rehereventjournal2025 by Kira Manso Brown

REHER CENTER FOR IMMIGRANT CULTURE & HISTORY

Building Belonging

A BENEFIT FOR THE REHER CENTER

HONORING OUR FOUNDERS AND FINANCIERS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2025 | 6PM

REHER CENTER

FOR IMMIGRANT CULTURE & HISTORY

FALL FUNDRAISER

&Building Belonging

HONORING OUR FOUNDERS AND FINANCIERS

OCTOBER 30, 2025

WILTWYCK GOLF CLUB

ABOUT THE REHER CENTER

In Memory of Stuart Lipkind

(1950–2025)

The Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and Histor y honors the life and legacy of Stuart Lipkind, whose generosity, intellect, and steadfast commitment helped shape our institution into what it is today

As our trusted attorney and advisor, Stuart guided the Reher Center through the complex process of securing ownership of our historic baker y buildings, ensuring their preser vation for generations to come. His expertise, patience, and belief in our mission made possible a defining milestone in our histor y the moment when Reher ’s Baker y officially became the permanent home of the Reher Center.

Beyond his professional gifts, Stuart was a man of deep compassion and integrity. A lifelong advocate for justice, he devoted his legal career to defending educators and championing the rights of working people. He was also a beloved father, grandfather, musician, sailor, and friend, who brought humor, curiosity, and grace to ever y endeavor

We are profoundly grateful for his role in preser ving not just our buildings, but the stories and values they represent community, hard work, and belonging

With gratitude and remembrance, The Board, Staff, and Volunteers

This Year at the Reher Center s o f a r ^

G a l l e r y

E x h i b i t i o n s

C o m m u n i t y

C e l e b r a t i o n s

P u b l i c P r o g r a m s ...and so much more!

The Cornerstone Award

The Cornerstone Award honors the visionaries whose dedication and foresight laid the foundation for the Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and Histor y. These founding leaders imagined what was possible long before the doors of the museum opened, and through their early commitment, they transformed that vision into a lasting institution. Their belief in the power of place, stor y, and community continues to ground and inspire all that we do.

The Pillar Award

The Pillar Award honors those whose care and financial support were instrumental in securing the Reher Center’s permanent home. Their generosity made possible the acquisition of the historic Reher Baker y building, ensuring that this landmark of immigrant life would endure as a space for education, remembrance, and community. Their steadfast commitment is one of the essential pillars on which the Reher Center now stands.

Honorees The

Eli Basch

Kingston native, Eli B Basch, has been helping Ulster County injury victims for over thirty-five years. He has dedicated his career to helping injury victims and the families of individuals who were injured or killed in Ulster County car accidents, tractor-trailer

accidents, falls, fires, explosions, recreational accidents, boating accidents, plane crashes, construction accidents, defective product accidents, and medical negligence

Mr. Basch is widely regarded as one of the most experienced and successful personal injury attorneys in Upstate New York. With over 250 trial verdicts and more than 5,000 settlements to his credit, Eli has handled more trials than any other personal injury lawyer currently practicing in Ulster County. In fact, he has represented more injury victims than any other lawyer in the history of Ulster County

Since 2011, Eli Basch has been named a Super Lawyer of Upstate New York by Super Lawyers Magazine every year He has also been recognized among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers of New York State since 2007. His reputation has earned him a position on the Governor’s Screening Committee for Judicial Appointments, and he previously served on the Committee for Professional Standards in the Third Judicial Department from 1998 to 2004

The Cornerstone Award

Susan Basch z”l

Susan spent her early childhood years in New Jersey before moving with her family to Kerhonkson, where she attended elementary, junior high, and graduated from Rondout Valley High School. Her education continued at Ulster County Community College and SUNY New Paltz, where she

obtained her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, her Master’s in Early Childhood Education, and her certificate in both studio art and art education. Susan was a lifelong learner and continued to take courses throughout her life. She studied and received certificates from the Gemological Institute of America

Susan retired as an elementary art teacher at the Duzine Elementary School in New Paltz, having previously taught at the Vandenberg Learning Center at SUNY New Paltz

obtained her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, her Master’s in Early Childhood Education, and her certificate in both studio art and art education Susan was a lifelong learner and continued to take courses throughout her life She studied and received certificates from the Gemological Institute of America. Susan retired as an elementary art teacher at the Duzine Elementary School in New Paltz, having previously taught at the Vandenberg Learning Center at SUNY New Paltz.

After retirement, she expressed her creativity at Susan Basch Studio. Susan was a maker beginning in childhood and continued to use her magical hands throughout her life She was a mixed media artist working in fibers, metals, gemstones, and beads. Kumihimo, the Japanese method of cord making, along with traditional jewelry making, were the techniques she used to create one-ofa-kind necklaces In addition to that, she created works of art in felt, for which she received awards. She utilized natural dyes from an early age, growing, harvesting, and gathering from nature and her garden. Susan’s creations have been exhibited both nationally and internationally Susan was a gracious hostess, welcoming friends, family, and the community into her home.

After retirement, she expressed her creativity at Susan Basch Studio Susan was a maker beginning in childhood and continued to use her magical hands throughout her life. She was a mixed media artist working in fibers, metals, gemstones, and beads Kumihimo, the Japanese method of cord making, along with traditional jewelry making, were the techniques she used to create one-ofa-kind necklaces. In addition to that, she created works of art in felt, for which she received awards She utilized natural dyes from an early age, growing, harvesting, and gathering from nature and her garden Susan’s creations have been exhibited both nationally and internationally. Susan was a gracious hostess, welcoming friends, family, and the community into her home.

The Cornerstone Award

Barbara Blas

With more than 35 years in the financial services industry, Barbara Blas is the sole owner of Giraffe Capital, brokering through Osaic Wealth. She holds a degree in Arts and Applied Science from SUNY Ulster and studied Mathematics at SUNY Cortland. A Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) and

Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP), Barbara provides comprehensive insurance and retirement planning for individuals, families, and businesses. She is licensed in several states and holds Series 6 and 63 securities licenses A nine-year member of the Million Dollar Round Table, Barbara qualified for the prestigious “Court of the Table” this year.

Barbara’s leadership extends deeply into her community. A volunteer with the Jewish Federation of Ulster County for over 40 years, she helped secure and transform a historic Kingston building into what is now the Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History, where she serves as President Emeritus and remains an active leader She is also a member and past president of the Kingston Rotary Club, a board member of Congregation Agudas Achim, and past president of NAIFA’s local chapter.

Barbara’s dedication has earned her numerous honors, including the Seymour Werbalowsky Leadership Award (1996), Invest in Others Honorable Mention (2014), Jewish Continuity Award (2015), and “Women of Valour” Award (2023)

A proud Kingston native, Barbara still calls her hometown home and enjoys time with her family (Jessica, Michael, Ayellet, Gavi, Shaina, Mira, and Becca) as well as volunteering and traveling.

The Cornerstone Award

Barbara Blas

Howie Blas z”l

Howard “Howie” Blas graduated from Kingston High School in 1968 and immediately enlisted in the U S Air Force, serving four years in Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. After his service, he earned a degree from Dutchess Community College through the GI Bill and began a successful career in computer services.

With more than 35 years in the financial services industry, Barbara Blas is the sole owner of Giraffe Capital, brokering through Osaic Wealth She holds a degree in Arts and Applied Science from SUNY Ulster and studied Mathematics at SUNY Cortland. A Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) and

Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP), Barbara provides comprehensive insurance and retirement planning for individuals, families, and businesses She is licensed in several states and holds Series 6 and 63 securities licenses. A nine-year member of the Million Dollar Round Table, Barbara qualified for the prestigious “Court of the Table” this year

In 1975, he married Barbara Cohen Blas and launched his career with Datagraphix, later working with Quantor, Anacomp, NCR, and IBM before joining CTG. His work eventually took him to Qatar, where he subcontracted for Northrop Grumman on a U S military base an experience that deepened his empathy for those serving overseas. A proud veteran, Howie was rarely seen without his Air Force hat, greeting those who thanked him for his service with his trademark smile. He was a dedicated member and past president of Congregation Agudas Achim, a supporter of Chabad of Ulster County, and a founding member of the Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History, where he helped facilitate the gifting of its historic building.

Howie also belonged to the American Legion, VFW, Jewish War Veterans, and Chevrah Kadisha Known for his warmth, generosity, and love of Jewish life especially its food and philosophy he was always the last to leave, making sure everything was better than he found it.

Barbara’s leadership extends deeply into her community A volunteer with the Jewish Federation of Ulster County for over 40 years, she helped secure and transform a historic Kingston building into what is now the Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History, where she serves as President Emeritus and remains an active leader She is also a member and past president of the Kingston Rotary Club, a board member of Congregation Agudas Achim, and past president of NAIFA’s local chapter.

Howie passed away in December 2023, remembered for his big hugs, bright smile, and devotion to his family his wife Barbara, daughters Jessica, Shaina, and Becca, and grandchildren Ayellet, Gavi, and Mira His biggest challenge, goal, and success in life was taking care of his wife, Barbara!

A proud Kingston native, Barbara still calls her hometown home and enjoys time with her family (Jessica, Michael, Ayellet, Gavi, Shaina, Mira, and Becca) as well as volunteering and traveling

The Cornerstone Award

Barbara Connelly Cohen

Barbara Blas

Barbara Connelly Cohen has embodied the spirit of volunteerism in every sense of the word. She currently serves on the boards of the Reher Center for Immigrant Culture & History, Supporting Friends of HealthAlliance, Jewish Federation

of Ulster County, Ulster Community College Foundation, HealthAlliance Foundation, Children's Home of Kingston (Associate board member) and the Mental Health Association in Ulster County. She is also a member of Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley and serves on their Membership & Welcoming Committee as well as a member of Kingston Rotary Club and Ulster County Chamber of Commerce. She is the founder and one of the editors of Kolenu, a publication of the Jewish Federation of Ulster County.

She is the chairperson (with a fabulous committee) of Fall For Art Show & Sale dedicated to benefiting the arts in the Hudson Valley, celebrating twenty nine years in November. She is the owner of I’m A Star T-shirts, dedicated to empowering children

A proud Kingston native, Barbara still calls her hometown home and enjoys time with her family (Jessica, Michael, Ayellet, Gavi, Shaina, Mira, and Becca) as well as volunteering and traveling

Barbara's loving parents Betsy & Jim Connelly were her role models. She describes herself as someone who is blessed to have a full life surrounded by her husband Joe; daughters Jaime (Darren) & Beth (Jason) and her grandchildren Benjamin, Anna, Pen and Joshua She is married to Dr Joseph Cohen, a practicing optometrist in uptown Kingston.

The Cornerstone Award

Lew Kirschner

Barbara Blas

Born and raised in Kingston, 90-year-old Lew Kirschner has spent a lifetime in service to his community After college, his first job with MetLife took him up and down Broadway, collecting information on local businesses a task that introduced him to

countless neighbors and to fellow Reher Center founder Geoff Miller. Those early connections sparked what became decades of involvement with the Reher Center and its mission

Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP), Barbara provides comprehensive insurance and retirement planning for individuals, families, and businesses She is licensed in several states and holds Series 6 and 63 securities licenses A nine-year member of the Million Dollar Round Table, Barbara qualified for the prestigious “Court of the Table” this year.

Lew’s career in public service spanned 42 years, including six as County Legislator, 36 as County Treasurer, and his role as Ulster County’s first Commissioner of Finance Alongside his wife, he ran a successful catering business for 54 years, including catering the Reher Center’s beloved Jewish Deli Dinners in its first five years.

An original member of the Reher Center’s board, Lew has remained a steadfast supporter, helping to raise funds and foster community through events like the Kingston Multicultural Festival, where he cooked to help sustain the celebration

A former president of Montrepose Cemetery, Lew is proud to call Kingston home and to have helped build a place that brings people of all cultures and faiths together

A proud Kingston native, Barbara still calls her hometown home and enjoys time with her family (Jessica, Michael, Ayellet, Gavi, Shaina, Mira, and Becca) as well as volunteering and traveling

The Cornerstone Award

Geoff Miller

Barbara Blas

Growing up in the multicultural milieu of Manhattan’s Upper West Side in the 1950s and 1960s, Geoff Miller was immersed early in the political and cultural life of post–World War II America. Raised in a liberal Jewish household, he was politically active by age 13 marching to ban the atomic bomb,

supporting the Freedom Riders, and campaigning for Reform Democrats against Tammany Hall. That same year, he discovered Washington Square Park and the folk revival, sparking a lifelong passion for guitar and world music

After earning degrees in American and European Cultural History from Queens College, CUNY (1969), Geoff taught elementary school for four years before pursuing life as a regional folk guitarist In the 1980s, he spent a decade researching the early history of Hudson Valley music for a PhD in Musicology (ABD) at New York University

In 2002, as a Board Member of the Jewish Federation of Ulster County, Geoff proposed an exhibit on Jewish History in Kingston to celebrate the city’s 350th anniversary Collaborating with fellow founders, his research led him to the Reher Bakery, which he recognized as a rare surviving example of Rondout’s commercial past. Two years later, he shared his vision for transforming it into a center for local history and diversity education what became the Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History.

A proud Kingston native, Barbara still calls her hometown home and enjoys time with her family (Jessica, Michael, Ayellet, Gavi, Shaina, Mira, and Becca) as well as volunteering and traveling

Geoff served as Ulster County Historian (2016–2024) and continues as an Associate County Historian

The Cornerstone Award

Randy Myerson

Barbara Blas

Randy moved to Kingston, NY with his wife and family in 1979, where he established his practice in Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics During the 38 years until his retirement in 2017, he sat on the Board of Directors of

Congregation Ahavath Israel and served as president of the congregation for several years Randy also served many years on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Kingston and sat on the Board of Directors of the Children's Home of Kingston, serving as president of the board. Together with his wife, Jane, he established the Chevra Kadisha of Greater Kingston to help serve the religious needs of the Jewish community

Randy’s interest in the Reher Center began when he recognized the value of restoring a rapidly deteriorating building in the Historic Rondout District, which was also on the National Register of Historic Places. He became dedicated to restoring that building and had a vision of giving it a significant place in the community as a center celebrating diversity and cultural heritage It is gratifying to see that vision become a reality.

A proud Kingston native, Barbara still calls her hometown home and enjoys time with her family (Jessica, Michael, Ayellet, Gavi, Shaina, Mira, and Becca) as well as volunteering and traveling

The Cornerstone Award

Jeffrey Farber

Jeffrey Farber is originally from Linden, New Jersey. Fifteen years ago, he relocated to Saugerties, New York, traveling by way of Albany Jeff attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he earned degrees in 1972, 1974, and 2001 His academic background laid a foundation for his career in science and technology.

Jeffrey Farber is originally from Linden, New Jersey Fifteen years ago, he relocated to Saugerties, New York, traveling by way of Albany Jeff attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he earned degrees in 1972, 1974, and 2001. His academic background laid a foundation for his career in science and technology.

Throughout his career, Jeff has authored several technical papers and holds numerous patents. His primary scientific contribution has been in the area of cleaning semiconductor surfaces a field critical to advancements in technology He maintains licensure as a professional engineer in Missouri

Throughout his career, Jeff has authored several technical papers and holds numerous patents His primary scientific contribution has been in the area of cleaning semiconductor surfaces a field critical to advancements in technology. He maintains licensure as a professional engineer in Missouri.

Jeff’s current pursuits include serving as president of Farber Brothers Inc which provides construction consulting services and as captain for Ophira Sailing providing sailing charters on the Hudson. He is also an active grandparent, dedicating a regular weekly childcare shift to his grandchildren: Shlomo (7), Zev (5), and Benyomin (1)

Jeff’s current pursuits include serving as president of Farber Brothers Inc which provides construction consulting services and as captain for Ophira Sailing providing sailing charters on the Hudson He is also an active grandparent, dedicating a regular weekly childcare shift to his grandchildren: Shlomo (7), Zev (5), and Benyomin (1).

Jeff became involved with the Reher Center during its early days as an independent organization He contributed as treasurer and played a key role in securing part of the initial funding for the project. In addition, Jeff serves as an officer in the Chevra Kadisha of Ulster County, the local burial society, and is a member of the Jewish Federation of Ulster County

Jeff became involved with the Reher Center during its early days as an independent organization. He contributed as treasurer and played a key role in securing part of the initial funding for the project In addition, Jeff serves as an officer in the Chevra Kadisha of Ulster County, the local burial society, and is a member of the Jewish Federation of Ulster County.

Jeff believes that generosity amplifies the good deeds we accomplish in life, reflecting his commitment to both professional excellence and community service.

Jeff believes that generosity amplifies the good deeds we accomplish in life, reflecting his commitment to both professional excellence and community service

The Pillar Award

Jeffrey Farber

Carol Super Gold

Jeffrey Farber is originally from Linden, New Jersey. Fifteen years ago, he relocated to Saugerties, New York, traveling by way of Albany. Jeff attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he earned degrees in 1972, 1974, and 2001 His academic background laid a foundation for his career in science and technology

Carol has a deep personal connection to the immigrant experience. Her parents came to this country from Germany to barely escape the Nazis who murdered their families. They had no money and knew no English

The family’s first home was a tiny “company house” in Monroe, Louisiana surrounded by three train lines in the poorest part of town. Her father sold scrap metal Her parents raised chickens as a sideline Through hard work and extreme sacrifice, they were able to save money, succeed in business, build a home and provide a bright future for Carol. They denied themselves everything and denied their daughter nothing

Carol was raised to be grateful for the opportunities that this country provided She received a Master’s Degree from Columbia University and after teaching for eleven years, she subsequently became the top salesperson of her Time/Warner division… for twenty years in a row.

She sees the Reher Center as a shining light celebrating the history, struggles and successes of immigrants and as a place for education and inspiration

She considers it an honor and privilege to support the Reher Center’s great mission of bringing people of diverse cultures together.

Jeff believes that generosity amplifies the good deeds we accomplish in life, reflecting his commitment to both professional excellence and community service.

The Pillar Award

Rondavid Gold

Rondavid’s grandparents emigrated to the US from Eastern Europe to escape the terrors of the pogroms and the Cossacks. He grew up with stories of Hester Street and the struggles of the Depression. Rondavid started life in

Cleveland, Ohio in a tiny walk-up apartment located next to a large factory. He began his career in advertising at age fifteen as an after-school office boy in Cleveland and retired fifty-three years later as the head of his own Manhattan agency. He also served in the signal corps in the early days of Viet Nam.

From the very beginning of his awareness of Geoff Miller’s Reher Bakery project, he was inspired by the idea of celebrating the immigrant experience and educating new generations about the struggles and sacrifices involved in building a new life in a new country

As President of the Jewish Federation of Ulster County, which owned the Reher Center, he was grateful for the opportunity to help shepherd the Reher Center to becoming legally independent and to be able to purchase it from the Federation. He and his wife, Carol Super Gold, are proud to support this important community dream come true

The Pillar Award

Floyd Lattin

Rondavid Gold

A retired investment manager and active member of the Hudson Valley arts community, Floyd Lattin serves on several local nonprofit boards, contributing his insight and commitment to the region’s

cultural vitality. Before his financial career, Floyd worked as a curator in the Egyptian Department at the Brooklyn Museum, where he developed a deep appreciation for art, history, and preservation

Nearly two decades ago, Floyd and his partner, Ward Mintz, settled in Kingston, where they have lovingly restored an 1850s home overlooking the Hudson River. Together, they have built a remarkable collection of contemporary and historic art, with a special focus on works by Kingstonbased and regional artists Floyd’s dual background in the arts and finance has informed his thoughtful approach to supporting local institutions and fostering opportunities for creative expression.

The Pillar Award

Ward Mintz

Ward Mintz has been a dedicated member of the Reher Center Board for five years, contributing his expertise to a number of exhibitions, including Sewing in Kingston (2022).

A retired arts administrator with decades of experience in community arts and museum leadership, Ward has played a key role in shaping Kingston’s vibrant cultural landscape. His career has connected him with leading museum professionals and arts institutions across the country, relationships that have brought curators, programmers, and scholars to Kingston to engage with the city’s dynamic creative community.

Beyond his work with the Reher Center, Ward has been instrumental in advocating for the arts locally. He was among the visionaries who helped establish the Kingston Arts Commission (KAC) and later served as its second chair, where he proposed the creation of a citywide master plan for the arts now in progress. Known for his ability to identify and nurture cultural opportunities that highlight Kingston’s diversity and working-class history, Ward continues to enrich the region’s artistic and historical dialogue.

The Pillar Award

BUILDING BELONGING TOGETHER

Thisevening we celebrate the remarkable individuals being honored with The Cornerstone Award and The PIllar Award and we also gather to honor the spirit of collaboration, care, and community that they represent.

I deeply appreciate the many ways the honorees have helped shape the Reher Center into what it is today: a year-round cultural resource where stories of immigration, resilience, labor, creativity, commonality and difference come alive. Their dedication has advanced both the preservation of our historic site and the expansion of our programs that connect past and present.

In honoring them, we also honor the idea that belonging is built. It is built through generosity, through vision, and by working together toward a shared purpose. To each of our honorees, thank you for your trust, your leadership, and your enduring belief in the Reher Center’s mission. You have built more than a museum; you have built a home for the stories that make us who we are.

Kira Manso Brown Executive Director, Reher Center

WORDS OF TRIBUTE

STATE OFNEW YORK

OFFICE OF THE STATE COMPTROLLER

110 STATE STREET ALBANY, NY 12236

Kira Manso Brown, Director

Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History 101 Broadway Kingston, NY 12401

Dear Friends:

Greetings to all those gathered this evening for the Fall Gala, “Building and Belonging: Honoring Our Founders and Financiers” hosted by the Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History. Chartered in 2020, the Reher Center is a jewel in the City of Kingston and a rich contributor to the diversity and culture of the region.

October 30, 2025

Congratulations are due to this year’s honorees: Geoffrey Miller, Randy Myerson, Barbara Cohen, Lew Kirschner, Eli and Susan Basch, and Barbara and Howie Blas, The Reher Center Cornerstone Award; and Jeff Farber, Ward Mintz and Floyd Lattin, and Carol Super and Rondavid Gold, The Reher Center Pillar Award. Their leadership, service and accomplishments are worthy of your recognition.

The Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History traces its origins to 2002 when Geoffrey Miller encountered Hymie Reher’s long-shuttered family bakery and envisioned the site as a museum. A core committee transformed the site into a cultural center honoring Reher Bakery’s century-old legacy and the multi-cultural immigrant history of the neighborhood. Visitors can take guided tours, experience innovative gallery exhibitions, contribute to oral history projects and enjoy lectures, workshops, family activities and special events. The dedicated officers, board and members of the Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History are honoring cherished traditions and enhancing the quality of life in the City of Kingston, Ulster County and beyond.

Best wishes for a joyful celebration and continued success.

Sincerely,

Thomas P. DiNapoli State Comptroller

Dear Friends,

It is my great pleasure to extend warm greetings to everyone gathered for the Reher Center’s Fall Benefit. At a time when division too often leads the headlines, the work of community partners like the Reher Center stands as a powerful counterweight — a reminder of who we are and what truly binds us together.

Diversity is our strength, as a nation, a state, and a community. For generations, people from all backgrounds and walks of life have found home and belonging in the Hudson Valley, bringing with them their traditions, food, language, and perspectives that make our region a uniquely special place.

Unity starts with understanding each other. As the only institution in our area devoted to preserving and retelling the immigrant experience in local history, the Reher Center makes that history accessible to all. You offer a window into what daily life looked like in the Hudson Valley throughout time, insight into the lives of those who raised families here, started small businesses, powered New York’s industries, and made our region what it is today.

To the Reher Center’s dedicated team, and to every supporter who believes in this mission: thank you. We need you, and we’re grateful you’re here.

Yours in Service, State Senator Michelle Hinchey

Steven T. Noble

Mayor

Steven T. Noble

Mayor

CITY OF KINGSTON

Officeof the Mayor mayor@kingston-ny.gov

CITY OF KINGSTON

Officeof the Mayor mayor@kingston-ny

To Reher Center’s Supporters and Staff,

gov

The Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History has become a community fixture here in Kingston. Its mission of heritage preservation is a perfect match for our historic Rondout District, and the recent renovations at the Center turned out incredible. I am so happy to be here with everyone tonight for the Building & Belonging benefit.

The Reher Center offers an impressive line-up of programming that highlights the immigrant stories that have shaped the Hudson Valley, and Kingston in particular. Most importantly, the Center makes sure to include all voices, and represents all people who call this place home. Now more than ever, these diverse stories need to be celebrated and preserved. I wish the Center great success in their future endeavors. I also want to thank all the donors, benefactors, volunteers, and staff that help make this important work possible. Your efforts truly help to uplift our community.

Sincerely,

Steven T. Noble

Mayor

Steven T. Noble Mayor

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Address to the Daughters of the American

Revolution, 1938

“ ”

“Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.”

Floyd Lattin and Ward Mintz Congratulate the staff and Board on this impor tant event.

The Reher Center started as an idea to document the lives and stories of working people who were recent arrivals to Kingston and the Hudson Valley. Building on that legacy, it continues to recognize and celebrate new immigrants who contribute so much to the region’s vitality.

We salute the talented staff and committed Board who have embraced the goal of sharing the Reher story through excellent exhibitions and programs, while preserving the historic building and its commercial and domestic spaces.

B r a vo t o a l l !

Congr at ul at ions

to t he Reher Cent er and all t hose who made it happen

In appreciation of Geoff Miller, whose vision helped transform a historic bakery into a vibrant center of belonging, and Jill Amaretta, whose continued leadership as Board President sustains and strengthens that vision

M y r n a S a m e t h

The Calatozzo Family

Congratulations and a heartfelt thanks to all of tonight’s honorees whose vision and dedication have helped bring the Reher Center’s mission to uplift immigrant voices to life. We are so lucky to have your expertise, expansive knowledge, and the love and support you share with this very special organization.

Love, Jill, Peter, Olivia and Elouise

Jeff Farber Reher Center’s Mission

I fully support the Reher Center for their dedication to preserving immigrant history and culture. Their mission resonates deeply with me, and I am pleased to offer some of my resources to further their important work.

As a descendant of immigrants, I am keenly aware that my own freedom and pursuit of happiness are made possible by the efforts and sacrifices of those who came before me. Their journeys and resilience have paved the way for the opportunities I enjoy today.

Our society stands at a pivotal moment. We face the significant challenge of ensuring that America truly embraces the call for equality, allowing everyone the opportunity to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of joy. This is a vital task that requires collective effort and unwavering commitment.

Congratulations To the Reher Center and Honorees

Graziano is the owner and chef of the Downtown Café located in Kingston's Historic Waterfront District. He hails from Venice, Italy, where Old School and Farm To Table practices are a long time family tradition. He learned from an early age how to fish, slaughter, butcher, garden, cook and prepare all foods from scratch. That tradition carries on at the Downtown Café

The Jenrette Foundation salutes the Reher Center on its exemplary stewardship of one of Kingston’s unique historic sites and its commitment to telling the stories of immigrant life in America. We congratulate Ward Mintz and Floyd Lattin, recipients of the Pillar Award, for their exceptional leadership and contributions to arts and culture in the Hudson Valley and beyond!

R i c h a r d H a m p t o n

J e n r e t t e F o u n d a t i o n

Advancing education, innovation, and stewardship in the fields of historic preservation, decorative arts, and historic landscapes.

J e n r e t t e . o r g

On behalf of the Prosky Family: Ben, Jozef, Maeve and Hope congratulate Ward Mintz and Floyd Lattin as recipients of the Pillar Award! Mazel Tov!

T h a n k yo u t o t h e R e h e r C e n t e r :

The Board of Directors, Staff & Volunteers who wor k so diligently and are so dedicated all year long to the Reher Center’s success!

Congratulations to all the Honorees!

Barbara Blas, President Emeritus

nts and gr and How

o all the ot

Love, el , Ayellet well deser nts and and to all the ot

Love, el , Ayellet & well deser nts and g and How to all the ot

Love, el , Ayellet &

Mazel Tov

To Mom (Bubbie) and Dad (Poppy)

Barbara Blas and Howard Blas, OBM

For all your years of hard work!

Mazel Tov and gratitude to all the honorees

Mazel Tov and gratitude to all the honorees Love, Shaina, Mira and Becca Blas Mazel Tov

Love, Shaina, Mira and Becca Blas

Congr atul at ions to t he

Reher Cent er and honorees

Congratulations to the honorees, Board, and staff of the Reher Center on a wonderful year. Your dedication, creativity, and hard work continue to honor the Center’s mission—celebrating immigrant stories, preserving history, and building community in the Hudson Valley.

Barry Mayo

Maz el Tov

to our spirited honorees whose vision has risen!

Special gratitude to our Cousin Lew and our Friends Barb and Howie, z”l.

Seeds of Rye Sprouted a Growing Cultural Communit y, Our Friendship with the Reher family lives on.

Seeds of Rye Sprouted a Growing Cultural Communit y,

Our Friendship with the Reher family lives on.

Iris Werbalowsky Bar ten and Ted Bar ten

Thank you for this incredible 21-year journey, Your vision, commitment and generosity transformed a dream into a vibrant reality. To the dedicated team who rose without hesitation to help finance the Reher Center - your support deepened the foundation of trust and community that we stand on today.

Love,

Barbara Connelly Cohen