“Lights On Afterschool” Annual Rally

(Newburgh) – The Glenn E Hines Memorial Boys & Girls Club hosted a “Lights on Afterschool” rally last Thursday. The rally was one of more than 7,500 going on throughout the country during the sixth anniversary of “Lights on Afterschool.”
The Mistresses of Ceremonies for the event, Malaysia Hill (5th Grade GH Member) and Ayanna Franklin (6th Grade GH Member), introduced the many speakers who explored the concerns and issues in expanding after school opportunities to all children. Representing government, from the City of Newburgh was Mayor Nick Valentine and Sara Espinosa from the Office of Children & Family Services; Speaking on behalf of the Glenn Hines Board of Directors was President Henrietta Warner; Representing the Orange County Youth Bureau was Richard Logan; and from the education sector was North Junior High School Principal Ronald Jackson.

Their presence supported the rally’s effort to showcase the importance of after school programs and underscored the need for quality after school programs for all children. After school programs provide a safe and positive place for kids to receive homework assistance, tutoring, various classes, club sports and recreation.

Ms. Espinosa pointed to the statistics that say, kids that participate in after school programs get better grades, are less likely to get in trouble and are less likely to become pregnant.

Ms. Warner, speaking directly to the children, repeated what she constantly reminds them each and every day. “There is no such thing as you can’t. Let them know you can achieve anything you want to. Set your mind to it and you can do it,” she said with emphasis.
While happy to see all the children present, Ronald Jackson was especially glad to see the large number of young Black males. Jackson, a product himself of after school programs where he met positive people, emphasized the need to persevere. “Whatever you do, never give up. Strive for success,” Jackson told the youth. Concluding he said, “Read, read, read! And be responsible, be respectful and be ready.”
Parents, staff and alumni also came out in support of after school programs, to help send the message that after school programs are the key to a child’s success. “We must keep after school lights on and doors open,” Sara Espinosa said, to help improve academic achievement and provide a safe place for kids after school that inspires talent.

Participating agencies in the “Lights on Afterschool” rally included: The Glenn Hines Boys & Girls Club, The City of Newburgh’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Newburgh Youth Bureau, Orange County College Center for Youth Development, Newburgh Family YMCA, YWCA Orange County, Orange County Youth Bureau, Child Care Council of Orange County and Hudson Health Plan.

For More Photos visit our Photo Gallery

Pictured Above: Henrietta Warner, Glenn Hines Board of Directors President and North Junior High School Principal Ronald Jackson at the “Lights on Afterschool” event.

(Middletown) – The Family Support Team of the Rockland Psychiatric Center, Middletown Campus, is a free program formed to support and educate families and friends with loved ones who have a mental illness. The Family Support Team is composed of four Registered Nurses, Gail Alexander, Marlene Brutus-Bastein, Angella Burton and Arlene Riemann. Together these mental health professionals have many years of mental health experience.

The Family Support Team is located in the Schmitz Building on the Middletown Campus in Middletown, New York and provides services to families who reside in Orange County. The program is designed to assist family members and recipients who are 18 years of age or older. The team is dedicated to promoting mental health and improving the lives of family members and significant others through advocacy, education, reassurance, support and hope for recovery.

This team of professionals can help families understand the symptomatology of the various mental illnesses and the medications and treatment modalities used to treat them. The team can also assist families and friends in advocating for and supporting their loved one and themselves. They can also help families navigate the local service system and help them understand medical and psychiatric terminologies as needed.
Families who would like to use this free service should contact The Family Support Team at (845) 326-8084 or 326-8085. Pictured Above from Left to Right Clockwise: Angella Burton, Arlene Riemann,Gail Alexander, Marlene Brutus-Bastein.

Prevent Influenza With Early Vaccination

October has been designated as the month to focus on ways to keep the lungs healthy. October is Healthy Lung Month; October 25 is Healthy Lung Day, and October 22-28 is Respiratory Care Week. October is also, not coincidentally, the optimum month for most people to get vaccinated against this year’s influenza virus, although flu vaccines are still safe and effective throughout the next few months. The Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY), therefore, joins the American Lung Association, the American Association for Respiratory Care and the Departments of Health for both New York State and New York City – in urging New Yorkers to schedule a flu shot with your physician soon, preferably this month or next.

This year there are few reasons not to get a flu shot but many reasons not to get the flu. The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Every year 5-20 percent of the US population get the flu; 200,000 are hospitalized; and 36,000 die from the flu, 2500 of them in New York. The best way to avoid getting and spreading the flu is to get a flu shot every year.

Whereas last year a vaccine shortage prevented even many who needed it most from getting a flu shot, this year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have predicted that 100 million doses will be available, enough doses to vaccinate almost everyone who needs and wants to be. Most physicians’ offices have an adequate vaccine supply this year so that those who particularly need the convenience and special care of their doctors – especially the elderly, ill and handicapped – will have easy access to vaccine.

Even those who were vaccinated last year, must be vaccinated (again) this year. Flu vaccine is usually only effective for one year because new strains of the flu virus develop, making it necessary to formulate new vaccines every year that protect against the new viruses.
The lack of a personal physician is not a reason to avoid vaccination either. To find a local physician, just log on to MSSNY’s website at www.mssny.org, click on “Doctor Finder” and type in the relevant information. Although most physicians can administer flu shots, those who do so most frequently are in family practice (family practitioners, FPs) internal medicine (internists) and pulmonary medicine (PMs). Alternatively, call the local county medical society to obtain a list of local qualified physicians.

Failing to get a flu shot this month is also not a reason not to get one. Even getting one in December or later is wise because the heavy flu season usually occurs between January and March, and vaccination two weeks before exposure is sufficient to offer maximum protection. It is still preferable to get vaccinated as soon as possible, however, to assure not getting the flu before the heavy season and to reduce the number of people spreading it. Also, some people have a special need to get the vaccine early, preferably in September (see recommendations below).

Nor is a personal history of only suffering mild flu symptoms in the past reason not to be inoculated. This year could be different, and the best way to protect people who can not be vaccinated themselves (see this list below also), is to not expose them to people who have the flu, even mild cases.

Consult your doctor as to whether you should only get an inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV), the most common type, or if you are also eligible to get a live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV).

People Who Need Flu Vaccine the Most

The medical society recommends that every New Yorker get a flu shot this year. Nevertheless, it is particularly important for the following to be vaccinated – and as soon as possible.

1. People at high risk for complications from the flu:
• People age 50 and older (especially those 65 and older)
• Children from age 6 months until their 5th birthday
• People in nursing homes and other long-term-care facilities
• Pregnant women and those who may become pregnant within the next year
• Persons with long-term health problems, such as: Diabetes, lung disease (including asthma), heart disease (not including hypertension), kidney disease, sickle cell anemia, weak immune system (from HIV, cancer treatment, etc.), seizure, neuromuscular, and other disorders that may cause breathing problems, and children 18 and younger on long-term aspirin therapy.

2. People who will be in close contact with those at high risk:
• Caregivers and household members of infants younger than 6 months (Babies this age can get the flu, but are too young for a flu shot.)
• All close contacts, including household members and caregivers, of high-risk people
The Few People Who Should Not Get Flu Shot
Although the flu vaccine is SAFE for the general population and can not cause the flu, the following people should not receive flu vaccine: Children less than 6 months of age (Flu vaccine is not approved for use in this age group.), people who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs, the very few who have had a severe reaction to a flu vaccination in the past, and people with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS).
More information about influenza in general, and this year’s strain in particular, is available on the following websites: New York State Department of Health (http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/com municable/influenza/seasonal/), Medical Society of NY (www.mssny.org), New York City Department of Health and Mental Health (http://www.nyc.gov/ html/doh/html/hb/dohmhnews5-10.shtml), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm).

By George E. Curry

After Benjamin L. Cardin, a White Congressman, defeated Kweisi Mfume, the former president of the NAACP and ex-chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, African-American politicians in Maryland almost stumbled over one another in a mad rush to endorse Cardin. Sen. Barack Obama, everyone’s flavor of the month, even parachuted in to endorse Cardin. He appeared on the scene so quickly that it was more like they loaded him in a cannon and aimed him toward the Baltimore Harbor.

The sight of grinning Black elected officials rushing to endorse a White Democrat is a familiar scene. What made this bum-rush so noteworthy was that after Mfume filed to fill an open Senate seat, the party went out and recruited Cardin to run against him. With limited resources and lacking the support of party bosses, Mfume still came within 9 percentage points of defeating Cardin. If he had won, Maryland’s Senate race would have featured two African-Americans, guaranteeing that one would be elected to office.

I know for a fact that at one point during the primary, Mfume was so disappointed with the professional Democrats that he contemplated endorsing Steele in the event he lost the primary. When he was chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, he demonstrated that kind of courage and boldness. I suspect that because Cardin is a friend and former colleague, Mfume decided not to bolt his Party this time.

Still, it’s the same old sorry story: Blacks get mistreated and after complaining about being taken for granted, they dutifully line up to pick cotton. Or, in this case, Black votes. I don’t know what gets into Black leaders between the time they complain and the time the party selects its White nominee. As someone said about one prominent Black leader, “He’s like a terrorist – all he wants is money and a plane.”

It’s time for a change and clearly that change is not going to come from Black elected officials who are forever wedded to their Democratic overseers. The change, if it’s to occur, must come from those not seeking the favor of either party.
If we are truly tired of being taken for granted by one major party and just plain taken by the other, then it’s time to take a stand. Here’s my modest proposal for my fellow Black Marylanders – teach both parties a lesson by voting for the Black Republican, Lt. Gov. Michael Steele. On the issue of affirmative action, Michael Steele is no Clarence Thomas. I disagree with Steele on most public policy issues. He is a Republican in every sense of the word.

But like the voting in New Orleans, this is not about one person. It’s larger than that. This is about demanding respect. And I can think of no better way to get the attention of both parties than, in this one instance, voting Republican to make a point. Some party leaders may not be able to read and write but they can count. If we do this, everyone will have to do some different kind of figuring. Republicans will have an incentive to court the Black votes and Democrats will have to work in earnest to earn the respect of African-Americans.
Blacks make up 29 percent of Maryland’s population. That’s the fifth-highest percentage in the country. Among registered voters, about one in five Maryland voters is an African-American. That, combined with an expected lower turnout in this non-presidential election, means that African-Americans can determine who wins or loses. That’s why we can’t waste this golden opportunity.

It’s hammer time. It’s time to lower the boom on White and Black Democrats who think that it’s okay to disrespect Black voters and then expect them to go to the polls in significant numbers on Election Day simply to support the Democratic slate.

Let’s be clear. I am not advocating supporting all Black Republicans running this year – some of them are far worse than the White Democratic alternative. The GOP, in general, has to provide more than compassionate rhetoric; Republicans need to compile a compassionate record on social issues. And they are a long way from that.

The most recent NAACP Civil Rights Report Card, issued in February for the 108th Congress, showed that 98 percent of all Republicans in the U.S. House and Senate earned an F. By contrast, only 2 percent of Democrats failed to support civil rights issues.

Voting for Michael Steele would send shock waves through both major parties. And that’s exactly what we need. Otherwise, two years from now, we’ll still be complaining about Democrats taking us for granted and Republicans just taking us.

George E. Curry is editor-in-chief of the NNPA News Service and BlackPressUSA.com.

You don’t have to be a professional electrician to diagram the electrical wiring in your home – but why would anyone want to do that?

Actually, there are many good reasons. Knowing the pattern of your home’s wiring circuits and how your electrical service panel is organized can be a big help when a circuit breaker trips or a fuse blows. It’s also important to know if the wiring in your home is keeping up with your lifestyle. Finally, whether you know it or not, you’re in a good position to “optimize” your system if your pattern of electrical use isn’t well-matched to your house’s circuitry. More about that later.

People who live in older homes should be especially attentive to their wiring. Today Americans consume nearly five times as much electricity per household as they did in the 1950s. If your home was built back then, or earlier, it may still have the original wiring – inadequate by today’s standards.
Even a newer home could have insufficient wiring. Builders don’t often build for above-average power usage. And home electrical use will only increase in the future. For all these reasons, and more, you need to take inventory of your house’s wiring.

Getting Started
Begin by switching off one circuit breaker or removing one fuse at the electrical panel in your home. Next, determine which plug-in receptacles (or outlets, as they’re commonly known) and which switches don’t work when that circuit is off.

Outlets can be tested with a low-cost multimeter or an electrician’s test light, or you can simply use a night-light or lamp. Be sure to test both receptacles of duplex (double) outlets, since one half might be on a completely separate circuit. If so, make note of it; this could be a dangerous situation. The second half of the outlet could also be connected to the same circuit through a switch in the room, for convenience. Part of the mapping process is to note what your switches control. Finally, be sure to note which outlets are GFCIs (ground-fault circuit interrupters). These are there for your protection and can be identified by the presence of two buttons marked Test and Reset.
If you’re working alone, you can save some steps if you plug in a loud radio, then turn off each of the breakers or remove the fuses, one at a time, until the music stops. This will identify which circuit you’re dealing with. You can then map that circuit by testing nearby outlets and switches.

Next Steps
Test results should be collected – circuit by circuit – and entered into a table. Each outlet or light switch in the house should be uniquely identified in the table. Record the amperage rating for each circuit (identified on the breaker or fuse) as well.

If practical, also record the gage (diameter or thickness) of the wiring in each circuit, typically marked on the plastic outer jacket containing the wires. If it’s 14 AWG, the circuit should be protected by a breaker or fuse no larger than 15 amps. If it’s 12 AWG, 20 amps at most. If it’s 10 AWG (such as most clothes-dryer circuits) – 30 amps maximum. The importance of proper breaker and fuse sizes cannot be overstated. If they’re not correct, they should be replaced at once.
Depending on the size of your home and the extent of the wiring, you may have anywhere from a few to 10, 20 or even 40 separate branch circuits. Generally, more circuits means less chance that any
one circuit will be overloaded.

It may come as a surprise that ordinary homeowners can actually do something to improve or “optimize” their electrical systems. Depending on your level of competence – and your local laws – you may be able to solve some of the problems revealed in your mapping.

For example, an overloaded circuit can be divided into two circuits by adding an extra wiring run. This not only makes your home safer, but it will also reduce or eliminate tripped breakers or blown fuses. Replacing a broken light switch, or an outlet that needs to be upgraded, is a fairly simple do-it-yourself job. (Don’t forget to turn off the power first.) Replacing standard outlets with GFCIs (now required in kitchens, baths, basements and other wet locations) may require the expertise of an electrician.

One caveat: If you’re not sure you can do electrical repairs, and do them right, call a qualified electrician (as opposed to your next-door neighbor). And now, with your home wiring map, you’ll have a better understanding of your system and will be able to talk knowledgeably about any upgrades needed and save a lot of time.

For more information about electrical wiring in the home, visit www.cop-per.org/buildingwire

(Poughkeepsie) – The 10th Annual Hispanic American Heritage Festival was held on September 23rd in the city’s Waryas Park on the Poughkeepsie waterfront. This multinational event had been scheduled earlier in the summer, but was canceled due to inclimate weather.

Even though the skies were cloudy, spirits remained bright and festive as the D.J. and mariachi bands and dancers entertained the visitors on the main stage with the Salsa and Merengue.

Pictured above is Sixto Masaquizi of Sala Saca, playing an instrument called the Pan flute. The South American clothing that can be seen on display behind Sixto were available for purchase by the many people that attended the festival.

Throughout October, the Downing Park Planning Committee is hosting a multi-media exhibit of masks, puppets and decorations associated with the Mexican Day of the Dead (El Dia de los Muertos) celebration. This multi-media exhibit will feature papier mache masks and oversized puppets, examples of the Latin American art of papel picado (cut tissue paper) and paper flowers. Many items in the exhibit are the work of local artists and Newburgh schoolchildren. The oversized puppets were created and constructed by area artists. A calendar of Day of the Dead events will be available in the Visitors

Center, along with data on the history and significance of this important Mexican holiday
The Day of the Dead Festival, sponsored by the City of Newburgh, will take place on Sunday, October 29, with a parade beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the Ann Street Parking Lot, and ending with a Festival in the Newburgh Free Library.

The public is invited to visit this unique exhibit. The Visitors Center is in the Shelter House on Carpenter Avenue and Third Street. It is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Pictured above a Puppet-Head.

(Newburgh) – The streets of Newburgh’s Waterfront district and Heritage Corridor (Front Street to Liberty Street) have been transformed into a sculpture park since early July, under the direction of Kerry Mills, with the support of newly formed, Newburgh Arts Commission. Artists have come from all over to create site-specific sculptures for the City of Newburgh. They have used their impressions, experience and knowledge of the city to create place-responsive sculptures. This is possible through a grant from the Puffin Foundation and the support of local businesses.
Many people agree that this area of the city should be a “walkable” city center. The Sculpture Project is a first step toward that goal. With maps to guide them from sculpture to sculpture, viewers will walk this often forgotten downtown and have the opportunity to see it in a new way. Maps are available at local businesses libraries.
There is a lot of talk lately (throughout the past 30 years) about the revitalization of Newburgh. Inviting artists to explore and create original work based on what they discover will hopefully shed light on Newburgh’s current vitality. The sculptors will all give different views of Newburgh through their installations. Some are environmental artist; others make socially and politically significant work, while still others deal with place on a personal level.
This work is for everyone to interact with. Those of us unaccustomed to going to galleries or museums are free to experience this work in our own terms on our own time.
During the exhibit, which will run through November, there will be artist talks, informal, free and open to the public, in which sculptors will explain what they have made and why. The many different views of Newburgh expressed in the sculptures along with the input of the audience will together make up a portrait of Newburgh.
According to Ms. Mills “The engagement of the public is what makes a public artwork successful”.
The exhibit will run through November 1st. To find out more information visit the websit at www.newburghsculptureproject.org. Pictured Above: “Nuclear Flowers” by Thom Joyce. Pictured to the Right: Franc Palaia’s “Photo-Sail” can be viewed between Colden Street and Water Street.

Since his days as a founding member of the classically soulful group Commissioned, Fred Hammond has been a chief architect of urban praise & worship. Next month he drops Free to Worship, his 8th studio album and one that finds the talented musician/producer/vocalist pouring his heart out for the Lord with 13 powerful tracks that naturally usher in a spirit of praise that is at once reverent, celebratory and impassioned.

“Free to Worship is an album of sing alongs,” says Hammond. “I wrote it so that everybody can sing to it. People want to sing while they’re doing dishes, while they’re in the car, and people can sing these songs, they can hum these songs, and they will get joy out of these songs. The album really has that ‘Spirit of David’ feel. I kind of returned to the roots of Fred Hammond and Radical for Christ on this one.”
From the onset of the rousing big band feel of “My Heart is For You,” to the seismic afro-cuban interpretation of “This is the Day;” from the beautiful balladry of “More of You,” to each funky bass guitar and synth beat of “Every Time I Think;” Free to Worship is an undeniable classic. Song after song leaves an imprint on the soul that will endure, inspire and encourage for years to come.
“We did music that can go everywhere and that people will enjoy everywhere. It’s the kind of unique gospel music that I grew up with, it’s the Hawkins’ back in the day, it’s the Winans back in the day,” says Hammond.

On “Simply Put,” one of the more personal songs on the album, Hammond is transparent in his neediness for God with lyrics that abandon all pretension – “I don’t really need to tell someone their future/ I don’t really have to see the things that can’t be seen/ I don’t need another hyped up church encounter, or another clever New Year’s theme/ I’m not looking for another goose bump sermon, or a word that leaves me passed out on the floor/ my basic needs are really very simple, to know you love me, you like me, and I am yours.” The song will touch the very core of every weary heart in a way that only the gifted pen of Fred Hammond can.

“On this album I wrote what I feel about God and stopped trying to be so deep,” he says. “And I wrote plain and straight ahead – ‘everybody lift your hands if you know that Jesus is worthy’ – instead of trying to go Greek and Hebrew.”

It’s evident on Free to Worship that Hammond poured not only true emotion but pure delight into every component of this project. After making music for 25 years, he says that he realizes he is “just a fan” of gospel music and enjoys every aspect of recording. He also found a new chord of people that he is excited to be working with in his new home city of Dallas, where the album was recorded.

All in all, Free to Worship is a triumphant Fred Hammond production that once again raises the bar for contemporary gospel music.
Pictured Above: Recording Artist Fred Hammond.

The Newburgh Free Academy All Star Dance Team held a fundraiser at It’s All Good Restaurant last Saturday. Perfect timing, considering Estabon, aka Esty, would also be appearing at the same location for his album release party.

The dance troupe was eager to show off their talents, putting on an impressive recital before the evening’s headliner Esty took the stage. He sung a number of songs from his new album, titled “Optimistic.” Tracks like, “So Sexy Girl,” with its upbeat tempo and Esty’s velvety voice, generated quite a bit of excitement from the young ladies, reminding women that sexy is a state of mind.

Other tracks like, “Should It Be You,” Let Me Know” and “Only You” continue to express Esty’s vocal diversity and will resonate with people for generations to come. As you listen to the 15 tracks on the album you hear the soulful voice that was influenced by artists like Usher, Ginuwine, Lenny Kravits, Prince, Aaliyah, Michael Jackson and even the Whispers.

Derek Wilson of Prestigious Music Group has outdone himself once again. He has united an impressive group of people who collaborated on this project to create a body of work that celebrates the vitality of life and speaks profoundly to the strengths and the vulnerabilities of humankind and relationships.

One on One with Esty

The 21-year-old Poughkeepsie native Esty, recalls showing an interest in music at a young age. At the age of seven he could be seen singing around the house with a broom for a mic. That was also around the time he would join his church choir. “I grew up in church and have a strong Christian background,” Esty says.

As Estabon grew in age and talent, his audiences grew as well. As a teen Esty was a soloist in his church choir. In addition to singing in church, Estabon was competing and winning local talent shows, and being recognized for his singing and dancing. “I attended Spakenkill High School and won three talent shows,” Esty recounts.

According to Esty’s management and development group, Prestigious Music Group, his growing popularity and versatility have made him a much sought after talent. He will be going on tour in Germany in the fall with American Idol Fantasia. Now, Esty is spending much of his time writing new material and working with producers.

Esty fan’s can catch the artist at his next local appearance at the Barnes & Nobles in Poughkeepsie on November 4 at 6 pm. He’ll be signing autographs and copies of his new cd “Optimistic.”

For More Photos visit our Photo Gallery

Pictured Above: Estabon, aka Esty also appeared at the It’s All Good Restaurant to celebrate the release of his new album entitled “Optimistic”.

Pictured to the Right: NFA All Star Dance Team showed off their moves, last Saturday, during their fundraiser held at It’s All Good Restaurant.

DCC freshman Anthony Millan has been selected as a New York State Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Scholarship Award recipient. Millan , whose family is of Puerto Rican descent, is the first member of his family to attend college. A Poughkeepsie resident and graduate of Roy C. Ketcham High School, he was one of 15 students from upstate counties to receive this scholarship for their academic excellence, leadership role, and community service. The awards were announced by Governor George E. Pataki and the New York State Hispanic Heritage Month Upstate Committee.

“Hispanic Heritage Month has become an annual tradition highlighting Hispanic presence, culture and positive contribution to our State and Nation, ” Governor Pataki said. “What better way to mark this celebration than honoring Hispanic students who are making a difference in their communities by embracing academic achievements and potential. I congratulate these young role models whom are an inspiration for us all.” This is the 10th year the New York State Hispanic Heritage Month Upstate Committee has presented the scholarships.

The HHMC has celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month since 1997, granting over $ 75,000 to 99 talented youth to encourage high school students to pursue higher education, become productive members of society, and give back to the community. Private contributions and the participation of various state agencies with in-kind donations, under the leadership of Governor George E. Pataki, have made recognition of these students possible.

Millan started high school in Hyde Park, but switched to the Wappingers Central School District when his family moved before his junior year. While at Roy C. Ketcham, he participated in a number of community service projects, including volunteer work at a private day care center.

While Millan had originally considered attending a four-year, private institution, he ultimately chose DCC because it represented a tremendous cost savings for his family. He is exploring possible career and educational paths in the arts and also in healthcare. His first semester classes take place exclusively at DCC South, the College’s satellite site on Marshall Road, off Route 9, in Wappingers Falls . “It’s really convenient, ” said Millan. “It’s only 10 minutes from my house.”

Other Hudson Valley residents among the New York State Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Scholarship Award recipients are Juan Canales from Orange County, a graduate of Goshen High School who is attending Union College; Raquel Rodriguez from Orange County, a graduate of Cornwall Central High School who is attending Yale University; and Claudia Quintanilla from Ulster County, a graduate of Kingston High School who is attending Ulster County Community College.
Pictured above is Anthony Millan, a NYS Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Scholarship Award recipient..

Beautification is in focus this fall at Horizons-on-the-Hudson Magnet School in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. As part of the school’s citizenship theme, students and parents, teachers and administrators and community members joined together to lend a hand beautifying the grounds of the school. With rakes and shovels in hand, teams of volunteers worked to plant new gardens in the front of the building and in the back parking lot and near the kindergarten wing. These improvements were made possible through donations from Leptondale Nursery and Morehead Auto Sales.
In addition, students in Mrs. Sullinger’s accelerated “Unlimited Horizons” 3rd grade class raked and weeded and transformed a concrete median into a colorful and inviting centerpiece by planting a garden of mums as a Constitution Day project.
Students in Mrs. Ambrosetti’s kindergarten class did their share by planting mums near the kindergarten wing.
“The best thing about our ‘beautification’ project,” said Principal Lisa Buon, “is that everyone in the school community joined in this effort to improve our environment. The colorful beauty of our new landscape serves as a reflection of our civic pride and a reminder of how working together can make such a big difference.”

As part of a comprehensive effort to deal with the growing problem of youth violence in Westchester, County Executive Andy Spano recently announced that the county will bring to White Plains, Yonkers and Port Chester a program that trains kids in non-violent ways to settle disputes and also trains them to train other kids.

The program, known as Power of Peace, is one of several initiatives that are the outcome of the Summit on Gang Prevention and Youth Violence sponsored last April by Spano and District Attorney Janet DiFiore. Others include training for United Way’s 2-1-1 responders, a speakers bureau and an inter-agency/inter-government task force.

“You don’t get rid of gangs overnight or through one program,” said Spano. “The professionals who spoke and shared information at our summit made it clear that there must be a vast array of programs and services to prevent gangs in the first place and deal with gangs when they exist. As a county, we are committed to helping our local communities and families deal with this.”

DiFiore said, “The best way to put gangs and the violence they foment out of business is to maintain strong partnerships between law enforcement, the community, schools and social service agencies. I have made it a priority to focus on gang violence by aggressive prosecution of the individuals and groups responsible. We have seen the number of gun recoveries and prosecutions rise dramatically this year. Combining our efforts by taking the worst offenders off the streets with County Executive Spano’s initiatives to address the triggers of violence in our community before they explode is not only proactive but also effective.”

Power of Peace, a program of The Guidance Center in New Rochelle, is patterned after a program created at Green Haven Correctional Facility in Dutchess by prisoners who were trying to develop tools to deter youth violence. Michael Arteberry, a volunteer at Green Haven, came to the Guidance Center to adapt the Green Haven program into Power of Peace. Currently, he runs it in several places in Westchester, including New Rochelle.

Through Power of Peace, youth (not just “troubled youth”) are trained in non-violent ways to settle problems including impulse control, conflict resolution and resistance to peer pressure.

The decision to bring the program to White Plains (the school district), Yonkers (Nepperhan Community Center) and Port Chester (Carver Center) was made by the county at the suggestion of the Reducing Youth Violence Committee, an inter-governmental/inter-agency group put together by the Westchester County Youth Bureau.

Here are some of the other initiatives now under way:

• Speakers Program: The Reducing Youth Violence Committee has launched a speakers program. To date, committee members have spoken in White Plains, Greenburgh, Yonkers, Mount Vernon and Peekskill concerning youth violence and what can be done. A flyer, “Youth Violence and Gangs – What You Need to Know, Gang Prevention: What Parents Can Do, What Schools Can Do and What Community Members Can Do,” is distributed.

• Summit DVD: A video of the April Summit was created by the county’s Communications Office. It can be seen at www.westchestergov.com/gangprevention. This can also be viewed on cable television by those with Optimum IO cable channel 504 (Westchester on Demand).

• 2-1-1: The Reducing Youth Violence Committee is working with United Way’s 211 to make sure operators at this service phone number know how to handle calls from parents or others looking for information on how to deal with youth violence phone calls. A script will aid callers in finding the best referrals and solutions.

• Youth/Police partnerships: The Step Up, White Plains Youth Bureau’s Gang and Violence Prevention Initiative, has completed the first youth/police partnership training. Similar programs are in the planning stages for Mount Vernon and Peekskill, with those municipal youth bureaus taking the lead to improve youth, police, and community relationships.

• Best Practices: The county continues to work with Student Assistance Services to help implement best practices through the Communities That Care (CTC) model. This is specifically focusing on New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, White Plains, Ossining, Peekskill, Eastchester and Mamaroneck. (Port Chester will soon be included as well.) Each of these communities assesses the available community resources to respond to risk factors that have been identified by student surveys.

• Academic Performance: The Westchester County Youth Bureau and the Guidance Center are collaborating with Iona College and the New Rochelle City School District in a new grant-funded initiative aimed at youth violence reduction and improved academic performance in the public housing complexes in New Rochelle.

• Enforcement: The Westchester County Youth Bureau is working with the Yonkers Juvenile Crime Enforcement Coalition, to coordinate action plans to reduce violent juvenile crime.

• Mentoring: Greg Owens, who was a keynote speaker at the gangs summit, will spearhead a Westchester Mentoring Partnership that is sponsored by the state Office of Children and Family Services. All municipal youth bureaus will join in this countywide effort.

• Training: The Westchester County Youth Bureau is collaborating with the Westchester Community Fund to provide gang prevention training for all personnel who work in county funded youth development programs.

Think “Joe Torre” and it usually means baseball. But the Yankees manager brought a different message to Westchester when he recently joined County Executive Andy Spano to announce a new schools program that speaks to his other passion in life – kids and domestic violence.

The Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation is expanding its Margaret’s Place program into four Westchester schools this fall. Middle and high school students will have a designated “safe room” in their school where they can go to talk about abuse and learn about healthy and unhealthy relationships. The program, named for Torre’s mother, is now available at White Plains High School, Pelham Middle School, Emerson Middle
School (Yonkers) and Louis M. Klein Middle School (Harrison).

“No child should have to live in a world of domestic violence, and being able to go to a safe room at school will help ensure that they don’t,” Spano said. “Margaret’s Place has been incredibly successful in New York City and we are so pleased that the Torre Foundation is bringing the program to Westchester. By working together, and expanding our network of services, we can better protect our children and families.”

The kickoff event – featuring Torre – was part of a countywide campaign emphasizing the need for the whole community to get involved. Westchester’s Office for Women has launched public service announcements, an expanded speaker’s bureau, and new materials focusing on how you can make a difference.

“The Safe At Home Foundation is thrilled to bring Margaret’s Place to Westchester County,” stated Torre. “Domestic violence is a national tragedy that affects families of all cultures and economic means. We need to educate children to help end this vicious cycle and save lives.”
Torre grew up in a home where he was fearful of his own father, who abused his mother. Having spent much of his life coming to terms with his own home situation, he committed to helping others escape the same fate by founding the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation in 2002. The Foundation founded its first Margaret’s Place shortly thereafter and now offers programs in several New York City schools.
Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) is partnering with Torre’s Foundation to implement the program in Westchester. The program was sponsored by the Westchester County Office for Women and co-sponsored by the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation and Westchester County Youth Bureau.

Margaret’s Place provides students with a safe room in school where they can meet with a professional counselor trained in domestic violence intervention and prevention. This counselor provides students with the opportunity to safely discuss issues of abuse that have been witnessed in the home or perpetrated through their own behavior.

The morning program also included a seminar on healthy relationships by national lecturer Jackson Katz, and a panel of experts spoke briefly about the services they offer to domestic violence victims.

Other county initiatives include recycling old cell phones for domestic violence victims, as well as training programs for police and healthcare workers. Polaroid cameras are also distributed to police and hospital workers so they can document injuries and use the evidence in court.
Pictured Above: Spano joins Torre and Alan Trager of Westchester Jewish Community Services in a Q&A about the new “safe rooms” program and domestic violence campaign.

Michael J. White, a 25 year resident of the City of Newburgh passed away unexpectedly on the morning of October, 12th, 2006 at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital. He was 49 years old.
The son of the late Reverend James and Theola Beard White, he is survived by his sister Joyce White, nephew Elon White, and goddaughters Shanel Smalls and Joslenaye Edwards as well as countless friends and associations made during a life dedicated to serving children, human rights, and his community. Michael was known to many simply as “Mr. White” and touched the lives of many children by being such a powerful role model. He made an impression on everyone he met through his sheer force of personality, pride, intelligence, and extraordinary humor and storytelling ability. He enjoyed Jazz, cooking, fine food and was known for his gumbo.

Michael was born in Schenectady, NY on August 27th, 1957. He attended New York City public schools, Saints Academy in Lexington, Mississippi, and college at SUNY New Paltz. He lived briefly in Albany, NY before relocating to Newburgh and working as a Computer Teacher for Alternative Cultural Education (ACE), Senior Counselor for McQuade Children’s Foundation, Counselor for the Upward Bound Program at Marist College, Counselor for the Youth Advocacy Program (YAP), Youth Advocate at the Coalition for People’s Rights (CPR), Certified Housing Counselor for Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Administrative Director at Glenn E. Hines Boys and Girls Club of America.

Michael was very involved and dedicated in the community serving as Coordinator for National Night Out, and member of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Orange County Commission, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Committee, Redress Person for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Audrey Carey Park Planning Committee, Black History Committee of the Hudson Valley, and Democratic Party.

Michael attended the Soul Saving Church of God and Christ under the direction of Pastor Elder Leron Bryant and had a close relationship with Jeffrey C. Woody, Pastor Elder of the House of Refuge Church of God in Christ, 129-131 Broadway, Newburgh where visitation will be held from 5-8 pm on Wednesday, October 18th with Funeral Services to be administered directly afterward. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery the following morning.

Michael leaves to cherish loving memories of his life and legacy to his sisters, Joyce White, Almarie McCoy, Christine, Kathy, Lavern and Joyce Ann; his nephew Elon White; his goddaughters, Shanel Smalls and Joslenaya Edwards; all of his extended family members in Newburgh and New Windsor.

He will be terribly missed by family, friends, neighbors, community, and all those he worked with.