 13, 2020.

The Burgundian Library in the Rosen House at Caramoor in Katonah New York on April 15, 2018.

Afternoon Tea in the summer dining room of the Rosen House at Caramoor in Katonah New York on June 3, 2016.

Westchester’s 11th Annual 9/11 Serve & Remember Events begin September 9

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In honor of those whose lives were lost or forever changed by the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Volunteer New York! will join as hosts of the 11th annual “9/11: Serve + Remember” event taking place throughout our area from Thursday, Sept. 9–Sunday, Sept. 12.

“This year’s 20th anniversary serves a grim reminder of the nation’s darkest day, but it also reminds us of how thousands came together afterward, helping each other, comforting each other and rising through tragedy. We encourage everyone to participate to honor the lives lost and pay tribute to the first responders who saved lives and continue to battle illnesses acquired from that day,” said County Executive George Latimer.

Online registration is now open for individuals, groups, and families. To sign up or learn more visit volunteernewyork.org/service. Advanced registration is required for all 9/11 Day service opportunities.

“For over 10 years we’ve given thousands of community members a way to take part in the National 9/11 Day Movement. Each year built on the solemn legacy of the last,” said Jeanette Gisbert, Volunteer New York! Executive Director. “We encourage all past and potential volunteers to join us this September in the spirit of remembrance and resilience. If ever a time to show unity, the time is now.”

This year’s 20th Anniversary Day of Service events will include two special large-scale park cleanup projects on Saturday, September 11 at Tibbets Brook Park in Yonkers and Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson thanks to a partnership with Westchester Parks Foundation.

Erin Cordiner, Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement, Westchester Parks Foundation, said “Parks have the power to transform lives, shape lives, and preserve memories. We are proud to stand with Westchester County and Volunteer New York to mark the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 and encourage residents to sign up to help us honor the anniversary and improve the quality of life in our community.”

All projects on Sunday, September 12 will take place at either a New Rochelle Volunteer Hub at IONA College or a Valhalla Volunteer Hub at Westchester Community College. Please review online opportunity description to find out if a project is family-friendly or has requirements, like wearing a mask.

 

2021 9/11: SERVE + REMEMBER EVENT SCHEDULE: www.serveandremember.org

Thursday, September 9 at 7 PM

  • Free Webinar: Volunteering with Equity in Mind (Virtual)
    • All volunteers are encouraged to participate in live event
    • The last 18 months have shined a light on the glaring inequalities between those that have and those that have not. Join Charles Curtis, Volunteer New York! Community Outreach Manager, for a live presentation of the original Volunteer New York! webinar, “Volunteering with Equity in Mind” where we will share volunteer tips on how best to advocate for those in our community and bridge the gap between those we serve and those who serve.

 

Saturday, September 11

  • Croton Point Park Cleanup Event (Croton-on-Hudson)
    • Coordinated in partnership with Westchester Parks Foundation
    • Shifts:  9 AM – 11 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM

 

  • Tibbets Brook Park Cleanup Event (Yonkers)
    • Coordinated in partnership with Westchester Parks Foundation
    • Shifts:  9 AM – 11 AM / 12 PM – 2 PM

 

Sunday, September 12

  • Westchester Community College (Valhalla Volunteer Hub)
    • Create Fleece Blankets for Children in Local Hospitals
      • Supports Westchester-Rockland Project Linus
      • Shifts:  10 AM – 11:30 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM*

 

    • Create Literacy Kits for Elementary Students
      • Supports Youth Literacy
      • Shifts:  10 AM – 11:30 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM*

 

    • Create Inspiring Cards for Deployed Service Members
      • Supports United for the Troops
      • Shifts:  10 AM – 11:30 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM*

 

  • IONA College (New Rochelle Volunteer Hub)
    • Create Fleece Blankets for Children in Local Hospitals
      • Supports Westchester-Rockland Project Linus
      • Shifts:  10 AM – 11:30 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM*

 

    • Create Literacy Kits for Elementary Students
      • Supports Youth Literacy
      • Shifts:  10 AM – 11:30 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM*

 

    • Create Inspiring Cards for Deployed Service Members
      • Supports United for the Troops
      • Shifts:  10 AM – 11:30 AM* / 12 PM – 2 PM*

 

*Denotes a project or volunteer shift where wearing a mask is mandatory or subject to latest CDC guidelines.

ABOUT NATIONAL 9/11 DAY OF SERVICE

9/11 Day was created in 2002 as a way to meaningfully honor the memories of those lost on September 11, 200 and to inspire Americans and others to do good deeds in support of creating a better and more peaceful world. It’s also a day that is meant to help rekindle the extraordinary spirit of togetherness, volunteerism, and compassion that arose in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy.

Since becoming a National Day of Service, 9/11 Day has grown incredibly into the United States’ largest day of charitable service. By volunteering on 9/11 Day each year, you help support their mission to transform the anniversary of September 11 into a worldwide day of good and a symbol of American resilience –helping to keep the spirit of all who were lost alive in our hearts and minds creating a positive legacy that can be passed down for generations upon generations to come.

Learn more about the #911DAY movement at 911day.org

EVENT SPONSORS

            The 2021 9/11: Serve + Remember community-wide day of service is presented by Volunteer New York! and Westchester County, and in partnership with Westchester Parks Foundation. With thanks to the generous support from major sponsor, Robison Oil. As well as additional support from event sponsors Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts and NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital. With special thanks to media sponsor 95.5 K-Love Radio and project sponsors Levitt Fuirst and Sterling National Bank. As well as to our Sunday volunteer hub host sites IONA College in New Rochelle and Westchester Community College in Valhalla.

ABOUT VOLUNTEER NEW YORK!

The core mission of Volunteer New York! (volunteernewyork.org) is to inspire, mobilize, and equip individuals and groups to take positive action to address pressing challenges, support non-profits and improve the quality of life in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam. For over 70 years the organization has encouraged adults to serve, youth to build character, families to bond, young professionals to lead, mature adults to share their wisdom and businesses to engage through volunteerism.

Last year Volunteer New York! helped to inspire over 35,000 volunteers to take action and to coordinate over 360,000 hours of service that supported more than 500 nonprofits and local organizations, providing a value of $11.7 million back to our community.

 

New courtesy of the Westchester County Executive office.