#osr_buzz

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In this case, one word sums up CFY’s 2012 Innovative Learning Awards: ‘inspiring.’ On June 14, 2012 CFY held their 2012 Innovative Learning Awards at the beautiful Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers, Pier 61. The Innovative Learning Awards is CFY’s annual fundraiser that brings together educators, leaders in the technology and digital learning community, and supporters of CFY to celebrate the organization’s accomplishments and to recognize innovation in K-12 education.

When event attendees arrived, they were greeted by a group of students in CFY’s program who were extremely focused on demonstrating the digital learning activities found on CFY’s free educational website, PowerMyLearning.com. Despite the crowd and lively networking, the students were on computers offering to guide guests through some of the educational games found on PowerMyLearning. Attendees enjoyed refreshments and pleasant music along with the great views of the Hudson River on a beautiful night.  The crowd was able to network before the award ceremony in a comfortable and spacious setting. The staff at CFY was attentive and very informative about their programs.

After the reception, guests enjoyed an engaging award ceremony. CFY honored Michael K. Powell, President and CEO of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, as the 2012 Visionary of the Year for his leadership in the technology arena and his commitment to improving education. CFY acknowledged Gamestar Mechanic as the Family Learning Software of the Year. The award was accepted by Michael Angst, Founder and CEO of E-Line Media, the developer of this software. The final award of the evening, Parent of the Year, went to the mother of a student at one of CFY’s partner schools in New York City in recognition of her dedication to her child’s education.

As a leader in using digital learning to help low-income students do better in school, CFY’s unique programs focus on learning inside the classroom, as well as in other environments outside of the classroom. CFY works with students, parents, and teachers through their Digital Learning Program and PowerMyLearning.com. PowerMyLearning.com, a free educational website, makes it easy to access and use online activities and helpful resources to meet the full range of K-12 learning needs. CFY was recently awarded $7 Million from the Broad, Kellogg, and Gates foundations to support PowerMyLearning. Through the Digital Learning Program, the organization partners with high-poverty middle schools across the country to provide digital learning tools and training for teachers, students, and their families. CFY has gone from serving 230 families in 1999, when it was founded, to now having served over 50,000 families. Hats off to CFY for a wonderful event and innovative programs that make you think differently about education via digital learning!

The Junior Committee (JC) for the New York Center for Children (NYCC) held their event to aid the underprivileged and abused children of New York City on June 28 on the spacious private roof deck of Martha Stewart in Chelsea arts district.

The diverse professional attendees fine wine supplied by Tribeca Wine Merchants, beer from Brooklyn Brewery and cheeses with beautiful views of Hudson River and downtown area. The guests were able to bid on neat items like a safari in Africa, spa at Waldorf and other gifts during the silent auction. It was nice to see Martha Stewart lending her support despite her busy schedule.

The Junior Committee (JC) for the New York Center for Children (NYCC) is dedicated to fighting child abuse and actively helps raising funds and awareness for the NYCC through a variety of educational, engaging and entertaining programs and events.

The funds raised by this and other events would have a full time social worker. The social worker providing individual therapy to 10 more children a year, providing group therapy to an additional group of 8 foster care children, and providing comprehensive evaluation services to 50 additional children annually.

Another way the funds are used where children at NYCC are provided with free individualized tutoring and/or mentoring. In addition, the children and families are invited to art nights, earth day celebrations, holiday parties, summer events and more.Funding for these activities would provide art supplies, decorations, refreshments at special events, tutoring materials and more.

Looking for proof that the Flatiron area is a culinary hotspot? Look no further than Celebrate Flatiron Chefs, where you’ll find a host of award-winning names, including 2012 James Beard Best Chef: New York Award-winner Michael Anthony, from Gramercy Tavern; Food & Wine’s 2010 “Best New Chef” and “Top Chef Masters” Season Four contestant, Missy Robbins, from A Voce; James Beard 2011 “Outstanding Pastry Chef” Award-winner Angela Pinkerton, of Eleven Madison Park; and 2012 Michelin starred Veritas with Sam Hazen, among plenty of others!

  Madison Square Park invites culinary enthusiasts to come sample the award-winning fare at Celebrate Flatiron Chefs, Tuesday, July 17.  Proceeds help fund free programs and seasonal plantings.

  Tickets can be purchased at madisonsquarepark.org or by calling 212-538-0018. Proceeds help fund park horticulture and free programs. Celebrate Flatiron Chefs! is supported by Time Out New York magazine, Delta Air Lines and Maker’s Mark.

  What: Celebrate Flatiron Chefs!, a tasting feast featuring 27 neighborhood restaurants.

  When: Tuesday, July 17, 2012

  Where: Madison Square Park, enter at 24th Street and Madison Ave

  How: Tickets are $275 for early admission at 5:30pm, or $175 for general entry at 6:30pm. Purchase tickets at madisonsquarepark.org or by calling 212-538-0018

    Participating Restaurants and Chefs:

Almond, Jason Weiner, Hillary Naishtat; A Voce, Missy Robbins; Boqueria, Marc Vidal; The Cannibal, Michael Berardino; Choza Taqueria, Dominic Giuliano; Ciano, Shea Gallante; craftbar, Tom Colicchio, Lauren Hirschberg; EATALY, Alex Pilas; Eleven Madison Park, Angela Pinkerton; Gramercy Tavern, Michael Anthony; Hill Country Barbecue Market, Elizabeth Karmel, Charles Grund Jr.; Hill Country Chicken, Elizabeth Karmel, Charles Grund Jr.; The Hurricane Club, Craig Koketsu; ilili, Philippe Massoud, Erik Osol; Junoon, Vikas Khanna; La Mar Cebicheria, Victoriano Lopez; La Promenade des Anglais, Alain Allegretti; Maialino, Nicholas Anderer; Millesime, Laurent Manrique, Alan Ashkinaze; No. 7 Sub, Tyler Kord; Pranna, Toshi Nukui; Resto, Michael Berardino; Rickshaw Dumpling Bar; SD26 Restaurant and Wine Bar, Matteo Bergamini; Terroir Murray Hill, John LoManto; Veritas, Sam Hazen; Shake Shack; Ciao Bella Gelato  

  Thirst Quenchers:

Please join Pilar Guzman, Editor in Chief of Martha Stewart Living, and the Junior Committee for The New York Center for Children on Thursday, June 28 to aid the underprivileged and abused children of New York City.Celebrate the summer solstice on the private roof deck of Martha Stewart  in the heart of the Chelsea Arts district on June 28th, 6:30-8:30 Headquarters Rooftop of the historic Starrett-Lehigh Building 601 West 26th Street.

Enjoy sweeping views across the Hudson River and the Downtown skyline.Guests will enjoy a wine tasting by Tribeca Wine Merchants, beer by Brooklyn Brewery, and photography by Billy Farrell.  The signature JCNYCC silent auction features, a safari in Africa, a Waldorf spa experience, and other treats and indulgences in NYC.

To purchase tickets, ($75 per person) please visit: www.jcnycc.org/buy-tickets or call: 212-517-3012 All proceeds benefit the New York Center for Children dedicated to fight child abuse.

Links

A Taste of New York Jewish Heritage Programs was held downstairs at the beautiful Trump Tower on June 13, 1012.

The diverse crowd enjoyed the fine music along a full open bar with mini tastings and various food stations of deli, sushi and barbecue food. It was nice to see that Dr. Patricia & James Cayne for their support and sponsorship of this evenings alcohol and beverage services. Royal Wine provided the fine wines and scotches along with Skyview Wine & Liquors for donating a percentage of tonight's sales to JHP.

The attendees enjoyed the folksy speech by honoree legendary money Manager and Philantropist, Michael Steinhardt. Michael also performed as auctioneer and was willing to match $100,000  for every dollar raised and two times over that amount. At that time $56,000 was raised.

The  fine video presentation helped explained some of the programs of JHP. For Jews of every background, JHP addresses this mindset head-on with peer-to-peer programming that reconnects students and alumni to their identities, communities, and life-long outlets for Jewish expression. JHP develops programs for Jews of all ages and interests.

JHP on Campus has…

Connected more than 200,000 students to Jewish identity since 1993.

United nearly 50% of Penn’s Jewish population (about 2,000 Jews) annually for Shabbos for 2000, a single night of traditional Shabbos dinners hosted by students across campus.

Involved more than 25% of the Jewish population at six major universities in Jewish programs.

Provided Mentoring opportunities with access to leaders like concert impresario Michael Dorf, billionaire business leader Howard Jonas, legal firm giant Stephen Cozenand other astronomically successful professionals.

JHP recognizes that students have a greater need for career guidance and developing networks than the university can provide them. JHP Mentoring has provided this critical support for 15 years as well as equally important opportunities to see balanced professional lives that embrace Jewish identity modeled. JHP has a growing resource of more than 1,000 Mentors in nearly every field imaginable to offer career guidance, access to networks, and a personal example that Jewish identity and career success go hand in hand.

YPN(Young Professionals Network) was created by JHP alumni and their friends as a way to stay involved with Jewish identity and further build the Jewish communities they had begun at university.JBN is nearly 100 members strong out of out of several hundred professionals attending events yearly. These members are highly dedicated to the success of the Jewish professional community and promulgating balanced professional lives imbued with Jewish values. JHP Mentoring draws from both JBN members and event-attendees to grow its pool of Mentors and its business network.

JBN(Jewish Business Network) provides a forum for Jewish professionals that affirm their Jewish identity.

700 business professionals attend JBN events, expand their networks and grow their clientele each year.

JBN members help those facing unemployment and underemployment to reach good careers.

JBN members volunteer their time to Mentor JHP students and recent alumni.

Past speakers include former governor Ed Rendell, Doug Conant; CEO of Campbell’s Soup, John Bogle; Founder of Vanguard Group, Richard Green; CEO of Firstrust Bank, Steven Cozen; Chairman of Cozen O’Connor.

Hats off to the staff and organizers who made the event very engaging.

The National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS celebrated their 25th anniversary on June 7, 2012 at the glamorous venue 583 Park Avenue, commemorating outstanding black leaders, individuals and corporations committed to the fight of HIV/AIDS and related disparities in African American communities hosted by Wendy Williams, pays tribute to those inducted into "Hall of Hope and Remembrance" for their activism and efforts to heighten public awareness.

INDUCTEES: Jonathan Larson Duane Cramer Carla A. Harris Dionne Warwick

(From left to right) Wendy Williams (Host of her daytime talk show "The Wendy Williams Show"), was Host of the evening, sitting alongside Virginia Fields (President and CEO of NBCLA)

(From left to right) Wendy Williams (Host of her daytime talk show "The Wendy Williams Show") was host of the evening and Duane Cramer (celebrity fashion photographer and AIDS activist) was awarded for his activism in the fight against HIV/AIDS

Health Awareness towards the African American community

Guest speaker Carla A.Harris (Managing Director of Morgan Stanley) was present to help advocate for health

The Hostos Education Project held their second 2012 Dream Garden Gala on June 7, 2012 at the historic Algier House.

The attendees enjoyed the fine passes  Hor D' oeurves,Open Bar, Buffet and lively live music in the cozy setting of Algier House. I was able to intermingle with the guests and honorees. The music of live performances from Dominican Republic's best musicians such as Monchy & Nathalia, Minino and Eli Jas was great.

I.Starr of La Mega and Isolda Peguero of Telemundo Honored:

Rafael Alvarez, CEO of Atax Franchise for his Dedication to the Dominican Community

Dr. Vicente Diaz, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. for his Leadership with the Fraternity's Recent Medical Missionto DR

Felipe Lopez, First Dominican Drafted In the NBA, for his work in Basketball for Children with Autism in W-H-I.

JASA (Jewish Association Serving the Aging) held their gala at NYC ultimate space, MOMA, to honor Emmy and Golden Globe Award-Winning Actress Jessica Walter and Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Ron Leibman on June 6th. One my favorite newscaster, ABC-Channel 7′s Bill Ritter  was great and had to sub for Sade Baderinwa who had to leave town for a story.

Ron Leibman has appeared in many films such as hilarious Where's Poppa?; The Hot Rock;  classic Slaughterhouse-Five; The Super Cops; Up the Academy; Norma Rae and others. He won an Emmy Award for his convict-turned-lawyer character in Kaz (1978–79), a series which he also created and co-wrote. Ron also received a Tony Award for his performance as Roy Cohn in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Angels in America. I am proud that he is currently the chair of the acting department at The New School in New York City, where I received my Masters in Economics.

Jessica Walter was known for the films Play Misty for Me, Grand Prix, and for her role as Lucille Bluth on the sitcom Arrested Development. She starred as the title character of the television series Amy Prentiss for which she won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie. She received a Golden Globe nomination in the Best Motion Picture Actress - Drama category for Play Misty for Me.

The diverse attendees enjoyed the great sushi from Espirit Events whose master chef Guy who survived the first two episodes of the new Hell's Kitchen along with full open bar in the picturesque MOMA.

JASA's mission is to sustain and enrich the lives of the aging in the New York metropolitan area so that they can remain in the community with dignity and autonomy.