Cappelli “$1 Million Gift” to Grace Church is Gift of Services Not Cash.

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WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. November 24, 2004: The “$1 Million Gift” to Grace Church from the Cappelli Foundation announced Monday by Louis Cappelli, is not a gift of cash with no strings attached. It is goods and services only, according to a Cappelli spokesman.


 


The Cappelli organization will perform services for Grace Church, as needed, approximating that $1 Million ceiling,  according to Bruce Berg, President of Cappelli Enterprises.


 



The nature of the “$1 Million Gift,” surfaced when WPCNR  behind on this story, contacted Mr. Berg today to ask if there was going to be a news conference or ceremony in which the check for $1 Million was going to be presented by Mr. Cappelli.


 


Mr. Berg said that there would be no news conference, and no presentation of any check, that Mr. Cappelli was instead offering the church services. Asked what kind of services, Mr. Berg said, “We’re going to help rebuild the church, John. It’s up to the church what they want done.”


 


In a separate call on the nature of the gift, Mr. Berg said the gift consisted of “goods and services only.”  Asked if The Journal News got the story wrong, Mr. Berg told WPCNR today, “I guess so.”


 


Cash or Goods and Services: Confusion in the Heat of the Moment.


 


It appears the nature of the “$1 Million Gift” (as described in The Journal News released  Monday, the same day that Grace Church broke the news they were closing Samaritan House, their homeless shelter for women), was not clear to Grace Church at the time of the gift announcement.


 


The Journal News reporter apparently questioned Reverend Janet Vincent on whether the  “$1 Million Grant” could be used to keep the Samaritan House going.


 


Reverend Vincent was reported Tuesday as having said “the money” would go for “desperately needed renovations” to parts of the Parish House, that include the soup kitchen and the day care center.


 


Reverend Vincent, in addition was reported as saying a portion of the “the grant from the Cappelli Foundation” would not be applied to the Samaritan House deficit to keep it going because it would be “underwriting the Department of Social Services and the citizens of the county who are responsible for the homeless in the community,” Vincent was reported as saying.


 


Mr. Cappelli couched the terms of the gift from The Cappelli Foundation in this way in the original article. The Super Developer, (about to embark on a 200-suite hotel and twin spire multi-million dollar-a-suite condo complex) next door, was giving the $1 million as a gift for general purposes for upgrading (the church).


 


Cappelli is quoted as saying, “It’s their choice how they decide to use it.”


 


Awaiting Interview with the Reverend.


 


WPCNR also has a call in to Reverend Vincent for an explanation of when the new “upgrading” work will begin, whether the Cappelli construction companies will execute it, and what will be done, and how the soon-to-close Samaritan House space will be utilized in the future.


 


In a follow-up story by Ms. Elan today in The Journal News, William Biles, described as Senior Warden of Grace Episcopal Church, gives the impression that cold hard Cappelli cash is coming Grace way, because he refers to it as the money being used for the day care and soup kitchen.


 


A Tale of Two Houses.


 


WPCNR has put in a call to Joeseph D’Ambrosio, Executive Director of Grace Church Community Center for comment on why Grace Church doesn’t close both homeless shelters since he is reported in the Tuesday and Wednesday Journal News editions that says both homeless operations combined have lost $300,000 a year.


 


Joseph D’Ambrosio, Executive Director of Grace Church Community Center announced Samaritan House would close because of the  $50,000 shortfall it is running over what the Department of Social Service pays Grace to run Samaritan House.


 


 D’Ambrosio, the Journal News reporter wrote, said he needed an 8% increase he is reported as saying he needs in Department of Social Services Funding to keep Samaritan open), in what he said the Westchester County Department of Services wanted to pay Grace Church ($598,752) to run Samaritan House, and what the center needed. The News quotes Nancy Travers of the Department of Social Services as saying the D.S.S. was offering a 5% increase, and that she was surprised they had decided to close when negotiations were going on. 


 


 


D’Ambrosio has given no explanation so far why Grace Church would keep operating Open Arms Shelter in another part of town (East Post Road), which appears to be losing $250,000 a year, while closing Samaritan House which D’Ambrosio said is only running a $50,000 deficit. He also has not commented on why a new location could not be found for Samaritan House.


 


 


 


WPCNR awaits clarification  


 


 

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Fordham Iona Dec. 2 Contest Benefits Coaches Vs. Cancer

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. From Nadine Baker, American Cancer Society. November 24, 2004: Don’t miss the charity basketball event of the  season! On Thursday, December 2 at 7:30 pm, Iona College and Fordham  University will battle it out in a charity basketball game at Iona  College’s Mulcahy Fieldhouse at 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle.  For  ticket information contact the Iona Box Office at 914-633-2491. Last year,  more than 2,000 people attended the event raising close to $30,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Snapple Beverage, the title sponsor of the event, will collaborate with
Iona College for some entertaining halftime activities. Mascots will race
each other and a variety of giveaways will be distributed to the crowd.
Snapple will also provide a free bottle of Snapple to all attendees. All
proceeds from Coaches vs. Cancer events benefit the American Cancer
Society’s four-pronged program of cancer research, education, advocacy and
services.

“Coaches vs. Cancer is an instrumental part of the American Cancer
Society’s effort of supplying lifesaving information to help reach our
goal of finding the ultimate answer ? a cure for all cancers,” said Jim
Boeheim, National Chairman of the Coaches vs. Cancer Council of the
American Cancer Society and Syracuse University Head Basketball Coach.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a partnership begun in 1993 by the American Cancer
Society (ACS) and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).
Since its inception, Coaches vs. Cancer has united over 500 NABC member
coaches who have helped raise over $20 million nationwide for the American
Cancer Society.
For additional information, contact the American Cancer Society at
1-800-ACS-2345.

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Grace Church To Close Homeless Shelter Next to Cappelli Hotel

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WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL. November 23, 2004: Grace Church announced to the Journal News yesterday that they would close Samaritan House at 33 Church Street, their shelter for homeless women, which had it remained open would be a next door neighbor of the Cappelli Hotel and Condominiums at 221 Main Street. The announcment of the closure came on the same day Louis Cappelli announced a $1,000,000 gift to Grace Church.


Susan Elan’s story in The Journal News today reports the Rector of Grace Church, Janet Vincent as saying the reason for the closing of Samaritan House is because Grace Church has not been able to raise enough money to keep all church programs going. Elan reports Rector Janet Vincent as saying she would not use any of the Cappelli $1,000,000 windfall  to make up the $50,000 shortfall needed to bring Samaritan House to break even. Instead, Vincent said, the money would be used to renovate the Parish House which includes, according to the article the Grace Church soup kitchen and day-care center.


Elan’s article notes the Department of Social Services First Deputy Commissioner, Nancy Travers, as being surprised at the announced closure. Travers is reported saying the D.S.S. had advanced them money in the past when Samaritan House had financial problems. Commissioner Travers is reported as saying the D.S.S. was contemplating increasing the approximate $600,000 funding 5%. The Samaritan House Director is reported saying the shelter needed an 8% increase to break even or about $50,000.00.


Ms. Elan reports the fifteen women now being housed will be relocated to other shelters within the city.


This is not the first time Grace Church and the Department of Social Services have been apart on accounting.


In 2002, Grace Church was found by the Department of Social Services to be billing D.S.S. more money than they were actually charging for day care, according to  Maryfaith Fortunate, the Director of Day Care, who spoke with a reporter for WPCNR, Teresa Kramarz, at the time.


The Department of Social Services reduced their funding of the Grace Day Care fees when the D.S.S. discovered they had been making a mistake paying to Grace Church Day Care the full Title XX entitlement, which was $800 per child at the time, when Grace Church was charging parents only $600.


The daycare fee at Grace had to be raised from $600 to $800, causing some parents, who were not fully subsidized by the Department of Social Services to drop out. Grace Church was forced to pay back approximately $55,000 to the Department of Social Services, as a result of the overbilling they had charged the Department of Social Services.


As a result of Grace Day Care having to increase the monthly fee, a number of parents left Grace Church Day Care at the time.

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Dale Berra Interviewed by Johnny Vorperian on BEYOND THE GAME Friday

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. November 24, 2004: Dale Berra, son of Yogi Berra, and a member of the World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates of 1979, whose teammates included Buccaneer greats,  Willie “Pops” Stargell, Dave “The Cobra” Parker,Bill Robinson and Bill Madlock and pitchers John Candelaria, Bruce Kison and Bert Blyleven, reminisces about life with Yogi and baseball before the 1994 strike on WPPA-TV’s Beyond The Game with genial Johnny Vorperian, at 9 P.M.Friday evening on WPPA-TV, “The Spirit of 76,” White Plains Public Access Television.

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PIN Number Fraud — Latest TeleThief Technique

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WPCNR WHITE PLAINS LAW JOURNAL. From Sonny The Solicitor. November 22, 2004: Sonny the Barrister reports the experience of a friend of his and says this new telemarketing fraud is being worked on credit card holders in the tri-state area. Here is his report:


I received this from a friend and thought that you should know about it so you can protect yourself.

The scam works like this:

Person calling says, “this is , and I’m calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I’m calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by bank. Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a marketing company based in Arizona?”


When you say “No”, the caller continues with, “Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?”



You say “yes.” The caller continues… “I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1-800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-VISA) and ask for Security. You will need to refer to this Control #” The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. “Do you need me to read it again?”

Here’s the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works. The caller then says, “He needs to verify you are in possession of your card.”  He’ll ask you to “turn your card over and look for some numbers. There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are your card number, the next 3 are the ‘Security Numbers’ that verify you are in possession of the card. These are the numbers you use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. Read me the 3 numbers.”


After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he’ll say ,”That is correct. I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?” After you say No, the caller then thanks you and states, “Don’t hesitate to call back if you do,” and hangs up.  You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did!

The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charge on our card. Long story made short, we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA card, and they are reissuing us a new number. What the scammers wants is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don’t give it to them.

Instead, tell them you’ll call VISA or Master card direct. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you’re receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement, you’ll see charges for purchases you didn’t make, and by then it’s almost too late and/or harder to actually file a fraud report.

What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a “Jason Richardson of MasterCard” with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn’t let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening.

Please pass this on to all your friends. By informing each other, we protect each other. Thank-You.

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The Day President John F. Kennedy Was Shot.

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WPCNR NEWS COMMENT. By John F. Bailey. November 22, 2004: Forty-one years ago at about midday today, President John F. Kennedy was shot. When I heard the news, I was heading to Gray Chapel at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. It was sobering news. Then within the hour it was reported that the President was dead, and the search was on for potential suspects.

Persons in their late 50s can probably remember exactly what they were doing when they heard that electrifying news told them. Disbelief. Concern. Sadness. President Kennedy’s popularity was ebbing at that time. The public was initially inspired by the vision of Camelot and the likable, energetic young president. However, by the time he was assassinated, President Kennedy was coming under harsh criticism for his foreign policy and his inability to move an agenda through congress. He was ridiculed by impressionists and pushed around by congressional heavyweights.


But, when he was shot, the American public, even those who disagreed with his politics and considered him in over his head in the presidency, were stunned by grief and horror. Nothing had happened like that in America since 1901 when President William McKinley was assassinated. An entire nation reflected in guilt for a week as the three television networks showed 24 hours a day assassination and funeral coverage.


Until the Trade Center Horror in 2001, this nation had not experienced anything on that national scale of reaction to an event.


Were we a more sensitive nation then? More sensitive to what killing actually is? I wonder. In the fast-moving sensationalism of news today, would the same sensitivity be there today?


Or, have we been hardened to violence, and do we now see violence as more of an acceptable solution to problems than to be avoided at all costs?


I remember how Americans sat mesmerized in front of their televisions as the Kennedy goodbye played out. I remember, too how Kennedy’s death swiftly paved the way for the landmark Civil Rights act of 1965, architected by Kennedy’s successor, Lyndon B. Johnson. That legislation, without Kennedy’s assassination would probably never have been passed. I believe it passed because of collective guilt over Kennedy’s demise.


For 41 years, politicians, when their charisma is measured, have always been compared to Mr. Kennedy. However, charismas does not get things done. Does not make for change by itself. It is nice but it achieves nothing unless you have some solid ideas, management skills, and are willing to work hard for it. Even, then, as a recent Kennedyesque President found out, it may not happen


 


 


 

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Jody Cole Named New York Teacher of the Year, Lisa Sherman Named “Amazing Person

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From Delegates to the NYSAHPERD Convention. November 22, 2004:  The New York State Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance  bestowed upon White Plains High physical education teacher, Jody Cole the Teacher of the Year Award for 2004.  Each year the NYSAHPERD Association honors outstanding individuals in the area of teaching excellence.  The winner of this award represents the entire state of New York and is honored at the annual state conference.  On November 5th, 2004 in Buffalo, N.Y., Jody  received NYSAHPERD’s highest teaching honor as Secondary Teacher of the Year for New York State.

 


Lisa Sherman, another outstanding member of the White Plains High physical education faculty was honored at the same conference with “The Amazing Person” Award for her coordination of Jump Rope for Heart.


The audience of 500 people heard just a few of Jody’s many accomplishments and career highlights.   Jody was recognized for her excellence in teaching and her commitment to children.  Jody has been teaching for 25 years and is still as passionate about her craft today.  She created reading and running marathons, bringing English Language Arts in to the gymnasium as well as numerous other inter-disciplinary endeavors. 


 


Jody has written several curriculum guides and worked on the physical education curriculum map currently being used in White Plains.  While as an elementary teacher Jody worked closely with the PTA and developed after-school programs, parent/student fitness events, field days, and other service oriented projects.  She has supervised numerous student teachers throughout her career. 


 


Contributions to WPHS 21st Century Physical Education


 


Jody brought her knowledge and expertise to White Plains High School which has under gone many positive changes within the Physical Education Department.  Jody developed the sport education model as well as shared her quality assessment practices with her high school colleagues.  It is due to Jody’s leadership and passion that the high school program has fused outdoor education and fitness programs with the traditional.  Jody has developed and taught mountain biking, kayaking, and orienteering, as well as rollerblading, yoga and Pilates fitness programs to high school students.  Jody has helped the White Plains Physical Education Department bring the “New PE” to our schools through promoting lifelong learning and physical activity.


 


Jody has received the PTA’s Jenkins Award as well as the American Heart Association’s Service Award for her outstanding contributions as a Jump Rope for Heart coordinator. 


 


In summary, a quote read to the NYSAHPERD award banquet audience epitomizes Jody’s passion and professionalism: 


 


 “Jody’s leadership qualities are evident in the gymnasium where her program is inclusive, non-threatening, packed with learning and enjoyment.  It is amazing how effortless and natural it is for Jody to motivate students at all levels to learn.  It is as if the students are on the edge of their seats, anticipating what she has prepared for them.  Jody is a master at teaching to all levels, adapting to different learning styles, and of course various abilities.  No child is left behind in a classroom in which Jody Cole is teaching.” 


 


Lisa Sherman Recognized as “Amazing Person”


 


At the same conference on November 4th, Lisa Sherman, Highlands Middle School Physical Education Teacher, also received an award from the state organization.  Lisa was awarded the “Amazing Person” honor for her sustained outstanding contributions to the SouthEastern Zone of NYSAHPERD.  Lisa was recognized this year for her work on many levels of service to the zone and the state association. 


 


Lisa has been the Zone Conference Planner for the past five years and has brought many fine and noteworthy presenters to our area.  Her efforts have made the zone conference a model of staff development for school districts throughout Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and Dutchess.  Currently, Lisa is serving as Southeastern Zone President and is a member of the NYSAHPERD executive council. 


 


Lisa has also shared her technology expertise by presenting workshops at the local, state and national levels.  Lisa continues to collaborate with the Statewide Assessment Committee to infuse technology and other ideas into the process.  She currently is a turnkey trainer for the region and will be conducting assessment seminars for local school districts.  Additionally, Lisa is an adjunct professor at Hofstra University and regularly volunteers to serve as a cooperating teacher for aspiring young professionals. 

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White Plains Little League Registration for 2005 Opens In-Person Tuesday

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WPCNR PRESS BOX. From White Plains Little League. November 22, 2004: The first of four In-Person Little League Registration opportunities for the spring, 2005 season will be staged Tuesday evening at Ridgeway School in White Plains from 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.  Parents and guardians may register girls and boys, aged 5 to 15, born between 8/1/89 and 7/31/00. Registration and payment may also be executed online by going to www.whiteplainslittleleague.com. In-person Registrations will also be available to the public on Wednesday evening, December 8 at Ridgway from 6:30 P.M to 8:30 P.M.; Saturday afternoon, December 11 from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M., Thursday evening, December 16, from 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M., and Saturday morning, December 18 from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M.  Cost is $75 for a player 5 to 8 years of age, $90 for a player aged 10 to 15.




OPENING DAY WHITE PLAINS LITTLE LEAGUE OPENING DAY, APRIL 13, 2002. Photo, WPCNR Sports Archive.

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AP: Trump Casinos File for Bankruptcy

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WPCNR NEWS ROUNDUP. November 22, 2004: The Associated Press reports this morning that Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts, owned by Donald Trump, partner in White Plains Trump Tower at City Center, filed for bankruptcy protection, Sunday citing $1.3 Billion in outstanding debt. The AP says that Trump’s Atlantic City properties, the Trump Marina, Trump Taj Mahal and Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, New Jersey have been suffering from increased competition for the gambling dollars in Atlantic City. Last month Trump offered bondholders of Trump Hotels,  a portion of his company and the right to retain his name under a reorganization. Bondholders and Trump could not reach agreement, according to the AP on the restructuring resulting in the filing for protection by Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts under Chapter 11 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Camden, New Jersey on Sunday.


 

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Westchester C.C. Seeks $14 Million in funds for Immigrant Center.

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From Westchester Community College (EDITED) November 20, 2004: The Westchester Community College Foundation today launched a $14 million capital campaign that will ensure the creation of the WCC’s planned Gateway Center which is envisioned as an institution to aid immigrants into weaving seamlessly into the fabric of America.


 


 Dr. Joseph N. Hankin, President, Westchester Community College, told the audience. “No place like this exists that will provide the opportunity for foreign-born men and women to learn about America—its language, its history, its economy, citizenship and social makeup. Gateway Center, I expect, will become a model for other colleges across the country.”


The fund-raising campaign was announced at a media luncheon attend by a crowd of 200 that included state, county and local municipal officials, educators and leaders of the business community.


 


The College also revealed the exciting news that $6.2 million has been raised toward a goal of $14 million.


 


David Swope, Westchester Community College Foundation co-chair of the Campaign Steering Committee with Elinor Urstadt, cautioned that there was still a long way to go and that participation from all sectors—corporations, foundations and private individuals—was paramount to the project’s success. “The goals for the Gateway Center are clear and straightforward—providing the education, training and support that foreign-born men and women need to move forward. The Campaign is our opportunity to enable them to gain greater economic self-sufficiency and to enjoy productive participation in our democratic society.”


 


The College has thus far secured $12 million from New York State and $14 million from  Westchester County for the project. To complete it, the Westchester Community College Foundation will need to raise $14 million, $9 million for construction and $5 million toward programming and scholarships. The Gateway Center is expected to cost a total of $40 million and open in 2008.


 


Polshek Partnership, a world-renowned firm based in New York City, was named architect for the project with partners Susan Rodriguez (FAIA) and Tim Hartung (FAIA) leading the effort.


 


“We are proud to have Polshek Partnership on board to design what will be the gateway to our campus and a signature building for the college,” said Tim Carey, Chairman of the Westchester Community College Board of Trustees. “This will be the first sustainable building developed with the help of the Westchester County Government, following Governor Pataki’s vision of creating a harmony between the built and natural environments.” The Gateway Center will face the East Gate entrance, and it is hoped that its design will reflect the project’s mission by being a welcoming, embracing beacon for all who experience it.


 


The Gateway Center is intended to build upon the lessons learned by Westchester Community College during its long history of educating foreign-born students which today number 4,000 between those studying English and those pursuing degrees. The concept is grounded in the recent findings of a three-year study, conducted in partnership with the college and the Westchester business community, funded by a grant from the Hitachi Foundation.  The study identified priorities of foreign-born students seeking advancement, including English Language Learning (ELL), cultural training, technology education, a need for education, training and assistance acquiring “second jobs” or careers, and access to higher education.


 


The Gateway Center aims to respond to these finding by providing both core and advanced curricula, utilizing an interdisciplinary education approach. The Gateway Center will provide an expansion of existing resources and space. Included is a broader array of ELL courses and specialized training programs and support resources designed to afford men and women the opportunity to gain vitally needed knowledge and skills to develop a better understanding of the culture and systems of this country. The Center will promote interaction among foreign and native-born students, volunteers, and the general college population, to engage these new members of the community in the American college experience while bringing their cultural and linguistic richness to the campus.


 


The Center will also lead in new directions, moving forward with fresh opportunities for these new residents to benefit from: specialized higher education, workforce development, citizenship, entrepreneurship, and more. At the same time, the program will promote interaction between foreign and native-born students as well as intergenerational learning between foreign-born students, senior learners and community volunteers. This synergy will bring cultural and linguistic richness to the campus, engaging these new members of the community more fully into the American college experience.


 


Finally, The Gateway Center will serve as a hub, sharing information and functioning as an educational resource center among other educational institutions, businesses and community based organizations serving immigrant populations. This capacity will enable the community to take a proactive approach to new challenges and to discuss educational issues, programs and policies of importance to the foreign-born men and women and all other members of this community.


 


“The Gateway Center will serve as a forum for new residents to share their culture, language and traditions with each of us—this is what has made America strong,” Dr. Hankin said.


 


Westchester Community College is widely recognized as one of the most comprehensive colleges educating foreign-born men and women. The college has been educating non-English speaking students since the mid-1980s, and today has the largest ELL program in the Hudson Valley Region.


 


With approximately 24,000 credit and non-credit students, Westchester Community College is the largest college in Westchester County and is consistently the number one college choice of high school graduates in the County. 


 

Westchester Community College is dedicated to the belief that growth and adaptation through educational experience are possible for individuals at all stages of development. The goal of the college is to be accessible, adaptable, and dedicated to lifelong learning while sensitive to the individual needs of our diverse population.  Westchester Community College Foundation, a 501-C3 not-for-profit corporation, is the fund-raising arm of the college.

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